Don't Mess With Jenny Lee

The apartment buzzer startled her. She looked at her watch. It was just before nine. It must be Zach. That was quick, 15 minutes. He probably doesn't have a key.

She walked to the door, secured the chain lock, and opened the door a crack. A small, thin man whose face was partially hidden by a large bouquet of flowers greeted her.

"Delivery for Miss Martinez," he said.

"How sweet. Rob said he would send flowers." She unhooked the chain lock and opened the door. At that instant Wojac and Mozzoli pushed their way in, knocking Jenny off balance. For a big man Mozzoli was fast. In one swift and smooth motion he grabbed Jenny, clasped his hand over her mouth, and pulled her arm behind her back. Wojac quickly shut the door, took out a switchblade knife, and pressed it against Jenny’s throat.

"You scream, lady, we end it here," Wojac said.

Jenny nodded. Her eyes bulged above the clammy, hairy hand over her mouth.

"Where’s the Martinez chick?"

Jenny shook her head. Wojac pressed the tip of the blade into her throat and a thin line of red blood dripped down the side of her neck.

"Hold on," Mozzoli growled, "let’s not make a mess here. We want to take them out to that quarry near the river. Remember, no trace. I’ll check the place out. Tie her up." He took out his Browning nine-millimeter, screwed a silencer on the barrel and, after checking the kitchen and bathroom, walked down the hall to the bedroom.

Wojac put the knife aside. "Easy does it, lady. Put your wrists together." He took out a roll of duct tape, and as he started to tape Jenny’s wrists, she bent forward and swung both hands upward into Wojac’s broken nose. It was a direct hit. He yelped like a startled puppy, dropped the tape and put his hands up to his face. He stumbled in pain, lost his balance, and began to fall to the floor.