Brody (Texas Boudreau Brotherhood Book 3) Read online

  Brody knelt in front of her, his eyes searching her face. With his finger pressed to his lips, he mouthed the word, “speaker.” When she stared at him blankly, he eased the phone away from her ear and tapped a button, putting the phone on speaker.

  “You better figure out a way to get your hands on some cash fast, Beth, if you want me out of your life for good. I don’t intend to spend another day in prison.”

  “How much do you want, Evan?”

  “A million dollars.” Though his answer didn’t surprise her, the amount still had her heart rate kicking into high gear, and her breath caught.

  “I don’t have a million dollars. Where do you think I can come up with that kind of money, Evan?”

  “I’ll pay it.”

  The strong, deep voice from behind Beth had her head whipping around, and she stared into the eyes of Douglas Boudreau, her mouth open in surprise. “Douglas?”

  “Who’s there?”

  “Douglas Boudreau. I can get your money. No cash though, not on a Sunday. No banks are open.”

  Evan’s surprised curse was clear through the receiver.

  “Daddy, you said bad words. Mommy doesn’t like bad words. She says they’re in-a-something.” Beth bit back a strangled laugh at her daughter’s admonition. Jamie had picked up a couple of not-so-nice cuss words around some of the hands since being at the ranch, when they hadn’t known she was around. More than once Beth had to talk to her about their inappropriateness. Guess she was rubbing off on her daughter.

  “Douglas Boudreau? The one who owns the construction company, right?” Evan’s chuckle was pure evil. A shiver ran down Beth’s spine at the sound. “Don’t worry, Mr. Boudreau, I wouldn’t expect you to have a million dollars in cash laying around. Then again, I don’t know anything about most of you Boudreaus, though I’ve met two of your sons.”

  “Get to the point, Mr. Stewart. The sooner we do this, the sooner Jamie can be back with her mother.” Beth had never heard Douglas’ voice sound so—commanding. Without conscious thought, she found herself standing straighter, almost at attention, before she caught herself. Brody mentioned his father had been in the Army, something to do with Special Forces, but with everything going on, she’d forgotten that fact. Now his superior training was evident within every syllable the older man spoke. He’d taken control of the situation, letting Evan know he no longer had the upper hand.

  “The point, Mr. Boudreau, is simple. Money. This transaction can be accomplished simply and efficiently, with nobody getting hurt.”

  “Before I give you one single penny, Jamie will be returned to her mother. No exception.”

  “I can’t do that. How do I know you’ll fulfill your end of the bargain if I give you my only bargaining chip?”

  “Because you’ll have me in Jamie’s place. Trust me, I’ve worth far more than your daughter, Stewart. You said you know who I am. Then you’ll also know I’m a man of my word. Trade Jamie for me, and you’ll get exactly what’s coming to you.”

  There was silence, Beth’s nerves tight, her body on edge, waiting for Evan’s answer. She didn’t want Douglas putting himself in Jamie’s place, but her daughter was so little. She didn’t understand what a monster her father had become, and she was terrified of what Evan might do if his demands were thwarted.

  “I agree to your terms, Mr. Boudreau.”

  Beth’s body collapsed into Brody’s arms, relief swamping her. Her baby was coming home. Things weren’t settled yet, not by a long shot, but they were one step closer to ending Evan’s reign of terror. Because she knew Brody wouldn’t allow Evan to walk away from this unscathed. He’d make sure Evan ended back behind bars. And he’d have backup, because he had his family to watch his back.

  “Where do you want to make the exchange?” Douglas glanced toward Beth, his gaze steady and reassuring. Her gave a brief nod in her direction before turning his attention back to Evan.

  “I’ll call you back in an hour. There are arrangements that need to be in place before I’ll meet you. Be ready.”

  “Evan, let me talk to Jamie. Please.” Beth pulled herself out of Brody’s arms and raced over to stand by Douglas, her eyes glued to the cell phone. “Please,” she choked out again.

  For another long stretch, there was silence, and she wondered if he’d let her speak to their daughter. Putting herself in Jamie’s place, she knew her baby had to be terrified. Evan was her father, but she hadn’t been around him in months. And now she knew her ex’s true colors, leaving Jamie with him for even a minute seemed an eternity.

