Camo Man had struggled, and Ice was thrown back against the hallway wall. It hurt so much to hold the big, stocky man that tears came to Royal’s eyes. But the struggle was over in a few minutes, and Ice dropped the man, unconscious, in the narrow hallway.

Breathing hard, his whole body a study in pain, Ice had grabbed a couple of pillows and put them over Camo Man’s head. He fired twice. He then sat back, resting on one knee, wiping his eyes, waiting for the pain to subside, hoping no one had heard the muffled shots.

Wincing from what he was sure was at least one busted rib, Ice had grabbed the dead man’s keys, stepping over the body and pausing to look around outside the door. The mobile home park had been quiet when he left.

Digger listened, but from time to time he glanced at the TV and away from Ice. He didn’t ask any questions.

When he finished, Ice waited for an outburst, for cursing, anything. But Digger was calm, collected, almost detached.

“Chevy is still there? Still in that small town?”

“I guess, unless Bass has moved her. In any event, I don’t think she’ll be there much longer.”

Digger nodded thoughtfully and sipped his drink. “Cy had to take this chance,” he said. “Sorry about Gage, but it really doesn’t matter.”

Ice let that sink in because he knew that was how it was with Cyrus. He’d learned years ago, after his first operation for Boss Cross, that everyone was expendable. And like Cross, the only person who truly mattered to Cyrus was Cyrus. That was why having enough money to disappear somewhere peaceful and quiet was so important to Ice. He was the only one he could count on to watch his own back.

“Any chance you were identified?”

“No, of course not, but things are hot right now.”

“They won’t be for long.”

The statement took Ice aback. “Why?”

“Because things are happening quickly.” He sipped his drink and held Ice’s gaze. “We’ll get Chevy and pay her back for her treachery, no matter what.”

Ice started to speak but stopped himself. No one wanted revenge more than he did. But it was too hot to go charging right back in to get her now. He could wait for the perfect time, not rush things, wait until everyone’s guard was down, but he knew that Cyrus could not. Right now, Royal was tired, hungry, and aggravated. He’d keep his thoughts to himself for the time being.

Digger had turned the sound up on the TV.

“Grab something to eat,” he said. “A very important story is breaking. Hurry, then come join me and watch.”

Royal didn’t need to be asked twice. He grabbed some bread and made himself a thick sandwich.

“Watch the television,” Digger ordered as Royal took his first big bite.