Page 303 of Affair
“Hey,” Maura said, touching Gamble’s arm as the dog on the ground barked at them.
Slowly, Gamble lifted his head.
“It took you long enough,” he whispered. “Maybe have Zayn keep his fucking phone on instead of being a dumbass.”
The big man shook his head.
“Dude, I’m sorry. I don’t like the government up in my business.”
Maura was concerned.
“Can you get up?”
Honestly, he wasn’t sure. He stopped fighting a few minutes ago knowing he’d rather die than find Poe’s body later.
Gamble pushed up from the ground, and he was nursing his one side.
He was pretty sure he cracked a few ribs.
Or he was just not able to take a punch like he used to be able to do.
“I think I’m okay,” he said. “They took Poe back to his house. His brother stole a key fromBlackStone. They’re going to kill him when they can’t find it there. He had no idea any of this was happening. He’s innocent.”
Oh, they were aware.
“They killed so many people,” he whispered. “We’ve been hiding out since earlier today. We were just about to make a break for it.”
Jagger put the man’s arm over his shoulder, and Maura picked up the dog. He was barking like crazy, and trying to bite her.
Gamble looked over.
“Rufus, stop. They’re my family. They won’t hurt you,” he said.
Maura scratched him behind the ear as she cradled him in her arms.
“They hurt him,” he said. “They burned him and broke his leg because they were assholes,” he added. “They were going to burn him alive. I had to go back for him.”
They were all disgusted.
“Assholes,” Jinx said. “Doggos are for loving, not hurting,” she admitted.
On that, they all agreed.
Jagger was schlepping Gamble along.
“It’s good to see you, G. Now, we’re getting you out of here.”
He shook his head.
“No. We’re going for Poe. I’ll walk back if I have to,” he said, and they knew he didNOThave it in him. “He’s stalling so I can save him. I need to save him. I can’t find another person’s body.”
They understood what he was saying.
Jagger helped walk him back to where they’d put the helicopter.
“We’ll get him, Gamble. We’ll head to his house and get him.”
Gamble limped along.
