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I nodded. "And turn off your phones!"
As we gathered in the opulent office to discuss our next move, reaching for a ray of hope, I jammed my hand into my pocket to touch the photo of Amy, Ava, and me. Just as we settled into our seats, I couldn't shake the feeling of being watched. Despite the FBI's assurances, it felt like we were sitting ducks, vulnerable to an unseen enemy. I took a deep breath and looked around at my partners, trying to find solace in our collective strength.
"Alright, first things first," Guy began, his voice laced with determination. "Mitch, you mentioned burner phones. We need to find a way to get them without tipping off the FBI. Any ideas?"
I thought for a moment and then replied, "We could ask one of our employees or friends who aren't in protective custody to pick them up for us. They can leave them somewhere discreet for us to collect."
Guy smirked. "You've got to be kidding me. They are all either in safe houses or are scared out of their minds."
Ryder chimed in, "Yeah, and you know the FBI will be monitoring everything we do. They would find out and probably fine us or something. Sometimes I wonder whose side they are really on."
Daniel added, "Speaking of trust, how do we know that Courtney and Brad are safe? They're out there on their own, and we can't protect them."
I cleared my throat and motioned for everyone to come closer so they could hear my idea. "Chase, I noticed a while back at your last party that an unpaved road next to your house looked like it when into Guy’s vineyard."
"Yes, it's new. It's for my farming equipment. It leads out to a side road. Guy rubbed his hands together with a sly grin, his voice low and conspiratorial. "I don't think even our regular security detail has figured out the trail leads off the property. They believe it stops at the shed where I store the equipment."
I listened, considering. "You've got a solid reason for taking off on your ATV. Do you think the FBI is aware that Chase's house is on your estate?"
Chase snorted, nodding. "Oh, they know, alright. But who cares? Guy can tell them he's gotta inspect the vineyard's irrigation. I'll toss him the keys to my Escalade. It has 4-wheel drive and can handle the sand path with no problem."
Ryder scratched his chin, impressed. "Clever plan. But when do we make a move?"
"Tonight," I declared, my voice resolute. Their gazes snapped at me in surprise, but I just shrugged.
The others exchanged glances, sensing the pressing need for haste. "Let's do it," Guy agreed. He smirked, glancing at his watch. "How about... seven o'clock? Night'll have fallen by then, and besides, the sooner we can connect with Brad and Courtney, the better." Guy ran his hand down his face. "On second thought, I think it's best if Mitch tags along. Just in case we hit a snag."
A few glasses of wine and some reheated leftovers from Guy's freezer later, the two of us were off. The thrill of our escapade hung thick in the air as we navigated the four-wheeler toward Chase's abode. Our minds buzzed with anticipation, already plotting our covert trip to Walmart to snag a phone for each of us.
Climbing back on the four-wheeler, we made our way back to the main house, eager to share our successful escapade with the rest of the group. Yet, when we when inside, we were met with long faces. Agent Downing was sitting on the couch with his feet propped up on Guy's antique coffee table. I sucked in a quick breath waiting for his interrogation to start about our little journey into town, but instead, he opened his briefcase and handed each of us a digital tablet to connect with our family members.
I nodded, feeling nervous yet excited to see Amy and baby Ava after only one day. Despite only seeing them virtually, it still would bring me joy. I grabbed the tablet and opened the Zoom app, seeing the preloaded meeting invitation. Downing gave me a reassuring nod. He followed me into the other room and I clicked the button to join the call.
The screen flickered for a moment, and then there they were – Amy, her soft ebony hair cascading around her shoulders, and little Ava, chubby-cheeked and gurgling happily in Amy's arms. My heart swelled with love and longing as I waved to them, trying to maintain a smile despite my bittersweet ache.
"Hi, Amy. Hey there, Ava!" I said, my voice wavering just a bit.
Amy's eyes lit up as she saw me and gave me a warm, gentle smile. "Mitch, it's so good to see you! Ava, look, it's Daddy!" She turned Ava towards the screen so she could see me better.
The baby's eyes widened, her tiny hands reaching out toward the screen as if trying to touch me. I couldn't help but chuckle, my eyes glistening with unshed tears.
"We miss you so much, Mitch," Amy said softly, her own eyes shining with emotion. "But we're so thankful you're okay and that we can still see you. Thank God for digital technology.”
I swallowed the lump in my throat, finding it difficult to speak. "I miss you both more than I can say. But I'm grateful too. Grateful that we're all still safe and able to be together like this, even if it's just through a screen."
"Oh, Mitch. I've been thinking. I'm pretty sure I forgot to close the gate when Ava and I headed out to the beach. I'm so, sorry—“
"Amy, save your breath. This is all my fault. If I hadn’t been so worried about money, I would have never let my security detail go, thinking home security would be enough. Now all the wives and kids have been placed in protective custody like you.”
"Oh, God, Mitch...."
"And your father has been calling the office, worried sick about you. I don't know what to tell him.”
"Let me talk to Agent Ramirez and see if she'll let me get in touch with him. Papa might be able to help. He hascontactsyou know!”
Our conversation continued, filled with updates about Amy's living arrangements and how she and Ava were coping. It was a bittersweet exchange, a lifeline that connected us across the distance and danger that separated us.
As my allotted time drew to a close, I reluctantly prepared to say goodbye. Downing stood nearby, his expression a mix of sympathy and firm resolve.
