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No, I can’t believe that. I can’t think about it. I quickly type in the cell phone number. It rings for a long time, but finally, a man answers. “Hello, superstar. I was waiting for your call.”
“Let’s settle this,” I growl.
“Easy, easy,” the man says, laughing. “And for the record, I don’t know what you’re referring to.”
“How much cash will it take?” I snap, hating the idea of paying these lowlifes but seeing no other choice.
“Not everything in life is about money, my friend. It’s like we told you. We have a surprise for you.”
“Then why make sure I got this cell phone number?” I snap.
“Because there’s another option. You see, I got to thinking about the little scene in the bar. You were angry when we had your son, but you wereferalwhen you saw that young lady in danger. You were unhinged.” This man sounds like the big one, the leader of the sad little group. “I asked Ryan if my hunch was correct, and he ever-so-kindly confirmed that it was. You’re dating her. Your son’s ex-girlfriend.”
I clench my fists, almost crushing the phone. The muscles in my forearm tighten as if getting me ready for a power punch.
“Hello?” the man says.
“I’m here.”
“Is it true, or is your son a liar?”
I swallow. I can’t say, oh, yeah, my son’s a liar. Go punish him for leading you astray.
“It’s true,” I say.
“Duke Harrow,” the man laughs. “That’s some seriously crazy shit right there, my guy. You’re tunnel brothers with your son.”
I cringe, almost roaring. I almost defend myself by saying,She’s a virgin. It’s not as bad as you think, but there’s no point. Let them believe what they want.
“What’s option B?” I snap.
“Ah, yes, but can’t you guess? Option B is very simple. If you give us the girl, we’ll release your son. A fair trade. The market for men isn’t as ripe as for young women.”
Themarket. I get cold all over. In my mind, I see Molly standing in lingerie in the middle of some sick auction, perverted men bidding on her, fear making her quiver all over.
“I can’t trust you. No deal.”
“Ha,can’t trust you,” he laughs again. “Something tells me that’s not the real reason for your hesitation. Something tells me the truth is you care more about the little girl than your own son.”
“You’re a fucking criminal,” I growl. “You kidnapped my son. Why would I think you’d make a fair trade?”
“Yeah, yeah, yeah. I see right through you. The little girl is—”
“She’s mywoman,” I cut in.
“Oh, sorry, my friend.” He’s loving this, and I’m going to love driving my elbow into his orbital bone with all the power in my body when I get the chance. “Have I offended you? It’s just, well, she isveryyoung.”
I’m about to snap at him again, but then I realize there’s no point. He’s getting what he wants, goading me. “No deal,” I say in a calmer tone. It was much easier to stay calm before I had Molly in my life, bashing my emotional walls down. “What happens at midnight?”
“Nah-uh,” the man says. “No deal means no deal. Come at midnight. Come alone. Or, I swear to God, Ryan isdone.”
He hangs up. I place the phone on the table and sit back, tension shuddering inside of me, through me. I’m going to snap, roar, or break something, but I let the anger fold inward.
“What did they say?” Ethan asks.
“He wanted me to trade Molly for Ryan,” I say. “It was a stupid thing to suggest. Like I’d ever do that. I’ll have to go at midnight and see what this surprise is.”
“No.” Molly stands up quickly, shaking her head, covered in pain and worry. “They’ll kill you. It’s a trap. It has to be.”
