“It was worth a look.”
She wasn’t sure about that, but then from the first she’d had doubts about her reasons for seeking Jared out.
“Anyway, we’re so near the exchange that it probably doesn’t matter. Once Megan’s back, we’ll call in the FBI.” She went suddenly quiet, then said in a lower voice, “I wish I could call them in now. I keep thinking and rethinking what I’ve done on this case, and it never seems to be enough. What do I know about kidnappings?”
“What does anyone know about them?”
“The FBI knows lots.”
“Do you honestly think they’d have done more than you have? Think about it, Savannah. Even if you’d brought them in, given the threat in that ransom note, they’d have been hamstrung just like you. There aren’t any miracle answers to a kidnapping. The first order of business is to get the hostage back, and that’s what you’ve been working to do.”
Again, Savannah was quiet, this time for a longer stretch.
“Savannah?”
“I’m here,” she said in a small voice.
“What is it?”
Still she was silent.
“Savannah?”
She felt the words bubbling up. They were out before she could stop them. “I’m frightened, Jared. What if something goes wrong?”
“Nothing’s going to go wrong. Does your friend have the money?”
“He will. But I’m worried. I’ve been in charge of this case, and I’ve done my best, still things could blow up in my face.”
“What things?”
“I don’t know—Will could go bonkers halfway to the drop site, the kidnapper could decide the money isn’t right—something bizarre that would make mockery of all the care we’ve taken. And more than anyone, I feel responsible.”
“You’ve done everything you could.”
“It may not be enough.”
“It’s as much as anyone else could have done. The kidnappers wouldn’t allow more.”
She twisted the phone cord back and forth. “Maybe I shouldn’t have listened to them.”
“You had to listen to Megan’s husband. It’s his wife, his money.”
“But he came to us for help.”
“Us. You and your boss. What’shedone through all this?”
She paused, then admitted, “Not much.”
“So? He put the weight of responsibility on your shoulders, and you’ve done your best. If he didn’t feel that was enough, he could have stepped in at any time.”
“I suppose.” Her thoughts took a slight turn. “I didn’t tell you about Paul.”
“You didn’t have to. One attorney general is like another. They’re political creatures. Your boss knows that when a case of this kind hits the light, the media will scrutinize every step that was taken. What you do—or don’t do—reflects on your boss. He’s not going to let you jeopardize his career.” He took a quick breath. “Am I right?”
She was quiet for a minute before murmuring, “You’re right.”
“He wouldn’t do things any differently from what you’ve done.”
