Chapter 56

Maybe they were famous, he thought with more than a hint of amusement. A politician. A war general. Perhaps even an actor or musician. He always wondered if anyone in the national spotlight knew about the magic stones and/or became involved with them. As time went on, the possibility seemed more and more likely, since famous people tended to be rich, as well.

He didn’t have long to ponder the subject. The first guy approached with a pair of pliers and tilted Dakota’s head back. He pried Dakota’s mouth open and, after a moment of consideration, selected a molar on the top right side. “How many of these do you think you need to eat?” said the man with what sounded like a Greek accent. “How many are you willing to live without—for your boss?”

Speaking past the metal, which he could hardly taste with all the blood dripping down his throat, “Ask me something.” At worst, he could always lie.

“Where is Adelaide Price?” inquired the other man.