Page 77 of Forbidden Devotion
Luther’s cell rang. He glanced down. “I don’t recognize this number.”
“Answer it anyway. It could be them,” Ann insisted.
Luther took the call. “Hello?”
Mitchel strained, but he couldn’t hear the other side of the conversation.
“Yes, this is he.” Luther’s expression turned dark.
Mitchel held his breath.
Luther took the phone from his ear and set it to Speaker. Ann silently warned them to be quiet.
“Have you harmed him?” Luther asked, all emotion drained from his no-nonsense tone.
Mitchel had no idea how he stayed so calm.
“No, the bloodsucker’s fine,” a rough voice spoke.
“What do you want?” Luther asked.
“Money. A lot of it. One million dollars first thing tomorrow morning.”
“First, I want to speak to Sinclair,” Luther demanded. “Then we can discuss payment. I have to know he’s all right.”
Silence had never been so loud. Had they been disconnected? There was some shuffling and finally, in a clear, strong voice, one word, pitched as a question. “Dad?”
Mitchel let out his breath with relief. Sinclair was alive.
“I’m here, son. Are you hurt? Have they harmed you?” Luther asked.
“I’m okay, Dad. I’m sorry.” Sinclair sounded shaken but fine.
“Sinclair, we’ll get you back. Don’t worry about the ransom.”
“Soon?”
“Very soon,” Luther confirmed.
“That’s enough. The brat’s fine,” the brash voice broke in. “Here’s what we’re going to do. You get the money. We’ll call you back tomorrow with an exchange location. Come alone, or we’ll kill him.”
“I’ll have the money. I’ll be alone. Do not harm my child, or I will kill you,” Luther threatened, his voice dead calm.
The phone clicked off. Luther dialed another number. “Niccola? Yes, I need you to track the number that just called my cell. Pull any information you can and then call me back immediately. Thank you.”
Mitchel knew this plan involved no exchange of money. No meetings, alone or not, and certainly not in daylight. Were the kidnappers that stupid?
“Sinclair knows we’re coming,” Luther said.
“You gave him a clue somehow, didn’t you?” Mitchel asked.
Luther nodded. “He’s clever. He understood my choice of words. He knows a group is on the way and will be there long before the ransom exchange. He confirmed he understood. He’ll be ready.”
Mitchel was thoroughly impressed. Again.
“You’re all fucking geniuses.” Nathan grinned. “I’m glad we’re not at war anymore. We’d all be blood slushies.”
“Shut up, Nathan,” Mitchel ordered.
