“And that is?”
“This rich bitch brings in the family jet to fly us the fuck out of here.”
How the hell did they know about Libby? But Libby and Jenny were friends. A memory stirred of the two of them sitting around the campfire talking about their families. He remembered Libby saying Martin Hale was her uncle. Either Vince or Max musthave overheard.
Libby’s gaze met Sam’s across the distance between them. There was fear in her eyes but also determination. “I told Vince I could help them get away. I said I could arrange it if they would let the Dunbar family go.”
He should have known. It was exactly like Libby to risk herself to save the people she cared about.
“All right,” Sam said. “That sounds like it could work. You let the Dunbars go, and we’ll work out the details.”
Vince laughed, a harsh, grating sound. “I don’t think so. I think we all stick together till the jet’s on its way. We’ll leave the Dunbars here when we leave. We’re taking Libby with us tothe airport.”
Sam wondered where they’d parked their old blue Ford. Too bad no onehad spotted it.
“Once we’re on the plane and the pilot’s been told what to do,” Vince continued, “you canhave her back.”
Sam clenched his jaw and fought to keep his hands from fisting. He could read the lie in Vince’s face. No way was he letting Libby go. He’d wanted herfrom the start.
“Why did you come back here, Vince?”
Vince smoothed a finger down Libby’s cheek. “The bitch and I have unfinished business.” He ran a hand over Libby’s breast, and Sam felt a fresh shot of rage.
Libby’s eyes slid closed, and Sam wanted to kill Vince Nolan.
Max Stoddard stepped up beside him in the doorway. “We figured Libby might be useful. Turns outwe were right.”
Libby’s gaze met Sam’s. “I need my phone, Sam. All my contactsare in there.”
He didn’t want to leave her. He was afraid of what Vince might do while he was gone. He didn’t have any choice. “I’llbe right back.”
“One more thing.” Vince’s gun pressed more firmly against Libby’s head. “You call the cops, and we start shooting.”
Fear tightened Sam’s chest. He didn’t doubt Vince meant every word. “No cops,” Sam said, forcing himself to turn and walk back to the house.
Clara’s worried gaze met his as he stormed into the kitchen. “What’s goingon?” she asked.
“Vince and Max are holding Libby and the Dunbars hostage. They’re bank robbers, Clara. They want Libby to arrange for a jet to pick them up and fly them somewhere safe.”
“Oh my God, Sam. What are we going to do?”
“We can’t call the police, or they’ll shoot someone.” He glanced toward the window. “See if you can make your way around back. Find Big John and tell him what’s going on.”
He started for the stairs, stopped and turned. “And call Kade Logan.” Kade owned the biggest spread in the region, the Diamond Bar Ranch, just down the road. Kade was Sam’s best friend. “Tell him we’re in trouble and explain the situation. Kade may beable to help.”
Clara nodded, her face aspale as glass.
“And tell him definitelynotto call the sheriff.” Sam racedfor the stairs.
* * * *
Libby sat next to Jenny on the sofa. Jordy sat close to Libby on one side, while Suzy sat curled up next to her mom. Caleb was lying on the floor in the bedroom, his ankles bound, his hands tied behind his back. Blood trickled from the corner of his mouth, and his right eye was swollen almost shut.
By the time Libby had arrived at Cougar Cabin to say goodbye to the family, Vince and Max were already there. Another man was with them, the bearded man she had seen at the gas station. Caleb had put up a valiant fight against the men to protect his family, but he was battling three hardened criminals.
Libby had walked into their trap, and now all she could do was try to protect her friends. Her lips trembled. Vince was there because of her. Her looks had always attracted men, some good, some bad, but nothing like this. She was terrified of what was going to happen, but she couldn’t let the Dunbars down.
She heard Sam’s voice outside, met Jenny’s gaze for an instant, then rose from the sofa and hurried to the door. Vince drew his weapon and shoved it into her back. He cast her a warning glance as he opened the door.
