Page 5 of Suspicion

What better collateral was there than the swine’s own flesh and blood? Surely, holding his daughter hostage for the cash would lubricate Bennett’s greasy wheels and ensure Tucker’s millions ended up where they needed to be—back in his hands.

“A couple of months?” Desperation flashed in Bennett’s eyes, as if he’d just realized what he was saying, but it was too late. Tucker’s interest had been piqued. Perhaps he could use the daughter as a means to pile on pressure—a type of added interest to the loan. “I’ll pay for her bed and board.”

“Too bloody right you will.” Why should Tucker be any further inconvenienced by Bennett’s delays? “And that cash you can give me upfront. I’ll need extra food and timber for heating.”

“You will make sure…” Bennett’s voice trailed away.

“What?” Tucker could scarcely believe the jerk had any demands in light of his arrears. “Make sure of what?”

“You’ll take care of her, won’t you?” A deep crease appeared in Bennett’s already-aged brow. Tucker didn’t recognize him at all anymore. “She’s still my daughter.”

“Oh, yeah.” Tucker didn’t deny his sardonic tone. “I’ll treat her like royalty. You have my word.”

Staring down at Ella now, Tucker could see why Bennett had been concerned. The woman looked terrified, her chest rising and falling so fast, he wondered how she hadn’t passed out.

It might have been easier that way, Tucker mused. I could have just flung her over my shoulder and taken her home.

As it was, the logistics would be a lot more complicated. Bennett had stashed her away in a sleeping bag, and based on her shocked expression, Ella had known nothing of her fate before she’d woken up in the forest. Bennett had probably drugged her to guarantee compliance.

What an awful father…

“I think that’s for me.” His tone softened as he reached for the phone in her hands and took it for himself.

“It’s not mine,” she managed as she drew her bound wrists closer to her chest. “It doesn’t even make sense.”

He didn’t know whether to applaud or condemn Bennett’s attention to detail. The guy had used some of the strongest-looking ropes Tucker had ever seen on his own daughter. If her ankles were fettered the same way as they’d discussed, it meant her escape was all but impossible.

“It’s not mine, either.” He flicked on the device and devoured the missive.

Interesting.

Bennett had crafted a rudimentary skip code. Tucker hadn’t read one of those since his days in the military, but it only took a few seconds for him to decipher it. The message included irrelevant words, but if he only read every third one, it made perfect sense.

Bowman.

Don’t contact me again

Until we agreed.

Tucker scoffed. Bennett needed psychological help if he thought he could instruct Tucker about when to contact him. They’d agreed Ella would stay for two months while Bennett got his cash. As far as Tucker was concerned, the clock had already started ticking.

“But the message is for me.”

“So, you’re Bowman?” She swallowed, her gaze expectant as she craned her neck to meet his.

“The name’s Tucker.” He had no reason for formalities.

Her brow furrowed as she presumably tried to make sense of what was happening. “Do I know you?”

“No.” Slipping the device into his back pocket, he assessed her again. She looked to be about five and a half feet and didn’t seem to be overweight. His plan to haul her over his shoulder might still be the best one. That way, she’d stay bound until he decided otherwise.

“Will you untie me, Tucker?” She lifted her trussed wrists toward him. “Then I’ll be on my way.”

“I don’t think so.” The little lady wasn’t going anywhere. “I already told you, you’re mine.”

“Stop saying that.” Withdrawing her hands, she shivered. “I don’t know why I’m here.”

Trust an asshole like Bennett to leave the explanations to him.

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