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, and hugged by everyone within a five-mile radius. Now she was sleeping the sleep of the innocent. She’d loved being the center of attention, had chatted and preened as if nothing unusual happened, and fallen asleep almost the minute her head hit the pillow. Yet Beth couldn’t seem to tear herself from Jamie’s side. She hadn’t let her out of her sight from the moment Brody slid Jamie into her arms.
She’d been furious with him, heck, with all the Boudreaus, for not allowing her to confront Evan. While mentally she knew everything had worked out for the best, and they were right to keep her away, she still would have liked putting a bullet between Evan’s eyes. On the bright side, he was back in custody, in solitary confinement, and he’d face enough charges to keep him there for the rest of his natural life. Couldn’t happen to a better guy.
“How’s she doing?” Brody leaned against the doorjamb, a smile touching his lips. His tender expression as he watched Jamie snuggle deeper into the blankets was filled with the love he felt for her little girl. He’d displayed it in so many ways, not the least of which was today’s actions. There weren’t many men who’d risk everything to rescue her child. But then again, there weren’t many men like the Boudreau men.
“She’s doing amazingly well, all things considered.” Beth tucked the covers around Jamie