“Everybody in place? You all heard the plan.” Rafe spoke into the radio inside the unmarked car.
A string of affirmatives responded to his call. Everything was set. Rafe slid from the car and quickstepped to the rear door, knocking twice. It seemed like an eternity before a guy, little more than a kid really, answered. His eyes widened as big as saucers at whatever Rafe told him, but he opened the door and Brody watched Rafe ease inside, shooting him a thumb’s up before disappearing.
The waiting seemed interminable; each minute of the clock seemed endless. He buckled the ankle holster in place, praying he wouldn’t have to use Rafe’s spare weapon. Once fifteen minutes passed, Brody pulled onto the street and then made a U-turn before heading into the parking lot, making it appear he’d come from the main road. He parked directly in front of the store, and stepped from the car, his hands spread at his side, so Stewart could see he wasn’t holding anything.
The scent of grilled burgers and greasy fries hit him when he pulled the door open, his eyes darting back and forth between Stewart and his father. He hadn’t taken more than two steps inside, when he was hit by three feet of flying blonde pigtails and two arms twined around his waist.
“Uncle Brody! You came, you came!”
“I promised you I’d come and get you, honey bear.” He stared at Stewart, watching the other man, part of him hoping he’d get five minutes alone with him once the dust settled. The other half hoped the other man wasn’t a complete idiot who’d escalate the situation. They didn’t need any unnecessary bloodshed.
“Daddy and Mr. Douglas are here. They didn’t want any ice cream. Did you want ice cream, Uncle Brody? I can share mine with you, but it’s kinda melted.”
“That’s okay, honey bear. I don’t need any ice cream right now.” He ran a hand protectively over her back. “Dad, everything okay here?”
“It’s good. You take Jamie and—”
“Not so fast, Boudreau. Brody, you take a seat with my daughter. Mr. Boudreau, Brody’s staying put until you get your laptop. We have a transaction to make before anybody leaves.”
“That wasn’t the deal.” Douglas argued.
“Deal’s changed. Get the laptop.” Stewart moved aside the flap of his button-front shirt, revealing the gun tucked into his waistband. “I suggest you move quickly.”
Douglas clamored to his feet, and shot a look toward Brody. He nodded and led Jamie back to her table, hoping Rafe could see and hear what was happening. They’d only get one shot at this, and they’d need to take it soon.
Walking back in with a laptop computer, Douglas eased back onto the chair across from Stewart. “Did you check to see if this place has Wi-Fi? Otherwise, we’re going to have to move to some place that does.”
“They have Wi-Fi. Here’s the password.” He slid a scrap of paper across the table. “Connect and let’s get this over with. I want out of this lousy state.
Keeping his gaze on his father, he noted movement behind Stewart, who had kept his back to the kitchen and ice cream area, making sure he had a clear sight line through the front window. He spotted Rafe and a couple of other men inching closer to the small eat-in area.
“I’ve got a connection. Now let Brody and Jamie leave, and you’ll get your blood money.” Douglas held his hands over the keyboard, waiting.
“Right after you transfer the funds. I’m a reasonable man, Mr. Boudreau. But I’m not stupid. If I let Jamie go, I’ll never see a dime of that money.” Reaching into his pocket, he pulled out another ragged-edged paper. Here’s the account information and the routing number. Let’s get this done, because I’m losing my patience.”
Douglas lifted his hands from the keyboard, and crossed his arms over his chest. “No.”
“What do you mean, no? We had a deal.”
“Like you said, deal’s changed. You want to change the rules partway through, fine. Now we’ll do things my way. Brody, get Jamie out of here. Get in your car and drive away.” He leaned back in his seat. “Unlike you, Mr. Stewart, I gave my word to exchange myself and the funds in exchange for Jamie. You want the money and a hostage. That’s the deal. A plane and a full tank of gas, headed anywhere you want. An influential hostage. Nobody’s going to try and stop you, not as long as you have me.”
Stewart shot Brody a hate-filled glare. “Take her and get out!”
“Dad…”
“Everything’s gonna be fine, Brody. Take Jamie to her mother, where she belongs.” Douglas held up his cell phone. “I’m making a call to the pilot, the second Jamie and Brody are out the door. Agreed?”
“Do it.”
Brody lifted Jamie’s trembling body into his arms and raced for the front door. During the exchange, Jamie had figured out something bad was happening, and her little body shook with fear. She buried her head into the crook of his neck, and he felt her warm tears against his skin. Throwing open the car door, he strapped her into the passenger seat, and ran around the car, sliding into the driver’s seat. With a last look inside, he pulled away, tires squealing.
Jamie was safe. He’d left behind a disaster in the making, and he couldn’t help wonderful how they’d manage to disarm the situation, or if the only answer would be bloodshed.
CHAPTER TWENTY-FOUR
Beth lay beside Jamie. Her little girl slept after having been stuffed with waffles and whipped cream,
