Page 126 of Doyle

Her gut clenched. Keon leaned on the frame, gave a nod.

Sebold turned back to her. “See, I knew you’d find my treasure.”

She stared at him.

“You can’t hide it from me. I own this island.” He got up. “I always have.” He leaned into her space. “It’s mybirthright.”

Right.Raging Rodrigo Sebold, the pirate.She shook her head.

He walked to the window, moved the curtain. “He should be here soon.”

He?

Dropping the curtain, Sebold turned back to her. Glanced at Keon. “He thinks we should trade you. But I think you’re more valuable than that.” He walked over to her, lifted her chin. “I did some homework. Daddy might pay a high price to get his little girl back.”

She yanked her chin from his grip.

“Let’s get her ready.”

Ready? Ready for what?

Sebold walked out, past Keon, who didn’t leave.

Instead, he shut the door.

She scooted away from him as he came over and crouched in front of her. Lowered his voice. “I’m sorry, Miss Tia.”

She kicked at him.

He held up his hands. “I know you’re angry. But everything is going to be okay.”

She stilled.In what world?

“Mr. D is on his way with the gold, and then it will all be over. You need to trust me.”

Except everything inside her had frozen.

Doyle was on his way? With the gold?

Oh no.She shook her head.Please don’t let him?—

Exceptof coursehe was on his way. And had a trick up his sleeve.Okay, yes...She nodded.

“Just... do whatever Sebold says.” Keon reached for her arm and pulled her up. “I promise, it’s all going to work out.”

Yeah,it would. Because Doyle would figure it out. She knew it in her soul.

Keon walked her through the house, down the stairs, and out through the lounge area, where a few men sat, some eating, others smoking cigarettes. Most of them young, skinny. They watched her with dark eyes.

A couple bony dogs got up and barked at her.

Keon led her out to the sunshine, and she stood in the yard next to the pool, the algae in the green water rising to poison the air. Patio furniture had been shoved around a firepit, the ash spilled out onto the broken tile.

Sebold leaned against a gate, threw down his cigarette, and stood up.

Beyond the gate, she spotted the old green Ford.

No.

---