Until I Kissed You

by Nicole Vidal

  The door keeps opening into my home, and the agent from Sterling arrives.

  “Sam.” Steve Sterling extends his hand to me. “Can I have a word in private?”

  I extend my arm toward my office and walk away.

  “Steve, thank you for coming. What do you need from me?”

  “Since we recently updated this policy, I assume you recall how this works. Have you received a demand yet?”

  “Yes, I recall. No, but I don’t see any reason to take Savannah other than money. I want to be prepared. Cash is looking into how much capital I can raise in the next few hours.”

  “Good. That was my next suggestion. When they call, make sure you ask to speak with Savannah after they make their demand.”

  I sign some paperwork that Steve provides, and we leave my office. My phone rings, but unfortunately it is Jacob.

  “Go ahead, Jacob.”

  “What is the status there?”

  “Scarlett and your team are here. Cruz and two other NYPD officers, Steven Sterling from the insurance company, as well as myself, Emerson, and Maria-Luisa.”

  “Blaine was able to determine that Arthur Clemons is the catalyst for the kidnapping. He apparently owes more than four million dollars to various loan sharks who work the Atlantic City casino crowd. We also have identified the men who took Savannah as Joe Briggs and Carl Maxwell. Both men work for Mikhail Drake. Carl is his right-hand man. Blaine is still digging as to why they sought out Mr. Clemons.”

  “Thanks. Please keep me informed.” After ending the call, I return to the main living area.

  The kitchen is packed, and Scarlett is pacing the length of the couch with Finn keenly watching her. Perhaps he’s concerned she will shove me again. I can take whatever she needs to dish out. Even though this is on Mr. Clemons, I’m at fault too.

  “Scarlett, can I have a word?”

  She stops pacing and joins me near the hallway.

  “When is the last time you spoke with your father?”

  “It’s been awhile. Why?”

  “Don’t lie, Scarlett. We know you bailed him out last month after his relapse.” My tone precisely matches my demeanor right now.

  “This is about—”

  The shrill ring of my phone quiets everyone in the room.

  Chapter 47

  Savannah

  Following our route to the best of my ability, I believe we’re in The Bronx somewhere. Unfortunately, I didn’t catch any street signs or other distinguishing markers to help Jacob and Cruz. Joe and Carl, at least I think that’s their names, hustle my father and me into an unfurnished, ground-level apartment and have us sit against the kitchen island on the floor. So far they haven’t hurt me, but given the condition of my father’s face, it isn’t outside the realm of possibility.

  “Both of you need to keep your mouths shut during this call or there will be dire consequences.” Carl points back and forth between us before dialing the phone. He sets a device near the phone probably to disguise his voice.

  I can’t imagine what good that does considering my father and I have seen them and heard their voices.

  “I would like to speak with Sam Morgan.”

  It must be on speaker because I can hear Sam’s responses.

  “This is Sam Morgan.”

  “My boss wants five million dollars in exchange for your girlfriend by six this evening. If you fail to deliver the cash, you will never see her again.”

  The heaviness settles in. As I expected, neither Carl nor Joe is in charge here. They are middlemen, henchmen, the dirty work guys—take your pick of descriptor. Either way, that likely doesn’t bode well for us.

  “I’ll get you what you want. I need to speak with her first.” The terror in his voice palpable. It’s my fault it’s there. Well, my father’s fault but mine to bear just the same.

  Carl yanks me up by my upper arm near the island.

  “Sam.”

  “Did they hurt you?” The sound of his voice breaks my heart.

  “No, I’m fine, but I need you to check on Gray at my apartment.”

  “I’m so sorry. I should have—”

  “Stop, check on Gray for me. I love you.” I try to hide the cracking in my voice but fail. Please understand what I’m trying to tell you.

  Carl shoves me back down beside my father. “That’s enough. We’ll call with further instructions for the exchange.” He ends the call and squats in front of my father and me. “Your boyfriend better come through. I would hate to harm that delicious body of yours.” Carl drags his finger across my cheek and down my arm.

