Deadly Game (Fortress Security #5)(66)

He laughed. “Not right now. What are you in the mood for?”

“Sahara.”

With an amused look, he searched through the listings and found the movie. Before she knew it, the food arrived. Once she’d eaten the potato Brent ordered for her, she settled deeper into the couch, her head propped against his shoulder.

She woke to the sound of her cell phone signaling an incoming text message. Rowan pulled her phone from her pocket and swiped the screen. Her blood ran cold at the message. Bring the records to the funeral. No cops or the kid dies.





CHAPTER TWENTY-EIGHT


Brent fastened the watch around Rowan’s wrist. With a plain black band and unremarkable numbers, the timepiece didn’t look special. That was the point. His thumb brushed her sensitive skin. “Don’t take this off for any reason, baby.”

“I already have a watch, Brent.”

“This one has a tracker inside so we can ping your location. If we’re separated, I want to be able to find you quickly.” Probably overkill, but he wasn’t taking chances with the woman he loved. Brent had a bad feeling about this and he didn’t intend to lose Rowan to an oversight on his part.

“You’re worried.”

Perceptive woman. “Yeah, I am. This arrangement to bring the records to the funeral doesn’t feel right. That’s why I’m hedging my bets.” Brent was positive the meeting was a trap. Didn’t know any kidnappers who wanted to leave a hostage alive to testify against them, even one as young as Alexa.

“You’ll have several operatives in and around the funeral home. I don’t see how the kidnappers could touch me.”

“Unexpected things happen. Even my best laid plans could go awry.” He threaded his fingers through hers. “That’s why you won’t have the records with you.”

“But they’ll kill Alexa if I don’t hand them over.”

“What motive would you have for producing the records if they kill Alexa? None. She’s leverage to make you cooperate. They want the records and you want Alexa. Until they get what they want, they’ll keep her alive.”

Rowan was silent a moment, her gaze searching his face. “And after?”

He didn’t want to tell her the truth, refused to lie to her. She deserved the truth no matter how painful. “They’ll try to kill both of you. We won’t allow that to happen. I need you to trust me, baby.”

She gave a short nod. “Who will have the records, then?”

“I will.” He brushed her cheek with his thumb. “If the kidnappers want them, they deal with me. If something goes wrong, know that I will turn the world upside down to find you and Alexa. I’ll never give up until you’re back in my arms.”

Rowan kissed him. “I believe you. More important, I believe in you and your people. If anyone can save us, it’s you.”

He stared, warmth blooming around his heart. How did she do that? A few simple words meant everything to him. At a time when her life was in turmoil and the opportunity to bond with her minimal, Rowan had faith in him. “Time to go.”

Brent wanted to hide her where Carstairs and the kidnappers would never find her. His lips curved. Suggesting the idea wouldn’t be in the best interest of Brent’s continued health. Rowan was fiercely protective of her niece. The only solution was increasing her protection without isolating her. To do otherwise could cost him the woman he loved.

By the time they arrived at the funeral home, the chapel was full. Heather had a handful of people paying respects to her. Only a handful of Maxwell’s employees showed up. Guess the businessman hadn’t won the loyalty of his workers. Not a surprise if he treated his employees with the disdain he’d shown to his wife and daughter. Many of Rowan’s friends and customers were there to support her. Their presence said volumes about Rowan’s ability to connect with people and her genuine interest in them.

Throughout the service, Brent kept an eye on the doors, windows, and those in the audience, as did his operatives. Through his ear piece, he tracked security check-ins. So far, no sign of Carstairs or the kidnappers. Brent prayed they stayed away. Scores of people would die if someone attacked this soft target.

Thankfully, the service progressed without incident. Some tears, much laughter as Rowan and two others shared memories of the Maxwells. At the conclusion of the service, attendees filed past Rowan and offered words of condolence and many hugs. Finally, they went to their cars for the burial procession, leaving Rowan, Brent, and the Fortress operatives.

The funeral director approached. “We’re ready to proceed to the cemetery, Ms. Scott.”

Her hand clasped in his, Brent walked with Rowan to the SUV. In the back seat, he gathered her into his arms, grateful she had a few minutes to regroup before saying a final goodbye to her sister.

With his cheek pressed to the top of her head, he held her in silence. By gradual degrees, she softened against him as her muscles loosened.

“Thank you for being with me today,” she whispered.

“I wish I could do more, baby.” He lifted their entwined hands and kissed her knuckles.

When they arrived at the cemetery, Eli parked a short distance away from the hearses.

“One more time, sweetheart,” Brent murmured.

“Let’s get this over with before I lose my courage.”