Page 184 of Running to You

“Not boys.” Anger hummed in Grant’s words. “Former special operatives, SEALS and Green Berets. Trained and battle-tested. Which is why all the good guys are still alive—and all the hostages.”

The chief saw Sam approaching. “You were a soldier?”

“Nope. I’m the father of one of the children who was held hostage and the fiancé of one of the women.”

“You’re going to prison. I hope it was worth it.”

The words sent a fresh round of acid to his stomach.

Prison?

But then, the rest of what the chief said registered. “Worth it? To save their lives? All those lives?” Sam stepped closer. “What do you think?”

Before he could respond, a door opened and Michael walked in. “Phone call for you.” He held out his cell to the chief.

The man reared back. “Who are you? What are you—?”

“You’re gonna want to take that, sir.”

He yanked the phone out of Michael’s hand and barked into it. “Who is this?” And then, his spine straightened. “Sorry, sir. I didn’t realize…”

Michael gestured to his brothers, and they moved toward the other end of the corridor.

“What’s going on?” Sam asked.

“Called in a favor.”

Behind him, the chief said, “But that’s not what… No, I understand.”

“What kind of favor?” Grant asked.

“The get us all out of trouble with the local cops kind. He won’t like it, but he’ll go along.”

“Who is it?” Sam asked.

Michael just smiled.

A moment later, the chief said, “Yes, sir. I’ll take care of it.” And then, he stalked toward them, focused on Sam’s brother. “Who are you?”

“Michael Wright, machine parts salesman.”

The older man squinted, studying him. He was still red-faced as he handed over the phone. Then, he turned to the rest of them. “Apparently, your brother knows people in high places. I recommend you stay out of my jurisdiction. I catch you tapping a toe out of line, you’ll end up in jail.”

Sam nodded.

Jon didn’t bother.

But Grant took a step closer. “I get where you’re coming from, I do. If this had happened in my town, I’d feel the same way. But twenty women and children weren’t burned to death in your jurisdiction because we prevented it. We risked our lives to rescue them. You didn’t lose a single man, and if I’m not mistaken, you’re going to get the credit for taking Keller down. So…you’re welcome.”

The man glowered a long moment. Then, he stalked away.

They were off the hook. And it was over.

Or it would be, as soon as he found Eliza and Levi.

CHAPTER FORTY-FOUR

Eliza had been treated for her injuries and released. Now, she hit the button to open the double doors and stepped into the waiting room. A few of Keller’s followers rested in chairs looking shell-shocked. Where would they go now? What would they do?