Page 5 of Double Take

“Sure, we can get her one of those. What about her sister?”

“Katy-bug likes scrambled eggs and grits.”

He was referring to the kids by their nicknames. That was good. And he didn’t seem to be upset that the five-year-old had been the one to make the call that set the current situation in progress. Or maybe he didn’t know. “And you and your wife?”

“Wife don’t get nothing. She lost her chance to eat today, but you can bring me a steak biscuit, grits, and bacon.”

James’ molars clicked together and he ground them to keep his words in check. “Got it. Might take us about thirty minutes or so.”

“Call it in. They’ll have it ready faster.”

“Right.” He nodded to Luis, who passed the assignment to the officer next to him. “No faster than thirty minutes,” James told her, his voice low. “As soon as they eat, I have a feeling he’s going to end it. We need that time.” The woman nodded and took off for her cruiser. James noted the negotiator, Marissa Cook, standing next to Cole.

James held the megaphone toward her, and she shook her head while she walked toward him. “You’re doing great,” she said. “You’ve got him working with you. If something changes, we’ll trade off, but for now, let’s not fix it if it’s not broken.”

James agreed, then slid his gaze to Luis. “Sniper ready?”

“He’s ready, but he can’t get a clear shot. Man’s got the windows covered up, and even if he didn’t, the guy’s got the kid attached to him like a leech. Risk is too great if the guy moves unexpectedly.”

He needed Gerald to let the little one go. “Hey, Gerald,” he said, “got your food ordered and an officer is heading to pick it up.”

“Good. Good.”

“It would be a lot easier to communicate if you’d pick up the phone.” James noted the neighbors gathered as close as they could get to the scene behind the tape. They might not be able to see much, but they were getting an earful. “Not to mention, this conversation would be a lot more private. You got a landline?”

“No.” A pause. “What do you mean ‘private’?”

“Got some nosy lookie-loo neighbors, if you know what I mean. I can give you a number to call or I can bring you a radio. Your choice. But at least our talk will just be between us while we wait for the food.” And if the man wasn’t worried about being shot when he opened the door, he might let go of the child.

Silence. The little hand gripping the door disappeared and the door shut.

“What now?” Luis asked, arms crossed, a frown pulling his brows to meet at the bridge of his nose.

“Give him a minute. He doesn’t like his dirty laundry aired. I took a little gamble that mentioning the neighbors would get him on the phone.”

The door cracked. “Can’t find the phone! Bring me a radio!”

Two

Lainie stood at the nurses’ counter in the Emergency Department and shut her eyes for a moment. It had been two weeks since she’d gone over the side of the mountain and she was tired. Her body had mostly recovered from the surprisingly minor cuts and bruises, but today her head pounded. Once she’d been extricated from the vehicle, she’d given her statement to the police and gotten a ride home from one of the nice deputies. And told no one what happened, simply because she couldn’t quite believe it herself.

She’d rented a car that was very similar to the one she owned, and so far, no one had questioned her about it. Her phone buzzed and she glanced at it. A text from Sonny at the body shop.

Hope to get to your car soon, Lainie. We’re just swamped. I understand if you want to take it elsewhere.

As if.She tapped,

No way. I know and trust you. Insurance is paying for a rental so no hurry. At least not much.

Okay, will let you know when it’s ready.

She thanked him, then resumed her position against the nurses’ station, closing her eyes once more. Could she sleep standing up? Maybe.

“Hey, you okay?”

She turned to find her coworker, good friend, and brilliant trauma surgeon, Dr. Allison Lambe, walking toward her with her confident, smooth stride. Today, her short, dark, shiny hair sported a finger wave style popular in the 1920s. “Fine. Just tired. Love the hairstyle.”

Allison gave her head a light pat. “I’m channeling Josephine Baker.”

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