Page 105 of Jameson’s Salvation

“They’re headed north. Come on, Kennedy. Keep going,” McKenna encouraged, even though Kennedy couldn’t hear her. “She knows we’re listening.”

“I’m headed north.” Jameson jogged to his truck and watched Weston toss his keys into the open window of his truck. “Tell me where I’m going.”

“Someone park this for me.” Weston gestured to his vehicle. “I’ll be back later for the keys.”

“Pulling up a map now,” McKenna told Jameson as Nixon and Weston piled into his truck.

“Do a property search in Pennsylvania, anything—”

“Already did it,” McKenna cut Nix off.

“I didn’t kidnap you,” Deloris sneered. “My Reggie’s in jail because of you. It’s all your fault.”

“You sure went through a lot of trouble drugging me and tying my hands behind my back for a nice afternoon drive.”

Jameson’s grip on the wheel tensed until his knuckles turned white.

That’s it, babe, keep her talking. Hold tight, I’m coming for you.

32

Kennedy

My headache had turned into a dull throb and my throat felt like I’d swallowed sand.

There was nothing I could do but talk while we were driving and pray that McKenna had been able to hack my phone. Jameson had to know I was missing by now.

All I had was hope and a prayer. I’d been trying to untie the knot behind my back but all I’d done was chafe my wrists bloody and the sticky liquid did nothing to lubricate. It actually made it worse.

Even after all these hours, I was still in a state of shock that Deloris had been able to get me into her car. I didn’t remember her doing it, but I was surprised she was as strong as she was—I had to have been dead weight. I wasn’t afraid of Deloris so much as I was of the thought of her having an unknown accomplice.

What if someone else was following behind us? She’d said she didn’t kidnap me. And I was afraid to ask her what she’d meant by that. Did she not put me in her car, or in her mind was it not kidnapping me because she was taking me somewhere to kill me?

Either way, I was screwed until we stopped. Now that the drug had worked its way out and I could think clearly, I realized I still had use of my legs. As long as she didn’t shoot me or stab me I could easily outrun the woman—even with my hands tied behind my back.

I was formulating a plan of attack when I remembered I hadn’t been giving McKenna directions.

Please be listening.

“Why are we going to Fuller Lake?”

“Enough!” Deloris shouted.

“Just tell me why? Why are you doing this? Why are we on Lake Shore Drive?”

“Because you ruined everything. It’s your fault my son was murdered. If you would’ve just sold Reggie your land, none of this would’ve happened. My son would be alive and me and Reggie would be together.”

No surprises there, I’d already put two and two together and figured out why she’d kidnapped me, but I was happy she admitted it. If McKenna was listening, she’d also be recording the conversation. At least when this was over, Deloris Marshall would be right next to Reggie in the detention center and they could be together like she wanted.

“I didn’t kill your son.”

“It’s all your fault!” Deloris screamed.

In her fit of anger, she jerked the wheel and I careened sideways. My abdominal muscles protested as I tried to remain upright.

“Be careful or you’re going to crash.”

“What do I care? Everything’s gone. All gone. You took everything.”