“Anthony? It’s been a minute. Any news of Chris?”
“You know that he’s been kidnapped?”
“Of course. Oscar told me yesterday. Has Jay spoken with Dima yet?”
“He was supposed to, but now both Jay and Dima are missing.”
“Goddamnit,” Mickey grumbled. “I’m listening.”
Anthony told him everything they knew, then asked, “Do you know where the brothers live?”
“The Mitchell’s residence is in Connecticut, in an area called Watford, about a two-hour drive from Manhattan. I’ll send you the exact address, although I doubt they’ll be there. Still, it’s worth a shot, if only to search for clues to their true whereabouts. Will you drive there today?”
“Yes,” Ethan said. “We’ll leave right now.”
“Good. You’ll be wise to go armed.”
“I have a gun,” Anthony said, getting a sharp look from Ethan.
“Don’t hesitate to use it. Oscar and I will help clean up any mess you might leave behind.”
Anthony shifted on the couch as Mickey’s meaning registered. “Okay.”
“Keep me updated. Chris is... just bring him back quickly. There’s a lot of work to do in the office.”
Once the line died, Ethan asked, “You have a gun?”
“I went with Jay to buy one a couple of years ago after I got mugged. I haven’t touched it since then.”
Ethan nodded and stood up, determination in his eyes. “I guess we’re driving to Connecticut. With a gun.”
19
TREVOR
They had to cut the zip tie from around Jay’s legs so he could walk. Since then, the man fought every step of the way. Dima punched his stomach and ribs, but still Jay fought like a stubborn mule.
Trevor had a blast watching the commotion. He whistled a happy tune, dragging the heavy shovel across the damp ground that was almost invisible under the blanket of fog. They walked farther from the house and closer to the abandoned amusement park. The crows became louder by the minute, clearly bothered by the three trespassers.
From behind, Dima grunted in anger, followed by the sound of a punch and a muffled “oof.”At this rate, Jay would be dead by the time they reached their destination, which was perhaps for the best.
The light became noticeably dimmer when they crossed the first line of trees. Trevor wished to walk farther into the woods, but there was no point doing so in the dark.
“Here.” He pushed the shovel into the damp ground.The recent rain played in their favor, hinting that even nature was A-okay with Trevor’s plan.
Jay stared wildly around, wheezing loudly as he sucked in air. The piece of clothing remained tucked deep in his mouth. Trevor debated pulling it out, curious to hear if Jay’s voice was as manly as the rest of him. During the scuffle, Jay’s coverall had torn, revealing part of his chest. Trevor expected him to be hairier, but Jay seemed to be a relatively smooth and sexy fucker.
“Give me your gun,” he told Dima.
“Why?”
“So I can aim it while you dig.”
“Why doIdig?”
Trevor sighed and took a step closer, meeting Dima face-to-face. “You’re so big and strong, Dima. Let me be the brain of our little operation, okay?”
“I’m wounded.”
