“Run for it,” Cait shouted. “He’s not Brian Wonder. He just admitted it.”
The man hit her again, then poked the gun in her bruised ribs, making her wince. “Open up, kid, or this nice lady is dead.”
“She was nice to my dogs,” the kid said, sniveling.
“Who cares? She’s still going to die if you don’t do exactly what I say.”
Cait shivered, her heart pounding through her chest. Who knew who this crazy guy was? If his main target was Glen, the senator’s son, then her life wasn’t worth anything other than keeping the kid in line. Her parents didn’t have millions to pay ransom, and no one other than Brian and her family would even miss her.
What had she accomplished during her short, pathetic life? No career, no business, no awards and accolades. Jenna was a famous fashion designer, Melisa a popular teacher, Connor was the youngest fire chief in the city, and Grady had some of the most severe wildfires under his belt.
She squeezed her eyes shut to keep the tears from oozing out. Good thing she was still wearing the pillowcase. The man’s slobbery breaths, the clinking of the lockpicks, and the pounding of her pulse mixed together into a macabre symphony. Was this how she would spend the last moments of her life?
The gun was still firmly pressed against her side. All it would take would be a single shot to her heart, and she would be dead. Good thing she’d told Brian she loved him. If only he would believe her.
Several long and excruciating moments later, Cait heard the locks click and the beeping of the security system being disarmed. She was lifted over a threshold and pushed against a wall.
“Ah, this is the life,” the man said, flicking on the lights.
Now that there was light, Cait could partially see through the pillowcase. They were inside of a large lodge paneled with wood, probably Glen’s father’s vacation home. Hopefully, the security guard would be by soon.
The man shut the door and dragged her to a sofa.
“What do you want with us?” Cait asked. “It’s not like you’re going to get away with this. I’m sure they have video monitoring. All rich people do.”
“You know what I hate about you? Your smart mouth,” the man grumbled. “Now, kid, disable the video monitoring.”
“I can’t do that without a computer,” the boy answered.
“I’m sure I can call the alarm company and get that taken care of. What’s the password?”
“Not saying.”
“The password.” The man stomped his foot, no doubt waving the gun around.
“You know, you’re putting on quite a show for the security monitors,” Cait chirped. “Any more drama, and we’ll be nominated for the Academy Awards.”
The man came close, and Cait turned her face from the stench of his breath. “You’re not funny.”
At that moment, the telephone rang.
“Let’s see you sing and dance to that,” Cait said, preparing herself for a slap. “I doubt you have big enough balls for the Golden Globes.”
Ignoring her, the idiot answered the phone.
“Help, help,” Cait called while Glen shrieked. “We’re being kidnapped.”
“Yeah, everything’s okay here. We’re having a little get together. Drama club. By the way, can you turn off video monitoring? Some of the senator’s guests require privacy.” He hung up. “They didn’t even ask for the password. Ha, ha.”
“That’s because the password is ‘drama club,’” Glen grumbled.
“I know. Your mother’s favorite activity.” The man laughed. “I was testing you, kid. Good job with the lockpicking. That’s my boy. You’re good with taking orders.”
Cait heard the sound of keys jangling. Was this man the caretaker for the senator’s mansion? If so, he must be trying to kidnap Glen for ransom and make Brian take the fall.
“I want my dogs,” the kid whined. “I want my mommy.”
Cait’s heart broke for the little guy. “I’m sure she’s up there watching out for you.”
