Duncan stepped out from behind the pillar that had hidden him. “Yesterday, I would have. Today? Not so much.” Duncan stepped closer as he spoke. “I should have known how you felt when you kept talking about John and how he needed to be gone. This would explain those frequent trips to the adult center. You were communicating with Blake. You’re right, I was an idiot, but not any longer.”

Pamela laughed in his face. “What are you going to do? You haven’t the guts to kill me, and I wasn’t with the ones pulling the triggers on the convoy.”

Duncan’s eyes went cold and I knew what was going to happen. I stepped aside as he swiftly drew his Glock and shot Dane in the head, dropping him on the pavement. “The stooge is dead. Now all that remains is the mastermind.” Duncan said, turning towards Pamela.

Pamela backed up, looking at Dane’s body with a mixture of horror and disbelief. Her eyes drifted to Duncan who looked at her with sorrow and anger. As he raised his weapon, I spoke up.

“Wait.” I said. They both looked at me, Duncan with surprise and Pamela with relief. “This shouldn’t be an execution.” I looked at Pamela and holstered my SIG. I waved Duncan down and stepped away from the Xterra.

I continued speaking. “You tried to have me and my son killed. Your life is forfeit around here. You have two choices. Grab your gear and get away right now, or face me one on one.” I placed my hand on my SIG for her to realize what I meant.

Pamela spat at me. “Duncan will kill me if I win. No deal.”

“Duncan will let you go. My orders.” I said calmly.

Pamela seemed to be weighing the options. Her hand hovered near her gun, and I was waiting intently for her to make a play. Time stretched and I became aware of subtle noises around me, the slight breeze playing in the grass.

Finally Pamela’s head sagged and she slumped, realizing she had lost. Duncan moved swiftly and took her weapons away from her. She actually seemed smaller, but I had no pity whatsoever. “You have five minutes to get whatever is dear to you and get away. You will have no gun, no vehicle, and you will head north. If I ever see you again I will kill you on sight. No explanation, no warning, just death.”