Page 204 of Cross & Crown

He ran both hands through his hair and turned away

to pace.

“How did he get murderer and thief from what I just

said?” Alex asked Nick.

“It’s a long story.”

“Will you untie us now?”

Nick took his knife from his belt and sliced through the

zip tie. Kelly followed his lead and released the man, whose

name ended up being Colin.

Alex rubbed at her wrists, eyes on Julian. “The man who

hired us told us you’d be out there too. He said you were

dangerous and motivated. That’s why we bring Colin along

everywhere.”

Colin gave a silent nod.

“We didn’t know anyone had been kidnapped,” Alex said.

“Who is it?”

204

“My husband,” Julian said through gritted teeth. “I was

told to give them the location of the cross and they wouldn’t

harm him.”

“Your husband?” Nick blurted. Julian nodded.

“Congratulations,” Nick offered lamely.

“You haven’t found the cross?” Alex asked.

“I haven’t been looking for it. I’ve been looking forthem.

Who are they?”

Alex’s eyes went wide. “I don’t know. We were told rival

companies were after the cross and we’d have to move fast.”

Kelly stepped forward, close to Nick, and he lowered his

voice when he spoke. “So we havethreeparties in play here?

Alex’s group, JD’s group, and Julian?”

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