The Two Younger Men Complete Collection

by Chloe Lang

  Chapter Seven

  Toni’s insides were churning like mad as she stepped out of the plane. She saw Joel running toward her.

  “He’s okay, Mom,” he yelled with every step. “He’s okay. Restin is fine.”

  A rush of relief shot through her and she put her arms around Joel. “Where is he? Where is your brother?”

  “Jamaica.”

  “Jamaica? What in the hell is he doing in Jamaica? And why didn’t he tell us where he was going?”

  Maddox and Zane came up beside her from the plane.

  “He’s okay,” she told them with tears in her eyes.

  “Yes, we heard.” Maddox said smiling. “Your son is in Jamaica.”

  She turned back to Joel.

  He hugged her. “Restin’s cell doesn’t work in Jamaica for some reason. So he borrowed one from one of the groundskeepers and got a message off to me an hour ago. He said he left me a note back at our place about the trip, but I haven’t been able to find it.”

  “Joel, you still haven’t told me why your brother went to Jamaica.”

  “You’re not going to like it.”

  “Joel Hanson Edmunds, spit it out.”

  “Our father sent a friend to get both of us and bring us to him. He lives in Jamaica, Mom.”

  Her entire body stiffened. What the hell did Peter want with the boys after all this time? “How did he know where you two were?”

  “Restin said he found us on Facebook.”

  “He sent someone for both of you?”

  “Apparently, but the guy couldn’t wait.”

  “Your brother could have sent you a text. His cell does work here.” It wouldn’t have eased her worries much, but at least she would have known where her son was.

  “Mom, you know how Restin is about charging his phone. It was dead. That’s why he said he left me the note. I don’t know why I can’t find it. Restin doesn’t lie.”

  “Neither of you do.” If that bastard does anything to hurt Restin he will breathe his last breath.

  “I’m still surprised Restin went, Mom. That’s just not like him. But he’s always wanted to confront our father about what he did to you.”

  “Both of you did as soon as you learned about your father.” She wondered if being totally honest with her boys had been a mistake. If she’d held back some of the details about Peter, maybe Restin wouldn’t have been tricked into going to Jamaica. Or maybe instead of being angry with his father, he would have been curious and still went.

  “Where is Restin staying?”

  “At our father’s compound.”

  Compound? Why did the asshole wait until my boys turned eighteen to reach out to them? But she already knew the answer. Peter was a creep and a sneak, but most of all he always had his self-interest in mind. If he’d tried to take the boys to Jamaica when they were minors, he would have been accused of kidnapping. She knew that Peter didn’t give a shit about Restin or Joel, so there had to be more to this. But what?

  “I’ve got our father’s address. I talked to Aunt Izzy before you landed and told her everything. She’s booked you, me, and your two friends on the next flight to Jamaica.” Joel held out his hand for Zane and Maddox.

  Your two friends. “I’m sorry. I was so caught up in the moment and worried about Restin I forgot to introduce you.” She turned to the guys. “This is my son Joel. Joel, these gentlemen are Zane and Maddox Kavanagh. They were so kind to use their plane and bring me here.”

  “I remember you. We met at Aunt Izzy’s wedding. Thanks for helping my mom.”

  “Nice to see you again,” Zane said.

  Maddox nodded. “It’s our pleasure to help you and your mom.”

  “I hate to rush everyone,” Joel said, “but our flight leaves in under two hours and I’m sure you guys need to talk to someone about leaving your plane here.”

  “It won’t take long,” Zane said. “But yes, we need to hurry.”

  As they rushed to get to the gate for their flight, Toni’s head was spinning because there were so many unanswered questions. Peter was back. Damn. She’d always dreaded this might happen—her ex coming back into her boys’ lives, but she was ready for him. She was no longer the young, inexperienced woman Peter left and stole from before. She was ready for him and whatever line of BS he was shoveling. Her father’s money wasn’t the issue now. In fact, whatever the bastard hadn’t spent let him keep it. Just stay out of my sons’ lives and leave us alone.

