“Ray let sarcasm mask his fear.”

It had to be Malia’s captor, checking to see if he’d secured H2ONU. His heart pounded as Tian’s threats came rushing back like surf crashing through a breach. “Ray?” a voice snapped. “Do you want to see him alive again?” Unfamiliar voice. “I’m the guy who’s holding your mate,” came the cold reply. Ray let sarcasm mask his fear. Then, more directly: “What do you want?”