I'll Be There: BWWM Romance (Brothers From Money Book 5)

by Shanade White

  It wasn’t something that Annabelle found she particularly liked, but it made her feel better to know she could defend herself if need be. “Garrett taught me to shoot for the same reason, although we were more worried about bears and mountain lions at the time. I’ve never had to shoot anyone, but it’s nice knowing that I could if I needed to.” Sabrina said, as she hit the center of the target they’d set up.

  “I don’t know if I’ll ever get that good, but I do feel better knowing how to handle a gun. I can’t imagine I’ll ever need to shoot one.” Annabelle said, then fired a shot, hitting the target.

  By the end of the day Annabelle felt that she could defend herself if challenged, although she hoped to never have to use the skills she’d learned. They’d all decided that she shouldn’t go out alone at night unless she was going to Michael’s, at first she’d been reluctant but had let herself be talked into it.

  She’d been a little hurt by Michael’s reaction to her news about the break in and her new found self-defense skills that night when she saw him. “I don’t really think someone’s going to come all this way after you, but I’m glad you learned some self-defense skills.”

  Hiding the hurt she’d agreed with him, deciding he just had too much on his mind to take the threat seriously, but Garrett had and that was enough for now. She’d be careful and once the Scott situation was solved, a trip home might be just what needed to happen. That memory of what her father had said to her in those last few moments of his life was still just out of reach.

  The pain of losing her parents had finally begun to fade, leaving in its place happy memories. She still had bad dreams occasionally, but they had become fewer and fewer, letting her know that not only was she physically healed, but mentally healing as well. Between Michael and the Terrells she finally felt like her life had begun again, she’d still not made any decision about the future, but there was plenty of time for that.

  She still brought Michael lunch several times a week, the time together strained but important to their relationship, a test of their affection for one another. Annabelle was careful to always be aware of her surroundings and a few weeks after the break in she began to notice the same car parked down the street from where she always parked when she came to town.

  At first she just assumed that it was a coincidence, but one day the car actually followed her almost all the way to the turnoff for the ranch before passing her by. The man in the driver’s seat never even looked her way, but he had the hood of his sweatshirt pulled up and dark glasses on, she couldn’t have identified him if she tried.

  She arrived back at the ranch, shaking and unsteady, sure that the man had been following her. But she wanted to make sure she wasn’t just being paranoid, especially after the way Michael had blown her concerns off the last time. Instead of telling Garrett, she decided she’d wait and watch, maybe even get the license plate. She was perfectly safe in town during the day, she’d just have to be careful to never be alone.

  Later that night after dinner, she was sitting in front of her window in her room looking at the stars. Michael was supposed to stop by for dinner that night, but he’d called and said he needed to work late. The shipment of supplies they’d been waiting on had come in late and it had to be unloaded that night. Now she was waiting for him to call when they were finished so she could meet him at his house, but his call was late and she was beginning to worry.

  *****

  Michael set the last crate of tiles down on the floor of the storeroom, he’d paid a pretty penny for them and had personally unloaded and inspected each and every tile. He’d been sorry to miss dinner with Annabelle and the family, but it was still early, they could still go to the café for something when she came to town. He’d sent the rest of the crew home and the delivery truck had just pulled away.

  Shutting the door to the storage room and locking it, he pulled his phone out of his pocket to call Annabelle, but a noise in the back of the building stopped him. Creeping out of the back, he cursed when he saw his brother’s standing in the restaurant. The last thing he wanted to deal with tonight was Scott’s nasty attitude and put downs. Eventually he was going to push him too far and he’d end up punching him.

  He’d only barley managed to avoid it several times over the last few weeks, he’d grown tired of Scott’s attitude and his narrow mindedness. His constant criticisms of Michael and everything he cared about were beginning to take their toll. He’d almost begun to understand how bullied kids ended up shooting up schools. But he was an adult, the truth was he was only months away from being finished here in Pleasant Valley.

  He’d made great money and learned a lot working for the family, but now he really wanted to move on, pick up some jobs that weren’t related to the family. The only problem was Annabelle, he couldn’t figure out how she fit into his picture of where his life was going. He knew that he loved her and wanted her in his life for always, but could he really ask her to pick up and move around the country with him, because that’s what he ultimately wanted.

  But all that would have to wait until he got rid of Scott and Marc, it couldn’t be much longer before they’d grow tired of this game and move on, but until then he’d have to control himself. Planning to call Annabelle as soon as he got rid of them, he marched out of the storeroom ready for the usual fight.

  “There you are, I was telling Marc that you had to be here, there’s no way you would have gone off and left the door unlocked.” Scott said. “I’m glad to find you here, we need to talk business, it’s time you started siding with your brothers instead of your cousins and I’ve got an offer you can’t refuse.”

  Marc stood behind Scott grinning like a fool, clearly enjoying the scene of his older brother bulling his younger. “Yeah, you won’t be able to refuse.”

  “Shut up Marc.” Scott said, then walked over to the table that held the plans for the restaurant. “I have something here you might be interested in.”

