“It hasn’t been touched,” Hank murmured. “Not from the inside or the outside.”
Savannah shot a glance at Will, who had heard what Hank said and was looking more miserable than ever. He was right, after all. Since the kidnappers had been unaware of the alarm, if it had been on, the kidnapping might have been thwarted.
Unless they’d already known that the system was broken.
Sam, who was thinking the same thing, reached Will first. “When the system went on the blink, did you report it?”
Will looked up blankly.
“It’s important that we know,” Savannah said, joining Sam. “If you reported it broken, someone with the alarm company had valuable information to pass on, particularly if that someone knew you hadn’t fixed it.”
Will rallied enough to say, “I called. But I got estimates on repairs from three different companies. No one of them had any reason to assume I didn’t hire one of the others to fix the system.”
Savannah, Sam, and Hank gave simultaneous grunts of frustration.
Susan wailed, “What are theywaitingfor?”
Sam went to her side and cocked his head toward the door. “Let’s take a walk.”
“It’s cold out.”
“Put on your fur. You’ll stay warm.”
“I’d rather stay here.”
“I need fresh air. I could use some company.”
“Take Hank.”
“Hank’s staying with Will.”
“So should we.”
“No,” Sam said with a patient sigh, “we shouldn’t. We should work off a little of the tension that’s driving you nuts.”
Susan stood straighter. “Nothing’s driving me nuts. I’m just fine.”
“Then, do it for me. Please, Susan?”
Savannah gave a weary sigh. “For God’s sake, Susan, go!”
“Do you trust him not to rape me in the bushes?”
Taking a step forward, Sam took Susan’s chin in his hand. “Lady,” he growled, “the day I resort to rape in the bushes…” His voice trailed off. His thumb crept over the curve of her chin. Eyes holding hers, he dropped his hand and said softly, “Are you coming?”
Savannah didn’t wait for Susan’s reply. Giving Will’s shoulder a squeeze, she walked past. “I’m going back to the office. See you soon.”
***
“WCIC Providence, may I help you?”
Savannah started to talk, then cleared her throat to make the sound audible. “Yes. I’d like to speak with Jared Snow, please.”
“I’m sorry, but Mr. Snow isn’t here at the moment. May I ask who’s calling?”
She twisted the telephone cord around her finger. “Is there another number where he can be reached?”
“That number is unlisted.”
