Chapter 94

Millie Ransome, the Four Corners veterinarian, pressed a fresh compress against Willow’s wound, “It’s only seeping now, but I’ll need to get her to my surgery, clean it better, do some stitches.” She had already given Willow a morphine shot for the pain.

Luke and Martin lifted her gently onto the stretcher and carried her down to Ransome’s van. Two of Martin’s security team took over.

Back in the office, two more Army buddies took the still-unconscious Tammy Collins to the stockade. Luke said, “If she comes around, shoot her up with more dope; I don’t want her screaming.”

Claire said, “But keep her alive. I have some longterm plans for her.”

Martin examined the two fixed-blade combat knives. He said, “Karambit.”

Luke nodded, “Nasty fuckers.”

Claire said, “Why are they curved like that?” She liked to know stuff.

Holly, still breathing harshly, naked and bound, had tears running down her cheeks.

Luke said, “It’s a hawkbill blade — modeled on the claws of jungle cats.”

Martin, “Major damage — Willow was lucky.”

Claire, “And fast.”

Luke said, “They used knives instead of guns because this wasn’t a suicide mission. They planned to get away.”

Claire, “After they killed us.”

Luke, “This is why Delgado was so patient. He planted them here and was just biding his time.”

Claire nodded at Holly, “Sit her on a chair. Untie her, she’s not going anywhere.”

The woman couldn’t meet Claire’s fierce gaze. Claire lifted her chin, “Look at me, you fucking cunt.”

Luke and Martin were straightening up the office, righting chairs, realigning desks.

Claire said, “You know you’re dead, right?”

Holly nodded.

“It can be mercifully quick. Or I can draw it out for days and days. Like I’m going to do with Tammy.” Claire smiled grimly, “She’s going to be screaming her heart out, begging to die.”

Tears continued streaming down.

Claire picked up a knife, “You’re going to tell me everything about Delgado — everything. Starting with what you’re supposed to do after you killed us. How you would contact him, what you would say.”

She waggled the knife, “Otherwise, this goes up your cunt.” Claire spoke softly — her words were almost like a college professor explaining an intricate calculus formula. “I’ll go real slow, take my time, there’s no chance you’ll die. Not for days, maybe weeks if I’m having fun.”

Luke also spoke calmly, “When you’re bored with her, give her to Willow.”

Claire smiled for the first time since the attack, “Yes, yes indeed. That will be real justice.” She looked directly at Holly, “I’ll have Ransome shoot you up with something to keep you conscious. I won’t let you pass out.”

Holly spoke for the first time, her voice a raspy growl, “Lady, I’ll tell you everything. You already know that. You don’t need to threaten me. And I’m not going to beg.”

Mistake.

Claire thought, “Oh, honey lamb, you are going to beg. You have no idea. We’ll keep you and Tammy alive for weeks.”