Nicholas

 

 

"You're sure?" I look down at the police detective assigned to the case. I never caught her name. I wasn't paying enough attention to care. I can't form a logical thought at this point.

"It's from her." She stands in front of me, her hands cradling her phone. "A hostage negotiation team is there and they've established communication with Abano. Before you ask, you're not going. No one but our members will be allowed within a two-block radius."

"Can I see it at least?" I glance at her phone. "You must have a copy of it. I can verify her handwriting."

"There's no need." She shakes her head. "It's a vital piece of evidence, Mr. Wolf. I can't show it to you."

"Tell me what it said," I press. "That fucking television in the conference room is on. I heard the breaking news. I know it was a dollar bill. She wrote on it."

"Dammit." She shakes her head. "News leaks from our department faster than we can keep on top of it."

"What did it say?"

"She's safe."

"What else?" I'm not an idiot. I saw the change in the detective's demeanor. She left an hour ago after getting a call on her cell. She's back now and jumpy as shit.

"You need to take a seat, Mr. Wolf, and wait for another update."

"I need you to tell me why the fuck it is taking forever for you to get her out of that building."

"There are protocols in place in this type of situation."

"According to the goddamn news, the police have been on the scene for more than an hour. Give me two minutes with that fucker Abano and I'll buy Sophia's freedom."

She leans forward. "This is off the record and a favor to your brother, Sebastian, so keep this between you and me."

"Spit it out," I growl. "If Sophia's still in danger, I want in there. I know I can reason with the man. Money can buy anything. Abano has a price and I'll pay it."

"He's willing to let her go, but she won't leave."

"That's fucking bullshit." I step back. "You're a fucking liar."

"Watch it." Her hand rises in the air between us.

"If he gave her the chance to walk out of there alive, she would."

"She won't because there's a child in there with them. Abano kidnapped a five-year-old in Florida. That little boy is the reason Sophia won't come out."

 

***

 

I rest my head in my hands. It shouldn’t surprise me that she's willing to risk her own life to save a child she doesn't know. I wouldn't expect less of her, yet I want her out. I want her safe and back in my arms.

"She's going to come out of this, Nick." Robert takes a seat next to me. "She's on the cusp of good things. Fate won't steal that from her. She's too much good in her life."

"Tell me about her." I try to level my tone. Her parents know nothing about the child that's trapped in there with Sophia. I don't want to add to their burden by telling them that she stayed behind to protect him. "I want to know more about her."

"You already know that she plays the piano." He raps his fingertips against his knee. "She's damn good."

"The best I've ever heard, sir."

"Bob." His gaze drops. "You'll call me Bob."

I will. I hope for many years to come. "I have a piano at my place. She plays for me sometimes."

"I'm envious." He chuckles. "I miss hearing her play. Maybe while we're here, we can stop by and she'll give us a private concert."

"She'd love that." I believe she would. She's only told me limited details about her relationship with her folks. I didn't press because I saw no need to.

"I know that she loves you." Something passes briefly over his expression, but it's gone before I can read it. "I always hoped my little girl would find a man who loved her as much as I do. You're proving today that you do."

My eyes well with tears. God isn't going to give me this moment to steal it away from me in my next breath. Sophia needs to come out of this so I can ask this man for her hand in marriage one day. I want to be part of this family. I want Sophia to be part of mine. I haven't called my folks down here yet. I've talked to my mom twice, both times she told me she'd light a candle and pray for Sophia. She told me she loves her already since I do.

"I love her," I say in a sob. "I'll never stop."
He moves to embrace me. His frail hands patting my back as he tells me over and over that everything is going to be fine. I believe him. My Sophia is coming back to me. She has to.