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Dirk retrieved his smartphone from its charger and walked out of his bedroom ten minutes later, physically refreshed but still troubled in his mind. He made his way through the study to the double doors leading into the living room, and he stood unnoticed in the doorway for a minute. His gaze settled on Vanessa and Chet, talking quietly on the sofa, then moved to Rafe and Mike, who stood by the window. By the expression on Mike’s face Rafe had recounted the story they’d agreed on—that their errand had been little more than grasping at straws and fruitless to boot. Dirk hated deceiving Mike, but until they knew for sure he could be trusted...
Patrick was there, too, sitting in an armchair a few feet away from Vanessa and Chet, his eyes honed in on them. Patrick looked tired, and Dirk realized the man hadn’t even been home yet. He’d been on the go since yesterday, was wearing borrowed clothes that didn’t fit and had spent the day ferrying Vanessa and Chet to the sketch artist and then the hypnotist. Without complaint.
Dirk caught Patrick’s eye. “Did you call your parents this morning?” Guilt stabbed through him that he hadn’t asked first thing this morning if Patrick’s parents had weathered the typhoon without incident. Yes, he’d been out of his mind with worry about Linden and Laurel, but still...
“Yes, sir,” Patrick replied. “To check on them and let them know I was fine.”
“Everything okay?”
“A couple of trees uprooted in the park across the street from us, but other than that, yes. My parents are fine. I called them again this afternoon, so they wouldn’t worry if I don’t make it home tonight, either.”
“You’ll sleep in your own bed tonight,” Dirk said firmly.
“Are you sure you won’t need me? Mei-li said—”
Dirk shook his head. “I don’t think so. I—” His smartphone rang, driving all thoughts from his mind. But when he looked he saw a number his phone recognized, the banker he’d called this morning.
“Excuse me,” he told Patrick, moving away a little, then answering the phone in crisp tones. “Dirk DeWinter.”
“Mr. DeWinter?” the banker said. “I just wanted to let you know the money is here. There were no problems with the wire transfer, and as instructed, I opened a new account for you in our bank with the wire. Miss Moore may already have told you, but I am entirely at your disposal anytime, day or night. Rest assured, the money will not be an issue in this unfortunate situation.”
While Dirk hadn’t come right out and stated that his daughters had been kidnapped and held for ransom, the banker Mei-li had steered him to had obviously dealt with kidnappings before...and ransom payments. Just another example of Mei-li’s consummate professionalism, leaving nothing to chance.
He thanked the banker and disconnected. The money was here. If it could buy his daughters’ freedom, he’d pay it gladly. But if the money was just a ploy...
Dirk’s right hand curled into a tightly clenched fist, and he knew with utter certainty that if anything happened to Linden and Laurel he would spend every dime he had to hunt the kidnappers down. And make them pay.
* * *
Mei-li arrived when room service did. Her sharp eyes encompassed the room, and though she was anxious to question Patrick privately, she knew she would have to wait. An opportunity would present itself, and if it didn’t, she’d call him later.
She also had copies of the sketches of the kidnappers her friend had created with Mr. Lin’s help. Not something she was going to share with everyone, only Dirk. She also had copies of the sketches created from Vanessa’s descriptions of the kidnappers. Again, not something she was going to share. Yet.
The room service waiters swiftly set up the meal on the dining room table, then handed the chit to Dirk, who scrawled his name across the bottom. They were just about to sit down to dinner when Dirk’s iPhone sounded an incoming call. He glanced at the screen, then froze. And Mei-li knew the call was from the kidnappers. His lips tightened, but he answered, “Yes?”
Mei-li moved swiftly to his side and pulled his hand down so she could hear the call, too. Whatever was said, she needed to know. Word for word.
“Do you have the money?” a cold voice asked.
Dirk’s eyes squeezed shut, but he answered, “Yes.” His eyes opened and his voice was harsh with emotion when he added, “Where is the picture you promised?” He was holding his breath, Mei-li realized. Waiting. Praying.
“I’ll email it to you as soon as you agree to a good-faith act.”
