“Can you hurry up, Mommy? I don’t like this car. It smells funny.” Her voice lowered into a whisper, “And Daddy’s being mean. I want to come home.”
Tears spilled down Beth’s cheeks, and she felt Brody’s arms slid around her waist, felt the warmth and safety of being within his arms. She shook her head, trying to speak but unable to get the words to come.
“Honey bear, we’ll be there soon. Ms. Patti will fix you some frozen waffles and we’ll put ice cream and chocolate syrup on them. Even whipped cream. How’s that sound?”
“Uncle Brody! Are you coming to get me?”
“Absolutely.”
“Enough.” Evan’s voice came through the phone. “I’ll call you with instructions, and make sure you bring a laptop, Mr. Boudreau.” With that, the call ended.
Pandemonium ensued the second the call ended. Everyone was talking at once, and Beth couldn’t follow a single conversation, all her thoughts focused on Jamie. She spun around to face Douglas.
“Thank you. I’ll figure out a way to pay you back.”
Douglas reached forward and took her hand, squeezing it gently. “Darlin’, you’re part of this family now. Not like I’m going to let somebody like Evan Stewart get away with hurting your or Jamie. Don’t worry about the money, Jamie’s the most important thing, and we’re gonna get her back. She’ll be in your arms in no time.”
“I’m going with you.” Brody’s voice was a simple statement of fact, but she heard the underlying steel layering each word. “I promised her I’d be there, and I’m going.”
“Me, too.”
“Beth—”
“You’re not going to talk me out of coming, Brody. She’s my daughter!”
“And what’s to stop Evan from trying to grab you too, and take you both out of the country?” She could almost hear his unspoken or worse.
“You are.” She cupped his cheek, gazing into his brown eyes. “You and Douglas and Rafe and whoever else you drag into your rescue plan. I know we’re your first priority.”
“My only priority.”
Glancing around, she noted they were the only two people still standing in the living room. Everyone else had cleared out, giving them the illusion of privacy, though knowing her sister, she probably had her ear pressed to the opening of the kitchen, listening to every word.
“Go. I know your dad, Rafe, and the others are meeting someplace, coming up with a plan to capture Evan and rescue Jamie. Help them. But know this, I’m going with you. If you try to stop me, I’ll simply follow you.”
He chuckled. “I know you would.” Brushing a soft kiss against her forehead, he turned her toward the kitchen, giving her a nudge. “Go talk to your sister. I’ll be back.”
Taking a deep breath, she headed for the kitchen, the heart of the Boudreau home, and prayed like she’d never prayed before her baby stayed safe, and Brody didn’t end up killing Evan.
CHAPTER TWENTY-THREE
In under an hour, Evan called back with instructions. Brody and the others had put contingencies into place, calling in favors throughout the surrounding counties, making sure all their bases were covered, regardless of where Evan wanted to do the exchange. He still couldn’t believe his dad offered himself in exchange for Jamie. Not that he was surprised by his dad’s act, but that he’d beat him to the punch. All along, he’d intended to offer himself in exchange for sweet little Jamie, knowing Evan held a grudge against him for being part of his arrest.
Evan made sure the meet-up took place outside of Shiloh Springs County, so Rafe’s jurisdiction was limited—or so he thought. Idiot didn’t realize the Boudreaus had friends in almost every branch of law enforcement, and didn’t mind calling in markers owed. Now the State Highway Patrol, Texas Rangers, FBI, and a host of local jurisdictions were all on the lookout for the stolen car, Evan, and Jamie.
Evan’s demands were simple. Douglas was to come alone, with his laptop, and the cell phone. Demanded he drive toward Williamson County, get on Interstate 45, and head north toward Dallas. Then he’d text further instructions.
Traffic was light, since it was late on a Sunday, but that didn’t mean there wasn’t still spots of congestion. This was Texas; there was always construction on their highways and interstates. Rafe and Brody followed their dad’s truck, staying at least thirty yards behind, but close enough they could spot trouble. They’d been on I-45 for about fifteen minutes or so when Douglas’ truck slowed perceptibly. His blinker indicated he was taking the next exit. They were still inside Williamson County.
Brody’s hands tightened on the wheel, while Rafe called his contact with the Williamson’s Sheriff’s Department, relaying the exit number. His heartbeat kicked up a notch, and he kept his eyes glued to his dad’s taillights. He drove within the posted speed limits, though he doubted anybody would pull him over. Every available cop was watching, monitoring the situation, but keeping a respectful distance. Nobody wanted things to go south, not with a child involved.
The blinker on his dad’s truck clicked on, indicating a left turn, and Brody eased into the left lane. A quick glance at Rafe showed his brother’s whole body tensed for action, ready to spring at a moment’s notice. This was happening—soon. He could feel it in his gut, that feeling of everything slowing down around him, coming into sharp focus. It was the same feeling he got when he was fighting a fire. He knew every movement, every nuance of what the flames would do, and he was prepared and ready to fight if, tame it, control it. And he’d do the same here with Evan.
“Be ready,” he said, tightening his grip on the wheel.
“I’ve got this. Don’t go off half-cocked. We have to stay outta sight, or Stewart’s gonna try to run. I wouldn’t put it past him to use Jamie as
