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“That’s right. Evil. When you wake up, you’re going to feel relieved that you told us the truth. A huge weight has lifted off your shoulders. You’re going to drive straight home and pack a bag. You’re going to pull out as much cash as you can and then drive south to Alabama. You’re going to hide for the next two weeks. Then you’re going to find a new job and start a new life. You’re going to help people.”
“Help people,” Jeff murmured.
“I’m going to snap my fingers. When I do you’re going to wake up, refreshed and grateful to have told us the truth. You’re going to leave here. Pack. Cash. Alabama.”
“Gonna leave,” Jeff said on a sigh.
“Three…”
As Noah started to count, JB grabbed his knife and motioned like he was cutting through the tape holding Jeff’s hands.
“Two…”
JB put his knife away and carefully removed the tape from Jeff’s hands, tossing it into the grass behind him. Rowe pulled out his gun but held it behind his back. If something went wrong, he wanted to have it ready to put Jeff down.
“One.” Noah snapped his fingers.
Jeff blinked a few times, straightening where he sat on the log. He looked directly at Noah and heaved a heavy sigh as he stuck out his hand.
“Thank you so much for your help,” Jeff said with what sounded like genuine sincerity. “This whole thing has been a giant mess.”
Noah ripped apart the tape on his ankles, took his hand, and they helped each other to their feet. “We’re happy to help. We’re going to make sure that no one else gets hurt. Help people.”
“Yeah, that’s right.” He still sounded a little dazed, but he nodded, his smile staying firm.
“But I know that you’re in a hurry to get out of here. You mentioned that you’re taking a trip to Alabama. I know you want to get on the road.”
“Yeah. Yeah, I gotta get out of here.” He took a step forward and then stopped as he looked around at the trees surrounding them.
“Here. My friend JB is going to walk you to the car.”
JB quickly stepped up to Jeff’s elbow and started to lead him through the woods and back to where they’d parked the cars.
As soon as they were several yards away, Noah wandered over to where Rowe was watching JB and Jeff disappear from sight, his gun still at his side.
“Tell me you’ve never hypnotized me,” Rowe said in a low, hard voice. He had no idea that Noah could even do that, and the fact that he’d done it so fast was terrifying. And pretty damn amazing. He was seriously in awe of the man.
Noah’s low chuckle wrapped around him. He slid his hand down his back to grab one ass cheek. “No, I’ve never hypnotized you.”
Rowe turned his head and glared at him. “Seriously?”
“Hypnosis is largely about planting an idea or a command in someone’s subconscious.” Noah pressed his forehead against Rowe’s. “You already give me everything I could want. Why would I need to hypnotize you?”
The tension eased in Rowe’s chest and he sighed, realizing that he was being silly. Noah would never do something like that to him. “Smooth talker,” he murmured. He started to kiss Noah and then jerked away when an evil thought popped into his brain. “Can you hypnotize Snow? Do something like make him meow every time Jude says the word ‘lube’?”
Noah stumbled backward a couple of steps, laughing. The mental image was pretty freaking awesome. Snow would probably kill both of them, but it would be so worth it. “I’ll think on it.”
Rowe started through the woods, motioning for Noah to fall into step with him as they headed to the Jeep. They needed to return to the penthouse. With any luck, the triplets would have some information for them, preferably a face and details to go with the name Jeff handed over.
They didn’t get much from Jeff, but at least it was a starting point, and they didn’t have to torture a man who was largely innocent of the mess they found themselves entangled in.Chapter TwelveNoah heaved a happy sigh when he looked over their haul. They had two large pizzas loaded with toppings, beer, and a giant chocolate-chip cookie. No, it wasn’t Ian’s amazing cooking. It wasn’t even some steaks Rowe threw on the grill with vegetables. But sometimes he just wanted a simple, greasy meal that brought back so many good memories.
They’d stopped for the food on their way to the penthouse. After a quick search of the place to make sure no one had been inside, they settled in the living room with the grub. So far, the penthouse was untouched, and they hadn’t been followed since sending Jeff on his way. They were safe for at least another night. He was sure that was going to come to an end soon enough, but for now, he was going to enjoy the soft bed and safety.
