Page 26 of Save Her Life

“Fine,” he said.

“You will walk away?” Sandra tried to keep her voice level, but it wasn’t easy. Those in the vehicle were all watching her with expectant gazes. Negotiation was like walking across thin ice. You could be going along fine one moment but break through the next.

“Not me, but Megan. On one condition.”

And there it was…The crack in the ice. “What’s that, Gavin?”

“That you’ll remember this act for what it is. Good faith. Use it to get me a good deal.”

“You bet, Gavin.” At least he’d returned to reality and knew he’d face consequences for today’s actions.

“I’ll send her out the front door by herself, but if I sense any shady business, I will put a bullet in her head.”

Any relief that came with the prospect of Megan Cobb’s freedom was instantly doused by Gavin’s threat. Before now, Gavin talked about himself as if his actions were forced and reactive. “I hear you, Gavin. But when you let her go, I’ll get you that coffee with two sugars and cream right away, and we’ll talk more about getting you out of there.” She locked eyes with Patrick, who sighed but got on the phone. He’d have an officer source one from a coffee shop. They couldn’t exactly offer up some in a mug from the command vehicle.

“What about my money?”

“I’m still working on that.”

“Okay.”

“I’m going to stay on the line with you while you send Megan out, all right? You have any concerns then you talk to me.”

Things in the command vehicle became livelier. Bowen left to notify SWAT of the impending hostage release.

“Okay,” Gavin said.

She listened while it sounded like Gina was coaxing Megan to her feet. She was crying, and then the soles of shoes hit the store’s flooring. A few minutes later, the front door opened, and Megan stumbled out.

SWAT officers moved in to get her.

“They’re getting too close!” Gavin yelled.

Sandra recoiled, her eardrums throbbing. “They’re just helping Megan. You’re safe, Gavin. I promise you.” God, she hoped that’s all they had planned!But surely, they wouldn’t try anything with a pregnant woman in the crossfire.

“That better be all it is. I don’t want to hurt anyone.” His voice was quivering.

Sandra held her breath as she continued to watch everything play out on the monitor. It wasn’t long, and Megan Cobb was safely with paramedics. Her husband was guided over to his wife by a police officer.

“That was a great thing you did, Gavin. Your coffee is almost here.” She turned to Ray, who turned to Patrick, and picked up the phone again.

A second later, he was nodding.

“Gavin, I was just informed it’s here now. We can leave it at the front door, but we need your assurance no one will get hurt.”

“I promise, but I don’t want to see anyone with a gun. If I step out, someone’s going to shoot me.”

Sandra knew there would be no convincing any of the SWAT officers to disarm themselves to deliver the coffee. “I don’t think they will go for that, Gavin. You have my word that when you duck out for the coffee, no one will fire at you.” She was lying through her teeth here. This wasn’t a promise she could make. There were powers higher than her, and some of them wanted this standoff over and done, no matter how it shook out for the HT. His life wasn’t their priority, but that’s why it had to be hers.

“I’ll send a hostage to get the coffee.”

“You can do that, Gavin. Up to you. Enjoy your coffee.” She looked at Garrison, and he got on the phone. She overheard him filling in Bowen.

A few minutes later, the coffee was put in place, and the officers retreated.

When they cleared, the door opened, and a woman stepped out, moving slowly and looking around.

Sandra recognized her from the photo she looked at moments ago.It’s Gina Andrews, she wrote on a piece of paper.

---