  “Mommy! Where are you? Daddy said you were gonna have ice cream with us, but then you never came. Now I want to come home, and Daddy said no.”

  “Hey, baby girl! We’ll have ice cream soon, I promise. We going to come and get you, and you’ll be home soon. Then you can eat anything you want, okay?”

  “Anything?”

  “I promise. Just be a good girl until we get there. You can do that, right?”

  Beth fervently wished this was a video call, so she could see her daughter’s face. She sounded unharmed, unfazed by the drama of what was going on around here, but how long would that last?

  “Can you hurry up, Mommy? I don’t like this car. It smells funny.” Her voice lowered into a whisper, “And Daddy’s being mean. I want to come home.”

  Tears spilled down Beth’s cheeks, and she felt Brody’s arms slid around her waist, felt the warmth and safety of being within his arms. She shook her head, trying to speak but unable to get the words to come.

  “Honey bear, we’ll be there soon. Ms. Patti will fix you some frozen waffles and we’ll put ice cream and chocolate syrup on them. Even whipped cream. How’s that sound?”

  “Uncle Brody! Are you coming to get me?”

  “Absolutely.”

  “Enough.” Evan’s voice came through the phone. “I’ll call you with instructions, and make sure you bring a laptop, Mr. Boudreau.” With that, the call ended.

  Pandemonium ensued the second the call ended. Everyone was talking at once, and Beth couldn’t follow a single conversation, all her thoughts focused on Jamie. She spun around to face Douglas.

  “Thank you. I’ll figure out a way to pay you back.”

  Douglas reached forward and took her hand, squeezing it gently. “Darlin’, you’re part of this family now. Not like I’m going to let somebody like Evan Stewart get away with hurting your or Jamie. Don’t worry about the money, Jamie’s the most important thing, and we’re gonna get her back. She’ll be in your arms in no time.”

  “I’m going with you.” Brody’s voice was a simple statement of fact, but she heard the underlying steel layering each word. “I promised her I’d be there, and I’m going.”

  “Me, too.”

  “Beth—”

  “You’re not going to talk me out of coming, Brody. She’s my daughter!”

  “And what’s to stop Evan from trying to grab you too, and take you both out of the country?” She could almost hear his unspoken or worse.

  “You are.” She cupped his cheek, gazing into his brown eyes. “You and Douglas and Rafe and whoever else you drag into your rescue plan. I know we’re your first priority.”

  “My only priority.”

  Glancing around, she noted they were the only two people still standing in the living room. Everyone else had cleared out, giving them the illusion of privacy, though knowing her sister, she probably had her ear pressed to the opening of the kitchen, listening to every word.

  “Go. I know your dad, Rafe, and the others are meeting someplace, coming up with a plan to capture Evan and rescue Jamie. Help them. But know this, I’m going with you. If you try to stop me, I’ll simply follow you.”

  He chuckled. “I know you would.” Brushing a soft kiss against her forehead, he turned her toward the kitchen, giving her a nudge. “Go talk to your sister. I’ll be back.”

  Taking a deep breath, she headed for the kitchen, the heart of the Boudreau home, and prayed like she’d
never prayed before her baby stayed safe, and Brody didn’t end up killing Evan.

  CHAPTER TWENTY-THREE

  In under an hour, Evan called back with instructions. Brody and the others had put contingencies into place, calling in favors throughout the surrounding counties, making sure all their bases were covered, regardless of where Evan wanted to do the exchange. He still couldn’t believe his dad offered himself in exchange for Jamie. Not that he was surprised by his dad’s act, but that he’d beat him to the punch. All along, he’d intended to offer himself in exchange for sweet little Jamie, knowing Evan held a grudge against him for being part of his arrest.

  Evan made sure the meet-up took place outside of Shiloh Springs County, so Rafe’s jurisdiction was limited—or so he thought. Idiot didn’t realize the Boudreaus had friends in almost every branch of law enforcement, and didn’t mind calling in markers owed. Now the State Highway Patrol, Texas Rangers, FBI, and a host of local jurisdictions were all on the lookout for the stolen car, Evan, and Jamie.

