Page 70 of Island Protector

“I can explain it all later.” He shot Knox a look and the man got on his phone. Miles needed Knox to take point on coordinating with the police and the surveillance team in the area.

Jess was also texting madly.

“Chief Caldwell is here with me. We’re going to get mobilized and handle this.”

“Miles…” Her voice just faded away.

“Bryce will be home with you tonight,” he vowed. “I want you and Sharon to go to the bank. If she can get the money, fine, but it doesn’t need to be the full amount.”

“What?”

“Is she there, Molly?”

“Yes. Here.”

“Miles. Can you come help us?” Sharon sounded nearly as frantic as Molly. “This ransom note says no police.”

“They always do,” Caldwell grumbled. “I’ll call the school. He has to know we’d start a search.”

“It’s going to work out,” Miles assured her. “Go to the bank. When you do, take your time. Chat with the teller, the manager, whatever.”

“And the money?”

“If you can get it, great.”

“He told us to put it in a beach bag.”

“That’s fine. I need you to look like you’re cooperating.”

“All right.” Sharon’s voice trembled. “He says he’ll make the exchange with Molly only.”

“Good to know. But she won’t be alone.”

“Miles?”

“Stay strong,” he said. “Do everything you can to comply with his directions. He’s watching you, Molly.”

“How do you know?”

He hated the tiny, fearful voice on the other end of the line. “Because I’m not just a sailing school instructor. I happen to have some experience with digging up truths people want to keep hidden. Can you trust me?”

“Yes. Of course. Always.”

“Thank you. The kidnapper is running a scam and it got away from him. He’s not into hurting kids. He won’t hurt Bryce.” Miles wouldn’t allow it. “We have to make him think we’re playing along.”

“Okay.”

“Hang in there and I’ll see you soon.”

He ended the call, his heart pounding with the words he needed to share. He loved her and her little boy. He clutched the phone in a hard grip. Once this bastard was in custody, he would be able to tell her—tell them both.

Chapter Eighteen

Molly endedthe call and looked at Sharon. She’d never felt so lost or weak. “We can do this.” It came out more like a question.

“Damn straight,” Sharon agreed. “Go wash your face. I’ll get the beach bag.”

“And between now and the exchange?” She’d go mad with worry during the next five hours.

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