  Chapter Eight

  Sitting next to his brother on the plane in first class, Maddox was on his cell talking to Jay and Clay Gibbs. Toni and her son sat across the aisle from them. Toni was exhausted, but he doubted she would sleep. She was too wound up about Restin. So was Joel.

  Maddox looked at Zane and spoke into his cell. “We’re about to take off, so I only have a few seconds, guys.”

  “A man named Timothy will meet you when you land,” Jay said. “I’ll send you a photo of him so you’ll know what he looks like. Timothy will have the extra equipment you requested.”

  Extra equipment. Two Glocks, one for him and one for Zane. Not legal but necessary to protect Toni, since they had no idea what they would be facing once they got to Peter Swift’s compound. I’d go to prison for her.

  The picture of Timothy popped in on his phone.

  “Got the photo, guys.”

  “Timothy has extensive military training as well as being extremely familiar with the island,” Jay said. “He’ll be a real asset to you.”

  “We’ve got all the info we need to get the ball rolling,” Clay said. “If the bastard is hiding Toni’s money in Jamaica, we’ll know it shortly.”

  Having Jay and Clay as close friends was a good thing. And them being billionaires helped in this situation. “I’m so glad you have all these connections to support Toni.”

  “We care about her, too. She’s Izzy’s best friend and sister of the heart. We’ll do whatever it takes. We have a call into the US ambassador in Jamaica. We should hear back from him soon.”

  Jay jumped in, “We have our whole finance team working on this, Maddox. They’re the best forensic accountants in the world.”

  “Zane and I owe you big for this, fellas.”

  “You don’t owe us a thing,” Jay said. “Just find her other son and get back home safe and sound.”

  A voice came over the intercom. “Now we request your full attention as the flight attendants demonstrate the safety features of this aircraft.”

  “Guys, we’re about to take off. I’ll call you when we land in Jamaica.” He turned off his cell and put it away.

  After the safety briefing, Maddox turned to Zane. “Hard to believe we’re on our way to Jamaica.”

  “Yeah. It’s a good thing Toni brought her passport.”

  Being pilots, he and Zane always traveled with theirs. “Not necessary for Milwaukee, but she told me that hers stays in her travel bag. She missed a flight one time because she left it at home.”

  Zane nodded. “Maybe the Fates are smiling on us after all, bro.”

  “There’s something that keeps bothering me though about what Joel told us.”

  “You’re talking about the note, right? It just couldn’t disappear into thin air.”

  “Exactly. Something about that is fishy. And that Restin had to use the groundskeeper’s phone to reach his brother. What’s up with that? I can’t imagine his father’s compound wouldn’t have a landline.” Maddox glanced over at Toni. “I don’t want to worry her, but when we get a chance let’s talk to Joel about this.”

  “Agreed. God, Maddox, I wish we could convince her to let you and I go to the compound first and she and Joel can come when we know it’s safe.”

  “There’s no chance of that. She’s in mama-bear mode. We’d have to tie her down to keep her from going to rescue her cub. Besides, it might actually escalate the situation if you and I showed without her.”

  “But what about Joel?” Zane asked. “Surely we could get him to st
ay behind.”

  “There’s no way, bro. I wouldn’t stay behind if you were in danger.”

  “Neither would I if it was the other way around. And it’s evident how close Joel and Restin are. It’s been them and Toni for their whole lives. Quite the trio.”

  “Yes, they are. Very impressive. We just have to keep our eyes open and make sure that she, Joel, and Restin stay safe. Maybe we’re just being overly cautious and this will go down without any issues. Hopefully we’ll know more after we talk to Joel.”

  In a low tone Zane said, “And we will have our equipment.”

  Maddox nodded and leaned back in his seat, wondering what kind of reaction Toni’s ex was going to have when they all showed up. The man was a criminal. He’d stolen Toni’s inheritance. What else was he capable of? Maddox didn’t know for sure but he would make certain the bastard never hurt her again.

