With a swift kick, Sam connected directly into the man’s right knee. The impact of the blow, combined with the velocity of the man’s hulking upper body disconnected the kneecap instantly.

The crack was sickening.

The howl of pain that followed was just as haunting.

Scrambling to get to his feet, Jay collapsed down onto his other knee, lifting his head just in time to see Sam’s knee driving towards his skull.

Jay collapsed, motionless from the blow.

Sam stood straight, turned to face Mason, only to be greeted by the barrel of a revolver. Behind the gun, Mason’s eyes betrayed his confidence and to try to wrestle control of the situation, he pulled back of the hammer with his thumb.

Sam didn’t move.

Trying his best to stem the gentle shake of nerves in his wrist, Mason snarled at Sam.

‘You move, and I’ll blow your fucking brains out. One last time, who the fuck are…’

Sam’s hand shot up before Mason could finish his question, instantly gripping the pressure point on the back of the gun-wielding hand. The finger left the trigger and Sam twisted, loosening the man’s grip before he slipped his own hand around it. He turned it, pointing it directly at the Mason’s face.

It had taken him less than two seconds to disarm him.

The fear in Mason’s expression outweighed his admiration, and he slowly held his hands up.

‘Look, man. I’m sorry, but we can’t be too careful.’

‘Get on your knees,’ Sam demanded. Mason did so, and Sam stepped forward, pressing the gun to the man’s forehead. A bead of nervous sweat slid past the barrel. ‘Now tell me, where can I find Alex Stone?’

‘She’s at HQ,’ Mason stammered. ‘Bar called The Pit. South Carolina. Just outside Dillon. You hit the I-95, and you’ll come across it, eventually. Can’t miss it. You wanna put the gun down?’

Sam took a look around the bar once more, at the two motionless men he’d shut down. There was no doubting that whoever was running The Pit would be warned of his impending arrival.

But he wasn’t going to kill these men.

It wasn’t why he was here.

Sam turned back to Mason and withdrew the gun, much to the man’s relief. As he gathered himself, Mason looked up at Sam in confusion.

‘Who the fuck are you?’

Sam looked down at him, emotionless.

‘I’m just a guy who made a promise.’ He turned the gun round in his hand, holding the barrel in his fingers. ‘We both know I can’t let you watch me leave, right?’