Page 26 of Dark Memories
“Daddy?”
At hearing his daughter’s precious voice, Zach’s legs gave out and he sank into the closest chair. “Baby, are you okay?”
“I want to come home, Daddy.”
When she started crying, he squeezed his eyes shut against his own tears. “I’m coming for you, Kali. I promise.” She didn’t answer, and he realized he’d lost the connection.
He took a minute to compose himself, then stood and walked to the table where Delaney and Captain Scanlon sat. “She comes home today. Either you go get her or I will.”
Chapter Nine
“Sit, Zach,” Eve Scanlon said.
Harry pushed a chair out with her foot when he remained standing. “We have a plan, so sit and listen.” Now that they knew where Kali was, she was surprised they hadn’t had to tackle him to keep him from storming out the door to get her. “How did Kali sound?”
“She was crying.” He gripped the arms of the chair. “Said she wanted to come home. That was all they let her say before hanging up on me, so I didn’t get to ask if she was hurt.”
“Our advantage is that they aren’t aware that we know where she is, even what room she’s in.” Harry slanted him a glance. “Thanks to your brother.” He only grunted at that, and she wondered if he’d ever forgive Robbie for his part in this.
Eve slid a piece of paper to him. “Send this text to them.”
He read it, and without any questions, he typed the message, then turned the screen for them to see.
I want my daughter home. We do this tomorrow and you get an extra 5 mil.
“Send it,” Eve said.
“Okay, sent.” He dropped his phone on the table. “What’s the plan, and why can’t we go get her tonight?”
“We are.” Harry glanced at her boss and got the nod to explain their plan. “The purpose of that text is to hopefully make them relax their guard tonight.”
Eve’s phone rang, and she eyed the screen. “It’s Eric. Finish filling Zach in while I take this.” She walked to the other side of the room.
“Who’s Eric?” Zach asked.
“Eric Cantu, another detective. He’s briefing the SWAT team. At three a.m. we’ll have the house surrounded. We know there are at least the two men who took Kali from Larson, and there could be more. We’re counting on them being asleep at that time. I’m going in through the window Robbie told us about, getting Kali out without them knowing, and then SWAT will move in.”
“I’m going in with you. She’ll be afraid of anyone she doesn’t know.”
“No. If there’s a problem of any kind, we can’t have a civilian involved. Eric is going in with me, and believe me, he’s one of the best. You’ll be with us, but outside. We’ll bring Kali to you.”
She could tell that he wasn’t happy, and she put her hand on his. “It has to be this way, Zach. I’ll keep her safe, I promise.”
“I said I trusted you, and I do.” He turned his hand up and linked their fingers. “When you get her, if she’s scared of you, call her Baby Girl. It’s what I called her until she made me stop because she said she wasn’t a baby anymore.” He smiled. “That was just last month.”
“I will, and I’ll tell her I’m taking her to her daddy.”
“When this is over—”
She slipped her hand from his and put her fingers on his lips. “When this is over, you’ll thank me and then take your daughter home.” And if that broke her heart all over again, she would deal with it. She had once before, and she could do it this time.
* * *
Harry stood with Zach a few houses down from their target. They had a clear view of the house, and his gaze hadn’t left the window of the room they believed his daughter was in. As soon as SWAT was in place, she and Eric would go in and rescue Kali.
An ambulance was parked behind the SWAT vehicle, and she sent up a prayer that it wouldn’t be needed, that their plan to sneak Kali out was successful. Standing in front of the ambulance with the EMTs was Zach’s personal doctor, who would examine Kali as soon as she was rescued. Kali knew Dr. Anderson and would be more comfortable with him, Zach had reasoned.
Eve was behind them, by the hood of her SUV with Eric Cantu and Rhys Evans, who’d been with Cantu when Eve had called Eric, and had decided to tag along. It was probably good Rhys was here. If Zach got it in his head to follow them in, between Eve and Rhys, they could wrestle him to the ground.