  The captain’s voice came over the intercom. “Cabin crew, please take your seats for takeoff.”

  The plane sped down the runway.

  He gripped the armrest and looked over at Zane, who was doing the same. “Look at us,” he said with a grin.

  “I know, but I can’t help it. I’m used to being in the cockpit, not back here where I have no control.”

  “Me, too. I need to see what’s going on.”

  He and Zane finally relaxed when the plane leveled off at its cruising altitude.

  “Ladies and gentlemen, the captain has turned off the Fasten Seat Belt sign, and you may now move around the cabin. However, we always recommend that you keep your seat belt fastened while you’re seated. You may now turn on your approved electronic devices at this time.”

  Toni left her seat and got her bag down from the overhead. “I’m going to change clothes, guys. I’ve been in these since Cami’s engagement party. I’ll be right back.”

  This is our chance to talk to Joel alone.

  When Toni shut the lavatory door, Zane crossed the aisle and moved into her seat. Maddox left his and stood in the aisle.

  “Hey, Joel,” Zane said. “We’re trying to figure out Restin’s missing note.”

  “Do you think in the excitement that your brother may have not even written it, though he thought he had?” Maddox asked.

  “Restin’s only unorganized part of his life is forgetting to charge his cellphone,” Joel told them. “He’s actually the most organized person I know. If he says he wrote a note, I’m certain he did.”

  “Does anyone else have a key to your apartment?” Zane asked, clearly trying to figure out this mystery.

  “No. Just me and Restin.”

  Maddox was puzzled. “Who drove him to the airport?”

  “The guy who our father sent.”

  “Was that man in the apartment when your brother was packing?”

  “I don’t know. Maybe. But knowing my brother, Restin probably did invite him inside.”

  “Then that man must have taken the note,” Zane said. “What other conclusion can there be?”

  “You’re probably right. The apartment was locked when I got there.” Joel glanced at the closed lavatory door. “I also have been thinking about something but didn’t want to bring it up in front of Mom. I don’t want to worry her any more than she already is.”

  Maddox liked Joel. He was a nice guy and a good son. “What are you worried about?”

  “I haven’t been able to figure out why Restin had to borrow the groundskeeper’s cell phone.”

  “We were thinking the exact same thing,” Zane said. “It doesn’t make sense.”

  “Unless he didn’t want our father to know he was notifying us. What if our father is trying to hide this from Mom? If we’re right about his man taking Restin’s note, maybe that’s why. To keep his location secret from Mom. My father stole from her, you know? And she was never able to find him.”

  Maddox nodded. Joel was a very intelligent guy, just like his mother.

  “What I can’t figure out is why he wanted to see me and Restin? Why now? What’s changed? He’s never been a part of lives, which has suited us just fine. He’s up to something. Do you think we should be armed when we go out there?”

  “After what you’ve told us, we will be prepared. Don’t worry.” He didn’t want Joel to know about the two Glocks, believing the kid would want one of his own. Joel was very protective of his mother, so it made sense. But he was only eighteen and Maddox doubted he had any training with guns.

  “But I don’t want my father to ambush us, guys. He’s not trustworthy.”

  “If what we suspect is true or not, Joel,” Zane said, “we have to be very careful. Maddox and I were in the military and have extensive combat training.”

  Maddox looked the young man in the eyes and saw strength and courage. “When we go to your father’s compound, we’ll be prepared for whatever we find. You just stay close to your mom, okay? Make sure she’s safe.”

  “I will.”

  The lavatory door opened and Toni emerged, looking as beautiful as ever in a blouse and a pair of jeans. “Hey, guys. I feel so much better now.” She looked at Zane. “Are we switching seats for some reason?”

  “No,” Zane answered but at the same time Maddox said, “Yes.”

  She laughed. “I’ll sit by Maddox for a while and you can get more acquainted with my son, Zane.”

  Maddox was thrilled to hear that.

  “That’s a good idea,” Zane said. “And later Maddox and I will change seats so that he and Joel will also have a chance to get to know each other better.”

