by Casi McLean
Jillian spun… the wineglass slipped from her hand and shattered on the floor. She froze, staring at the man standing in front of her. The blade of his knife glinted in the sunlight.
Chapter 31
“Who are you? How did you get in here?”
“I could ask you the same question.” The man jabbed his knife forward.
He’d startled Jillian but standing in front of this thug didn’t scare her. She’d been in far worse situations over the course of her adult life, in Afghanistan as well as the Houston Port Authority. Her thoughts spun. She’d lost a lot of body weight and her illness wore down her stamina. She’d likely lose a physical confrontation. But she could certainly outsmart this guy… as long as she stayed calm.
He twisted the knife, playing with the reflection. “I’d say you’re in no position to ask me questions, little lady. On the other hand, I am. So, who are you… the doc’s girlfriend? Yeah, you’re here to make him dinner, aren’t you? That’s why you look familiar. I must’ve seen you with him.”
Familiar? Staring at the man, she tried to remember having seen him before, but she couldn’t recall when… how… or if she had. “How do you know Dr. Monaco?”
He frowned. “I told you, I’m asking the questions.”
A phone ring sounded and vibrated on the counter.
The man peered around her to the source then squinted. “Well, well. Looks like the doc is calling you.”
Edging past her, his knife still held firmly pointed at Jillian, he reached for her phone. “Just like clockwork.” Leaning against the edge of the counter, he touched the screen and inspected the device. “You must be pretty important to him? I hope he’s not late for dinner. That would spoil all my fun. Do you think I should answer?” When the ringing stopped, he chuckled. “Oh no. Too bad you missed his call.”
Jillian scowled. She’d had enough of thugs controlling her life. “Noah will be here soon. Why don’t you leave before he gets home?
“Now, why would I do that? I want to see the doc. I need to see the doc. He’s the only person––besides his sister––who can give me back my property.”
“What property?” She inspected the room, searching for something… anything she could use as a weapon. But she saw nothing.
“That’s for me to know, sweet cheeks.”
“Maybe I can help you find what you’re looking for.” She gazed past him into the next room, again, searching. Seeing a candlestick on the dining room table, she lunged toward the door… but her body didn’t move as fast as her mind thought.
Leaping forward, he covered her mouth with a chunky hand, twisted her around and carried her into the great room then plopped her into a dining room chair he’d already set in place. “Scream and you’re dead.”
Aware he meant business, Jillian didn’t scream, but she didn’t give up easily, either. She yanked and kicked every step of the way, and her glare shot daggers.
“If looks could kill, eh? But they can’t, can they, sweet cheeks?” With a rope he’d conveniently placed on the back of the white leather chair, he hogtied her wrists and feet in place.
She tugged at the rope binding her. “What property do you think Noah has?”
Grabbing her by her hair, he yanked her head backward. “I told you no questions.” He snatched a roll of duct tape from the overstuffed chair, ripped off a piece and covered her mouth. “You’re a feisty little bitch. I’ll give you that.”
Scalp aching, Jillian froze. She’d heard that phrase before… the same words… the same tone…the same man––the man who assaulted her in the woods by the river… the day she met Noah.
❋
Returning his phone to his pocket, Noah wrinkled his brow and gazed at Sydney. “I thought Jill would be at my condo by now. Maybe she’s showering.”
“I can’t wait to get to know her now that she’s got her memory back.” Sydney adjusted her position then squeezed her eyes shut.
“Wow. What just happened? Are you in pain?” He stepped closer to the bed.
Syd held her hand up. “No. I’m okay. I just had a wave of vertigo.”
“Not surprising, kiddo. You knocked on death’s door. That’s nothing to fool around with. You’ll need a lot of rest to get your strength back so just take it easy.” Thoughts still lingering of how close he came to losing Syd, he needed her to understand the gravity of her condition.
“That sounds boring, and I don’t think that ability is one I possess.” She frowned. “Try Jillian again. Maybe I can live vicariously through her.”
