Page 48 of Rowe

“Well, they have someone now,” said Cowboy.

“They know that. They’ve heard about the botched searches. Even better, two of the dock owners have evidence on Nico Rossi and his disgusting habits,” said Hiro.

“What do you mean?” frowned Rush.

“Nico had a bad habit of drugging and raping women, leaving them pregnant. Many of the women opted for an abortion, just to get away from him. Several had their children, only to be faced with what Celeste, Mara’s sister, was faced with. The children were taken from them and never seen again. We think the golden boy, Nico, was selling the babies on the side. His old man obviously didn’t give a shit.”

“Well, we do,” frowned Ham. “Set up a meeting with Rossi. Make sure the dock owners are there as well. If they refuse to come, let them know we’ll give up their names to Rossi. If they attend, we’ll protect them.”

“He’s not going to agree to just come,” said Cowboy.

“He will if I’m there,” said Mara standing in the doorway. Rowe turned to her, his face suddenly pale, his fists clenched at his sides.

“No,” he said shaking his head. “No, you will not be there.”

“Rowe. Don’t you see? I know now that I can trust all of you. That you’re all amazing and wonderful and won’t let anything happen to me. Rossi will come if I am there. All those people out there. All those people these last few days. They risked their lives for me. Little old church ladies!” she yelled.

The room let out a small burst of laughter and Mara stared at them wondering why that was so damn funny.

“You obviously don’t know the church ladies,” smirked Gator. He looked at Rowe. “I know it’s tough, Rowe, but she’s right. If she contacts Rossi or we contact him and say we have her, he’ll show up.”

“You’ve all lost your minds,” he said shaking his head.

“Someone out there these last few days is struggling. Probably all of them. Offer them a reward for playing the part of the canary.” Ham smirked and chuckled.

“Canary?” he asked.

“Isn’t that what they call someone who tells on someone else?” she frowned.

“Sort of,” he smiled. “We understand what you’re saying. And your idea is a good one. We can ask everyone to turn over information about where to find you. Once his men show up, we’ll notify Rossi that you’re caught.”

“You don’t think he’ll come himself?” she asked.

“It would be strange if he did,” said Ham. “He’ll send his men first.”

Mara paced the floor back and forth. She kept walking past Rowe, touching his arm every time she did.

“No. No, he needs to show and I know how to make him.”

Four hours later, Mara sat behind Hiro’s computer smiling at the images before her. He turned, looking up at her.

“Are you sure? Are you ready to do this?” he asked.

“I’m ready. Send them.”

CHAPTER SEVENTEEN

Rossi stared at the photos streaming across his phone. It was a fucking music video and the star of it was Mara Guillory. In it, she was standing in front of all the fake signs, fake roads, and detours, pointing, and smiling.

“That fucking bitch!” he groaned. The background music was “I Still Haven’t Found What I’m Looking For” by U2. A few of the men actually smirked, several more were humming the music. Rossi stood, staring at them. “Are you fucking kidding me?”

“Sorry, sir,” said Theo.

“She thinks she’s smart. She thinks she’s won. I will rip her to pieces when I find her.”

“Look at the last photo, boss,” said one of the men. “It’s the bait shack near the General Store. Those hicks have been hiding her.”

“Let’s go. Everyone!” he growled. “I want every man, every weapon.”