Page 84 of Savage Redemption

I wouldn’t have thought it possible for Kaminski to become any more enraged, but I was wrong. He’s incandescent.

Bartosz is unrepentant and unmoved by his ex-boss’s outburst. “She’s just a kid, and she’s done nothing wrong. I had her brought back upstairs.”

“How dare you go against my orders? I’ll have you burned alive for this.”

“I won’t be here. I was rather hoping that I might scrounge a lift from Mr Savage,” he replies, looking to me.

“I daresay we can find the space. I assume your wife and daughter will be coming, too?”

“Thank you.”

I pull out my phone and text the lock code to Jack. It’ll save him the bother of battering the door down and no doubt thoroughly upsetting Mrs Bartosz. I follow up withGirl in guest room upstairs.

I can safely leave him to it so Tony, Rome, and I deal with securing Kaminski. I’m sorely tempted to kill him, just to be done with the matter. I doubt he’ll be missed, by anyone except Janey. I’m certain this won’t be the last time I have reason to take issue with him, now that any semblance of an alliance is in tatters. Kaminski is a loose cannon, and it’s only Janey keeping him alive right now. For reasons I can’t start to fathom, she remains fond of this gutless arsewipe, and Janey still matters me.

So, Kaminski can continue to be a waste of oxygen, at least until the next time. Then, I won’t be so restrained.

There’sa tap on the door, and Jack pops his head round. “Adan and Rosie are in the chopper. Megan’s seeing to Adan, but Rosie seems unharmed.”

“What happened to Adan?” I ask.

“Badly beaten. Megan suspects broken ribs, and he definitely has three broken fingers. His nose, too, and probably concussion. He was lucky. I gather he’d probably have been killed by the guards if Bartosz hadn’t stopped them.”

“Was that necessary?” I ask Kaminski.

He’s in no mood to discuss his methods with me, more intent on fighting to get free of his restraints. He has no chance. He’s secured to his chair with cable ties.

“Nothing to say? Well, I believe in an eye for and eye.” I land a punishing right hook on his chin, followed up with several punches to his ribs. I’d take pleasure in breaking his fingers, too, one at a time, but that would involve releasing him, and really, I can’t be bothered. I want to be off.

“Bartosz, go and find your family, get them out to the choppers as quick as you can. You have five minutes, then we leave.”

Baz doesn’t need telling twice. He charges out into the hallway to find Julia right outside.

“I’m sorry,” she sobs. “I had to tell them where she was.”

He wraps his arms around her. “I probably told them first. Where’s Lily?”

“In her room. I… I locked her in. I didn’t think…”

“Go get her. Now. We’re leaving.”

“Leaving? Where are we going?”

“I don’t have a clue. Now, go.”

By the time I’ve done with Kaminski and left the study, she’s charging up the stairs. She reappears quickly, a teenage girl at her side.

“But, Dad. My horse. And what about Henry?” The girl rushes at Baz, tears streaming down her cheeks.

“We’ll get you another horse,” he promises. “Did you remember to grab the passports, Julia?”

“I did, and the ones for the prisoners, too.”

“Good. And don’t worry about Henry. He’ll be fine.”

I vaguely recall the scruffy little terrier who spent a few weeks on Caraksay, until I could arrange transport for him to Tenerife. He was sweet enough, I suppose, and didn’t bother my precious wildlife.

“Bring the dog,” I concede. “We go. Now.” Before any possible reinforcements might arrive.

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