The Queen Back From Hell - Chapter 82: Chapter 82

They'd probably strike before even reaching the black market.
Once inside the black market, there'd be too many variables, some things would be beyond her control.
Compared to Melinda's unhinged frenzy, Ivanna remained remarkably composed.
She drew a deep breath to steady her nerves.
"I mustn't act rashly," she told herself, "not when Eve's life is at stake."
Following Arielle's instructions, Ivanna positioned everyone at her disposal along the designated route.
All they had to do was bide their time.
A direct rescue attempt would endanger Eve.
So they decided to take a more subtle, roundabout approach.
Samson's trusted right-hand man, Logan Calhoun, was sitting beside Arielle.
"Miss Bradford, I'll go talk to them in a bit," Logan said.
Arielle nodded. "Thanks, Logan."
She never planned to negotiate with them herself, she knew she didn't have the presence to convince anyone.
But Logan was someone they'd trust.
The car crept forward slowly.
The cops were indeed conducting a drunk-driving check.
Seven's vehicle passed through without a hitch.
Twenty minutes later, as they rounded a sharp bend, Seven's car was abruptly cut off.
Seven cursed, "Damn it!" and then snapped, "What the hell's going on?"
The driver was stunned and nearly swerved into the median.
"Boss, looks like a few guys just got out of the car behind us... they don't look friendly," the driver said nervously.
Seven was about to bark at the driver to floor it and get them out of there.
Just then, sharp raps sounded on the car window.
As the window rolled down, Logan came into view.
"Seven," he said, "the owner of the Black Market sent me to discuss a deal with you."
Seven jolted. 'How the hell does he know I'm here to deliver the goods?' he thought, alarmed.
Seven stayed wary, not buying Logan's story for a second. Impatiently, he snapped, "The hell you talking about? Don't know what you mean."
Menace flashed in Logan's eyes.
Logan's voice was menacing. "Seven, you've got some nerve, daring to disrespect Sir Tiger like this?"
Sir Tiger was the true power behind the black market, no one had ever seen his true face.
But his legend lived on.
Hearing this, Seven started to think maybe Logan was legit after all.
Nobody knew about today's black market delivery except Melinda and Sir Tiger.
This guy clearly wsn't one of Melinda's people.
So he felt that he must be from the black market.
Seven's mind raced, then it clicked.
Forcing a grin, he got out of the car.
He stood respectfully before Logan, feigning humility.
"Sorry, boss," Seven said, "but I gotta verify your ID. You know how it is in our line of work, one wrong move and it's our heads on the chopping block. Can't be too careful."
Logan pulled out the black market's unique seal.
Seven took one look and instantly knew it was the real deal.
His attitude did an instant about-face.
Bowing deeply, he said, "Didn't recognize a big shot when I saw one, please forgive me."
Logan couldn't be bothered with his nonsense.
Logan said coolly, "Your merchandise has been targeted. That's why Sir Tiger sent me to intercept you."
Seven's blood ran cold. "What? We've been made?" he gasped.
A chill ran down Seven's spine. 'If they're onto us, I'm done for,' he thought, panic gripping his chest.
"Sloppy work," Logan said coldly, "That idiot Melinda got herself overheard on the phone."
Leaving it at that, Logan shot Seven a cold sidelong glance. "Where's the merchandise?"
"Oh, right! The merchandise is here... it's in the trunk," Seven said hurriedly, quickly pointing to the back of the car.
Seven and his men yanked open the trunk. Logan's crew moved swiftly, transferring the sack with the bound and gagged Eve inside to another car.
Seven suddenly snapped back to reality and blurted out, "Hey, what about the money for the deal?"
'How am I gonna explain this to Melinda without the money?' he thought anxiously.
Logan shot Seven an impatient glare. "How the hell should I know the price? The goods haven't even been sold yet. Once the deal goes through, the money will be wired to the account you gave us. Simple as that.
"Pathetic! Can't even get the basics right!"
With a brusque remark, Logan got into the car with his men and sped off.
Seven and his crew stood there, utterly bewildered, as the wind whipped around them, completely at a loss.