Page 79 of The Search

“I don’t know if I can stand the thought of you sitting fat and healthy in the capitol, but it will definitely make my mind up if you turn me down.”

“I will turn you down, you asshole.”

“No, you won’t. You’re an ambitious man and I’m probably the biggest obstacle you’ve ever run across. Think about it. Why risk everything just for a little goodwill and publicity? Go get them somewhere else. You’ve used her and Monty enough.”

“Have I?” Sarah could see him struggling to contain his rage as he whirled on her. “Have I used you enough, Sarah?” His voice was thick with malice. “Speak up. It’s not like you to stay in anyone’s shadow.”

“Go away, Madden.”

“Now you’re giving me orders?” His gaze went from her to Logan and back again. “You think just because you’re sleeping with the big man, you can pull the strings.”

“I’m not sleeping with Logan.”

“He’s just staying in this crummy shack because he likes it? I’m not an idiot. I can see how he looks at you. Money and sex make the world go round. You couldn’t give him money, but sex is no problem for you, is it?”

“Shut up, Madden,” Logan said.

“So protective.” He shot him a mocking glance. “I can’t blame you for letting her talk you into —”

“Shut up.”

“She fucks like a wild animal, doesn’t she? She’s the only woman I ever screwed who never said no. It didn’t matter what I asked her to do, she—”

Sarah’s fist connected with his nose. Blood spurted and he staggered back against the car.

“Go away, Madden,” Sarah said. “Now.”

“Whore.” He reached for his handkerchief and covered his nose. “You are an animal.”

“Maybe. I know I’m tempted to go for your throat.”

“Hit the road.” Logan’s expression was grim. “And get on your phone the minute you hit the highway. I want a call from ATF within thirty minutes offering to sell Monty to Sarah.”

Madden began cursing.

“I’m not going to repeat myself.” Logan took a step closer. “Listen to me. I was annoyed with you before, now I want to break your neck. Do what I tell you.”

“I’m not afraid of you.” But Madden backed away. He gave Sarah one last malevolent look as he got in the car. “You think you’re so clever. Oh, you’ve got him now, but he’ll get tired of you and I’ll still be around.”

“I don’t doubt it,” she said. “Cockroaches are great survivors.”

“Unless they get stepped on,” Logan said.

Madden opened his mouth and then closed it without speaking. A moment later he was in the car, streaking down the road.

“God, that felt good,” Sarah said. It felt better than good, as if a gigantic weight had been taken off her shoulders. “Do you think he’ll make the call?”

“I almost hope he doesn’t.” Logan turned on his heel and went into the house.

She stared at him in surprise before following him. “Why?”

“Because I want to crucify the son of a bitch.” His tone was savage. “But you’re feeling just fine because you punched that bastard in the nose, aren’t you?”

“Yes. Why are you so angry? Madden attacked me and I took care of it.”

“Did it occur to you that I would have done it for you?”

“No.”