Time Stands Still (Forever and Ever #51)

by E. L. Todd

  I wasn’t cut out for this.

  If I lived through this day, I was selling this company and retiring. I would split the money with my family, and we would all abandon the company. Wealth and fame brought nothing but grief. No amount of money in my back account was worth this kind of heartache.

  Heath entered my office, his face contorted into a look of terror. “Sean? What’s going on? Where’s Roland?”

  My expression told him everything he needed to know. “He’s been taken. We’re doing everything we can to find him. These people tried to take Trinity and Skye as well. We’re all here so we’ll remain safe.”

  He stood in front of my desk with his arms tense by his sides. He took a deep breath just as his eyes watered, and he slowly lowered himself into the chair facing my desk. He rested his arms on his knees and leaned forward, his face pressed into his hands. He breathed through the pain, unable to handle the terrible words I just uttered.

  I sat beside him and rested my hand on his back. “I’m so sorry, Heath.”

  He finally pulled his face away from his hands, his eyes wet with tears.

  “We’ll find him.”

  “I can’t…I don’t understand.”

  “They took him because they want something from me. When they call with their demands, I’ll give them whatever they ask. And they’ll hand Roland over.”

  “You really think so?”

  “Yeah,” I whispered. “It all comes down to money.”

  “Is he okay? Are they treating him well?”

  There was no point in making him suffer like I suffered. “Yeah. They don’t want to hurt him. They’re only using him as ransom.”

  He took another deep breath, relieved.

  “I was so mean to him…I gave him so much shit for hurting your feelings. I can’t even remember the last time I told him I loved him.”

  I was heartbroken with guilt as well. “You’ll get your chance, Heath. Just stay calm. He’ll be back before you know it.”

  “Where’s Scarlet? I didn’t see her out there.”

  “She’s staying elsewhere. She doesn’t know what’s going on.”

  “Why not?” he asked.

  “As a mother…she can’t handle it right now. I want to take care of it so she doesn’t have to suffer like the rest of us. I’ll have Roland back before she even knows about it.”

  Heath nodded then wiped his eyes with the back of his forearms. “Is there anything I can do?”

  “Just keep the others calm.” I rubbed his back. “Skye is a little emotional right now. Maybe you could make her feel better. Take Cedric off her hands for a few minutes.”

  He nodded. “You’re right. I’d like to hold Cedric anyway.” With eyes still wet he walked out of my office.

  I walked to the window and rested my forehead against the cool surface. It was nearly impossible for me to remain calm. I tried to concentrate on the temperature and keep my heart at a steady rate. I wanted to break down just like Heath and left the tears flow freely. All I could do was remain positive and focused. If I deviated from the path the despair would swallow me whole. I had to find my son—and do nothing else.

  ***

  At five in the morning, the phone on my desk rang.

  I took a deep breath before I answered it. “Sean Preston.” Without any evidence I knew exactly who was calling me. I stood at my desk and stared at the hard wood of the surface. My breaths were steady and even because I was in warrior mode. I met power with power. I wasn’t the kind of man to fuck with—not if you wanted to live.

  The scrambled voice came through the receiver. “I figured you’d be at your office at this hour.”

  I held my silence and controlled my breathing. I refused to act even somewhat disgruntled. If he knew how much I was suffering he would just use it against me. Corrupt men didn’t respect anything besides power.

  Mike walked through the door when he realized I was on the phone. He stood across from me at the desk, his eyes glued to mine. He didn’t make a peep and retained his silence.

  “You called the police.”

  “That’s what people do when there’s a crime.” I locked my fear away and pretended to be stronger than I really was. Falling prey to their manipulation would just hurt Roland, not help him.

  “Well, you aren’t going to find us. May as well let the nice police officers walk the elderly across the street and get cats out of trees.”

  He must be foreign. It was a strange depiction of the police department, like he didn’t really understand what they did on a daily basis. “I’m ready to hear your demands when you’re finished with the chit-chat.”

  “Cocky for a man in distress.”

  I held my silence because I couldn’t think of an appropriate response. I didn’t want to push too hard, but I didn’t want to give any leeway either.

  “You’re lucky I couldn’t get the others.”

  “You were cocky to assume you could.” He kept up the small talk so I reciprocated. The police traced my phone calls so the longer I stayed on the line, the better. But if he knew the police were involved, he must have preventive measures in place. “What do you want? I can instantly transfer all the funds in my account to yours. We’re talking 1.5 billion dollars.” That was everything I had but I would gladly give it away in return for my only son.

  “Impressive.”

  “So, are we doing this?” I waited in anticipation for his agreement. All we had to do was come to terms and Roland would be back in my arms. I held my breath as I waited.

  “I don’t want money. But thanks for the offer.”

  My heart fell into my stomach. “If you’re playing hardball you’re wasting your time. I don’t have more money hidden away somewhere. That’s every penny. If you want my house you can have too. Like I give a damn.”

  When he chuckled over the phone the scrambler became distorted. “Mr. Preston, I don’t want money because I have plenty of it. Listen more closely.”