  It takes everything in me not to address his disgusting innuendo or shrink back from his touch. “Can I use the bathroom please?” I don’t really need to use the bathroom, but I’m hoping there’s a window or at least I’m able to get up off the floor.

  Joe simply points down the hall. Rising slowly, I gaze out the windows, attempting to gather more information. If I can, I’ll text Sam. Whoever my father owes doesn’t employ the brightest muscle. They didn’t even check me for a phone or any type of weapon. However, I won’t let myself believe they won’t hurt me if Sam can’t come through. Keeping my mind calm and tamping down my desire to throttle my father is enough to keep me busy right now. When everything was starting to look up for me. When I could finally think about myself first instead of Scarlett.

  As quietly as possible, I search the contents of the small bathroom. To my surprise, it’s fairly clean and even has toilet paper and hand soap. I don’t find anything useful, and the frosted window prevents me from seeing outside. Since I’m here, I use the facilities and wash up. After failing to glean any information about our location and Joe banging on the door to hurry me up, I retreat beside my father without texting Sam.

  When I take a seat next to my father, he starts to speak. “I’m sorry, squirt. This is all on me. I tried to get myself together and stay dry after rehab, but I failed not once but twice.”

  The sincerity in his voice gives me pause. “The only reason I’m here is because the man I love has money. I’ll never be able to pay him back, assuming he’s successful in saving us.”

  “If he even asks for it, he isn’t good enough for you.”

  “Stop talking about Sam like you know him. You don’t. You have no right to question my choices. I haven’t seen you in years, and yet here I am pulled back into your mess for one reason. Sam has money. I earn a very good salary, but not enough to come up with that kind of cash. Certainly not by the end of today.” More so now that I made partner, which I still can’t believe. Either way, I don’t have that kind of money. I won’t have a choice but to pay Sam back. I can’t let him save my father from his stupidity.

  “You’re right.”

  I’m floored. Did he say that? “Excuse me?”

  “Losing your mother was one of the most difficult things that ever happened to me. While I was there with you and your sister, I wasn’t present. Not even close. It took me years and a substantial number of hours in therapy to realize losing you and Scarlett was something I might be able to repair to some degree. Rehab was the first step. I failed—twice. This certainly doesn’t help matters.”

  “Why now?”

  “I know I screwed up—”

  “Pipe down! I don’t need to hear your family drama. If your boyfriend pays up, you can talk all you want over dinner,” Joe admonishes us from his post near the door.

  Carl is whispering to someone on his phone behind us in the kitchen. I strain my ears to pick up any information I can. I refuse to be a sitting duck any longer than necessary.

  “—he sounded sincere.” Muffled words, then, “He will pay it.” Then I hear “—drop location” before Carl ends the call.

  He said drop to his boss but exchange to Sam. That can’t be good. I have no idea what time it is at this point or how long we’ve been here. If I had to guess, it’s been at least two hours considering I’m starving and only had a light breakfast and skipped lunch.

&n
bsp; “Let’s go, princess. Time to call your boyfriend again.” Carl reaches down to pull me to my feet.

  “I’ll stand on my own.” I twist to keep his hand from grasping my arm again. As much as I love this super soft sweater, I’m burning it after today.

  Carl dials Sam’s phone again.

  Chapter 48

  Samson

  After finishing my discussion with Scarlett, I contact Cash again and verify the funds will be ready for transfer in less than an hour. I rarely wish for time to hurry, but today I am. I need to pay off these goons so I can get Savannah back. I knew before this whole ordeal that she’s it for me, but I don’t feel like I’ve conveyed that to her adequately.

  After the call, I began to wrack my brain, trying to figure out what she means about taking care of Gray. Gray is here at my home in Manhattan. Her apartment is in The Bronx. The realization slaps me in the face.

