All I've Ever Wanted - Adrianne Byrd [62]
“A charming couple?”
“Yeah. She’s tough, funny and smart. Not to mention she’s extremely easy on the eyes.”
“Extremely?” He unfolded his arms. “You’ve checked her out?”
“It’s kind of hard not to. Wouldn’t you say?” Dossman watched his partner sputter, and even imagined his mind churning for something clever to say. “All right, let’s change the subject. I had no idea that the woman had you tongue-tied. Though I have to admit, I’m dying to know exactly what happened between you two at your apartment last night.”
“I just bet you are.”
“If you ever want to clear your conscience about anything at all, you know I’m here for you, don’t you?”
“Cut the wise-guy act. Help me figure out what our next move should be.”
“Fine. Fine. Tell me the situation.”
Max filled Dossman in on all that he knew and some that he speculated. When he finished, Dossman cradled his head in the palms of his hands with a look of defeat.
“It doesn’t look good,” he said finally.
Max stood and glanced at his watch. “Tell me something I don’t know.”
“I don’t see where we have a choice in the matter. We have to call the FBI. Kidnapping is a federal offense.”
“She’s dead set against it.”
“Tough. I say we play this one by the book. A child’s life is in danger. It’s not the time for one of us to go off playing supercop. You know what I mean?”
Max hesitated, and then nodded. His partner made sense. Though, if he was honest with himself, there was a part of him that wanted to play the part of the hero for Kennedy St. James.
Dossman cocked his head with a bemused grin. “Damn, you got it bad. Are you daydreaming now?”
“I thought you were supposed to change the subject.”
Tommy clutched his grandmother’s hand, surprised that she had managed to stop trembling whereas he could not. The man promised them that it would all be over soon, once his mother got there, but Tommy found himself praying for her not to come. The man planned to hurt her, despite his claims of being a friend.
“Does this place have a basement?” Keenan asked.
“Yes,” his grandma replied, tilting her chin.
“Good. Take me to it.” He waved his gun at her.
She stood and Tommy did likewise.
“What are you going to do with us?” Tommy asked boldly.
Keenan’s mouth twisted into a cruel smile. “I think I’ll keep that a secret, little man.” He returned his gaze to the older woman. “Show me.”
His Nana stiffened, and Tommy squeezed her hand for reassurance. She turned and led the way to the basement.
Keenan’s smile widened at the sight of a key jutting out of the lock. “Look what we have here. It’s Christmas in October. Get in.”
She pulled Tommy against her. “Please don’t do this.”
“Don’t waste my time begging. It won’t do you any good.” He took a threatening step forward. “Now get in there.”
Their hard gazes battled before she complied and pulled Tommy in with her. The door slammed closed and impenetrable darkness surrounded them.
Tears rushed from Tommy’s eyes as violent tremors shook his small body. Images of the boogeyman and other scary monsters crowded his imagination.
“Shh, baby. It’s going to be all right.” She lowered onto her haunches to console him.
He tried to stop trembling, but it only got worse. “I’m scared,” he admitted.
Her arms enveloped him in a powerful hug as she confessed, “So am I.”
“Good news. It’s not broken,” Kennedy said with a crooked grin. “It’s just a sprain.”
He returned the favor before unloading the bad news. “I’ve talked to my partner and we both agree that we need to go to the FBI on this one.”
Her smile vanished. “No.” She turned on her heel and headed toward the exit.
With lightning speed, Max blocked her from the door.
“Out of my way, Collier. You have no right to hold me. I know it and you know it.”
“I don’t need you here to call in the FBI, Kennedy. It’s going to happen with or without you.”
Kennedy’s jaw clenched with anger. “If you do, he’s going to kill my son. Doesn’t that mean anything to you?”
“It means everything. That’s why we have to do this. We have less than