Page 81 of The Restaurant on Plum Island
“I was wondering the same thing, kiddo.” Alex came awake. “Anyone have any idea where we are?”
“I think we’re near or in Boston,” Shay shocked them by saying.
“How would you know that?” Carly asked her.
“Unlike you and Uncle Alex, I wasn’t drugged,” Shay told them. “The men who kidnapped us were actually quite kind to me. When I told them I was claustrophobic, they changed the bag for a blindfold.” She hopped over and offered Alex a sip of her juice. “When we left, and before they drugged Carly, I noted the time. We drove for about two and a half hours in the direction of Boston.” She smiled at the amazed look on Carly’s face. “I have a thing for direction.”
“She does,” Alex confirmed, glancing around the room. “We’re obviously in a house.”
“We are,” Shay nodded. “It looks exactly like my mother’s old house.” She glanced around. “In fact, if I didn’t know it had burned down, I’d say we were in my mother’s old house.”
“How do you know it looks like Beth’s old house?” Alex asked his niece.
“Because I needed the bathroom, and one of the kidnappers took me to it,” Shay told them. “And they didn’t blindfold me.”
“Did you see or hear anything about who they are or why we’re here?” Carly asked Shay. “No.” She shook her head. None of the men had taken off their ski masks, and they were very careful about what they said around me.”
“Can I have another sip, kiddo?” Alex asked his niece.
“Sure.” Shay leaned over to give Alex another sip. “I was planning on drinking more juice boxes and then when I was taken to the bathroom, I had plans to hit one of them over the head and run to get help.”
“I appreciate you being brave,” Alex told her. “But I’m glad you didn’t try that.” He blew out a breath. “Your father would kill me.”
“If they think you’re my father, Uncle Alex,” Shay told him, “maybe it would be best to keep letting them think that.”
“I agree,” Carly said, shaking her head at the thought.
“Oh, so now youwantme to impersonate Ethan.“ Alex raised an eyebrow.
“Why do you always have to be so difficult?” Carly asked him.
“Uncle Alex is just goofing around,” Shay faithfully stuck up for her uncle. “He knows it could put us all in danger if he doesn’t act along.” She turned and gave Alex a sweet smile. “Right, Uncle Alex?”
If their situation wasn’t so dire, Carly would’ve laughed at how skillfully Shay had manipulated her uncle.
“Of course, kiddo.” Alex gave her a warm smile before scanning the room. “I hate to say this, but Shay’s way may be our only way out of here.”
“What?” Carly spluttered. “I know we have to get out of here, but there’s no way I’m letting Shay execute her plan.”
“No, I didn’t mean Shay should escape on her own,” Alex said exasperatedly. “I wouldneverlet Shay endanger herself like that.“ He gave Carly a smug smile. “But you could do it.”
“Because I’m expendable!” Carly’s brows shot up. “Why don’t you do it?”
“Because I’m a man, and I’m guessing the men who kidnapped us will be more lenient with you,” Alex pointed out. “You can take Shay with you. I’ll distract the guards, and the two of you make a break for it.” He looked at Shay. “Did they have guns?”
“Yup.” Shay nodded and turned to Carly. “I can see why Uncle Alex would want us to go together.” She glanced at her uncle. “My uncle isn’t known for his tact.”
“I know, right!” Carly agreed with Shay before asking. “How many men were there?”
“I counted four.” Shay glanced from Alex to Carly. “I don’t think the three of us will be any match for them.”
“We will be if we can get our hands untied,” Alex said, lifting his left leg. “I have my small fishing knife in my deck shoe.”
“You carry a knife in your shoe?” Carly looked at him in disbelief. “I hope you don’t do that when you get on an airplane?”
“They wouldn’t let me get through security if I flew commercial,” Alex said. He maneuvered his chair and lifted up his foot to Shay. “Put your fingers in my shoe. You’ll feel that the insole is loose, and under there, you’ll find my flat fishing knife.”
“Gross!” Shay leaned back away from Alex’s foot. “I’m not putting my hand in your shoe.” She shook her head in disgust. “Nope! No way.” She looked at Alex. “You’ll have to think of another way.”