  I held my tongue over the line, all my hopes and dreams turning to shit. If he didn’t want money what he did want? “Then what can I do for you?” Why would they capture Roland for any other reason? What did I have they could possibly want?

  “Nothing.” The line echoed with silence.

  Now I felt sick. This was getting worse. I was helpless and worthless. I couldn’t play a game unless I knew the rules.

  “There’s not a single thing you can do. I took your son because I had every right to. You took someone away from me, and the only fair thing to do is take someone from you.”

  My blood turned ice-cold. “I haven’t taken anyone.” The only person I’d killed was Skye’s ex. But that was years ago. Why would this revenge happen now? “I haven’t hurt anyone. I don’t know what you’re referring to.”

  “Oh really?”

  “Really.”

  “I guess you don’t remember Maximum Shot then? You know, the man whose life you made miserable? The man you hunted down until he was forced to take his own life. You ruined his legacy, his memory. And now I will do the same to you.”

  I gripped the edge of the desk and kept my voice steady. My breathing was haywire, but I covered it up by keeping my mouth away from the receiver. This was a nightmare from hell. My actions came back to haunt me in the most unsuspecting way. “Then it sounds like you need to kill me. An eye for an eye.” I could handle an execution. I could handle being tortured to death. But I couldn’t handle losing my son.

  “No. That’s too easy.”

  I wanted to slam my fist into the wood and break the desk with my bare hands. I wanted to beg and plead, but that would just make things worse. “I’ll hand myself over and you can execute me on camera. I’ll admit to crimes I never committed and tarnish the legacy I spent my life building. I’ll slit my own throat if you wish. But let him go.”

  “Why would I do that when I’m enjoying this so much?” He laughed again and the scrambler came out as static. “I’ll call you before I execute him. That
way you can listen to every sound.”

  “Look, listen to me—”

  He hung up.

  The line went dead, and I dropped the phone on the desk. I collapsed in the chair in front of my desk and felt my body go weak. My chest wouldn’t slow down with its heavy breathing, and I was about to have a breakdown. Tears burned in the back of my eyes—tears of frustration and despair.

  Mike watched me, having heard every word that was said. “Fuck.”

  I covered my face with my hands and gave into the grief. I cried and didn’t feel ashamed. My son was being tortured and there was nothing I could do to save him. My power, my resources, and my money couldn’t save him.

  Mike came around the desk and blocked my face from the windows so everyone couldn’t see my meltdown. He didn’t order me to stop crying or give me shit for it. He placed his hand on my shoulder and stood still, letting me break down in peace. “We’ll figure out a way, alright? It’s not too late.”

  I felt the hot tears roll down my palms and to my wrists. “I ignored all his phone calls. When he walked up to me, I gave him the cold shoulder. I wasn’t there when he needed me and now he’s gone. I failed as a parent. I failed as a father.”

  “Sean, that’s not true.”

  “Yes, it is,” I said bitterly. “We both know it.”

  “I don’t agree with that. Roland knows you love him. He knows you’re doing everything you possibly can to save him. And he knows you’ll figure out a way.”

  “What way?” I took a deep breath and stopped the tears. The old ones leaked down my face. “There’s nothing this man wants that I can give. I even offered my life and he still didn’t take it. The police don’t have any leads…fucking screwed.”

  “Sean, just take a deep breath. There’s a solution and we’ll find it. Prestons don’t give up.”

  “I never said I gave up. I just don’t know what else to do.”

  He dropped his hand from my shoulder and gave me a knowing look. “You need to talk to Scarlet.”

  “God, no…” I couldn’t look her in the eye and tell her I couldn’t find our son.

  “She’s smart. She always has something up her sleeve. You need to tell her anyway.”

  I couldn’t deny that. “I know.”

  “Do you want me to call her and get her down here?”

  “I don’t want her to move.” I wasn’t willing to risk it. They already had Roland but they might take Scarlet if they had the chance. “She’s safe where she is. If she leaves, she’s vulnerable.”

  “Okay.” He accepted my reasoning without further thought. “You’re going to call her?”

  Somehow, this phone call would be more difficult than my last. “Yeah.”

  Chapter Seven

  Roland

  I leaned against the wall in the corner and didn’t close my eyes. I’d been in the cell for days now. Time was impossible to tell because I didn’t have a clock. Men walked back and forth past the door, but they never stopped by for a visit. The door only opened when they brought food and water.

  I’d never been so scared in my life.

  I missed Heath. He was worried sick about me, panicking in despair. He felt guilty for the way he spoke to me last time we were together. And I knew my dad was terrified too.

  But he would come for me.

  I believed my dad would find a way. He would track these guys down and get me out of here. He was the strongest man I knew. He was smart, quick, and he wouldn’t give up until I was free.

  I had to believe in that in order to stay sane.

  I hated to think about Mom. She must be a mess. Skye too.

  But I would get out of here soon. I just had to wait and stay quiet. The less attention I drew to myself, the better.

  The door opened, and a man walked inside. He wore a black shirt with a black leather jacket on top. Dark jeans led to black shoes. He carried a chair to my corner and took a seat.

