Page 121 of Avenging Devil: Part 2

“So he takes his war to a defenceless and heavily pregnant lady?” Snips shakes his head.

“You were on lockdown, and quite rightly,” Swift notes. “She was the only one unprotected.”

Unprotected. Yeah right. The prospect we had on her is a useless waste of space. “I want Ross’s prospect patch.” I can’t hold back any longer.

“Not up for debate, Brother,” Lost says deceptively calm. “He took a cup of coffee from a woman dressed as a nurse. Could have happened to any of us. Even you, Grumbler.”

I wouldn’t have been so stupid. And being intelligent, I hold any further words on the matter. I just make a promise to myself not to vote Ross in when the time comes.

“What’s the plan when we get a locale?” our newest member, Sharpshooter asks.

Preacher glances at me, but I’ve taken a step back. Pennywise is in my seat now, and it’s him who answers the question. “We’ve got Swift here, she’s an experienced negotiator.”

“I am that,” she says without any false modesty. “But I can’t see Duke wanting to talk or be open to a bargain. It’s Saffie or nothing as far as he’s concerned. Our best ploy is to attack once we know where he’s hiding.”

Lost taps the table. “There could be a problem. Where he collects Saffie might not be where he’s holding Mary.”

“Which is why we need to find him now.” I thump my fist down hard.

“Okay,” Stormy says, glancing down at his laptop. “Info’s starting to come in. I’ve got some locations to check out. I’m happy to get the drones flying, but I need to be closer. I need someone to point me to the locality.”

“I’m coming.” I start to stand.

“Grumbler, sit the fuck down. We need you here for when Duke calls. It may be he’ll let Mary talk.”

Stay to hear my Mary’s voice? Or be out doing something just because it’s better than doing nothing at all? It’s a hard call, but I plonk my ass back down.

“I’ll go,” Snips offers. “I know the city.”

“Or at least the back streets and where to pick up whores,” Salem jokes, and gets a finger raised toward him.

I’m pleased to see Salem’s the only one assing around. Stormy and Snips waste no time leaving their seats and the meeting.

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