“Then what do you have to lose?”
After delaying a few more seconds, Janie sighed. “When he lived in the US, David got caught up in gambling.”
And there it was. The weakness Sawyer was looking for. Now the question was how deep was David in debt and to whom did he owe money?
CHAPTER 12
SAWYER CLOSED THE door behind the two policemen, locked it, and leaned his back against the door. He studied Janie’s dejected expression. “It’s not your fault,” he murmured.
“Maybe I should just give David half the estate and be done with it. Granny Irene won’t know I disobeyed her wishes.”
“You would know. If your brother is still struggling with his gambling addiction, giving him money will feed the problem. I guarantee your niece or nephew won’t see a penny.”
He straightened from the door and went to her. Sawyer wrapped his arms around her and eased her against his chest.
She melted in his arms, pressing her face against his neck. “I hate this,” she whispered.
Sawyer froze. He started to release her and step back, but Janie snuggled closer.
“I don’t want my brother angry with me, but you’re right, Sawyer. If I give him money, he’ll blow the cash, then come back for more.”
He rested his cheek against her temple. “It’s not on you. The problem is your brother’s.”
“If he’s responsible for me being kidnapped and this box, then it is my problem.”
“No, baby. It’s mine.”
“Aww. You two look so sweet together,” Chelsea gushed as she and Jada returned to the prep room with Jesse in their wake. “I’m so glad you found someone, Janie. You deserve a good man.”
Janie glanced at her employees. “Sawyer is a keeper. Do you two need anything?”
Jada eyed her. “We’re good. Aren’t you staying?”
“No,” Sawyer said. “Remember, Molly will be here by nine and will stay for your working hours. After this morning’s special delivery, another person we trust might also join her in the shop.”
“You’ll be safe,” Jesse assured the women. “We won’t hand over your safety to anyone except those we’ve vetted ourselves.”
Chelsea brightened. “Anyone as cute as you and Sawyer?”
The medic chuckled. “I don’t know about that, but whoever it is will keep you safe.”
“Good enough for me,” Jada said, rubbing her hands together. “We have just enough time for a cup of coffee and possibly a muffin from the coffee shop on the other side of the parking lot.”
“I’ll get breakfast for you,” Jesse said. “Any preferences?”
“Anything,” Chelsea said. “We’re not picky.”
After a nod, he left the shop.
“Along with Molly and our other coworker, I’ll be sending someone to beef up shop security and to change the locks. Janie had to leave everything behind in the plane, including her shop and house keys.”
Jada sucked in a breath. “No wonder you’re being so cautious.”
“You’re taking such good care of Janie, Sawyer,” Chelsea said. “We can’t thank you enough.”
“She’s special.”
Jada nudged Chelsea with her elbow. “Come on. Let’s go out front and check our stock supplies.”