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“So, Cord, it appears you know a bunch about this, Mr. Eldridge and family. Anything you like to share? Addison asks.”
“He’s self-absorbed. He’s got access to wealth and power. A control freak, manipulative and spies everywhere.”
“And,” Addison asks.
Looking around could see everyone evaluating the situation, their options. Time passed, the silence uncomfortable. Could almost read their minds, stay, why, move on to… where, seek out this Mr. Eldridge and to finish the story? Revenge or justice? Loyalty to a cause, a circle of associates.
“I’m with ya, I told Susan I’d find the truth, done, and give here a chance to confront her attackers and her ‘benefactor’. Mr. Eldridge bought her off, to ease his guilt. I’m in,” Cord said.
“I’m with ya,” Brett added.
“Count me in,” Joshua said.
As Franks, never lacking for words, looked across the table catching Diana’s eyes, mouth open, when she weepy, spoke, “I can’t leave, I… can’t.” Turns and quickly slips away, body hunched over, arms crossed, as a chilly breeze sweep her along. Everyone turns wondering while understanding his plight.
Looking at Jesse, “I, we need to right this wrong. I’m… in.” He looks up as Diana fades away, never looking back.
Eyes now turn toward Addison. “I was raised ready. We need to leave, so let’s leave with a purpose.”
All looking back, waiting for a sign.
“Are you ready to rattle his cage?” Jesse asks?
“What’s the plan,” Frank replied?
“Forty-eight hours. You all will exit out the back. I’ll exit out the front. Gotta make sure her spies see me leave. Follow me. We’ll meet, deserted or not, at the Eldridge ranch. Frank, you’ll ride with me. We’re seek out Mr. Eldridge and squeeze his world and find this Max while avoiding endangering members of the Well.”
“What about Susan,” Cord asks?
“She needs to believe her truth, that we are running away, her father is running away, again,” Addison answers.
Silence. Those words stung, “running away again.”
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