IV

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Green orbs of mine checked our surroundings if there are any suspicious people that might still want cause shit to us, luckily everyone seem in normal and doing whatever they're doing in their life that doesn't include the three of us.

My shoulders drop at Franklin's protesting to come out and help us, Claire convincing him through phone. In distance we see blinds move, creating a gap I'm definitely sure Franklin looked through to see us. And jeez, it's taking him too long.

"Let me talk to him." I give Claire not even milisecond to pep a word, right away snatching the phone from her hand so it's me talking directly to Franklin while looking at the window of building the nerd work in.

"Listen here, Mr. I Want My Ass In Computers, if you aren't here in next five minutes, I'm gonna storm inside that building and drag you out by myself. Savvy? Five. Minutes." With that I ended the call, handing it back to confused Claire. Oh, they're already used to me threatening people. I wasn't always like this but, well, people change.

My threat clearly frightened Franklin to the point where he came walking up to us not even a minute after the call. Good for him. He knows I would keep my word.

We sat at a circle table, ordering only water just to look like customers while Franklin looked for the guy that stole our children. It didn't take him long to find informations about the guy, showing us his tablet. Rainn Delacourt. Added on my list - check!

"That him?"

"That's him." My already clasped jaw press more, my teeth beginning to hurt.

"Name's Rainn Delacourt. Real piece of work. What'd he take?" Franklin looks at all of us, wonder evident in his eyes.

"Something we care about very much." Claire answer without telling direct names, being careful if anyone that isn't supposed to is listening to our conversation.

"Both of them." I add, both fists in my lap clenching around hem of my grey/dark-blue hoodie out of rage. Motherly rage if I'm being correct. Izy may be a carnivorous dinosaur able to tear you into tiny pieces in blink of eye, but he's my baby. All these four years he was with us, with me, I raised him with love and care, something he missed his first few years of life.

Realization hit Franklin, the dark haired guy leaning back in his seat.

"Oh, shit. I told you somebody would come looking for them. You can't just take a person nor a dinosaur, guys." Warm hand wrap around one of my cold ones and I glance up at Claire, the woman in as much pain as me for having her child taken. At least she can control herself.

"We had no choice." She argued back, me and Owen nodding along in agreement.

"Not in the eyes of the law." Franklin retores, causing my hand wrapped back around Claire's squeeze out of reflex.

"Fuck the law."

"My words." Owen point out his finger my way, agreeing with me being against the law in this one. "And this guy is not the law. Tell us how to find him."

There's hint of hesitation in Franklin's expression, but so is sympathy. He understand our need to get our kids back and most probably already figured out we are gonna do anything in our power to get to them, whatever it cost.

"Where'd you call me from?" Claire handed him her phone. "We have a man on the inside of Delacourt's operation. There's an exchange in Malta sometime tomorrow. Cash for cargo."

"Was she with him?" Owen tried, all three of us hoping for any more clue we can recieve. It fades as soon as it came when Franklin shook his head.

"There's no mention, but we have people on the ground already. One of them you know. A lot of us got recruited by the CIA after the park went down." Watching Franklin's finger impatiently, he switches to right before staying on what he was looking for and turned the table, smile crawling up my lips.

"Barry's French intelligence now." Me, Owen and Claire share a look with the same thought shared.

"We need to talk to him." I speak for both me and Owen, since the two of us were the closest to Barry back at Jurassic World.

"You can't just call him. He's deep cover. Look, once we make the bust in Malta, our guys will see if Delacourt knows where they are. Our guys. Not you." The nerd quickly add when noticing mines and Owen's look, one that's telling we are definitely gonna do some shit we shouldn't.

"Promise me you won't go in there with those dangerous ideas of yours and mess everything up." Once again Franklin glances over all three of us, settling especially on me, hence I'm the one with title troublemaker. Hidden smile plays on my lips as I tilt my head, shoulders lifting in shrug.

"Most of times I improvise. Call me stupid, but at least I got balls." Frown settle over Franklin's face and he look under the table.

"Not literally, you idiot." I slap his shoulder, forcing him to straighten up with redness showing his embarrassment. Owen snort and I glare at him while Claire only shakes her head. Men will be men.

"Sorry. Look, all three of you are crazy, but you seem like you're good parents, or whatever you're trying to be. They're lucky to have you. Don't get killed, okay?" My lips create into smirk of mischievousness, arms crossed on my chest.

"Don't plan that."

~🦖~

MALTA

A tear of sweat drip down my forehead, this place too hot for me to wear shirt over my tank top. The weather is complete opposite from Nevada Mountains, where it's chilly and cool on my heatened skin while here I can't seem to adapt and have my clothes stick onto my skin. I feel disgusting.

