Sam looked at the blank screen on the Blackberry in Kayla’s hand. “I think we should move them to the garage but not until they get a good soaking. I’m sure they have a phone number to call for emergencies. Once they give it up, we’ll make a decision.”

“That jerk has to pay for the stupid, dumb women crack,” Olivia snarled. The others agreed.

The Blackberry came to life. Kayla read the message. “It says to offer more money but nada on the details.”

“Send this message. Not interested. Specific details. Exceptional women, not a stupid one in the bunch. The best so far.”

They all laughed as Kayla typed the message.

The return message was short, just two words. Instructions stand.

“Okay, that’s enough fooling around. Give me that thing,” Sam said. She typed furiously. No, the instructions do not stand. It’s a new ball game. Your people are trussed up like Christmas turkeys. We even have their guns. Imagine five stupid women managing to do something like that. We want details, specific details on your operation, or our deal is off. Sam signed her name and pressed SEND. “Where’s Donovan’s cell phone?”

Kayla ran into the house and brought it to Sam just as the phone buzzed to life. Sam’s fist shot in the air. She flicked the power switch to ON, and said, “This is Sam Rainford, and I’m not taking any messages at the moment. Call me in an hour.” She clicked the power to OFF. She looked at the others and said, “I did that because I want to see what Slick comes up with on Big Pine Mountain before we actually talk. He was just checking to see if the message on the Blackberry was legit. Let’s have a look at our guests. It’s starting to rain. We certainly don’t want to be inhospitable now, do we?”

Business taken care of, the first three Rainford wives departed for their respective homes, promising to return by seven with dinner in hand. Donovan and Mateo were in the garage. The Blackberry and the cell phone were off. Sam wanted “Pappy” to sweat.

“Your turn, Sam. I’ll hold the fort while you shower and change. I’ll keep busy on the Net to see what else, if anything, I can come up with,” Slick said.

Thirty minutes later, both women sat on Sam’s bed hugging their knees. “What now, coach?” Slick asked as she finger-combed her wet hair. “We can’t keep those two guys in the garage forever. You look kinda funny, Sam. What’s really bothering you?”