Page 60 of No Bed Of Roses

Silently, they did a visual search from where they were, looking for evidence of a trap. Finding none, they inched forward with periodic checks around them.

The three others hadn’t moved, which helped them concentrate on the task.

When they were close enough, a soft snoring sound reached them. Still unsure if it was a trap, he and Troy slipped through the final bushes with their guns drawn.

Ed Pringle sprawled on his back, hands behind his head, fast asleep. Levi snatched up the gun from the pack that sat nearby.

Still nothing from Ed.

Sharing a head shake with Troy, Levi lifted his gun and nudged the man with his foot. “Ed Pringle. You’re under arrest.” Levi didn’t have the authority to make that statement, but it would be true soon enough.

Pringle finally stirred, but it took another nudge with Levi’s foot for him to open his eyes. They nearly bugged out of his head.

Pringle shrieked and threw his hands in front of his face. “Don’t shoot me. Don’t kill me.”

Then, he used one hand to take ear buds out of his ears. The idiot was sleeping in the bush wearing ear buds. How could he possibly be that stupid?

Levi motioned with his gun. “Roll over and put your hands behind your head.”

“Don’t kill me.”

“Roll over and put your hands behind your head. Now.” He didn’t raise his voice, but he put a whole lot of mean into the words. This wasn’t just a pathetic man. This was a pathetic man who’d tormented Isla, and Levi wanted to rip him limb from limb.

Pringle rolled over. Levi kept his gun aimed while Troy pulled out some zip ties and secured the man’s hands behind his back.

Easiest damn capture in history.

Which made him itchy. Troy must have been feeling the same because he didn’t put his gun away either. They both checked their surroundings again, but nothing was out of place. No sounds, scents, or movement. Birds chirped nearby.

He and Troy hefted the man to his feet and marched him toward the other three, who didn’t stand until Troy motioned to them that it was all clear.

“Isla!” Pringle’s voice was full of relief.

Isla frowned at him and didn’t answer.

“Isla. You know me. Tell them to let me go.”

Isla’s eyes widened, and her mouth dropped open. Her gaze went from Pringle to Levi and then back again. When she didn’t answer, Pringle repeated his plea.

When they were close enough to speak without shouting, he said it again as if she hadn’t heard him in the first place.

Isla’s hands went to her hips. “Are you serious? After you tried to kill me?”

Pringle’s head shook so hard he almost lost his balance. “I was just following instructions. It wasn’t my idea. It’s not my fault.”

“You sabotaged my car, but it’s not your fault?” Her voice had risen about an octave, and Levi could see her body trembling.

“He told me to do it. He told me how. It’s not my fault.”

She reached forward and poked Pringle in the chest. “Your actions. Your choices. Stop trying to blame your imaginary friend.”

Pringle shook his head again. “Glen’s not imaginary. He’s the one who told me how to do it. It was Glen Hicks. He says he’s your cousin. It was all his idea. He hired me and gave me all the instructions. It’s not my fault. You have to let me go.”

Isla stepped back. “You’re such an asshole.” And then she turned and led the way through the bush. Piper and Reg both held up their phones to show they’d taped the whole interaction.

He was in love with a hell of a smart woman.

Levi walked beside Isla on the march back to the farmhouse. Troy led the way with Pringle. Piper walked just behind him with Reg to Isla’s other side as they brought up the rear.

---