Page 94 of Diamond in the Rough

Francis shook his head. “I had no choice. They came with guns. They would’ve killed me.”

“Who? Who came with guns?” Maddox asked.

“I didn’t know any of them, but the one in charge, long hair tied back, he—he did this…”

Francis lifted his head, and Maddox saw his busted lip and black eye. “Said he’d put a bullet in both kneecaps if I didn’t do what he wanted.”

“How long ago?”

“About an hour.”

“What did they say? Where were they going?”

Francis shook his head and bowed forward. Maddox gave Tom “the look,” and he cocked his pistol.

“Okay—let me think!”

“Think quickly,” Maddox said.

“I—I heard one of them mention the Bahamas.”

Maddox shared a look with Amber, then waved Tom’s gun away. He quickly holstered it and whispered, “The Bahamas.”

“He knows,” Maddox said. “How does he know?!”

Amber shook her head. “He might not know about Jake.”

“It’s a hell of a coincidence.”

Francis nodded. “Yes, Jake. I heard the long-haired guy mention him.”

“They must have someone following him,” Amber said

Maddox kneeled down. “What exactly did he say?”

“He’s gonna hunt him down, skin him like an animal.”

“Always one step ahead.” Tom groaned, turning away.

“Francis, I need a plane, and I need it now. You must know someone.”

“It’s the middle of the night.”

“I don’t care what time it is,” Maddox said. “Find me a plane.”

“I’ll need to make a few calls, see if someone will lend me one.”

Maddox nodded. “Do it now.”

Francis scrambled to his feet and bolted into the hangar. Maddox stayed on his knees and clutched his head. “I’m too late.”

Amber stepped closer and nudged him with her foot. “All’s not lost. Billy doesn’t know you’re out. We have the element of surprise.”

“But Billy will get to Jake before we do.”

“Give him some credit, Boss.”

Maddox frowned at the ground, then lifted his gaze to Tom, the most unlikely person to give Jake a compliment.

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