Page 171 of Hunter's Revenge

“My God, that was weeks ago.”

Jeanne nods and tries to catch her breath. “Yes. I’ve been trying to hold it together, hoping against hope that a way would be found to resolve this. They threatened to sell her on the black market if I didn’t help them, and they said they would kill her if I told Malik. I couldn’t let them hurt her. She’s just a child. My family are besides themselves with worry, but I just want to die. I’m so sorry.”

“It’s okay.” None of this is okay, but it is what it is, and I have to find my way through it.

“They said they’d give her back if I can get you to them.”

“How are you going to get me off the property?”

“I know the secret passages leading off the grounds. I have the password for the surveillance down there. Once I switch it off, we can get off the property without being seen. My car is on the other side.”

It’s all been planned out.

“Okay, let’s go.” Those words recruit me into the list of people who have betrayed Malik’s trust. At this moment, I’m no different because he expected me to trust him to take care of this. Part of me wonders if he would be able to figure out where Dru is, and that’s most likely why Diego is making the deal directly with me. But I can’t take the chance and play with Dru’s life.

“I’m so sorry, Gwen. I didn’t mean for any of this to happen.”

I don’t know what to answer and say, so I keep quiet and pray to whomever will listen for help.

* * *

Ten minutes later, we’re on the road heading off to meet Diego—my doom.

We got off the property so smoothly and quickly I had to wonder if it was all really happening.

It was only when we got in Jeanne’s car that I snapped out of my reverie.

We drive in silence, something usual for us. I’ve never been around her and kept this quiet. Even when I didn’t know her, we were talkative, as if we’d known each other for a lifetime.

Thirty minutes go by until we approach the opened gates of what must be a private airport.

There’s a private jet off in the distance and two warehouse hangars right by the river.

The sight of the plane has my insides in a twist as I wonder what will happen to me once I’m in Mexico.

We drive right in, and men with machine guns approach, along with Diego.

One of his men is holding Dru. She’s tied up and gagged, and she’s been hurt.

Jeanne stops the car beside Diego, and when he sees me sitting next to her, he claps, cheering loudly like he’s at a national football game and his favorite team just scored a touchdown.

“Well done,” he praises Jeanne. “If in doubt, always go with the help. Look at this superstar here. Step out, my dear.”

Jeanne glances at me then opens the door. The door on my side is opened by one of Diego’s guards. I step out, praying like hell things go the way I need them to go and Dru is freed.

I straighten and look at my friend, who is shaking with terror.

Will they allow her to leave with Jeanne?

Is that what they’re going to do while we fly to Mexico?

I switch my focus to Diego when his guard grabs my arm.

“I’m here now. Let her go.” I imbue my voice with strength I’m summoning from deep within.

“Of course. I’m just going to ensure you both held up your end of the deal first,” Diego answers, displaying the wealth of his arrogance. “Search them.”

“I don’t have anything on me.” I shake my head.

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