Page 28 of Diamond in the Rough

The card fell from Maddox’s fingers. “What?”

“Yeah, I know, but let’s not kid ourselves, Maddox, you’ve done a lot more.”

“Yeah, but look at him.”

“What?” Ernie asked.

“He looks like he watches Disney movies and picks flowers.”

“Hey, I watch Disney movies and pick flowers.”

“You know what I mean. He looks just out of puberty, for fuck sake.”

Ernie laughed, wheezed, then puffed on his oxygen. “Yeah, only a kid.”

Maddox sighed and got to his feet.

“Where you going?”

“To make my phone call.”

As soon as he started walking, eyes were drawn to him. The two guys closest, playing pool, stopped and watched him pass. Maddox got to the end of the room and stuck his card in. He felt the presence of someone behind him and turned to see two guys hovering close by, in earshot.

Maddox closed his eyes and typed in Carl’s number.

“Hello?”

“It’s me.”

“Thank Christ for that, I was getting worried. What’s happening, why did you change your pleas, what’s the plan—”

“Shut up.”

“Yes, Boss.”

Maddox flashed a look at the guys behind him. “Yes, no. Understand?”

“Shit, someone’s listening. We’ve got to play the yes, no game.”

“Yes,” Maddox said.

“Okay, I’m guessing someone forced you into confessing.”

“Yes.”

“And we both know the only reason you’d do that is if Jake was in danger.”

“Yes.”

Carl hummed. “Someone threatened him.”

“Yes.”

“Jake’s not mentioned anything…did they get close to him?”

“Yes.”

“As in touching distance?”

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