  Michael reluctantly walked over to where Scott was rolling out plans, looking at them he got a sick feeling in his stomach. “What are these?” He finally said.

  “These are the plans for the new shopping center and housing development I’m going to put in south of town. We’ll level those old buildings down there and put up this.” He said, gesturing to the plans.

  Michael just stared at him open mouthed for a minutes, the old buildings he was referring to, included a historic church and a school, not to mention the old saw mill and town stables. It was one of the most historic sections of the valley and Scott wanted to demolish all of it and put up an ugly shopping mall and condominiums.

  “Have you lost your mind? That’s one of the most historic parts of town, you’ll never get that plan approved. The board will never approve it, that’s the complete opposite of what the Terrell’s stand for.” Michael said, walking away from Scott. “Now if that’s all you have, I need to make a phone call.”

  He managed to get his phone out and speed dial Annabelle’s number, but just as she answered Marc pulled the phone out of his hand and said, “Your boyfriend is a little busy right now.”

  “What the hell?” Michael said, clenching his fists, he was pretty sure he could take both of his brothers.

  “You’re going to sit right there and listen to my plan, then you’re going to cooperate. It would be terrible if something happened to that little nanny of yours.” Scott said, pulling a gun out of his pocket and pointing it at Michael who stared at his brother open mouthed. He’d really gone over the deep end now, even Marc looked a little shocked when he saw the gun.

  Annabelle looked at her phone and knew that something was wrong, she’d had a strange foreboding feeling all night and now she knew why. Scott and Marc were doing something to Michael and he needed her help. Without even thinking she grabbed her car keys and was out the door, only stopping briefly to tell Sabrina where she was going.

  “Something wrong down at the restaurant, I need to go see if Mich
ael is all right.” She said, out of breath.

  “What’s going on?” Sabrina asked, getting to her feet.

  “I don’t know, I just know that I need to get down there. Can you let Garrett know that something's going on with Scott? I’d wait for him but.....” Annabelle said, looking at the door.

  “Just be careful, I’ll get everyone together and send them to you.” She said, heading straight for her cell phone. “They’re up in the lower pasture but, it shouldn’t take long to get them back.”

  Annabelle was out the door before she’d finished her sentence. As she drove to town she realized that she’d forgotten about the man she thought was following her. But no way was she going back home and waiting for the men to get down the trail, she’d just park in the back by the door. It would only be a few quick steps from the car to the safety of the restaurant.

  But when she opened the door what she heard made her stop in her tracks, she couldn’t see the men, but she could clearly hear Scott talking. “First we’ll build the condos and develop the ski area, there’s so much potential there. Then in the second phase we’ll build the shopping center, I might even be able to put together an outlet mall. The possibilities are unlimited, there’s so much real estate to work with around here.”

  Even Annabelle with her limited knowledge of the Terrell’s business dealing knew that Scott’s plans would never happen. She expected Michael to scoff at Scott’s plans and tell him how crazy there were, but instead Michael was silent. Standing there she suddenly had a moment of doubt about Michael’s ability to stand up to his brother on his own.

  Her fears were realized when Scott continued, “You’re going to drop that little nanny, she’s nothing but trash. I know you think you’re in love with her, but she’d only after your money and I’m not about to let you get sucked in. Mary is waiting at home for you.” Scott said, then changed his mind. “No on second thought keep the little slut, she’s our inside tract to what’s happening at the ranch.”

  Horrified, Annabelle waited for Michael to protest but he only said, “Yes, Scott anything you say.”

  Hurt beyond belief at his words, she turned to get back in the car when a hand clamped over her mouth. Before she knew what was happening a smelly rag was stuffed in her mouth and the world faded to black.

  *****

  When she awoke there was a gag in her mouth and a blindfold across her eyes, she was disoriented at first and tried to move, but her hands and feet were tied together. She laid there taking deep breaths through her nose, trying to calm herself enough to figure out what had happened to her. Then it all came back, Michael’s words, then the hand and the smelly rag.

  It was clear that she was in some kind of a vehicle, the sound of tires on the road telling her that they were speeding through the night. She tried to stifle the sob that was forming in her chest, but was unable to. Her captor must have realized she was awake because the vehicle stopped.

  “I’m sorry if you’re uncomfortable, but I really don’t have any choice. It’s a long drive to California, and I can’t afford to have you causing a commotion. But look on the bright side, all I want is the formula, give that to me and I’ll leave you somewhere safe. I’m not fond of killing, in fact I try to avoid it if at all possible, but if I have to I will. Behave and you’ll stay alive.” He said, then pulled back on the highway.

  Annabelle was so scared she could do nothing but lay there trying to keep her breathing even, the gag in her mouth making it difficult enough to breathe. Surly by now someone would be looking for her, she had no idea how much time had passed but it was still dark out so maybe it hadn’t been that long.

  Even if Michael had succumbed to his brother’s bullying, Garrett and the others would be worried about her. They’d find her car or something and know that she was in trouble, she just kept telling herself that over and over. The key was to stay alive long enough for them to save her.

