Page 46 of Holding His Hostage
The app finished downloading and Jo opened it. She knew April’s email address but not her password. She tried the one she used for everything, knowing the kids often did the same. “Please, God, let this work…” The screen changed to April’s feed. “I’m in!”
A knock sounded on the bedroom door. “I got it. That’s Mac,” called Sloan. “Mom, I need you to check Fiona’s iPad. See if she has Instagram.”
Jo found her way to April’s messages as Sloan greeted the men. The messages came one after another from Justin971—the most recent posting at eleven o’clock last night.
I’ll meet you by the main road.
“No, no, no…” she whispered, scrolling to read their earlier conversation.
Sloan swore loudly. “She had Instagram on the iPad.”
“I know. I’m in her account. She was talking to him.”
This stupid log cabin. I have to share a room with my sister…
That sucks. Where are you?
The thriving metropolis of Esopus, New York.
I’m visiting my aunt in New York City. That’s not too far away. With your mom gone, we could see each other. I’ll take an Uber like last time.
Isn’t that expensive?
It would be worth it to see you.
Okay, that would be great! I’m at 818 Creek Road.
“Jesus Christ, she gave him the address.” She stood and raised her voice to be heard over the men, who’d grown louder as Sloan filled them in. “She gave him her address!” The phone vibrated in her hand. She had a new text from a number she didn’t recognize, and she opened it.
TIME’S UP.
I’VE GOT THE GIRL, NOW I WANT MY MONEY.
LEAVE IT ON THE BENCH BY THE STATUE AT JEFFERSON PARK AT 10:00 P.M. COME ALONE.
I’LL CONTACT YOU AFTER.
24
Sloan knew this had been too easy.
His gut was never wrong, and this mission had just taken a serious turn for the worse, with April’s life hanging in the balance. Rage twisted with protectiveness, his blood pumping fast. She wasn’t his flesh-and-blood child, but she could have been, and that made every difference in his heart.
“We don’t even have the money!” Joanne was hyperventilating, clearly having a panic attack, and he worried about her ability to handle this latest development. “How can we give them what we don’t even have?”
He crossed to her and pulled her to a seated position on the bed. “Put your head between your knees. Take slow, even breaths.” She did as he said.
“Gavin and Asher are in a chopper on their way here,” said Mac, typing into his phone. “I’ll reroute them to Wiseman’s cabin to protect your family.”
As much as Sloan wanted them protected, he was keenly aware they had limited resources and the need for men here. “We’re going to need them. Get Evelyn and the kids to a safe location—without any of their damn devices—then I want Gavin and Asher back.”
If there was one thing he hated, it was not knowing what he was up against. That could easily lead to the team being overpowered and a terrible outcome for April. He could hardly stand to think about it. He looked pointedly at Mac. “Who else can you spare?”
“Chop and Razorback.”
Sloan cursed under his breath. It wasn’t enough. “We have to win this one, Mac.”
“I know.” The older man nodded sagely, as if he could see how important this mission was to him personally. “I’ll call Trace and Moto back from Wyoming. They should be able to make it in time.”
