Page 96 of Talk Birdie to Me

Geena relaxed a little and asked, “How did you know we were here?”

“I went to meet you for lunch,” Cody said. “I saw you walking out with him, and something seemed off.”

A small smile appeared on Geena’s face amidst the terror and chaos she’d just experienced. He didn’t want credit for showing up late after she’d done a great job of protecting herself, but he was happy that she was at least glad to see him. That she was grateful he’d come to help.

There wasn’t anywhere else he would be.

Sirens rang out from a distance, then silenced as the sound transformed into tires crunching up the driveway.

“You called the police?”

“I texted Lauren,” he said. “I didn’t want this guy to hear me making a call outside.”

“That was smart.”

Cody nodded at her weapon. “You can relax now. I’ve got my eye on him, and the cops will be inside in a second.”

She looked at the perch, seeming to have forgotten she was even holding it. Geena then lowered her arms and turned to face Gary.

“You okay, buddy?”

Gary made a few clucks and chirps, then took several tentative steps toward her.

Keeping one eye on the man on the floor, Cody watched Geena assess Gary to make sure he was in good health and hadn’t been wounded during the scuffle or before she’d arrived.

“I would have split some of the money with you,” the man said between pained moans.

“I don’t care about the money,” Geena spat at him. “I thought we were friends.”

“We were.” All of the venom had left James, and he sounded almost remorseful. “Until you figured everything out.”

Geena narrowed her eyes at the man, and Cody felt a rush of protective energy for her. She was clearly emotionally wounded by the turn of events, and he wanted nothing more than to wrap her in a safe embrace.

Her face was red with anger now. “That’s. Not. Friendship.”

Before the man could reply, the police announced themselves, then Cody heard them burst through the front door. Their footsteps scattered as they spread out to check the various rooms. One cop then announced himself again as he entered the bedroom they were in. The cop aimed his gun at Cody, since he was the only one with a weapon. Cody put his hands in the air with the gun dangling from his finger.

“This is the man who kidnapped me,” Geena said, pointing at the other guy. “He stole this parrot and kidnapped me from work to help me get information from it.”

The cop looked confused by that, but he seemed to believe her.

He nodded at Cody. “Put it on the ground. Slowly.” Once Cody did as ordered, the cop turned his attention to the man on his knees. “Hands behind your back.”

The man put his hands in the air, grimacing as he did so. “I think she broke my hand.”

“Behind your back,” the cop repeated.

The man grimaced more, but did as commanded.

The cop handcuffed him and helped him to his feet. “We’ve got medics on the way. You can complain to them.” Then, to Cody and Geena, he said, “Someone will be in to take your statements. Don’t leave this room.”

As soon as he exited with the man who’d caused everything, Cody rushed to Geena and wrapped her in his arms. “I’m so glad you’re safe.”

“Thank you for calling the police. And for finding us.”

He could feel her shuddering as the adrenaline left her system. He put a hand behind her head while she cried against his shoulder.

“You’re safe now, Geena. I’m here. You’re safe.”

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