Page 19 of Lone Star Hostage

She didn’t get a chance to mutter an apology though because his phone rang again. Not Ruby this time. Unknown Caller popped onto the screen.

“Elvis, record the incoming call and alert Ruby. That’s the name for my AI program,” he added to Billie. “I want Ruby to tap into this so she can listen.” Then he hit answer.

“Presley, Billie,” the cartoon voice greeted. “Ready for a new, exciting adventure?”

“Where’s Victoria?” Presley demanded.

The kidnapper gave a quick reply. “Good. You’re eager. Soon you’ll get to see her for yourselves. Come to the old bridge over Comanche Creek.”

“What’s the address?” Presley wanted to know.

“There’s not one. You could say this is out in the sticks. Old bridge. Comanche Creek. About two miles from the out in the sticks town of Outlaw Ridge. You’ve got one hour. Come alone and all that other blah blah.”

Billie immediately used her phone to check the location. Owen lived near Outlaw Ridge so if there was time, she’d get insight about the area from him.

“Scream, baby,” the cartoon voice instructed.

And Victoria’s blood-curdling scream tore through the SUV. From the corner of her eye, Billie saw every muscle in Presley’s jaw turn to iron.

“That was your proof of life,” the kidnapper said. “So, get here and save the princess. Oh, and more thing. Don’t bother bringing the diamonds. They’re fake, aren’t they? You don’t have to answer that,” the kidnapper said before they could respond. “Don’t bring them. We have a new demand.”

“What?” Presley snapped.

“It’s an easy peasy one. You and Billie, you’re now the ransom.” The kidnapper laughed. “We’ll exchange Victoria for the two of you.”

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Chapter Seven

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Well, hell.This was a development that Presley hadn’t seen coming.

Though he should have.

After all, the kidnappers had involved Billie and him right from the start so it was obvious they were going to be key players in this. He just hadn’t known it was all about them. He was betting Victoria had only been a pawn to draw them out.

But for what?

And why?

He was certain they would soon find out.

Presley did a U-turn, heading to the location the kidnapper had given him, and it didn’t surprise him when he got a call from Ruby.

“The call couldn’t be traced,” she let them know right off. “And I’ve sent out a drone to the Comanche Creek Bridge. Are you familiar with the area? Is there a reason the kidnappers chose it?”

“Not familiar,” Presley said, and Billie echoed the same.

“But it’s near where my boss lives,” Billie added, and she put the map of the site onto his dash screen.

“Yes,” Ruby muttered, the disapproval coating her voice. “Owen might be a part of this. Not as a kidnapper,” she was quick to say when Billie made a sharp sound of disagreement. “But if this goes back to Sandy’s murder, then the killer could blame Owen and me since you work for us.” She paused. “A few minutes ago, I got a text from the kidnapper, ordering me to the ransom drop. I’m on my way.”

Presley cursed again. This definitely couldn’t be good, and he suspected they’d all be walking into an ambush.

So, what were their options?

They couldn’t refuse to go. That would surely get Victoria murdered, especially if that theory about her being a pawn was true.

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