  *****

  Michael had decided that playing along with Scott’s plans was the best way to diffuse the situation. He was in shock that his brother had actually pulled a gun on him and threatened Annabelle, how he thought that was going to work Michael had no idea. But for now he’d have to play the subdued brother, then as soon as Scott was gone, he’d go straight to the ranch and Garrett.

  In all reality he should call the cops, but he just couldn’t bring himself to do so. But he was going to call his dad. He needed to get out here right away, otherwise he was sure that Scott was going to do something really stupid, he’d gone over the edge at some point. As he was sitting there listening to Scott go on and on about his plans, he thought he heard a car door, but when there was no further sound he forgot about it.

  The minute he got in his truck he headed straight for the ranch, his brother had warned him not to, but there was no way he was going to listen to Scott, gun or no gun. Annabelle would just have to stay on the ranch until this could be worked out and Scott sent home. Scott would never dare to try and hurt her there.

  He came bursting through the front door at the ranch hollering for Annabelle. He stopped in his tracks when he saw all the men in their trail gear getting ready to leave. He was curious but wanted to see Annabelle before explaining about Scott’s plans.

  “Where’s Annabelle? I need to talk to her.” He said, walking toward the stairs.

  “She’s not here, she went looking for you.” Sabrina said, a look of worry on her face.

  “What? When?” He said, crossing to the room to where Sabrina stood.

  “It’s been almost an hour. She thought you were in trouble. I didn’t think anything would happen. Oh, Michael I’m so sorry.”

  “Scott threatened her, but I never thought he’d really go thought with it.” Michael said, turning to leave again, ready to beat his brother to a pulp if he didn’t tell him where Annabelle was.

  “Wait a second. I’m not sure this was Scott. Annabelle told me about the break in at the lab, I’m wondering if this is about that. Scott may be out of control, but I don’t think he’d kidnap Annabelle, it’s too risky.”

  “Well, there’s only one way to find out.” Michael said, heading for the door.

  “I’ll go with you.” Garrett said, “Nate you come too. Donovan and Sebastian start making phone calls, get the security footage from the alley and the street around the restaurant, then get as many people as you can out looking for her. If this is about the formula then they’re on their way to California.”

  Chapter 14

  Garrett, Nate and Michael had only gotten a few miles from the ranch before Donovan was calling to tell them that the security footage showed a man shoving Annabelle into the back of a car, she was clearly unconscious.

  “I’ve called Chief Goodson and he’s spreading the word, we know they’ve got to be headed to California. Our best chance would be to fly to California and catch them when they get there. He’s got to be taking her back to the lab, it’s not Scott’s doing, it just doesn’t make sense.”

  “I don’t think we should all go.” Garrett said, “How about Michael, Nate and I go, you stay here and get to the bottom of the mess with Scott. Someone needs to call Uncle Nicolas and inform him of what’s going on here. I don’t think this was his intention.”

  “No, I agree. I’ll handle that, you get on a plane. I’ll call the airport and track down the pilot.” Donovan said.

  “I’m going to need a car and an address when I get there. And don’t forget to have someone call the detective in California and let him know what’s going on. His number should be in my desk somewhere.”

  When they hit town, Garrett turned the truck down the mountain and toward the airport. Michael was frantic with worry, but not so much that he couldn’t appreciate what his cousins had just put into play. In a matter of minutes, they’d put all their resources into action, from law enforcement, to a private jet. He was beyond thankful, right then and there he made himself a promise, never again would he let anything get be
tween him and the ones he loved.

  He should have listened to Annabelle when she tried to talk to him, but he’d been so absorbed in his own problems he hadn’t listened. It was difficult to control the panic he was feeling, the silence was beginning to kill him. But finally, Garrett began to speak.

  “We’ll be there hours before they will, that should give us plenty of time to get set up. Michael have you ever done any hunting?”

  “No, I’m afraid not.” Michael said, suddenly realizing what they were about to do.

  “Well, you’re about to learn the hardest part of hunting, the waiting. I’m hoping we can get there before them and find a place to hide and wait. Then when they show up we can ambush them. It should work.”

  “Do you think he’ll hurt her before then?” Michael asked, horrible images flashing through his mind.

  “No, he’ll want her in one piece. Right now he’s just hoping he’ll get enough of a head start to beat anyone there.” Garrett said, sounding surer of himself the closer they got to the airport. “He won’t count on us having a private plane, we’ll be there hours before they are.”

  On the short flight they did some research and discovered that the lab was surrounded by trees, plenty of places for them to hide. When they landed at the small regional airport closest to Annabelle’s house, Donovan had a car full of the supplies Garrett had asked for, including three guns. Michael had no idea how they’d pulled it off, but he didn’t care, they needed every advantage they could get.

  The last time someone had come looking for the formula, Annabelle’s parents had died, he had no intention of letting the same thing happen to her. He’d never thought that he could kill someone, but right now he knew that he was entirely capable. The sun was just coming up when they arrived at Annabelle’s house.