The people here pass us without care, minding their own business. Thankfully none of them bother to recognize us.

"Now, where's our buddy?" Hands on my hips, my green eyes scan around from behind sunglasses in attempt to spot our black-skinned friend.

"He will show up." Owen replies, sparing me no glance.

My ear twitch when I feel feather touch on my butt pocket, the zip moving. Confused frowning, I turn around and grab wrist of a small boy with messy brown hair and big dark eyes. He can't be older than 8. He jumps, startled I actually caught him in action. Little guy tried to steal my wallet!

"Wrong person, buddy." I'm ready to push him away, but when I see the fear in his eyes and state he's in, I can't help but feel sympathy for him. Either he's pretending to be poor or something or he's really trying to survive in this place. Sighing, I let go of him and rubbed my sweaty hands.

"Sorry. Be careful out here." With nod he runs away, getting lost between much taller figures. Poor kid. Looks like he has it rough living here.

"Owen. Jane." My scowl is replaced with grin, glad to have at least one positive thing happen to us since yesterday.

"Man, you look so happy without us in your life. That hurt." A sarcastic comment leaves me after Owen and Barry shared bro hug, my hand over my heart with faked hurt look. Barry grin more.

"Jane Grant still being Jane Grant. Good thing nothing has changed." The next thing I know is being lifted off the ground, arms squeezing me in bear hug and shaking us side to side slightly. Well, some things never change.

"That's what you think, pal." Once he let me go, my free lungs filled with new inhaled air. Barry then gave a hug to Claire, who returned it.

"I thought you would've chosen a quieter line of work."

"I tried. My cousing and I opened a café. I lasted three weeks." Broken humor is something I had since I was little and until today I find the least funny things amusing, a snort leaving me at Barry's words.

"Don't ever do that again." The black-skinned guy nod with lips pressed in line.

"Noted. But the way the world is headed, it's hard to look away. Delacourt was hired by Sonya Santos, a broker in the underground dinosaur trade." Our old friend lead us through alleys between people and we follow him quietly, taking in all the information.

"We don't have intel on his cargo, but once they make the exchange, we'll see what they know about your girl and boy. You can listen in, but promise me you will not make a contact." Barry pause, handing us each earpiece. "I'm looking at you, Jane."

My green eyes roll like teenager being told what to do, entertained smile on my face telling them I'm far from annoyed teenager. "Yeah, yeah."

"There is a big underground market for dinosaurs now. Europe, Middle East, nothern Africa, it all comes through here." Barry lead us to a guy looking like homeless Santa Claus that got fired from his work and lives on streets. Barry gives him a coin and the guy unlock the old metal door for us, letting us enter. And jeez, the smell of sweat, hay and old rotten wood is strong.

"Don't look at anyone, don't talk to anyone. Just try to blend in." My lips press in line at Barry's order, hoping these people in here are stupid enough to know nothing about Jane Grant.

As we turn a corner, the room gets bigger with multiple people shouting and different kinds of dinosaurs screeching and roaring. Men, that look like they hadn't showered in weeks, cheered over fighting dinosaurs, others only sat in their little corner, awaiting for a customer to buy something from him, or her.

As we walk among, I try not to show hom much the sight is affecting me. Especially when I know I'm partly reason why these dinosaurs ended up here.

As I follow my friends, we pass a black skinned woman with caged Lystrosaurus beside her, but damn, she's pretty. I look away when her piercing bright hazel eyes catch me looking at her, and even after that I feel her gaze bore into the back of my head. Shit, I should listen to Barry more.

Owen and Barry go together to watch from outside while me and Claire will stay here inside, waiting for that bastard of man to show up, hopefully with Maisie, Izy and Blue's baby close.

As we look around, an imagine of Izy among these dinosaurs, having no idea what will people do with them once they buy them from other motherfuckers, crosses my mind. No, stop thinking about shit like that, Jane. Izy is gonna be fine.

But then I also imagine myself getting sold for, I don't really wanna know honestly. However, only thinking about how ruthless and disgusting these people are is making my stomach turn sickly, dizziness blinding my vision.

"Are you okay?" A hand grabs onto my shoulder to steady me and I look up at Claire, nodding.

"Yeah, just a little dizzy." My eyes scan the crowd of people, Claire following my gaze. "It's just, obnoxious to look at the poor animals getting sold when you know people use them for no good, no care, but for fun. Stupidness of people."

From Claire's face expression I can read she disagrees with this as much as me, even though years back she was involved with something similar.

"Got ya! You little brat." My attention is grabbed by rough voice raising loudly, a man gripping collar of the kid that tried to steal from me before and glaring at him with such rage I fear he wants to kill him. Something sets off in me right as he lift his hand and I storm towards them.