  Evan’s demands were simple. Douglas was to come alone, with his laptop, and the cell phone. Demanded he drive toward Williamson County, get on Interstate 45, and head north toward Dallas. Then he’d text further instructions.

  Traffic was light, since it was late on a Sunday, but that didn’t mean there wasn’t still spots of congestion. This was Texas; there was always construction on their highways and interstates. Rafe and Brody followed their dad’s truck, staying at least thirty yards behind, but close enough they could spot trouble. They’d been on I-45 for about fifteen minutes or so when Douglas’ truck slowed perceptibly. His blinker indicated he was taking the next exit. They were still inside Williamson County.

  Brody’s hands tightened on the wheel, while Rafe called his contact with the Williamson’s Sheriff’s Department, relaying the exit number. His heartbeat kicked up a notch, and he kept his eyes glued to his dad’s taillights. He drove within the posted speed limits, though he doubted anybody would pull him over. Every available cop was watching, monitoring the situation, but keeping a respectful distance. Nobody wanted things to go south, not with a child involved.

  The blinker on his dad’s truck clicked on, indicating a left turn, and Brody eased into the left lane. A quick glance at Rafe showed his brother’s whole body tensed for action, ready to spring at a moment’s notice. This was happening—soon. He could feel it in his gut, that feeling of everything slowing down around him, coming into sharp focus. It was the same feeling he got when he was fighting a fire. He knew every movement, every nuance of what the flames would do, and he was prepared and ready to fight if, tame it, control it. And he’d do the same here with Evan.

  “Be ready,” he said, tightening his grip on the wheel.

  “I’ve got this. Don’t go off half-cocked. We have to stay outta sight, or Stewart’s gonna try to run. I wouldn’t put it past him to use Jamie as a human shield.”

  His father’s truck made a right turn into a Braum’s parking lot, and Rafe pointed toward the stolen car, and then toward the inside of the ice cream store. Stewart sat at one of the little tables with Jamie, a cup of ice cream sitting in front of her. He continued through the parking lot toward a sandwich shop a couple of storefronts over, and parked in front of it. Douglas climbed out of his car, and headed inside, straight for Evan’s table.

  “Here we go.” Rafe laid his cell phone on his lap. Douglas had the cell phone Evan gave him in his hand, but his personal cell was in his jacket pocket, already on speaker. Their end was muted, so Evan wouldn’t accidentally hear anything from their end, but they’d be able to hear every word. Antonio had wanted to wire Douglas, but everyone agreed Evan might ask Douglas to prove he wasn’t wearing a wire. This was their next best option on such short notice.

  “Hey, Jamie.” Douglas squatted down beside her, ruffling his hand through her hair, and Brody felt a clenching sensation in the middle of his chest. He adored that little girl. If anything happened to her, he’d never forgive himself.

  “Mr. Douglas!” Jamie wrapped her arms around Douglas’ neck. “Did you come to take me home? I wanna see Mommy.”

  “You’re gonna be going home in a minute, sweet pea. I need to talk to your Daddy for a few minutes, okay?” He pointed to a table beside the one where Evan and Douglas were sitting. “It’s grown-up talk, so we’re going to sit right over here. You eat your ice cream.”

  “We can stay right here,” Evan started saying, but Douglas cut him off.

  “She doesn’t need to hear this. She’ll be fine, right where she is. You’ll be watching her the entire time. Not like I’m going to try to pull anything. Not while you’re holding all the cards.”

  “Fine. Where’s your laptop?” Evan scowled clear enough Brody could see it through the plate glass window. “You need to wire the money into my account.”

  “Not until Jamie is safe and away from all this. That was the deal.”

  “Deals change. You wire the money first.”

  “Not gonna happen, Stewart. You want the million, Jamie goes free.”

  Evan’s eyes widened and he looked around frantically. “I told you to come alone!”

  “Calm down. I didn’t bring anybody. I followed your instructions to the letter. But I can call my son, and he’ll come pick Jamie up and leave. Then you’ll get your money. Plus, I’ll add in a bonus. I’ve got a private plane on speed dial. It’s already fueled and waiting. Twenty minutes away from here, with a pilot standing by. He’ll fly you anywhere you want to go, no strings attached. Think about it, Stewart. Your only problem will be deciding where you want to spend your million dollars.”

