Page 96 of Diamond in the Rough

“I wasn’t talking about my sex life. I meant the fireman uniforms…”

“Right—”

“But I’d be lying if I said they didn’t feature in the bedroom.”

Tom covered his ears. “That’s enough info, thanks.”

The plane shuddered, and Maddox narrowed his eyes at the window, praying it didn’t split with lines.

“Where the hell did he find this relic?” Tom asked.

Amber topped up her glass. “I didn’t realize rust had a smell until we climbed on board.”

Maddox drummed his fingers on the seat of his chair. “Billy’s sat on my plane, or maybe he’s not sat. Maybe he’s lying in the bed, big grin on his face.”

“We’ll get him, Boss,” Amber said with certainty.

****

Maddox closed his eyes when they came in to land. The plane juddered and crackled, and Maddox could feel an unnerving breeze, but it made it onto the runway. It came to a stop, and he opened his eyes. Amber and Tom’s eyes were scrunched shut, and they were gripping each other’s knees.

“Do you need a room?” he mumbled.

They both opened their eyes, and Maddox raised his eyebrow.

“No, Boss,” Amber said, pushing Tom away.

“The taxi should be waiting,” Tom said.

Maddox craned his neck to see out the opposite window. “I see it.”

“I called Derry about getting the boat ready, but he didn’t pick up.”

“Billy might already be there.” Amber huffed.

Maddox jumped down from the plane and headed to the taxi. The driver smiled at him, but he couldn’t return it. He slipped into the back, Amber joined him, and Tom climbed in the front and gave the driver directions.

“Jake’s flight arrived in Spring Point three hours ago,” Amber said.

“He could be on the island by now.”

Amber nodded. “The question is, where is Billy? Did Jake manage to lose the man following him?”

“If he wasn’t hurt, he’d lose him easy,” Maddox muttered, “but injured, I dunno.”

Tom turned around to face them. “I’m still not getting through to Derry.”

Maddox pursed his lips. “I think we should be prepared for anything…”

Amber checked her holster, and Tom did the same in the front. They were going in loaded and ready for a fight.

****

The crystal blue sea, the rising sun, and the endless sky did nothing for Maddox. They pulled up outside Derry’s house and knew immediately something was wrong. Glass littered the pavement, and the door was smashed in.

“What do we do, Boss?” Tom asked.

Maddox spotted Derry sat on the step. He held something against his face, and blood ran down his chin. Before Amber could stop him, he bolted from the car, gun drawn and ready.

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