"Hey, bald head!" My hand grabs the man's long ginger beard, yanking him to face my hardened gaze. "Get your filthy hands off that child right now." He does, pushing him onto the ground and glared at me this time.

"This little prick was trying to steal from me, woman." He point at the frightened kid, standing up to his full height and have me let go off his beard. Frowning, my shoulders lift in shrug.

"And? He's a child. Children make mistakes, and with beating you won't teach them a lesson." Bald head's head and face turn red in anger, and I can't help but snicker mentally. Looks like tomato.

"I don't fucking care, he deser-" I'm quick to cut him off, aiming the tip of my pocket knife at his crotch.

"And I won't care once I cut your balls and shove them down your throat." There's seen uneasiness in his eyes rapidly switching between me and the knife dangerously close to his favourite thing. No, I got ya.

"Now now, there's no need to do that." Slowly he lift his hands up in surrender, keeping a watch on my weapon. My hard stare turn into dishonest smile, tilting my head.

"In that case, get your ass back to whatever pathetic business you were doing and forget about this boy. Good? Good. Great talk." Hiding my knife back in its previous spot, I grin and pat the man's shoulder hard, forcefully turning him around and shoving. He shoot me a glare but doesn't put up more fight, walking away with shake of head.

A sigh leaves me in unison with my shoulders dropping and I turn to the kid still sitting on dirty ground and watching me with those cute big eyes. How did he get in here? Where are his parents, anyway?

Wetting my dry lips, I extend my hand for him to take, which he does, and I help him back on his feet. "I thought I told you to be careful."

"I'm sorry." From his voice I hear he's still little shaken up, keeping his thin arms by his sides like he's ashamed of his actions. Brows creased, I lean down to match his height and rub his bony shoulders in comfort.

"Hey, it's okay. No need to apologize. Here. It's not much but at least something." I check around if anyone is looking while taking from my thigh pocket three chocolate bars I had prepared if Owen and Claire wanted to eat something, but this boy needs them more.

"Don't let anyone steal from you, alright? And this time listen to me when I say be careful." He hesitates at first, glancing between me and the chocolate bars in my hand before taking them, cracking a cute grin.

"Thank you." And then he's off again, though with opposite emotion from before. I expected him to snatch the bars and run away without another word, but he's got manners. Cute kid.

I turn to get back to my friend, meeting Claire's teasing look she always brought when I'm mother caring for a child in her eyes, a human child to be specific.

"Not a word." My hand with index finger up rises, stopping her before she can open her mouth about mother stuff. No and no.

Shaking my head at both my friend and these horrible people here, I make my way to find the bathroom.

"I gotta use the bathroom. And I bet it's as shitty as this place." And like I guessed, it is that shitty.

The walls are covered in ruined posters and stickers, graffiti made by both sprays and markers of different types of colors decorating this in messy way. Lovable.

The mirror I'm looking into is covered in foggy dirt, and I bet it already settled in. Though that's not my concern, busy with looking at the dark circles under my green eyes. I couldn't sleep the whole night, worried for Izy and Maisie. I hope the people that took them do no harm to them, otherwise there will be consequences.

I chuckle at my reflection, the real spot I'm looking at being the raptor tooth I couldn't just put away.

"You always worried about my safety. I get it now. And look where I made it." I say, imagining it's my uncle I'm talking to. Jeez, he must be old. 17 years do a lot to a person.

"Is that usual thing you do? Talking to yourself?" A new voice breaks the silence I was enveloped in and I notice that pretty dark-skinned woman in the mirror, coming up beside me. I can't help but crack half-smile, deciding to wash my hands at least. Should I risk this water?

"Truth? Yes. Lately it happens a lot. Especially when I hear my uncle in my head. He's laughing at me." I admit, since it's not really a secret. Yeah, I'm sick in the head, and what? I'm sure I'm not the only person talking to myself.

The pretty woman gives me a weird look but shrug, not really bothered by the fact she just meet a weirdo. Well, in this place must be a lot of them, I guess.

"Who's your uncle?" She also washes her hands while I dry them on my tank top, hence there are no papers I could use.

"Wouldn't you want to know?" I didn't really mean it to come out in defensive tone, but still I gotta keep low profile. Grants are famous, but each one for different reason and I'm not willing to reveal myself.

The woman I still don't know name of smirk, finishing washing her hands and shake them to get the droplets off.

"Fierce and beautiful. I think I stumbled upon a treasure." What. The. Actual. Fuck. Why are my freaking cheeks getting warmer? Dammit. Honestly, I don't remember the last time a person made me blush, not to say a woman. I'm the one that makes people blush!

"And I think I stumbled upon a flirt. Lucky me." Is only I could think of as comeback, not really knowing what to say at such words. She chuckles, flashing her pure white teeth.