  Brody choked on the breath he’d been holding. What game was his father playing? They didn’t have a plane, much less one on standby. He looked at Rafe, who shrugged. Guess he was clueless, too.

  “Which one?” Evan’s voice came through the phone, drawing them back to the situation unfolding inside the ice cream shop.

  “Which one what?”

  “Which son are you going to call?”

  “Does it matter?” Douglas’ voice sounded so nonchalant, you’d never know the man was in the middle of a hostage situation involving an almost four-year-old little girl. His dad really had nerves of steel.

  “Can’t be that lousy sheriff. He’d try to pull a fast one, and take me in. I’m not going back to jail.” Evan paused for a moment and then laughed, the sound sending a chill up Brody’s spine. “Make it Brody. I heard he’s been sniffing around my wife. Maybe we should have a little chat before I leave the country. Besides, I owe him for pulling a shotgun on me.”

  Douglas held up the cell phone not currently in use, wiggling it in front of Evan. “I’m going to call him now. I’ll put it on speaker so you can hear the whole thing, and know this isn’t a set-up. I simply want Jamie safe and returned to her mother.”

  “Call him, but no funny business, or me and the brat will be gone, and you’ll never find us, I swear.”

  The phone rang, and Brody answered on the first ring. “Dad, what’s happening? Did you find Stewart? Is Jamie okay?”

  “Everything’s fine. I’m with them now. Jamie’s eating ice cream, and Stewart and I have come to an understanding. How far are you from Williamson County?”

  “Roughly fifteen, maybe twenty minutes.”

  “Head up I-45 north. I’ll text you directions. Follow them exactly.”

  “Tell him not to bring anybody with him, or we’re outta here.”

  “I know what to do. Dad, be careful, I don’t trust Stewart.”

  He heard Stewart’s bark of laughter. “Like I trust you, either.”

  Brody ignored the other man’s taunt. “I’ll be there as fast as I can, Dad.”

  He disconnected the line, turning to Rafe. “Alright, here’s what I think we should do.” Ignoring his brother’s smirk, he continued, “You head to the back door, and see if you can get in the employee loading area. That way, you’re inside in case things turn ugly. I’ll pull around the bu
ilding and come in from the street side, so Stewart doesn’t know we’re already here. Once I’ve got Jamie clear of the building, you and Dad take Stewart down.”

  He watched Rafe’s face as he mulled over the plan. “I think it’ll work. Drop me off around back, and make sure I get inside before you pull off.”

  Brody started the car and drove around the small row of shops, and pulled to a stop behind the Braum’s. Before getting out of the car, Rafe unbuckled his ankle holster and handed it to Brody. “Just in case.”

  Brody silently eyed the gun before reluctantly taking it. “I don’t want to use this.”

  “I know, but I don’t trust Stewart not to try and pull a fast one. Once you have Jamie, take her to Beth.” He knew Beth was spitting mad, because he’d refused to let her come with them. Arrangements had been made for her to be with Antonio. They were only a couple of blocks away, close enough to get Jamie to her within minutes, but far enough away she was out of the line of fire. Even though her anger had raked gouges in his soul, he’d refused to back down. There was nothing and nobody putting the woman he loved in danger.

  “Everybody in place? You all heard the plan.” Rafe spoke into the radio inside the unmarked car.

  A string of affirmatives responded to his call. Everything was set. Rafe slid from the car and quickstepped to the rear door, knocking twice. It seemed like an eternity before a guy, little more than a kid really, answered. His eyes widened as big as saucers at whatever Rafe told him, but he opened the door and Brody watched Rafe ease inside, shooting him a thumb’s up before disappearing.

  The waiting seemed interminable; each minute of the clock seemed endless. He buckled the ankle holster in place, praying he wouldn’t have to use Rafe’s spare weapon. Once fifteen minutes passed, Brody pulled onto the street and then made a U-turn before heading into the parking lot, making it appear he’d come from the main road. He parked directly in front of the store, and stepped from the car, his hands spread at his side, so Stewart could see he wasn’t holding anything.