Noah raised a brow. “She’s been through a lot, too, and I’m not sure you’d want to experience what lies ahead for her. She has to start a whole new life.”
“I know, and she could use a friend, right?”
“Touché.” He reached into his pocket and touched her number, but when the line connected, he heard nothing but heavy breathing. “Jill, are you there?”
Syd’s jaw dropped. “So, it’s Jill… already?” She smiled.
Noah rolled his eyes then repeated his inquiry, this time with a bit of concern. “Jillian? Are you okay?” He gripped the bedrail.
“Sadly, your girlfriend is… tied up at the moment, doc.” The man on the other end of the line laughed. “Ha-ha, get it… tied up?”
Noah shot up from his chair. “Who is this?” His stomach twisted. “What have you done with Jillian?”
Syd stared, the two lines above her nose deepening. “What’s wrong, Noah?”
He snapped a finger over his lips. “What do you want?”
“A much better question. It’s about time you asked me. Your girlfriend is fine––for now. But if you don’t tell me where our property is… she won’t stay fine.”
“Look, buddy. You must have me mixed up with someone else. I have no idea what you’re talking about. And if you hurt one hair on Jillian’s head, I’ll hunt you down and––”
“Doc. I don’t think you’re in a position to make threats. You have something I want… and I have something you want. I say we make a simple trade.”
Noah muted the phone. “Syd, you need to call Luke. Now. This guy has Jillian.”
Syd shot a gaze to the side table then shrugged. “Where’s my phone?”
He scanned the room then opened the wardrobe, snatched her jeans and jacket then tossed them onto the bed.
Syd searched through her pockets, retrieving her phone, the amulet, and something that fell to the floor.
But Noah had neither the time nor interest to return a dropped trinket to his sister right now. Unmuting the phone, he responded to the kidnapper. “I’m not making any deals until I know Jillian is okay. Let me talk to her.”
After a long pause, he spoke. “I’m taking the duct tape off your mouth so you can talk to your boyfriend. But if you scream… or say anything I don’t like, you’ll wish you were dead.”
Another brief silence lapsed before Jillian spoke. “Noah.”
He whooshed out the breath caught in his throat. “Thank God. Did he hurt you?”
“No. He tied me to one of your dining room chairs, but I’m okay.”
“Good girl. Now, I know you’re in my condo. Do you know this guy?”
“Yes. He wants the treasure you found in Connecticut.”
Noah rolled his eyes and raked a hand through his hair. “The treasure I found in––”
“That’s enough. Like I said, your girlfriend is alive––for now. But if you don’t return what’s ours. She’ll be as dead as your old aunt.”
Noah’s heart sank, realizing the aunt he never knew didn’t die from natural causes… this scumbag and his partners murdered her. “Okay. I believe you have Jill.” Again, he muted the phone. “Syd, they’re at my place. Jill’s tied up, and the guy is threatening to kill her if we don’t give up his property. What the hell could he be talking about?”
She flattened her lips and the two lines above her nose squeezed together. “Maybe he knows about the amulet… but I’m not sure how.
”
“You interested or not, doc? I don’t have all night. Do I get my stash or does your girlfriend die?”
Noah pressed Unmute. “Okay. You let Jill go and I’ll meet you wherever you want to make the trade.”
Syd fidgeted with her phone then held it to her ear, ostensibly contacting Luke.
“Come on, doc. I’m no idiot. Your girlfriend stays with me until we have our property. Where is our loot?”
Think, Noah, think… “I… uh… I need to get it from a safety deposit box.”
“Then I suggest you hurry. I’ll call you back in a half hour. If you don’t have our stash by then… tsk, tsk, tsk. Such a pretty little thing.” He disconnected the call.
“Oh God, Syd.” Noah paced back-and-forth. “The guy has no idea I’m in Connecticut. He’s calling back in a half hour and if I don’t have their stash...” He raised his gaze to meet hers. “Did you get a hold of Luke?”
She nodded and was poised to answer but halted when someone rapped on the door and slowly pushed it open.
