Page 108 of Nash Falls
“What other reason could there have been?”
“When I met with Steers last we discussed a potential change in tactics by the FBI. Instead of going after low- and middle-level fruit, the FBI might be aiming higher.”
His father now looked uncertain. “You mean Walt? No, I don’t believe it.”
“He was at the office after Maggie was taken. I met with him. He told me he would do anything to get Maggie back. Anything.”
“So?”
“I think he was being literal, Dad. I think he was telling me that he knew the people I’m working with took her and he would stop working with the FBI if Maggie got returned.”
Barton scoffed, “You’re extrapolating what is just a cockamamie theory to absurdity, boy.”
“You weren’t there. And why else would he come into the office right after his daughter was taken and say that to me?”
“You really think Steers took Maggie? And had her record that video?”
“Yeah, I do.”
“But Nash ran for it.”
“What would you have done?”
“So what do you want me to do about it?”
“It’s Maggie,” snapped Rhett.
“Iknowit’s Maggie—who I’ve known since she was a toddler, by the way.”
“So we just let her die?”
“There’s still no proof Steers took her. And without that…” Barton’s voice trailed off and he looked out the window.
“And if I bring you proof will you do anything?”
“Look, I feel badly for the gal, I really do, but I’m not getting killed over her. Are you?” Barton’s features hardened. “Hell, I can’t believe even you’re that stupid,boy.”
Rhett flung himself over the desk with such force that he knocked his father out of the chair. His hands were around the man’s throat and squeezing hard. His father was old and obese but still had some strength. He cranked his arm back and slammed his fist multiple times into Rhett’s gut and ribs. Rhett retaliated by punching his father in the face and knocking him out.
Wincing, he touched his bruised ribs.
“Rhett!”
He turned to see Mindy standing in the open doorway. “What the hell is going on?” She stepped forward and saw her husband lying on the floor. “Oh my God. What did you do?”
“We had an argument. He attacked me and I defended myself.”
“He’s an old man.”
“He outweighs me by over a hundred pounds, and though you can’t see it he got his licks in on me.”
She knelt down and checked Barton’s pulse. “We need to call an ambulance.”
Rhett sat back on his haunches. “Who’s in the house?”
“Colin is in his quarters. Angie’s asleep. The security team’s in their cottage and the house staff are in theirs. Now call a damn ambulance.”
Rhett made no move to do so.
