Page 135 of Fatal Witness

“What are you talking about?”

“There’s cash as well. Enough for you to make a fast getaway.”

“How much?”

“I didn’t count it.” She cocked her head. “So, what’s it going to be? Are you going to waste your time standing here arguing with me until Alex Stone and the rest of the Russell County deputies get here? Or do we have a deal?”

“On one condition. I’ll exchange the old lady for you and then you’ll take me to where the diamonds are.”

He wanted a hostage, and she’d do anything to keep her grandmother safe. “Deal.”

“You come to my truck, and I’ll let her leave.”

“No, she leaves first.” When he started to protest, she pointed to her sandals. “I can’t outrun you with these on, but I want my grandmother safe.”

He stared at her for a minute, then released her grandmother but kept his pistol trained on her.

“Nonny, get in the car,” she said. Her grandmother crossed her arms over her chest. “Trust me. Please.”

Her grandmother looked at Dani, and her shoulders squared as she took a step away from Rick.

“She’s free.” He turned his gun toward Dani. “Get down here!”

“You’re not hurting my granddaughter!”

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Mark’s finger was on the trigger as he waited for an opportunity to fire. Mae took a step away from Rick, but she was still in his line of fire. Suddenly the scene seemed to unfold in slow motion as Mae reared back and brought her cane down on Rick’s arm.

He yelled but managed to hang on to the gun. Dani jumped off the porch and raced toward them while Mae drew the cane back to hit him again. Rick backhanded her with the gun, and she fell to her knees. He turned his pistol on the kneeling woman.

“No!” Dani screamed.

It was now or never. Mark squeezed the trigger, feeling the recoil of the .30-06. Rick staggered back, a red stain appearing on his chest. He didn’t go down, instead lifted the gun and pointed it at Dani just as she tackled him.

Mark sprinted toward them and held his gun on Rick. The faint sound of sirens was music to his ears. “Help’s on the way.”

“I think he’s dead,” Dani said as she climbed to her knees.

Mark handed her the gun. “Watch him while I check.”

She waved him off and pulled a .45 from her pocket. “I have Carson’s.”

He shook his head and felt Rick’s neck. “He’s still alive, butbarely.” Mark quickly took out his phone and dialed Alex. “Is the medevac standing by? Rick Adkins is critically wounded.”

“I’ll contact the pilot, and if he isn’t, he’ll be back there in ten minutes.”

“Good deal.”

Dani hurried to her grandmother and helped her stand. “Are you hurt?”

Mae dusted her hands. “I’ve been better, but I’ve definitely been worse.”

“Well, you scared me to death.” Dani wrapped her arms around Mae. “You’re the bravest person I know. When you hit him with your cane...”

Mae patted Dani on the shoulder. “You’re brave yourself—a little too brave.”

“You both are something else.” Mark enveloped both of them in a bear hug as flashing blue lights rounded the curve. “I believe the cavalry has arrived.”

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