Page 103 of Exposed

I peer at the tinted windows, but they’re too dark to see Mrs. Truman.

“Come in,” I usher Mr. Truman inside with the car seat that’s covered by a blanket.

His face is etched with concern as he sits the car seat down.

Both Jasmine and I kneel down and pull the blanket away to reveal an empty car seat.

Terror hits my gut like a heavy weight. This was a trap, and I can’t believe I fell for it.

When we turn around to face Mr. Truman, every bit of worry on his face is replaced with a smug smile.

“What the fuck?” I exclaim.

“I guess the saying is true: when you want something done, do it yourself,” he utters ominously.

Everything clicks now.

Ian didn’t kidnap my mom. The Trumans did.

“Here’s what’s going to happen,” he instructs pridefully. “I’ve got your momandyour son. Do as I say, and they’ll both live.”

My heart plummets. He holds all the cards. Plus, Jasmine is here, and I don’t want her hurt.

“Let Jasmine go,” I demand. “Your problem is with me, not her.”

“So she can run to the cops? No can do. She’s an unfortunate piece that has to be neutralized.”

Him talking about my wife like she’s nothing but a pawn makes my blood boil. He’ll regret saying that.

“You’re not fucking touching my wife.” Without taking my eyes off of Mr. Truman, I move to stand in front of Jasmine, effectively putting myself in between them. If anyone’s going to get hurt, it’ll be me.

“How noble of you, but bullets are more powerful than your chivalry,” he chuckles darkly.

He’s armed and crazy, a deadly combination.

In one smooth move, my gun is out of my waistband and aimed at him with the safety off.

“Thank you. Exactly what I needed,” he smiles sadistically. “Give me your gun.”

“No fucking way,” I growl, cocking the trigger.

“You kill me, and your mom dies. Give me your gun,” he snarls.

Nope, not giving the crazy man my gun. A bullet between his eyes would look perfect, but I can’t do that. Not yet, when our lives are on the line.

“Oh, did I mention I also have your private investigator?” Heath quips.

“What thefuck?” I shout.

No wonder Cat didn’t call to let me know Heath was driving to Miami. He better not have hurt her, my mom or Simon.

“Yeah. Pretty little thing. Couldn’t let her spoil the surprise of me coming to see you.”

“What have you done, Heath?” I demand.

“I’m a paranoid billionaire. I have people who watch out for me, and they found her. She’s tucked away somewhere safe. Or not so safe. Depending on how you play your cards.”

“What do you want?” I seethe.

---