Page 81 of Two Favors Repaid

“I was hoping he’d get eaten by a bear,” Rob said laconically.

He didn’t seem particularly worried, but maybe he was just putting on a strong front.

So I won’t get scared.

Too bad I’m already terrified.

The door to the bedroom swung open. Emma shielded her face as light flooded the small room. Ford strolled in. Emma looked at him appraisingly. Sweat dripped down his face, and his blond hair was ruffled. He didn’t look as in control as before.

Behind him, Melody shivered. “It’s so cold in here, Stephen. Are you sure we can’t light a fire?”

Ford shook his head in disgust.

“My friends and I are going to have a chat now. You get the fuck back to the front room, Melody. Sit on the couch and don’t move a muscle. Or I’ll make sure you can’t move a muscle anymore.”

“Are you going to—”

“Do not finish that sentence, Melody,” he threatened.

The woman disappeared from view.

Ford focused his attention on them. Emma shrunk under his stare.

“Now we can chat. You’re going to tell me who the fuck is out there.”

Rob took a small step forward, positioning his body slightly ahead of hers.

“There’s nobody out there, Ford,” he said calmly. “I think your paranoia’s getting the better of you.”

“Don’t fuck with me, Hope. That window didn’t break itself.”

“Maybe it was a bird,” Rob taunted.

Ford smashed his fist into Rob’s face. Rob shifted his head sideways at the last instant, and the man’s fist landed on his cheekbone rather than his nose. Rob grunted but didn’t make a sound.

Ford cradled his knuckles in his other hand.

“Maybe we should get out of here, Stephen,” the woman said, coming up behind them. She looked around her fearfully.

“What’s wrong?” Ford asked sarcastically. “You couldn’t find the couch?”

“I’m just scared, Stephen.”

“Don’t be. These two have just told me everything I needed to know.” Ford cocked his head. “This one,” he said, pointing at Rob, “isn’t scared enough. That means he’s waiting for something. Waiting for the cavalry to arrive, most likely. Which they will do, probably at first light.”

Emma shivered in fear.

“Then we need to get out of here!” Melody cried.

“No. We won’t be able to go far. We’re going to need transportation. And they’re going to provide it. If they don’t, death will take a long time coming for these two.”

“You’re nuts, Ford, if you think the FBI is going to let you get away. You and your lady friend,” Rob said calmly, “will go to prison. The only question is, does your girlfriend want to add murder to the charges she’s already facing? If you let us go now, it’ll be taken under consideration. You might even be able to see each other—”

“Stop talking or I’ll take your tongue out,” Ford spat out.

“Is he telling the truth, Stephen?” Melody asked. She paced the small room manically. It looked like she was coming apart at the seams.

“He’s most certainly not telling the truth,” Ford said.