  Maddox thought that was a great idea, but not just about getting to know Joel better for him and his brother. They would each get to enjoy some quality time with Toni. So, he took his seat by the window and motioned for her to sit in Zane’s on the aisle.

  When Toni sat down beside him, he took her hand. “I’m very impressed with how you are handling this very stressful situation.”

  “Grace under pressure, I suppose. At least I’m trying.”

  “And you’re doing a great job, too.” He looked in her blue eyes and saw the steel there. “So are you a fan of Hemingway?”

  “Hemingway? I guess so, but why do you ask?”

  “You quoted him. ‘Grace under pressure.’”

  “I did? He said that? No. I was thinking about Rush.”

  “Rush Limbaugh?”

  “No. The band, silly.” She giggled. “Grace Under Pressure is the title of one of their albums from the early eighties. I’m a big fan. When I was in seventh grade, they were all the rage in my school. I’ve never stopped loving their music.”

  He sensed she was more relaxed than she’d been since they’d left Dallas. He wanted to keep her talking about music or anything that would distract her from thinking about her ex. “Did you ever play an instrument or sing?”

  “Yes. I played piano and sung with Izzy and Cami. We had a girl trio, which was quite good for our ages. Don’t tell her I told you, but Izzy plays a mean guitar. And Cami is fantastic on the drums.”

  “Why did you all quit?”

  She sighed. “I got married, but there are many other reasons as well. I’ll tell you about it sometime.” Her lighter mood vanished.

  Damn, why did I ask that question? “What songs did the three of you sing?”

  “We just covered songs that were popular back then. Maddox, I really appreciate you and Zane doing this for me and my sons. You can’t imagine how much it means to me to have you here. I’ll never be able to repay you.”

  “You don’t repay people who care about you, sweetheart.”

  She smiled. “I care about you, too.”

  That was music to his ears.

  “Maddox, maybe after seeing all that has happened you and Zane can understand why I have difficulty trusting. I always tried to protect myself and did very little dating after the divorce. In fact, I only went out a few times and each of those was for one or two dates with the same guy. I never went out on a third date with anyone. Ever.” Her eyes l
ocked with his. “So when you and Zane asked me out, I was scared because I couldn’t get you off of my mind. That’s why I was so insistent on refusing to go out with you. I couldn’t bear to be hurt again.”

  “I understand, sweetheart. I understand completely.” He looked into her beautiful eyes, leaned in, and kissed her softly, very softly.

  She wrapped her arms around him and returned the kiss, parting her lips ever so slightly.

  He released her and saw her sweet smile.

  Chapter Nine

  As the flight continued, Zane was very impressed with Joel. “I’ve enjoyed getting to know you better.”

  “Same here. Which one of you is dating my mother?”

  Straight to the point. I like this guy a lot. “Actually, neither at this time, but both of us are interested in her.”

  “Ah. I’ve got it.” Joel nodded. “Just like Aunt Izzy and Aunt Cami.”

  “Yes. Would that bother you?”

  “Nope. I just want my mom to be happy. She has sacrificed her whole life for me and Restin. She deserves happiness. If you and Maddox are the ones, then I’m all for it. But if you ever hurt her…well, you won’t like what happens next.”

  “You don’t ever have to worry about that, Joel. How do you think your brother will feel about me and Maddox…with your mom?”

  “We’re twins. Like you and Maddox. Two peas in a pod.”

  “Yeah. We’re the same way,” Zane said.

  Joel smiled. “So I know Restin will feel the same way as me about this.”

  He shook Joel’s hand and stood in the aisle. “It’s been a great talk, but I better let Maddox have a chance to get to know you better, too.”

  “Uh-huh.” Joel smiled. “You’re not fooling me, Zane. I know the real reason you want to switch seats is so that you can have some time next to my mom on this flight.”

  “Can you blame me? She’s beautiful.”

  “You’re right about that and smart, too. So don’t ever try to pull anything over on her.”