"I believe our plan will be finished," Jim said. "And any loose ends will be tied up." He let out a breath. "If you would be so kind, we want to end this and then take our leave."

Frank and Fenton were roughly pulled back into their chairs with their arms tied behind their backs.

"I apologize for their roughness," Jim said sarcastically. "But you should’ve left it alone. I can guarantee you won’t be interfering again."

Before either of them could reply, the door to the office opened and in walked Fred Duerson. They had just witnessed the other connection.

"I see you have everything under control," Fred said approaching them. "Were there any problems?"

"None whatsoever," Jim replied. "I thought it was nice that they came to us."

"Is everything in place?" Fred asked.

"It is," Jim said. "We’ll just wrap this up and move on."

"Then let’s do it," Fred said.

"People know where we are," Frank said. "They’ll come looking for us."

"Of course they will," Fred said sarcastically. "Do you know how I knew you were here?" Frank and Fenton remained silent. "Well, I’ll tell you. Your other son called, concerned about your well-being, asking for me and my associates to track you down."

Frank groaned inwardly realizing Joe had no clue Fred Duerson was involved.

"Make sure those knots are tight so they don’t get loose," Jim said. "We need to be on our way."

"Why are you doing this?" Frank asked. "What do you hope to gain by hurting Mrs. Dilmer?"

"You are too young to understand," Jim said as Frank felt the rope tightened, cutting into his wrists. "But when you life has been destroyed by one person, that pain needs to be returned."

"But your life wasn’t ruined by Mr. Dilmer," Frank protested. "He was just the prosecuting attorney. You committed the crime. You made the choices to ruin your own life."

Jim stepped forward and grabbed Frank’s face in his hands, squeezing tight. "He was involved and will get what is coming to him."

Frank pulled his head out of Jim’s grasp, just in time to see Jim nod his head. Suddenly, there was a blinding pain at the back of his head and darkness surrounded him.