Brody (Texas Boudreau Brotherhood #3) - Kathy Ivan Page 0,73

I’m with them now. Jamie’s eating ice cream, and Stewart and I have come to an understanding. How far are you from Williamson County?”

“Roughly fifteen, maybe twenty minutes.”

“Head up I-45 north. I’ll text you directions. Follow them exactly.”

“Tell him not to bring anybody with him, or we’re outta here.”

“I know what to do. Dad, be careful, I don’t trust Stewart.”

He heard Stewart’s bark of laughter. “Like I trust you, either.”

Brody ignored the other man’s taunt. “I’ll be there as fast as I can, Dad.”

He disconnected the line, turning to Rafe. “Alright, here’s what I think we should do.” Ignoring his brother’s smirk, he continued, “You head to the back door, and see if you can get in the employee loading area. That way, you’re inside in case things turn ugly. I’ll pull around the building and come in from the street side, so Stewart doesn’t know we’re already here. Once I’ve got Jamie clear of the building, you and Dad take Stewart down.”

He watched Rafe’s face as he mulled over the plan. “I think it’ll work. Drop me off around back, and make sure I get inside before you pull off.”

Brody started the car and drove around the small row of shops, and pulled to a stop behind the Braum’s. Before getting out of the car, Rafe unbuckled his ankle holster and handed it to Brody. “Just in case.”

Brody silently eyed the gun before reluctantly taking it. “I don’t want to use this.”

“I know, but I don’t trust Stewart not to try and pull a fast one. Once you have Jamie, take her to Beth.” He knew Beth was spitting mad, because he’d refused to let her come with them. Arrangements had been made for her to be with Antonio. They were only a couple of blocks away, close enough to get Jamie to her within minutes, but far enough away she was out of the line of fire. Even though her anger had raked gouges in his soul, he’d refused to back down. There was nothing and nobody putting the woman he loved in danger.

“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