“It’s going to be okay, buddy,” Frank whispered, his hand holding his grandson’s. “This is just like in your adventure books, but we need to stay very quiet.”
Tommy nodded, and Frank felt a surge of fierce pride for the boy’s courage, followed by a wave of guilt. This was his fault—Tommy and Isabel were in danger because of the choices he’d made.
Isabel kept a careful eye on Tommy’s shivering body. “He’s too cold, Frank. The ledge isn’t wide, but I should be able to hold Tommy against me. Our combined body heat might help him.”
Frank didn’t have to think twice about her suggestion. “I’ll give you a hand.” As quietly as she could, Isabel pulled herself onto the ledge and somehow wedged herself between the bank and Tommy. She murmured something, then pulled Tommy close, cocooning him against her chest and wrapping her arms around his shivering body.
William’s voice, barely audible, filled the underside of the dock. “Local police are five minutes out. The FBI team from Polson is about fifteen minutes away.”
Frank nodded, straining to hear any movement above the gentle lapping of the water. The night had gone eerily silent—nocalling frogs, no rustling leaves. It was as if the entire lakeshore was holding its breath.
He looked closely at Isabel. Despite only being in the water for a few minutes, she was shivering as much as Tommy. “It’ll be okay,” he whispered to her.
She sent him a brave smile. “This isn’t how most barbecues end.”
“I’m so sorry this happened,” Frank told her.
“At least it’s memorable.”
Her wobbly smile made Frank feel even worse. He was glad no one had been shot, but how did they know to target them tonight? Dave must have had people watching the house, waiting for an opportunity. Their dinner on the deck would have made them perfect targets, silhouetted against the lights from the kitchen.
Tommy’s small hand reached for Frank’s. “Grandpa,” he whispered. “I’m scared.”
Frank moved as close as he could to the ledge. “I know, buddy. I am too. But William’s looking after us, and the police are coming. We’ll be okay.”
In the distance, Frank heard the faint wail of sirens approaching. William tensed beside him, clearly weighing whether to make a move or stay hidden.
“We stay put until the officers have secured the perimeter,” William decided. “It’s too risky to move.”
Frank nodded his agreement, even as the cold water began to seep into his bones. Tommy was still shivering even though he was in Isabel’s arms, but at least his breathing had steadied.
“Grandpa,” Tommy whispered after another minute of silence, “who’s shooting at us?”
The question—so direct and innocent—struck Frank like a physical blow. How could he explain they were in danger because of his testimony against a corrupt corporation?
“Someone who doesn’t want me to tell the truth about something important is shooting at us,” Frank said finally, choosing his words carefully. “But I’m not going to let them scare me into doing the wrong thing.”
Tommy considered this, then nodded solemnly. “Like when Jason tried to make me say I broke the window at school, but I told the truth, anyway.”
Despite everything, Frank felt a smile tug at his lips. “Something like that, buddy.”
The sirens grew louder and then suddenly cut off. William tensed beside them. “When the officers arrive,” he said quietly, “let me identify myself first. Then we can move when I say it’s clear, understand?”
Frank, Isabel, and Tommy nodded.
Voices carried across the water—sharp, professional commands as officers spread out around the property. Flashlight beams swept across the lake’s surface, reflecting off the dark water.
“Police! Identify yourselves!” a voice called from the shore.
William raised his voice just enough to be heard. “FBI Special Agent William Parker. I’m under the dock with three civilians.”
“Hold position!”
The minutes that followed seemed to stretch endlessly as officers secured the area. Frank held Tommy’s hand, whispering reassurances and keeping him calm.
Finally, a voice called out. “Agent Parker? The area is secure. You can come out.”
William signaled for them to wait. He confirmed the all-clear through his own radio before nodding to Frank and Isabel. “Let’s go. Slowly.”
