Countdown Read Online Free PDF Page B

“And, like the officer said, the guy had to be on drugs or something. Nothing he said made sense.”
    James raked a hand through his curls. She didn’t understand the implication. “I hugged you.” His voice gruff, he turned to her. “Back there. I hugged you...twice. We held hands.”
    â€œWe were praying. I was trying to be supportive.” Her eyes widened as she held both palms up.
    â€œThe kids hugged you,” he continued, “while the kidnapper watched. We drove back together. Until Sunday, we had been driving together twice a week.”
    â€œAbout that—”
    â€œI...I think he was referring to me,” James said, trying to get to the point. “I’m afraid I put a target on you.”
    Rachel’s breath hitched, but she said nothing. She took a small step back, as if replaying his words in her mind. She frowned, her mouth dropped slightly.
    â€œI’m sorry. I have to get back.” He took a step toward her. “Put a bag together with the essentials—clothes, money, whatever you might need to leave for a few days. Meet me at my house, and I’ll take you wherever you want. I just don’t think you should stay here alone. Please.”
    Rachel blinked. “I...I don’t understand. They caught him.”
    James blew out a breath. He spent all day talking in computer codes. His communication skills were rusty at best, and he hated it. “I’ve already left the boys alone long enough.” He put his hands on her shoulders, and heat radiated up his arm. He stepped back immediately. “Grab your stuff, and I’ll give you a ride to somewhere safe. I’ll explain on the way. I promise. And if you still think I’m crazy, I’ll pay for you to take a cab back here.”
    She raised an eyebrow. “Is it possible you might be overreacting? They’ve caught both men now. He was probably after me because I could identify him, because I messed up their plan.” She placed a hand on the back of her neck. Her eyes widened as she looked up at James. “He said, ‘If I can’t take the kids, it seems you’ll do.’” Her gaze stayed on him, but it seemed she was staring into the void. She blinked rapidly and recognition crossed over her features. “Someone is trying to find leverage on you?” She flung a hand to the door. “Why not tell the cops your theory while they were here?”
    He blew out a long breath and raised both eyebrows as if accepting bad news. “Because it’s not a matter for them. It needs to stay with the NSA.”
    Her forehead crinkled. “The NSA?”
    â€œNational Security Agency.” James didn’t have time to explain his career history. “I have a contact there that I need to reach before complicating matters by going to the police.”
    â€œJames.” Her voice came out as a plea, soft yet powerful enough to make his stomach flip. “Are you sure?”
    He hung his head. “No.” He raised his eyes to meet hers. “But do you really want to take the risk I’m wrong? Please close your windows and lock your doors. Get your stuff, and we’ll talk at my place.”
    He turned and left the way he came—out the back door—before she could ask any more questions. He stepped onto the lush grass, grabbed the top of the fence and lifted himself up and over into his own yard.
    â€œYou could’ve used the front door.” Her voice reached him through the open windows.
    â€œClose your windows and pack,” he hollered back. He slipped the keys out of his pants’ pocket, unlocked his back door and went inside.
    â€œEthan? Caleb?”
    â€œDaddy, can we have pizza now?” Ethan’s voice filtered through the secret door.
    His shoulders dropped and he smiled. They seemed fine, but for how long? He ran downstairs to hug his boys and tell them it was time to leave.

FOUR
    R achel’s