Chapter 32
Noah’s heart pounded. “What now?”
Clay poked his head inside. “Is it okay if Jack and I come in?” He didn’t wait for an answer. “The nurse called and said Syd was awake and on the mend. Thank God. You gave us quite a scare, Sydney.” He approached the bedside.
She sat forward as best she could. “Thanks to my brother.”
Jack scooted around to the side wall and kicked something across the floor. He gazed toward the source and frowned. “What the…” He reached down, picked up the rock and inspected it.
Noah sighed. Why did they have to come in right then? “Guys, this isn’t a great time. I know Sydney would love to chat but––”
“I’ll be damned.” Jack shook his head. “Do you two know where this came from?”
Sydney forced a slight smile. “Near the chamber. It was unique. I stuffed it into my pocket. I guess it fell when I yanked my phone out.”
Disinterested, Noah gazed at his watch. He had to shuffle the men out of the room so he and Syd could come up with some way to help Jillian.
Jack raised the rock toward the overhead light. “Do you know what this is?” He lowered his gaze to meet Syd’s. “No… how would you? This is a diamond… in the rough, Sydney. The stone is uncut, but I’d stake my reputation on it.”
Clay joined the conversation. “Where did you say you found that stone?”
“When I heaved.” A small snicker escaped. “Seriously. When I puked into the leaves, I saw a glint reflect the sunlight. After I stopped gagging, I pushed away the brush and saw more tucked under the corner of the stone slab.”
“Diamonds?” Noah momentarily paused his pacing to get a better look.
“That’s it.” Sydney’s eyes widened. “The property the thugs wanted when they opened fire on us in Sharon… the stash they would kill Jillian to find has to be those uncut diamonds.”
Clay scowled. “Do you two want to explain what’s going on? Noah, you’re obviously frantic, and Syd just woke up from an ailment that almost killed her. She doesn’t need this stress. Let us help.”
Jack handed the diamond to Syd and wrinkled his forehead. “Wait… what did I miss? If you two are in trouble, Clay and I want to help.”
Noah nodded, continuing his pacing as he explained the situation. When he finished his narrative, he checked his watch. “The guy will call back in ten minutes, and I have no idea what to say.”
“Luke is on this, Noah. When I called, Wes Watley was in my office and offered to help.”
“Wes Watley? He lives in Chicago. What’s he doing in your office?”
“He was in Atlanta for a security consult and stopped by to inquire about any possible new leads regarding Mom and Dad’s disappearance, and to check on us, too. He was just about to leave when I called, so Luke put me on speaker. Wes is on his way to your place now.”
“Who is Wes Watley?” Clay stared at Noah then switched his gaze to Syd.
Noah turned to Clay. “Dad saved his life years ago, and they became good friends. Wes is ex-FBI with a lot of connections. His networking helped us tremendously with our search for Mom and Dad.”
“I gave him your access codes. He said he had a better chance of saving Jillian’s life if he went in alone. I agreed and had Luke give him eyes and ears. If something unforeseen happens, Luke will call 911.”
Noah nodded. “He’s a good man and excellent at what he does. I agree. He’s our best option to help Jillian.” He turned toward Clay and Jack. “But the creep who jumped her wasn’t working alone. He kept saying our stash or our property.”
“I’m convinced these are the same guys we ran from in Sharon, and I don’t think they all followed us to Atlanta. More likely, they split up. Someone might be watching Aunt Becky’s place, too.”
Jack chimed in. “Then… we might have dodged a bullet when you had Syd medevacked off the mountain. If they watched us go into the woods and followed us to see if we led them to the diamonds, they would have seen the chopper and laid low, then wait for another opportunity.”
“I agree with Jack.” Clay shifted his gaze to Syd. “What if we go back to the chamber, find the diamonds and bring them here? We’d need to avoid the house, but Jack saved the coordinates. I think we can approach the chamber from the other side.”
“He’s right.” Jack nodded. “And you described where you found the stone, so we can easily––”
Noah’s ringing phone silenced the discussion. Everyone stared at the device.