  He had unusually blue eyes, similar to mine. And he had a complexion that made him seem like a celebrity. He didn’t look like a criminal. He seemed like a guy I would see on the cover of a magazine. “Roland Preston, Sean Preston’s only son.”

  I looked at him but kept quiet.

  He cocked his head as he examined me. “Don’t say much, huh?”

  “I figured you would prefer me that way.”

  “There we go. He speaks.” He clapped his hands then rubbed his palms together. “I just wanted to give you a head’s up. Tomorrow, I’m executing you right on camera. Your dad will be on the phone to hear the whole thing. So, get some sleep. You want to look good tomorrow.”

  My entire body went into shock at his words. I had only a few hours to live before I was mutilated for the world to see. Dad had to find me sooner than I realized. “Why are you doing this?”

  “Because I like it.” He stood up and folded the chair.

  “My dad is going to find me. And he’s going to kill you.”

  He gave me a smile that was borderline evil. “Keep telling yourself that.”

  Chapter Eight

  Sean

  “Sean, what’s wrong?” Scarlet’s voice came over the phone. By now she figured out Mike and Cassandra weren’t having a fight. She was staying at the safe house for an entirely different reason.

  I closed my eyes before I spoke. This was the kind of conversation no man should have with his spouse. It was too heartbreaking for both parents involved. “Roland was kidnapped. They won’t release him despite everything I’ve offered. I told them I would hand over every dime and even my company if they release him, but they won’t.” I kept my voice steady and my tears in check. If I let them slip away it would just make it more difficult for Scarlet. “The police don’t have any leads. Maximum Shot has a friend or family member who’s trying to avenge. They think taking Roland is the only way to achieve that.”

  Scarlet was dead silent over the phone, taking everything with strange calmness. Her breathing didn’t escalate. It was like she wasn’t there at all. “You offered to take his place?”

  “Yes.”

  “And they said no?” Her voice was still calm.

  And that kept me calm. “They wouldn’t make the trade.”

  “You’re certain money won’t make a difference?”

  “I offered them every penny but they wouldn’t take it.”

  “Sean.”

  I knew what was coming.

  “Why didn’t you tell me when this happened?”

  “I thought I could fix everything and not get you involved.”

  “Well, I have every right to be involved. This is my son we’re talking about.”

  She had every right to be upset.

  “We’ll figure it out, Sean. He’s out there somewhere, and we just need to piece the trail together. Who is this man?”

  “Someone connected to Shot.”

  “And what ethnicity is Shot?”

  “Italian.”

  “Okay, perhaps this guy is Italian. Maybe he’s from Italy.”

  “Possibly but I don’t think they would have returned to Italy by now. There’s not enough time in the day.”

  “Then he’s still on the East Coast, probably in New York.”

  That was my guess. “Yeah.”

  “Did the police trace any phone calls?”

  “They did but nothing came up.”

  “So they know what they’re doing.”

  They were out of our league. “I guess.”

  “They’re probably affiliated with a company. How many buildings does Maximum Shot own?”

  A lot of was dissolved when the government seized all the reimbursements for unpaid taxes. “Not sure. I know he had a penthouse in the city. He had his company just a block over from Trinity’s.”

  “The company might not be there anymore,” Scarlet said. “That was a corporate possession and might have been seized by the banks. But his personal assets are different. Those would have been given to next of kin.”

  “You�
��re right…”

  “Find that address, Sean.”

  My heart picked up again when we had a lead. I didn’t realize this man was related to Maximum Shot until twenty minutes ago. I didn’t have enough time to figure this out on my won. “I’m on it.”

  “I’m on my way there.”

  “No, stay put. I don’t want you exposing yourself.”

  She turned on me like a hissing cobra. “My son has been taken. I’m going down there, and I’m going to find him. If some idiot gets in my way, I’ll shot him right between the eyes. Don’t worry about me.”

  ***

  I found the address instantly and handed it over to the detective. They dispatched a team and headed for the apartment. Mike and I both wanted to go, but they told me to stay clear of the building. There could be explosives triggered around the outside.

  Mike stayed with me in the office, just as anxious for news as I was. “I hope he’s in there.”

  “He has to be.” If he wasn’t, I wouldn’t know what to do.

  “We’re short on time, so we need to come up with a backup plan if he’s not there.”

  “There is no backup plan.” We were out of options. Our hands were tied. Without a location or something worth trading, we had nothing at our disposal.

  “I know they said they wouldn’t let you take his place,” Mike said. “But what if you gave them something they couldn’t refuse?”

  “Like what?”

  “Well, these guys are criminals, right? If they didn’t want that kind of money they must make their own fortune doing something—probably illegal. And the Preston Brothers have a lot of enemies in the world.”

  “Where are you going with this?” I was open to any suggestion, even if that meant being burned alive.

  “Offer yourself to them again and remind them how valuable you are. People would pay top dollar for you. What if they auctioned you off to your greatest enemy? It would make them look good, and they would get their revenge. Plus, they would get the respect of every other criminal organization in the world.”

  It wasn’t a bad idea, but I didn’t think it would work. “He won’t go for it.”

  “Just ask. It’s all we have left.”