Page 86 of Last Chance

Sawyer looked at his team leader. The big guy would not talk unless they used a lot more pain and pressure. If they used that kind of force, they’d likely damage the nerves. He shook his head slightly.

“All it takes to stop the pain is answering our questions. Once you do, you’re free to go.”

The two brothers looked at each other, clearly skeptical.

Smart. Sawyer and his teammates couldn’t allow these clowns to walk away. They were too dangerous to Janie’s safety. Also, others would come after Janie when these two failed to check in.

The law of averages said eventually, one team would succeed in kidnapping or killing Janie. Sawyer wouldn’t let either possibility happen.

“Why were you following us?” Brody flicked a glance at Max, who immediately went to work on his target.

After two minutes, Brody signaled Max. The operative released Skinny, who shuddered and wept.

“We can keep this up all day,” Brody said to Big Man. “Your brother can’t. After another round of persuasion, he’ll have permanent nerve damage.”

Big Man sneered. “I don’t believe you.”

A shrug. “You won’t be the one to pay the price, will you?” Texas Team’s leader gave a slight nod.

Max rested his hand on Skinny, who began to wail and beg his brother to stop the torture.

Big Man held out for 30 seconds, then caved. “All right. Please, don’t hurt him anymore.”

“Why were you following us?” Brody asked again. “Last chance, De La Cruz.”

“Not you. Her.” He inclined his head toward Janie.

“What do you want with her?”

A shrug. “Just do what we’re told.”

“What are your orders?”

“Grab the woman and report in.”

“Who were you supposed to call?”

“Carlos.”

“Last name?”

A glare, then, “Noriega.”

“Who is he?”

Another shrug. “Works for a lieutenant.”

“His job?”

An arrogant expression settled on his face. “Fixer.”

Sawyer’s blood heated to boiling. And Noriega was planning to fix the problem with Janie? Yeah, he could just bet how that problem would be solved.

Not happening. Noriega would have to go through him first.

CHAPTER 21

JANIE STOOD BESIDE Sawyer as the team from Fortress drove away with the De La Cruz brothers. Two other men drove the brothers’ SUV and followed the Fortress team.

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