Carter remained stoic.
“Believe it or not, we’re the good guys.” Michael stepped closer. “We’d like to find the people responsible for beating you up and traumatizing your child.”
“The men wore masks. I don’t know who they are. I have nothing more to say.”
“But you probably know who they work for, don’t you?” Finn parked himself on the sofa, facing the recliner. “Why did they do this? Why try to intimidate you?”
Still, Isaac said nothing.
Time for a different tactic. “We want you and Eddie to be safe. Let us help you.”
“Eddie will be safe. My sister is taking him as soon as you leave.”
Michael didn’t want to strong-arm the guy and use the whole obstruction-of-justice play, but they needed something here. And the sweat beading on the man’s upper lip and forehead said he was probably in a lot of pain.
“I’m gonna level with you, Carter. Eddie might know something, but if you speak to us, we won’t have to question your son, and you could protect him from having to remember the horrible experience.”
“If he’s really in danger, then the longer you prevent him from leaving with my sister, the more danger he’s in.” Isaac’s nostrils flared as he glared at them.
Yup. This guy was scared. He had to know something.
“How about this? We let your sister and Eddie go. You tell us what you know and let us check you back into the hospital. You’re not looking so hot.”
“Yes, please.” Stephanie rushed in and grabbed her brother’s hand. “You know I’ll keep Eddie safe. But he’s already lost his mother. He needs you.”
“I’ll be fine.”
“Not if you don’t get back to the hospital! Stop being so stubborn.”
Looked like Stephanie had a determined streak too.
Michael and Finn waited out the sibling stare-down.
Isaac closed his eyes a moment and swallowed. When he opened them again, he glared at Michael. “You’ll let them go and not ask me where?”
“We just want all three of you safe.”
“Fine. Let them go first. Then I’ll go with you.”
Michael really didn’t want to negotiate, but at least it was a step in the right direction. “Here’s my deal: She takes my card, and I have her word that if there’s even a hint of anything not right, she’ll call me right away.” Michael dug into his jacket pocket and held out his business card toward Stephanie.
“You have my word.” She took the card. “Now, please, get him to the hospital. I’ve already changed one bandage. He’s bleeding again.”
Isaac groaned. “Not till I say goodbye to Eddie.”
Within a minute, he was hugging his son tight, a tear escaping. “I’ll be with you as soon as I can. Listen to Aunt Stephanie, okay? Daddy loves you.”
Through more tears, Eddie nodded. And when Stephanie took his hand, he went willingly.
Brave kid. Michael knelt in front of him. “I’m gonna take care of your dad. I promise.”
Eddie plowed into Michael’s chest and squeezed. His sobs cracked open the hidden places in Michael, cementing his resolve to keep his promise no matter what.
Finn cleared his throat. “I’ll go move the car.”
Right. Michael swallowed past the tightness squeezing his throat. He set Eddie back on his feet and gave him the closest thing he could muster to an encouraging smile. “I’ll see you, bud.”
Stephanie led Eddie away.
