Page 45 of Sean

“He can make deposits on his own,” Sean answered her. “But not withdrawals—not in the amounts he’s after. For that, he needs the kids with him.”

It was diabolical to use his kids like that, but this was Wilson. “He’s a…he’s a horrible human being.”

“And a horrible father. Does he have any idea how lucky he is to have such great kids?” Sean’s question warmed her. She always loved it when someone else appreciated Lucy and Amos the way she did.

“He doesn’t care about them. Mira must have known that. No wonder she wanted out of the marriage,” she said.

“This might be our chance to get him.” Sean’s expression was thoughtful. “We know where he’ll be and what he wants.”

“You’re suggesting I take the kids and meet him?”

“No.” His tone was emphatic. “I’m saying we take this to the authorities. The FBI would be the ones to handle something like this. They could work with the bank to set a trap for Wilson. Maybe they could let him believe that the kids don’t need to be with him, and he can just come in, sign a few papers, and leave with cash.”

“We’d have to involve the FBI?” Her stomach quaked. “But what if they come after me? I’m a kidnapper in the eyes of the law.”

“You rescued those kids. Anyone with any sense understands that.”

“But, technically…” If she were jailed for kidnapping, even if a jury eventually found her innocent, what would happen to the kids? Would they be taken back to their father? Put in foster care? “I don’t think I can take that chance. I don’t care what happens to me, but the kids would be more vulnerable than ever.”

“I care what happens to you.” He pulled her toward him, so their bodies were close together. She loved the strength and comfort he offered—needed it more than ever, because she was scared, and she could never show that to the kids. Only in front of him did she allow herself to let down her guard.

“I have to do what’s best for the kids,” she said a moment later.

“This will be best in the long run. I know it could get dicey, but I’m got a contact in the district attorney’s office in Virginia Beach. I can give him a call. If you testify against Wilson that might make all the difference in terms of whether or not you face any charges.”

She could cut a plea. Maybe. Tell them everything she knows about Wilson, the drug smuggling, Mira’s death. She didn’t mind the idea of testifying against him—he deserved to face the full weight of the law after what he’d done. She wasn’t even scared for herself that her testimony might not be enough to protect her from legal consequences of her own. Even if she had to go to jail for a while, she’d survive. The problem was what would happen to the innocent lives who depended on her. What would happen to the kids? And what about her mother, still recovering from the stroke? Who would make sure she got the care she needed?

It was a lot of pressure. But she knew she could handle it, with Sean’s support. She glanced over at him. He was patiently waiting for her answer.

“Okay. Let’s do it.”

He pressed her close and kissed her temple. “It’ll be okay.”

She wished she had his confidence. All her instincts were screaming at her to run again, to take the kids and hide.

“I’m going to check on the kids,” she said, moving away from him and tossing the covers aside. She was at the door when Sean spoke.

“I won’t let anything happen to them or to you,” he said. She was sure he believed that. But he couldn’t control an uncontrollable, unpredictable situation. She gave him a weak smile and left the room.

She slipped into the kids’ bedroom. By the glow of the night-light, she could see they were both sound asleep. Amos’s foot was hanging off the bed, as usual. Lucy had her stuffed horse clutched to her chest. They both looked peaceful. Julia sat on the bedroom chair for a moment and thought about what the future might hold.

She’d let Sean go ahead with his plan to trap Wilson at the bank, but just in case, she’d be prepared to disappear with the kids.

She and the kids had gotten comfortable at the ranch. Their things were spread out. In the morning, she’d start collecting the kids’ toys that had ended up in the living room. Their bags were stored somewhere. She wasn’t sure where, and she’d need to know that.

When she felt sure that the kids were fine, Julia slipped from the room and almost collided with Kelly in the hall. She had a mug in her hands and the scent of chamomile tea filled the air.

“Everything okay?” Kelly asked.

“Yes. For now.” Julia debated for just a second but then made a decision. “The kids and I may have to leave soon. Where did you put our bags?”

“They’re in the closet at the end of the hall.” Kelly eyed her. “Are you sure you have to go?

“Not sure, no, but it’s a possibility. In case we do, I want you to know how much we appreciate all you’ve done for us. I’m so grateful to have met you.”

Kelly put her mug down and pulled Julia in for a hug. “We’ve been glad to have you. You brought Sean home to us. If he hadn’t needed a place for you all to be safe, I don’t know how long that would have taken.”

Julia gave Kelly’s shoulders a squeeze and then stepped back. “He’d have come home on his own eventually.” She believed that about him. His relationship with his family was too important to have stayed strained forever.

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