A Texas Hero

She fell into step beside him. “I understand your attitude toward women a little better.”

“I don’t need you to understand me. I need you to follow orders so we can find our way back to our families. Do you think you can handle that?”

He walked off, leaving her with her mouth gaping open. But he didn’t care. If not for her, he would be home with his daughter.

Then Abby Bauman would be dead.

The thought splintered through his hard demeanor and shook his resolve. He wouldn’t let anything happen to her. He wasn’t sure why that was so important. For now, though, they had to work together to survive.

* * *

EVERETT MADE PEANUT BUTTER and jelly sandwiches for lunch. It was Chloe’s favorite. Gayle cut up fruit, even though he hadn’t asked her to. They hadn’t spoken since the morning, and she never did go shopping. All he could think about was his daughter. He and Gayle would talk later.

“Time for a nap, sweetiepie.”

Chloe rubbed her eyes. “You have to read to me, Grandpa. Mommy does.”

“Okay. Let’s get one of your books.” He carried her into the den and rummaged through the bag Abby had left. A Disney Princess book was on top. Abby and her prince books. She’d always loved them. He often wished he’d talked to his daughter more about the real world. But she had a good head on her shoulders, and he knew she’d choose a husband wisely. He thought she had until Doug showed his true colors.

He cradled Chloe close and opened the book, but his granddaughter was already asleep. Lifting her into his arms, he carried her down the hall to a guest bedroom and placed her on the bed with Baby in her arms. He laid an afghan over her. The air-conditioning was chilly.

“Shouldn’t you put some pillows around her?” Gayle asked from the doorway. “She might roll off the bed.”

“I can take care of my granddaughter,” he replied shortly and walked past her.

“Why are you so mean to me?” She followed him.

He turned to face her. “Gayle, I’m worried out of my mind about Abby and I’m not in a mood to argue with you.”

“Everett.” She stroked his arm. “I’m worried about her, too. I’m sorry if I sounded crass earlier.”

Before he could respond, the doorbell rang. “I’ll get it.”

Doug stood on the doorstep in white shorts and a yellow-and-white golf shirt. He removed his sunglasses, hooked them on the front of his shirt and stepped inside. “Hi, Everett. I’m here to pick up Chloe.” From his sunny attitude Everett knew he hadn’t heard about Abby. And why hadn’t he? It was on the news, the internet, everywhere.

“What makes you think Chloe is here?”

“Abby always brings her to you.”

“When you pull a no-show.”

“I had a meeting. I told Abby that.”

“Yes. At seven-fifteen this morning. The exact time you were to pick up Chloe. I’ve been a banker for a lot of years and if you had a meeting this morning, on a Saturday, you knew about it yesterday or the day before.”

“Damn it, Everett. If she would take the damn settlement, she wouldn’t have to work. If she would forgive me, we could be a family again. I’ve apologized until I’m blue in the face and I’m in counseling, but Abby refuses to give me a second chance.”

“So you use manipulative tricks to bend her to your will.”

Doug frowned. “I don’t have to explain anything to you. Where’s my daughter?”

“You don’t know, do you?”

“What?”

“Abby’s bank was robbed this morning.”

“What?”

“The bank was robbed. I’m surprised you haven’t heard about it.”

“I haven’t.” His cool facade slipped a little. “So Abby’s here, too? Is she resting?”

“Doug, Abby was taken as a hostage.”

“What?” Color drained from Doug’s suntanned face.

“The police have identified a white van that was used in the robbery. It belongs to a Calvin Williams of Austin. He said he loaned it to his son, Devon. The van was located in Houston, but there’s been no sign of the robbers or Abby.”

“Oh, my God.” Doug ran his hands through his hair. “Have you told Chloe?”

“Of course not. She’s too little to understand.”

“She needs to be with me. Where is she?”

“You’re not taking her. Abby’s last words were for me not to let you have her.”

“That’s insane. I’m her father.”

“Still, she stays here until Abby returns.”

“You’re crazy, Everett. I’m taking my daughter.” Doug pushed past him and headed for the hall doorway.

Gayle stood there with one of his golf irons in her hands. “You better leave, Doug, unless you want a really bad headache.”

“You’re not serious.”

“Try me.”

“Fine.” He held up his hands. “I’ll be back with a policeman and you’ll have to give her to me.” He turned on his heel and slammed out the front door.

Everett eased into his chair, his breathing shallow. “Call Holly and have her come get Chloe.”

“Why?”

“I think I’m having a heart attack.”

CHAPTER FOUR