Page 21 of Landon

Noel stood quickly and moved to Landon’s side. Looking at him, she whispered, “What’s next?”

10

“Answer it and put it on speaker.” Landon knew the Keepers were monitoring Pamela’s calls, as well as Horticia’s, Roger’s, and Mike’s. He wanted to hear what was being said in real time.

Pamela tapped on the phone to answer the call and immediately hit the speaker button. “Yes? Um… hello?”

“This Pamela Fugate?” the male voice asked.

“Yes. Do you have my?—”

“Shut up and listen. We have your children and want money.”

She looked up at Landon, and he mouthed, “How much?”

“How much money do you want?” she asked, her voice still shaky.

“Five hundred thousand dollars,” he replied.

Pamela’s eyes widened, and Noel’s hand reached out to land on Landon’s arm. The ransom was the exact amount he was carrying. Now, there was no doubt that someone in this room perpetrated the kidnapping… and wasn’t very smart.

He mouthed, “Ask them how you know the children are okay.”

“Um… how do I know they… my children…” Her voice hitched. “Are okay?”

“Mom?”

Pamela gasped at the sound of Tad’s voice. “Tad!”

“Mom, we’re okay. Penny’s here with me. We?—”

“Shut up,” the male voice snapped. “They are here and fine… for now.”

Pamela’s gaze shot up to Landon, and he mouthed, “Ask them how to make the exchange.”

“How do we make the exchange?”

“You send money to?—”

Landon shook his head.

“No,” Pamela cried, her gaze never leaving Landon’s face.

“Exchange… at same time,”he mouthed.

“We have to make the exchange at the same time. I know I’ll be with my kids,” she said, her voice stronger.

There was no reply for a moment, and only muffled voices were heard. Finally, the speaker said, “Storm is coming. We will meet you at the intersection by the old mill off the A1. One hour.”

Landon shook his head and held up two fingers.

“It will take two hours… um, to get the money.”

“Fine. Two hours.”

“O… okay,” Pamela agreed. She opened her mouth to say something else, but the call disconnected.

Landon immediately turned from the others and walked outside with his phone pressed to his ear. “What have you got?”

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