"What's your name, anyway?" I no longer care how many germs are here, leaning with my arm on the sink. Since we are already here I at least ask the pretty woman for her name. I can't go around calling her 'Hey, Pretty Lady', it would bring eyes and judgers. I don't need that.

She mimick my posture, facing me with those piercing hazel eyes borring into mine green ones like she can see straight through me. Fuck.

"Give me yours and I'm gonna give you mine." Oh, she's playing games now. Woman, I got no time for that shit. Seeing me not opening my mouth, she smirk. "Or should I call you Beautiful? Hottie? Miss Weakening My Knees? Take your pick."

I can't believe this woman. And myself. Is it even possible to blush this much? Bitting the inside of my cheek, I give in halfly, not wishing to be red in face for the rest of this unwanted adventure in Malta because of her calling me by one of those she just said.

"Jane." I'm so not gonna give her my last name, not knowing if she'd turn me in and put me and my friends in danger. We have enough problems already.

"Jane. I like that." She nod, tasting my name on her tongue while scanning me up and down. Stop it. I feel naked.

"I'm Kayla." It would be lie if I said her name doesn't fit her, because it does.

"So, Kayla, I got a question." Pushing myself off the sink and make the space between us smaller, my fingers slip into my butt pockets. She grin, showing her pure white teeth. Does they sparkle in sunlight?

"Oh, asking me for a date already?" Her words take me off guard, eyebrows rised and I begin stuttering like idiot.

"W-What? No. I-I mean, no, that's not-. I-," Jeez, why me?! Kayla breaks into laughter, also pushing herself off the sink and gets even closer than we already are. I'm surprised I didn't already push her away with words 'I need SPACE'.

"I'm sorry. I just love the affect I have on you." Oh, she think that's funny. Yeah, laugh it all you want, woman. -_-

"Don't encourage yourself. I was only surprised you said something like that." I'm gonna be honest, it's only half truth. But I'm so not gonna lift her ego.

"Yeah. Sure." The smile of amusement stays on her face and her gaze tell me she sees right through me. Dammit.

"Okay, back to the point. Look." Finally she let room for me to talk and I pull out smaller photo of Maisie. "Have you seen this girl?"

She squirm her eyebrows, analyzing the photo. She switch between me and the photo, and I see recognition in her hazel eyes. She's seen her. She saw Maisie.

"No." But her eyes say otherwise and it confuse me why she lies to me, only if she isn't one of those people....

"What?" But I have no time to ask more questions as she storm outside, trying to avoid me. Oh, hell no.

"Hey! I'm not done with you!" Running after her, I grab her arm and turn her towards me.

"Look, I didn't saw your daughter, niece, little sister, whatever is she to you-"

"She's my niece." I cut in and she nod.

"Right. I didn't saw your niece, I don't know who that is and that's it." If I didn't know any better, I would have believed at the hear of her tone. She knows how to lie, to her unfortune I already figured her out.

"Why are you lying?" I press, determinated to get it out of her.

"You think I'm lying?" She ask while pointing at herself, looking at me like 'how dare you blame me'.

"I know it. Your eyes tell me everything." She pause, and here I definitely know she's trying to avoid telling me. The question is why? But then that pretty smile return on her lips, showing her teeth.

"Well, well, someone can't keep their eyes off of me." She takes a step closer, but her twisting the theme elsewhere just pisses me off I grab her shoulders and press against the wall. The move visibly surprised her, even I myself am a little surprised by my outburst but whatever. Whatever!

"Stop it. I'm not falling into this shit again. Tell me where the girl is, or-" I hiss through grit teeth, having enough of her dragging this conversation, though she's quick to cut me off.

"Or what? You gonna hit me? Beat me?" She got me here. I don't wanna hurt her, I won't, but why she refuse tell me where Maisie is? Seeing my expression softening, she nod to herself.

"I thought so. Jane, I'm the wrong person you want answers from, try someone else." Pushing me slightly back by my shoulders to make some space between us, she slips from between my body and the wall.

"Or if I were to decide, get out of here. This isn't place for pretty face like yourself." This is the only she says to me before turning and walking away to I don't know where, leaving me standing there speechless, red cheeked and without any better clue of where Maisie and Izy can be right now. To hell with everyone and everything!

Out of rage I kick into boxes, breaking the weak wood, however it's the last thing I care about. Out of corner of my eye I notice few men below watching me with confusion and curiousness.

"What you looking at! Mind your own business!" With this I storm away in search for Claire, Owen or Barry. Guess I just blended in.

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Hi, guys! Since it's Christmas, I decided a chapter + as a gift. Don't worry, thursday is coming out another for sure. I hope you like this most probably last book so far and give me your opinions. Merry Christmas!<3