Page 55 of Logan

After looking around and not finding anything he could use, he started to return to the living room. As he walked along the hallway, something hit him on the back of his head and he fell to the floor, losing consciousness.

Logan regained consciousness as he was being dragged by two men into a room.

“Place him in the chair and secure him there,” the deep, menacing voice of Jimmy Cortez commanded.

Logan’s heart raced as he struggled against the tight grip of the men holding him. He had stumbled upon a dangerous operation and now his life was at risk. But he couldn’t let them harm Dixie. He’d die first. His heart leaped into his throat when he saw her tied to a chair, blood under her nose, and her eye swollen. He wanted to kill whoever did this to her. Her eyes widened when she saw him, and he knew she thought he was dead from being shot.

“How are you involved in this, Cortez?” Logan demanded, fear and anger coursing through him.

Cortez merely grinned, unfazed by Logan’s question. “None of your business, FBI Special Agent Townson.”

“I’m not an agent anymore,” Logan retorted, trying to maintain his composure despite the situation.

“Right, okay. None of your businessDeputyTownson.” Cortez sauntered over to where Dixie sat, her eyes wide with fear. He placed a hand on her trembling head. “What is she to you? I mean, I know she’s McCarthy’s daughter, but she means something to you.”

“She means nothing to me,” Logan replied through clenched teeth, knowing that he had to let them think she didn’t mean anything to him, or they’d use it against them both.

“Nothing to you, huh? Then you won’t mind if I have some fun with her.” Cortez sneered.

Logan thrashed against the men holding him, desperate to break free and defend Dixie. Every movement caused pain, but he didn’t care.

“You touch her and you’re a dead man,” Logan warned, his voice laced with hatred.

But Cortez only laughed, taunting Logan further. In a moment of desperation, Logan mustered all his strength and pushed against one of the men holding him, causing him to loosen his grip. Logan swung a fist at the other man but they both quickly regained control and punched him repeatedly until he doubled over in pain.

“Stop it!”Dixie’s voice echoed through the room; her eyes filled with tears as she pleaded for mercy for Logan.

Ignoring her cries, Cortez stared at Logan. “Sit him down, tie him up, and take her upstairs.” He motioned for the men to bring Dixie to him. “Put her in my bedroom,” he said as he smirked at Logan.

Logan’s blood boiled with rage as he watched helplessly as Dixie was dragged away. He looked at her, “I won’t let him hurt you.”

One of the men punched Logan again, causing his nose to bleed. But he refused to back down, spitting blood defiantly at the man.

“I will fucking kill you.” Logan seethed with fury and determination.

Cortez chuckled. “I’ll deal with you later.” Then he walked from the room.

Logan knew that no matter what happened, he had to protect Dixie at all costs. He watched the two men leave the room and close the door behind them. He heard the lock turn.

Logan glanced around, wondering how he’d get out of this. He had to get to Dixie. If Cortez or anyone touched her, Logan would end up going to prison for murder. Of that, he had no doubt.

****

Dixie stared at Cortez as he walked toward the door. She was terrified but refused to let him see her fear. She was so worried about Logan. If they killed him, she’d want to die, and she never told him she still loved him. She swore if she got out of this, she would.

“Sit down, Ms. McCarthy,” Cortez said.

“Fuck you,” she snapped.

“My, what a mouth you have on you. Such a pretty woman too. No need to talk like that.”

“I’ll talk how I want.”

When he walked toward her, she leaned back in fear.

“Don’t worry, Ms. McCarthy, you won’t be harmed as long as we get the journal.”

“I don’t have it.”

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