Free Noble Intentions: Season Two (Episodes 6-10) by L.T. Ryan Page B

pulled the man forward so he leaned over, then lifted him back up. Repeated the process three times. The man inhaled with a groan and then took several short breaths.
    “Now,” Jack said, “tell me who you report to.”
    “Nobody.”
    “You like not breathing? Want to stay that way forever?”
    The man closed his eyes and shook his head.
    Jack leaned in with one hand placed just below the man’s neck. “Then tell me what I want to know.”
    “I know nothing.”
    Jack whipped his free hand across the Russian’s face. The slap of the hand was followed by a grunt from the man.
    “Tell me.”
    The man said nothing. His thick jaw muscles worked as he clenched his mouth tight.
    Jack drew his arm back to strike the man in the face with a full force punch. He felt Jasmine’s hand on his wrist. He looked back at her.
    “Let me handle this, Jack.”
    Jack held up his hands and stepped back. “You think I did a bad job?”
    The Russian shifted his eyes between Jack and Jasmine.
    She stepped forward, a smile on her face.
    “Look, um, what’s your name?”
    “I am no one of consequence.”
    She kept smiling. “Right, well, Mr. Consequence then. I apologize for my partner’s technique. Brute force isn’t always the best option. Right?”
    The Russian returned her smile. “No, it isn’t.” He glanced at Jack and then back at her. “It does not work with my people. We are strong. Unlike you Americans.”
    Jasmine’s smile broadened. She continued. “Frankly, you look at me and probably don’t fear me. Right?” She didn’t wait for him to respond. “But you should fear me more. You see, I can’t beat you like he can. Which means I have to resort to more drastic actions.”
    She pulled out her pistol and shot the Russian in the foot.
    He screamed and fell over to the side. The bullet went through the top of his foot and out the bottom. He clutched the wounded appendage in both hands. Blood poured from the entrance and exit wounds.
    Jack crossed his arms. Smiled. He was impressed.
    “Now tell me who you report to,” she said.
    The Russian had scooted himself back and sat against the tree. He still held his foot in both hands, pressing tightly in an attempt to stop the bleeding. “His name…” He paused to catch his breath. His face twisted and turned upward.
    “His name is what?”
    The Russian opened his eyes and spoke through gritted teeth. “Lazar.”
    “Is that a first or last name?”
    The Russian said nothing. He leaned his head back against the tree and seemed to be losing consciousness.
    “Answer me.” Jasmine placed the barrel of her gun against his head.
    The Russian pushed his head back against the tree and turned to the side. Tears fell from the far corners of both eyes.
    “That’s his first name.”
    Jack watched in amazement at how easily Jasmine had gotten the information. The man didn’t fear Jack’s strength, but he turned coat at the possibility that Jasmine would kill him one shot at a time.
    “What’s his last name? And where is he?” Jasmine asked.
    The man took two quick breaths and one deep inhalation. He held the air in his lungs for a few seconds and then exhaled. “Chernov. His name is Lazar Chernov. He’s in Georgia.”
    “The country?” Jasmine asked.
    “No, the state. Near Atlanta.”
    Jasmine looked back at Jack and nodded.
    He shrugged and held out his hands.
    “Call the name in,” she said.
    “There’s lots of us there,” the man said.
    Jasmine shook her head and gestured for Jack to hold on.
    “Wait, what? How many?”
    The Russian laughed. Closed his eyes and shook his head. “Screw you lady.”
    She aimed her gun at him again.
    “Jasmine, stop,” Jack said. “Come over here for a minute.”
    She backed up, keeping her eyes and gun focused on the man sitting against the tree.
    Jack said, “Let’s check out this Chernov guy.”
    She nodded. Holstered her gun. Reached into her pocket and pulled out her cell phone. She pressed and held down a single