Lowcountry Getaway by Susan M Boyer

Author:Susan M Boyer [Boyer, Susan M.]
Language: eng
Format: epub
ISBN: 9781959023074
Publisher: Stella Maris Books, LLC

Chapter Eight

Bart stood by the sliding door in the dining area at Cinnamon Ridge, rage radiating off him in waves. “I failed to do my job.”

“You can’t be everywhere at once,” said Nate. “I should’ve authorized backup, had the rest of your team here sooner. This is not your fault. And we don’t have time to play the blame game.”

“Someone’s on the way to pick up the ladies at the Westin,” said Bart. “Everyone else is beating the bushes, looking for leads.”

Nate nodded and took a seat at one end of the dining table. Blake sat at the other end, and the rest of us were gathered around it. My brother appeared to have aged a decade since dinner. “This makes no sense whatsoever,” he said. “Where would I—a small town police chief—get a million dollars?”

Nate put his elbows on the table and leaned in. “I need to tell you all something. I’ll explain things more fully when we have more time. The short version is my grandfather left me quite a lot of money. I had to keep that from Liz until our first anniversary, which, as you know, was Sunday. Whoever took Poppy knows that I can pay the ransom. And of course, I will pay the ransom. We will do whatever we need to do to ensure Poppy’s safety. All of our safety.”

Everyone except Bart stared at Nate, shell-shocked looks on their faces.

“Now,” said Nate, “Liz and I came up with a plan on our way back to the house. We’re thinking we have to look like we’re doing what they asked. We need to get to the airport and get on the plane as soon as possible. Four more members of my security team landed not long ago. They will meet us at the airport. We have to assume someone is watching to see us get on the plane and take off. Liz, Bart, and I will change clothes with three of them, and they will get on board in our place. We will circle back to St. John and find Poppy. The plane will take you all home, drop Beverly and Frankie in Ohio, then turn around and come back for us.”

“I am not leaving this island without Poppy.” Blake enunciated each word clearly, his voice ragged but firm.

Nate nodded. “I figured as much. We’ll put the fourth member of the team on the plane in your place. Frank, Joe, that leaves the two of you to escort Carolyn, Merry, and the ladies from Ohio home. Y’all all right with that?”

“Whatever you need,” said Joe.

“I’ll stay here,” said Daddy. “You need all the help you can get.”

Nate shook his head. “I appreciate that. But we don’t have another person to put on the plane in your place. We can’t risk whoever has taken Poppy figuring out some of us are still here.”

“This is all my fault.” Mamma was in tears. She covered her mouth with both hands and shook her head.

“No, Mamma,” I said. “You can’t think that way.

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