“I say, 'boats and hoes.'” It was easy enough to remember, and a little bit funny, but it was a dark humor. Janie wouldn’t know what it meant, but the team listening in on the wire would. A duress code. If he said that, then a full tactical team came in with guns blazing. If bullets started flying, they were just as likely to hit Laura as Janie. Boats and hoes full of holes. Ethan just hoped he could get Laura on the floor fast enough.
“It sounds like you've got it.” Dean leaned back into the couch. “Try to stay calm. The calmer you stay, the calmer Janie will stay. Play to her. Do what she asks. We're right outside if you need help.”
Ethan nodded and sat back in his own chair. He needed something to drink. Or ten shots of whiskey. “I'm not ashamed to admit this to you, but I'm scared about this.”
Dean smiled. “You should be. This isn't an easy thing. But, you'll do great. Just treat it like a hostile takeover, and you'll be fine.”
Ethan chuckled. “Yeah, except I'm the one being taken over. I have to give the takers what they want in order to survive. That's not my usual meeting.”
Dean checked his watch. “It's time. You ready?”
Ethan's stomach rolled with nerves, but his hands were steady. “As ready as I'm going to be,” he replied. He stood up and put on his game face.
It was time to save Laura.
Chapter 41
Laura
“Luckily it went the way it was supposed to,” Ethan told Laura.
She was still having a hard time believing this was all happening. She looked over in time to see the EMTs wheel Craig off strapped to a gurney. He was still out cold as they took him away with a police escort.
“What's going to happen to him?” Laura asked, following him with her eyes. She gripped Ethan's hand, drawing strength from him.
“He's going somewhere they can help him,” Ethan answered, giving her hand a reassuring squeeze. “Don't worry about him.”
Laura nodded and looked away. She understood that Craig didn't mean to hurt her, but she wasn't ready to forgive him for tying her up and threatening her life just yet.
The EMT checking Laura out cleared her throat. She smiled as the two of them looked over.
“You look okay,” the EMT told Laura. “You're a little dehydrated, but your vitals are good, and you don't have any physical injuries.”
“Can I take her home?” Ethan asked his hand on her shoulder.
“If you want to,” the EMT replied. “She needs rest and fluids. If anything changes, you'll need to see a doctor.”
“Thank you,” Laura told the EMT and Ethan repeated the sentiment.
The EMT nodded. She quickly finished packing up her things, and she and her partner headed back to their ambulance. Laura stood from the chair. She didn't want to be on that thing anymore. Standing felt good.
A tall man with dark hair and piercing blue eyes headed their direction. He walked confidently and greeted them with a nod. Laura recognized him as Dean from Mia's fundraiser.
“How are you, Laura?” Dean asked. He didn't smile. She wasn't sure he knew how.
“Better now,” Laura said with a smile. “Thank you.”
“I'm just glad you're safe,” Dean replied. He turned to Ethan. “It appears as though Craig was quite obsessed with you, Ethan. His car is outside, and it's full of items that belong you. Pens, neckties, napkins, t-shirts, and even a personalized phone charger.”
Ethan's eyebrows went up. “So that's where that went,” he said.
“We're just about finished here,” Dean informed them. “You two are free to head home. I'll have one of my men drive you to the hotel.”
“Thank you, Dean,” Ethan replied. He reached into his pocket and pulled out what Laura assumed with the microphone. “I can't thank you enough.”
Dean took the microphone. “It's my job.”
Laura hugged him. “Thank you, Dean.”