Page 56 of Once a Hero

Jake tried not to react.

React? Huh. That’s surprising.

But there was more. Reacting was what he had been doing of late. Reacting. Running. Hiding.

Molyneux had many steps ahead of him. Them.

How?

Was Beatrice correct when she said that there was a spy inside the FBI? Who was it?

Raynelle rose from the grass.

Immediately weapons pointed at her.

She didn’t seem to care. “You touch her. You die.”

“Ooh. A rash champion.” John Doe walked toward Raynelle. “Who might you be?”

Jake waited.

“Let’s do a headcount, shall we?” John Doe said. “There are dozens of us. There are two of you still standing—not counting your Asian friend on the grass and Grady over there.”

Jake wondered if Kenichi was playing possum. He hoped that they hadn’t beaten him up too much. He remembered how Kenichi and Raynelle had helped him fight off Molyneux’s other men back in the forest.

When was that?

The night before?

Then again, there were only four assailants coming at them that night. This time, Oswald had brought reinforcements.

Jake hated to think he had no control over his circumstances, but here he was on the ground, unable stand up on his own, let alone run to anyone’s aid.

“Why are we still waiting here?” Beatrice asked.

John Doe turned his attention away from Raynelle.

Oswald spoke on his phone. “They’re almost here.”

“Who?” Beatrice asked.

“You wanted an audience with Molly. You got it.” Oswald laughed. “You’ll wish you never had the opportunity.”

Being taken captive alone was one thing, but Jake could not let them take Beatrice.

“Hey, Oswald,” Jake called out. “How much is Molyneux paying you?”

Oswald laughed. “More than you can ever pay me.”

Beatrice glanced at Jake. It seemed to be the opening she needed.

She turned to Oswald. “Did she offer you a piece of the Amber Room like she offered my dad?”

Oswald’s eyes lit up.

“No?” Beatrice smiled. “You know she will never give up any part of it. Not even a small chunk of the smallest panel.”

Oswald didn’t say a word.

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