Page 44 of Diamond in the Rough

Jake was pulled from his daze by the buzz of his phone. It lay on the pillow next to him where Maddox’s head would be if they were in bed together. His heart sunk at the thought, and he stretched out his hand for the vibrating device.

“What?”

There was no reply, and Jake wondered if Billy had somehow gotten his number and was toying with him.

“I’m gonna hang up.”

“Don’t do that.”

Maddox’s voice hit right down to the marrow of Jake’s bones, and he took a few seconds to process it was him.

“Jake?”

“Yeah, sorry,” he panted.

“Are you okay?”

“Yeah, I’m fine. God, I’ve missed your voice.”

“And I’ve missed yours.”

Jake wasn’t expecting sweet talk from Maddox and grinned. “You gone soft in there?”

“I’m still the same crazy Mad Dog.”

“A big pussycat, really.”

“You’re in so much trouble when I get outta here.”

Jake’s smile faded. “When you get out of there?”

“Yeah, has Carl been filling you in?”

“He said some guy threatened me and forced you to confess.”

Maddox snorted. “Yeah, that’s about it.”

“I’m sorry.”

“You’ve got nothing to be sorry about.”

“You killed them for me, and you’ve been banged up for it.”

“I’m gonna sort it.”

“How?”

The line fuzzed with Maddox’s huff. “We know who’s behind all this now, and he’ll be dealt with.”

“What about getting you out? You’ve confessed to murder. They’re not gonna just let you walk.”

“Look, I’ve got a plan.”

“Plan Z by any chance?”

There was a sharp intake, then Maddox growled, “Who the hell has been talking about plan Z?”

Jake swallowed uncomfortably. “Carl—”

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