  “Cruz! She’s in The Bronx.” I shout as loudly as I can. That’s the only thing that makes sense. Every head in the kitchen snaps in my direction, including Scarlett’s.

  “Slow down. What do you mean?” Cruz has his hand on my shoulder.

  “On the phone, Savannah said to check on Gray at her apartment. Gray is here, so she must be referring to her apartment in The Bronx.”

  Cruz pulls out his phone and shares that potentially helpful information with his team. “Did she say anything else?”

  “Nothing that will help you.”

  Understanding crosses Cruz’s face. Either he has a woman in his life or had one and it didn’t work out. He clearly understands what it means to be head over heels for someone.

  I update Steve Sterling, sign some more paperwork, and he returns to his office. Generally, the way these policies work, I’ll have to pay with my own funds and then be reimbursed by the insurance company. I don’t care if I ever get the money back. I need Savannah. It hurts to breathe without her beside me. I don’t deserve her unwavering faith or her unflinching love and acceptance of Emerson.

  I walk back to my office, leaving everyone in the main area. There is a soft knock on my office door.

  “I’m sorry, Sam. I should’ve known this was somehow our fault not yours.”

  “I appreciate your apology, Scarlett, but it isn’t necessary. I’m at fault some as well. If I were poor, these guys wouldn’t have taken Savannah to settle your dad’s debt.”

  “While that may be true, I shouldn’t have shouted at you or shoved you. Thank you for loving her. It isn’t something I have ever experienced before seeing you two together.”

  “You’re welcome.”

  She leaves as quietly as she appeared. I have only seen the type of love she’s describing between a few couples, including my brother and Noelle. I’m grateful to have found Savannah. I stare out the window at the cityscape. I’m ready to leave it all behind for a serene, safer life away from here.

  Christoph appears at the threshold of my office next.

  “I’m going to send Finn and Maia to toward The Bronx so they’re closer when we locate Savannah. as long as you’re okay with Scarlett here with only me.”

  “That’s fine. Considering the circumstances, I’m sure you can convince Scarlett to stay put without my assistance.”

  A small smile curls at the edges of his mouth. “Thank you.”

  Dragging my hand down my face, I leave the office as my phone rings. Glancing at the screen, I note it isn’t Jacob and quiet everyone.

  “Hello.”

  The same disguised voice comes through the phone. “Meet me at Gapstow Bridge at six sharp. I’ll provide wiring instructions. Once the wire is confirmed, I’ll release your girlfriend. No cops.”

  “Let me talk to her.” I hear some shuffling and muffled words.

  “Sam. I’m fin—”

  “She’s fine. See you at six.”

  Well, that didn’t help as much as I would have liked. He keeps saying release your girlfriend, nothing about Mr. Clemons.

  “Cruz, a word?”

  He follows me back into my office.

  “The caller keeps saying he’ll release Savannah but nothing about her father. Is that unusual?”

  “Each case is different. He could only be saying that because your main concern is Savannah not her father. What is the plan?”

  “I’m going to Gapstow Bridge before six. I’ll have Cash ready to send the wire once I receive the instructions.”

  “You aren’t going alone. I’ll be there as well.”

  “He said no cops.”

  “I would suggest Christoph then. I’ll be nearby. I can leave one of my fellow officers here with Emerson, Scarlett, and Maria-Luisa.”

  “Whatever you think is best. I’m barely holding it together right now.”

  “Sam, given our history, I know this isn’t about the money. Does she know how you feel?”

  “She does.”

  Cruz nods and leaves to coordinate with Christoph and the other personnel. Pacing behind my chair, I video call Cash again.

  “Hey. You look like hell.”

  I scowl at him. “Thanks.”

  “Have you spoken to her?”

  “Yes, she says she’s fine and gave us a tip where she’s located. Cruz is looking into it. I need to meet them at Gapstow at six. Can you support five million via wire transfer?”

  “Yes. I’ll wait for your call and send the wire as soon as I have all the information.”

  “Thanks.”

