Page 33 of Landon

“That’s right. When we came, it was just to bring you back to Montana.”

Tad and Penny looked at each other, uncertainty written on their faces. Then Tad asked, “Why did they think we’d need asocial worker to check on us if we were just going from our mom to our dad?” Then he looked over at Landon. “And why would they think someone from a private security agency might be needed?”

For the first time, Noel hesitated, looking down at her hands clasped in her lap. Landon knew what needed to be said and understood that Noel was gathering herself before giving the kids the news. Suddenly, wanting to spare her being the one to say the words, he blurted, “Because I brought a down payment to give to your mother.”

A small gasp slipped from Noel’s lips, Tad’s chin jerked back, and Penny’s mouth dropped open.

“A down payment?” Tad repeated, his voice cracking.

“Your mother agreed to sign the paperwork giving your dad full custody, and?—”

“That sounds like Mom was selling us,” Penny murmured, her blue eyes wide. Her hand jerked out, and she grabbed Tad’s arm. Giving it a little shake, she said, “Tad? Is that what it sounds like to you, or am I crazy?”

Tad held Landon’s gaze for a moment. Landon had no idea what the young man’s reaction would be, but he didn’t look away. He felt Noel’s hand on his arm as though she was also seeking comfort.

“No, Sis, I don’t think you’re crazy. I think it sounds like Mom was selling us.”

Noel sucked in a raspy breath. “That may be putting it in a harsher light than it has to be.” Tad opened his mouth, and Landon was sure the boy would refute Noel’s statement. But she threw her hand up and shook her head.

“Hear me out. I don’t know your mom or her background. I don’t know what her motivations were or what her situation is. I have not been privy to the alimony agreement, so I have no idea about her financial agreements. But I can tell you that thewoman I met today, whose children had been snatched from the beach, was devastated. She was distraught and begged us to find you.”

The kids stared at Noel as though their very reason for existing rested on her words.

“It struck me that perhaps she felt like she needed more money, so taking you all on a vacation and then holding that over your dad’s head seemed like a good idea. She never intended harm. She probably assumed she’d still see you. So until you know her motivations for sure, don’t assume the worst. Once you have all the facts, you can decide how you want to handle your ongoing relationship with your mom.”

Landon thought Noel was painting Pamela in a light she didn’t deserve, but he understood the kids needed something to hang on to… something that gave them hope that their mother wasn’t as mercenary as she’d acted.

Once again, silence inside the room allowed the wind and rain to create background noise. Landon finally said, “As soon as we arrived, your mom had just found out from Horticia that you were taken. Our jobs changed… well, mine did. Instead of just making the exchange of money and signed paperwork, then ensuring you returned to Montana, my new mission was to rescue the two of you.”

“Thank you,” Penny whispered. “I can’t believe that I didn’t say that earlier.”

Landon’s lips curved slightly, and he inclined his head. “No thanks needed.”

“So what now?” Tad asked. “I mean, after the storm passes?”

“We will head out in the morning and walk down the road to where we can be picked up. My coworkers have flown to Florida and will get to Jamaica in the morning. They will have a vehicle to get to us.”

“And then?” Penny asked softly.

“Then we will go to your mom’s place. We are in touch with your dad and will take our instructions from him. But I assume we will fly back to Montana immediately.”

Penny let out a long sigh. “This is so messed up.”

Tad tightened his arm around her. “No more messed up than it’s always been.” He looked at Landon. “I’m ready to talk to Dad.”

Landon nodded and began typing on his phone. After a moment, he said, “Mr. Fugate. I have your children here. Tad would like to speak to you.”

He handed the phone to the young man and waited as Tad told his dad they were safe and had not been harmed. “Listen, Dad, here’s Penny so you can hear her voice, too.” He handed the phone to his sister.

“Hey, Dad.” She paused, then said, “Yeah, I’m okay. Landon says we should be home tomorrow.” After another pause, she smiled. “Yeah, I miss you, too. Love you. Bye.”

She returned the phone to Landon, her face contorted into a grimace.

“Are you okay, honey?” Noel asked, leaning forward so her hand rested on Penny’s foot.

Penny opened her mouth to speak, but the words seemed to get stuck. She closed it again, her small face drawn with exhaustion and confusion. After a moment, she tried once more, her voice barely a whisper. “I guess I’m just tired.”

Tad, sitting close beside her, nodded in agreement. “It’s a lot to take in,” he murmured, his voice steady but heavy with emotion.

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