Turning his attention to the gang leader, Jacob responded, “When you wrap this up, I’ve got something special for you—a rare gemstone ne I picked up recently. I know you’re a collector. It’s wasted on me, so I’ll drop it off soon.”

    Originally, Jacob had nned to ask for discretion regarding today’s affairs, hoping the gang leader would keep everything hidden from Alethea. Yet, as the conversation progressed, he thought better of it. His adopted daughter had be far too clever for her own good. Someone needed to remind her who she was dealing with. Trying to block Carrie’s reunion with the Hinks family took real nerve.

    Perhaps in another household, he could have sympathized with Alethea’s fears. But with Carrie’s well-being so tightly linked to Kelsey’s survival, any harm to Carrie meant putting Kelsey in jeopardy—a risk Jacob wouldn’t tolerate.

    A chuckle escaped the gang leader. “Much appreciated, Mr. Dury.”

    Down by the sea, the amusement park stood mostly finished yet hauntingly empty. As dusk bled into night, shadows deepened across the grounds, lending the ce a haunted, ominous edge.

    The hospital waste truck rumbled into the deserted park, grinding to a halt near the water’s edge.

    One quick exchange of nces passed between Lise and Carrie. Lise’s whisper was barely audible, saying, “Keep your eyes shut. Don’t let them know you’vee to.”

    The warning registered instantly. Carrie knew if the kidnappers caught on and sedated her again, any hope of escape would be lost. Even so, wariness lingered. Lise was hardly someone she could trustpletely. During the ride, Carrie had worked at her restraints with a shard of broken iron, but it hadn’t done a…

    Thing. Getting free on her own was a lost cause. With no time to spare, Carrie spoke in a low, urgent voice. “Loosen my ropes now, or how am I supposed to make a run for it?”

    A frown creased Lise’s face. “I can’t cut you loose right now—they’ll notice. Wait for my signal, and I’ll get you out.”

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    Before Carrie could argue, the creak of the rear doors echoed through the vehicle. Lise shot her a look so sharp it could cut steel, and Carrie got the message—now wasn’t the moment to resist. She snapped her eyes shut, forcing her body to go limp, as if still unconscious.

    No sooner had her lids closed than the doors swung open. The vehicle lurched as two men mbered inside, their heavy boots rattling the floor. A quick scan from the taller mannded on Lise. “She stirred at all?”

    Not a hint of panic touched Lise. She answered with bored ease, “The dose I gave her was strong. She’s out cold.”

    A predatory gleam lit up the shorter man’s face as his gaze lingered on Carrie. His tongue darted over his lips. “Pregnant or not, I’ve never seen one this stunning.”

    Disgust twisted across the tall man’s features. “Sumner, don’tplicate this. Take care of the job, get paid, then you can chase after whatever women you want. We’re right by the ocean now. Just finish her, tie a rock, and toss her in. Nobody’s going to stumble across this scene.”

    Sumner shot the taller man a defiant grin. “You don’t get it, Fraser. She’s not just anyone—she’s the Morrison heiress. Women like that don’t exactlye my way every day, no matter how much cash I sh. Besides, this ce is a ghost town. Who’s gonna notice?”

    For a second, it looked as though Fraser might press the point, but Lise cut him off before he could open his mouth. Calction gleamed in her eyes as she stepped in. “Miss Hinks gave me free rein tonight, and as for this one? I’ve never despised anyone more. If you want to indulge yourself, be my guest.”

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