“We’ll find the diamonds and bring them back here as soon as possible. You two worry about Jillian.” Clay said, and they slipped out, closing the door behind them.
Noah shut his eyes and mentally sent out a brief prayer. Dear God, please let me say the right things. “Here we go. I’ll keep the guy distracted to give Wes the element of surprise.” His gaze locked on Syd’s. “You ready?”
Both her hands crossed fingers, and she nodded. “I’m calling Luke. We’ll triangulate to communicate directly to Wes. If I place a finger over my lips, mute the phone.”
He nodded then pressed Accept. “I’m here.” Noah spoke with the confident tone he typically saved for his patients.
“Did you retrieve our stash?”
“Are you aware I’m in Connecticut on an emergency case? No time existed for me to fulfil your demand.” He held his breath, praying for two responses. One, the thug would confirm his stash is, in fact, the uncut diamonds, and two, when he realized Noah was out of town, he be caught off guard.
A long silence ensued.
“You’re a smart man, doc. I’m sure you took the half hour I gave you to find a way to bring me the diamonds. If you fail, your girlfriend will die.”
Noah breathed a silent sigh of relief at the confirmation of both issues, but his stomach flipped at the thought of Jillian’s peril. He needed a hail-mary. When in doubt, tell the truth. “If you hurt her in any way, you’ll never see those diamonds.”
Syd placed a finger over her lips, and Noah immediately muted the call. “You’re doing great. Wes just drove through the security gate. He’ll be at your condo in a few minutes.”
Noah held up a hand, motioning for Syd to wait… he listened to the kidnapper’s response.
“Her fate is up to you, doc. I get my property, or she dies.”
“Any ideas, Syd? I’m at a loss.”
“Tell the thug you made arrangements to send him a key and address to the safety deposit box. Luke, you copy? Tell Wes to pose as the messenger with an envelope from Dr. Monaco. The perp will open the door if he believes Wes can give him access to the diamonds. Wes can take it from there. We know he’s armed but unsure of the weapon.” She motioned Noah to unmute.
“I arranged for a messenger to bring you the address and key to the safety deposit box. He should be arriving any time, now. All I ask is that you let Jillian go.”
“Once I have the diamonds, I’ll let her go. She’ll be of no use t
o us.”
Even Noah realized that was a lie. They’d never allow a witness to live. Once he let her see him, he planned on killing her. When Noah heard the door knock, he tensed every muscle in his body––
Chapter 33
From the minute he tied her hands behind her back, Jillian twisted, yanked, and manipulated the ropes, loosening each knot until she could finally slip her hands free. Now, aware her captor was not only a kidnapper, but also a thief and a murderer, she took no more chances. Instead, she waited for the right moment. When she heard a knock on the door, she knew that moment had arrived.
“He’s here. If anything goes wrong, doc, she dies.” He ended the call and slid his gaze toward Jillian. “You better hope your boyfriend comes through.” The felon stood and rubbed his hands together. “I’ve waited a decade for these diamonds.” He turned toward the door.
Jillian saw the handle of a Glock stuffed into the back of his pants.
“Who’s there?” He called out.
No one answered.
Sliding the ropes from her wrists, she quickly bent over and untied her ankles. She stood and edged closer to the door then slipped behind a wall, snatched the candlestick from the dining room table and inched closer. Back stiff against the drywall, she peeked around the corner.
Her captor peered through the peephole then touched the intercom switch next to the jamb. “What do you want?” He held the switch and listened.
“Special delivery message from Dr Monaco.”
Opening the door a slit, he kept the chain latched. “Slip the envelope through, and I’ll grab it.”
“No can do, sir. I need a signature.”
When her captor closed the door slightly to remove the chain, the door slammed into his face, followed by a man landing on both feet, gun drawn and pointing directly at his head.
Blood streaming from her captor’s nose, he shot his hands to his face. “You broke my damn nose.” He rolled onto his back and slipped a hand beneath his waist.