  The sheer terror of this day is almost too much for me. I can only imagine how Savannah is feeling right now. As I leave my office, a flurry of activity begins.

  Cruz snaps his fingers to get my attention. I overhear his side of the conversation with the person on the phone.

  “I’ll send an unmarked to assist. Do not engage until they arrive. You need local law enforcement before you act. They should be there within the next few minutes.” He ends the call and updates me. “Finn and Maia took a drive through The Bronx toward Scarlett’s apartment based on the information from Savannah. Finn may have recognized one of the suspects smoking outside an apartment building and called me. I suggest they maintain visual until closer to the time for the exchange. I believe they will leave Savannah and her father and show up at the meet without them.”

  I nod, processing what Cruz shared with me. I need to calm myself. I have just under an hour before I need to leave. Needing space, I stalk to my bedroom and pace in front of the large windows.

  “Yeah, Sam.” Cash answers my call immediately.

  “I need someone to talk to me. Tell me she’ll be okay. I can’t do this without her.”

  “I have never been in this exact position, bro. However, the pit in your stomach, the knots of fear, I have felt those when I was away and the photogs accosted Noelle. I felt powerless like you do now. You have surrounded yourself with the best. They will get her back.”

  “I’m terrified. Despite the short timeframe of our relationship, I know she’s it for me. My forever.”

  “I know. I know exactly when I knew Noelle was it for me. You’ll be out of this mess in less than two hours and out of the city in a little more than a week for Christmas. You might consider locking Savannah in your home though.”

  I laugh softly. “She won’t stand for that.” My feisty woman will hate it. Either way, she isn’t going anywhere alone. I don’t care what kind of fuss she puts up. She’ll have security unless she’s in this house until we leave the city.

  “Maybe not, but you should at least try.”

  “Maybe. Thanks, Cash.”

  “Of course. I’ll be here when you need me to send the money.”

  “Thanks.” I drag in a harsh breath and release it slowly. I repeat this a few times before a soft knock pulls me out of my head.

  “Son, is there anything I can do?”

  “Dad, thank you for coming. Who called you?”

  “No one. I came to visit Emerson, and the throng of people in your home informed me there was an issue. Alt
hough it does appear that your brother Cash contacted Caro and Auggie. Have you spoken to—”

  “Sam.” Cruz steps to the threshold of the master bedroom. “It’s for you.”

  Chapter 49

  Savannah

  Joe is getting more anxious as each minute passes. He came inside from having a cigarette.

  “Do you know what time it is?”

  My father looks at his watch.

  I notice it’s the same watch from when I was a child. It looks worn and tattered, but he wears it nonetheless. “It’s a quarter past five. Don’t do anything crazy, squirt.”

  Hearing my childhood nickname softens me to him a bit. “I won’t. I’m wondering why Joe is getting anxious. I guess it’s close to the time for the exchange.”

  “Maybe. No matter what, please know I’m deeply sorry for all of this. I have been trying for the past few years to tackle my addiction so I could repair my relationship with you and Scarlett.”

  “I appreciate it. Let’s focus on getting out of here first.” I can only imagine the anguish Sam is putting himself through thinking this is his fault. It’s my fault, completely mine.

  My father nods as Joe pushes off the doorframe. Carl and Joe approach us and zip tie our wrists behind our backs and our ankles. This time there was no innuendo from Joe.

  “Stay put. We’re going to see if your boyfriend follows through.”

  They’re going to leave us here. I’m confident Sam would never agree to that. He would insist on an exchange. They aren’t following the rules. Neither will I. Once I’m fairly certain I’ve wanted long enough. I slip off my heels, flex, and point my foot until I can shimmy out of the ankle restraints.

  “Where did you learn that?” my father inquires with shock lacing his voice.

  “Nowhere. I got lucky with the first thing I tried.” I scramble to my feet and attempt to break out of the wrist restraints. I raise my arms as high as I can and lower them quickly while pushing outward with my wrists. After two attempts, I break free.