Page 14 of Donovan Blake: Passion

Though annoyed but relieved, Jimmy had followed the man’s directions, but as he’d ventured further into the woods the vegetation grew thicker. He’d started to worry when bright lights suddenly burst to life directly in front of him. As he’d hit the brakes armed men surrounded the van, the doors were jerked open, and he and Nigel were dragged from their seats.

Now on his knees with Nigel facing him a few feet away, Jimmy’s heart hammered with fear he’d never before experienced.

“We meet again, Jimmy.”

The lights shining in his face made it impossible to see the face of the tall man walking towards him, but Jimmy recognized his voice. It was Craig.

“What’s going on? Why are you—?”

“Shut up. I’m taking your van and you’re going back to Hawthorne Hall.”

“Going back? Why?”

“I said, shut the fuck up,” Craig snarled, slapping him hard across the face. “We want more. That place is filled with valuable shit, and you’re going to fetch it for us.”

That’s impossible. There are cameras and alarms.”

“Hey, you’ll convince Hawthorne’s daughter to take care of those things. She helped you with the painting and she’ll help you again. Tell me, Jimmy, do you consider yourself lucky?”

“I—uh—” he stammered, utterly terrified and not sure what he should say.

“Cuff them,” Craig abruptly barked. “We’ll see if luck is on their side tonight.”

As muscled thugs appeared from behind the trees Jimmy began to tremble, but it dawned on him there was a way out of the horrendous situation. It was a slim hope, but slim was better than none. He’d return to the manor, somehow slip away from whoever was with him, then find Lord Hawthorne, confess everything and beg for mercy.

“Look at this revolver!” Craig ordered, holding his gun close to Jimmy’s face. “It only has one bullet in the chamber. Let’s see how lucky the two of you dumbbells are,” he sneered, then ambling over to Nigel he placed it against his temple.

“Noooo,” Nigel wailed. “Please…I was just helping out.”

“Yeah, and now you’ll help out some more.”

Holding his breath and praying for a miracle, Jimmy squeezed his eyes shut.

Barely a second later he heard the telltale click.

For a moment he thought he might pass out.

But suddenly the barrel was pressing against his temple.

“Wake up! It’s your turn.”

“Why are you d-doing this?” he stammered, opening his eyes but afraid to stare up at the ogre looming over him.

“I’ll count to three,” Craig replied, ignoring the question. “One—two—or…can you follow my orders without any more bullshit?”

“Yes, p-please,” Jimmy begged, amazed he could even talk.

“Wise choice. You and Oleg over there will be going back to Hawthorne Hall together. I don’t care how you do it, but you’ll take out a shitload of stuff. Got it?”

“Uh-huh.”

“Oleg!”

A powerfully built, bald thug marched towards them.

Jimmy held his breath.

But the hulk moved behind him, and suddenly Jimmy felt a gun being placed in his right hand then quickly pulled away.

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