Page 155 of D for Dead

‘We already have you,’ Rivers continued. ‘What makes you think you can bargain with us?’

He shook his head, turned to Troy, disgusted. ‘Go upstairs and get rid of Boaz. I’m going to get our friend here ready for some fun.’

* * *

Jake got the call from Hickok as he was heading out with Wagner. He listened as the Fed told him about the picture and the list, before explaining Benson had already recognised Rivers and made the connection.

His weapon was drawn as he kicked open Rivers’ motel room door. The room was empty and he was unsurprised to see the bed hadn’t been slept in.

Did he have Amy?

If he did and he hurt her, Jake was going to kill him.

Wagner stepped in behind him, nodded grimly. Benson and another of his deputies were close behind. ‘I’ll take Anderson. Head over to Virginia’s. They could be there. Benson, you go with Detective Sullivan over to Leslie Rooney’s place. I’m thinking if they’re not at Virginia’s they will have returned to Troy’s old family home.’ He looked at Jake. ‘I’m guessing these boys are in it together?’

‘It’s looking that way.’

Benson drove, gunning the engine and taking corners at breakneck speed. Leslie Rooney’s house was in darkness. There was no need for lights, as she wouldn’t be coming home and if Troy and Rivers were inside with Amy, they would want to be discreet.

Benson tried the front door and, as expected, found it locked. Jake eased her out of the way, drew his gun, before kicking it hard. Wood splintered as the door flew open. They were met with dark silence.

‘Take downstairs,’ he instructed, before heading to the first floor.

The house was small and didn’t take long to search. They were wasting their time. Amy wasn’t here.

‘I’ll radio the sheriff,’ Benson said as they headed out to the car. ‘See if they’ve turned up anything at Virginia’s.’

They hadn’t and agreed to reconvene back at the sheriff’s office. Jake was quiet on the ride back, frustration kicking in and his belly jumpy. The clock was ticking and they were running out of time. Amy had to be okay. As they headed through the woods, passed the junction that led down to Tucker Johnson’s place, his mind worked overtime.

And then it hit him.

‘Stop the car.’

Benson glanced over, eased her foot off the gas. ‘Why? What’s up?’

‘The house in the woods: Johnson’s place, that’s where they would take her.’

She nodded, swung the car around sharply, headlights thrashing ahead, the car bouncing as road became dirt track.

There was a loud bang, the car skidded and Benson fought to keep control. Jake grabbed the wheel, turned it into the skid and they slid off the road, their path halted by a giant oak. Smoke fizzled from the hood.

‘You okay?’

‘Yeah, I think so.’ Benson nodded. ‘The tyre must’ve popped.’

Jake helped her from the car, stopped long enough to be sure she wasn’t hurt.

‘Radio Wagner, tell him to get backup and meet me at Tucker Johnson’s place.’

‘You should wait for them to get here.’

‘No time. I need to get to Amy.’

Leaving Benson with the car, he took off at a sprint towards the house.

* * *

As Troy disappeared upstairs to find Boaz, Amy made a final attempt to break free, again using her feet to kick out at Rivers. He had already wised to her tactics and easily manoeuvred himself, so she missed. Managing to work her left arm behind her, she grabbed at his groin, squeezed hard.