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Ben Jackson
Woods around Pulhapanzak Falls
Honduras
Ben, Liam and Jax slithered along the ground to get into position. Thanks to Regan losing her gun, all three were now armed. They’d left the bodies where they fell. Ben was sure the cartel would find them and clean up any mess before they left the area. Or they’d leave them there to rot. It didn’t matter to Ben either way. The guns used couldn’t be traced back to him.
Ben, Liam and Jax laid on their stomachs and peeked out from under the leaves and bushes to watch what was unfolding in the parking lot.
One of the men pushed Regan forward. He received a crack to the skull for his efforts, taking out one more captor for Liam and Ben. Jax covered her mouth with one hand while the other held the gun. It visibly shook in her hand. She’d need to calm down if she were to be any help.
Ben and Liam eyed the sight before them. Gracie stood nearest to them with one guard on her. Their vehicle partially blocking the woods. Regan and another stood facing each other in the center of the largest group. If Ben believed his eyes, he’d think the man was fond of Regan already.
Other than the hostages, Michael and Frank, the man holding Regan was the only other person without a weapon. Three men pointed their guns at Michael and Frank. Guy didn’t seem to be with the new group, but he didn’t seem fearful of them either.
“I think that’s el jefe.” Ben used his chin to point. His hands held his gun in front of him.
“Agreed. We’re still outnumbered,” Liam said. Jax stayed quiet. She hadn’t spoken a word other than asking for a gun since the attack earlier. She made Ben nervous since he didn’t know how well she could handle the weapon. It was splitting his focus making sure she didn’t accidentally shoot one of them.
“Not really. One of us can take out the guard holding Gracie. That evens us up. Three on three,” Ben replied.
“How do you suppose we do that?” Liam asked.
“Nobody is watching Gracie and the guard. You and I sneak up. You grab Gracie and cover her mouth while I deal with him. The SUV will offer us some cover.”
Liam was not happy with the idea, but he knew they had to be daring to shift the control in their favor. Liam reluctantly agreed.
“Let’s wait a few minutes and watch. El jefe could still see us from his position. When he turns away, we move,” Ben said. He glanced at Liam for confirmation.
Ben and Liam got onto their hands and knees and prepared themselves to move quickly when the moment happened. They didn’t have to wait long. Regan pointed to Michael and Frank, el jefe turned toward them, giving Ben and Liam their moment.
Liam and Ben moved toward Gracie, barely making a sound as their feet touched the gravel. Liam grabbed Gracie, wrapping his hand over her mouth so she couldn’t make a sound as he pulled her toward the trees. Ben wrapped his hands around the guard’s neck and twisted. A small popping was the only sound made. Ben lowered him to the ground behind the vehicle quietly. He was back with the others only moments later.
Guy watched the whole thing play out but didn’t say a word or move in any way. For the first time in thirty years, he was happy to have someone take her away.