Taken: Summers Sisters Series

By CJ Day

We were at the football game and the noise was unbelievable. My soon-to-be husband was the star quarterback down there, and the guy was amazing. We are way too young to be in college. We are way too young to have taken custody of an orphaned Cuban baby. Add to that, we were way too young to be so in love and to have gone through so much, but here we are, and I have to be the happiest person in the world.

My name is Kinsey Summers. The quarterback is Caleb Jackson and his tiny twin sister, Cassidy, is sitting next to me. Her huge hunk of a husband is trying to keep my guy safe down on the field. She’s cheering the loudest. My sister, Kelsey, her husband, and their FBI unit are on assignment, or they would have been here, too. Since Caleb and Cassie’s parents are in that unit, too, we are the cheerleaders today.

My life had gone from a disaster to a Cinderella story. I have found my Prince Charming. I’m not sure why my mind was full of all this as I watched the game. Maybe I knew it was too good to be true. A simple phone call started the next nightmare. They have taken the female FBI agents and want me in exchange. Yes, in my head I knew that they just wanted to kill me, too, but in my heart, I knew that they had my sister, Caleb’s Mama, and my sister’s best friend. I dropped off the wall next to the stands and took off running toward whatever hell was waiting.

• Language: English
• Publisher: CJ Day
• Release date: Jul 12, 2011
• ISBN: 9781604144086

Book preview

TAKEN

CJ DAY

Smashwords ebook edition published by Fideli Publishing Inc.

© Copyright 2011, C. J. Day

No part of this eBook may be reproduced or shared by any electronic or mechanical means, including but not limited to printing, file sharing, and email, without prior written permission from Fideli Publishing.

Smashwords Edition, License Notes

This ebook is licensed for your personal enjoyment only. This ebook may not be re-sold or given away to other people. If you would like to share this book with another person, please purchase an additional copy for each person you share it with. If you’re reading this book and did not purchase it, or it was not purchased for your use only, then you should return to Smashwords.com and purchase your own copy. Thank you for respecting the hard work of this author.

ISBN: 978-1-60414-408-6

Prologue:

The guys were on the field again. Caleb and Willie were having a miraculous freshman year at the University of Miami. These two freshmen have become Florida’s newest heartthrobs. Today was not going to be any different. I was proud enough to strut. Too bad I’m not a cheerleader — I would be doing cartwheels about now. The score was already 36 to 6, and the slaughter continued. I was almost embarrassed for Georgia State. Just before the two minute warning, my cell phone rang. Hello?

There was so much static on the other line I couldn‘t figure out who the caller was. sssssssssssssssssss … and … she … will … sssssssssssss … die … sssssss. The whole thing was broken up and people were on their feet and screaming and I couldn’t hear. The stands were packed with crazy fans. Okay, so I’m one of them.

What? Hang on … I’m at a football game and I cannot hear you! I jumped over the wall and headed toward the tunnel. Try again please.

This is Kinsey Summers? A woman’s voice had an Asian accent … Japanese … Korean … who knows? Is this Kinsey Summers?

Yes it is. For some reason, I felt a sick feeling in the pit of my stomach. You can call it a premonition or just the close connections of sisters. Something was really wrong.

We have the women FBI agents. We want you to come and then we will trade. The voice said. Come alone or they will die! The voice was almost a growl.

Wait, who is this? I cried. Women agents … all of them … Who do you have and why do you have them? I was running now toward my car.

Kelsey Cain, Liza Clay, Corrine Jackson … it is up to you Ms. Summers. You trade or they die. There was so much anger in this woman’s voice.

Why … why are you doing this? I cried.

We have been paid well, Ms. Summers. Come to … She rattled off an address and I punched it into the navigational system. You have two hours to be here or they will start dying one by one, every hour. The line went dead and I started the car with shaking hands.

I pulled out and called Sam. Yes, I know what she said but I’m not an idiot. I’m just a kid. That was my sister, my friend. Corrine was Cassie and Caleb’s mother!

Sam … pick up … pick … UP … PICK UP! I cried as I waited and it went to his message center. Sam, call me back. Someone called saying that she has Kelsey, Liza and Corrine. If I don’t show up, she’s going to start killing them. I’m headed that way … call me back! I slid sideways out of the parking lot and floored it. Northern Miami … I’ll never make it.

I called Chief Marco.

FBI, Marco speaking. His voice came over loud and clear.

Chief, this is Kinsey Summers. I received a phone call at the game. A woman with an oriental accent says that she has Kelsey, Liza and Corrine and if I don’t show up and trade myself for them, she will start killing them. I have two hours, Chief. I tried Sam, he isn’t answering. I’m going. I have to do something! I cried.

Calm down, honey … Marco said.

You CALM DOWN! This is my sister, Caleb’s mother, my friend. Yeah, my voice was shaking. I couldn’t let someone take my sister away. Where is Sam? I demanded.

Kelsey, he’s there somewhere so be careful. He’ll call you back as soon as he can. I will text and ask him to call you. Okay? Marco was trying to keep his voice calm. He understood the kid’s fear.

Fine. I hung up and buried the gas pedal. Do you have any idea how fast a new Camaro can go? I was glad the worst of the traffic was behind me as I whipped around cars in record time. My phone rang. Hello?

Kinsey, where did you go? It was Cassie.

Um … Something came up. I can’t talk right now. I squealed the tires as I cut lanes to take the exit. I can’t talk right now, Cassie. I said as I slid to a stop.

Talk to me! Cass cried.

Cassie, grab the guys and stand by. I’ll explain as soon as I can. I hung up.

* * * * *

Caleb and Willie came out of the locker room to find Cassie pacing the tunnel. They had won 42 to 6. It had been way too easy. What’s wrong, Sis? Caleb demanded as he looked around for his fiancé. Kinsey was nowhere to be seen.

Kinsey jumped from there! She pointed at the wall about eight stands high. She ran to the parking lot, talking on her phone. Cassie sobbed. Then she about spun out in the parking lot and flew down the road like a bat out of hell. Caleb, she never drives like that! Something is really wrong!

Caleb had Willie bring Cassie as they also ran to the parking lot. He was on his phone. He was going to call home first to make sure the babies were okay. Sophia, have you heard anything from Kinsey or our folks? Is everything okay at the house? He knew that Julie had been running a temperature.

Nothing is wrong here, Caleb. No, I didn’t hear from anyone. The agents are all out on a case. You know that. They couldn’t make it to the game because of it. How did the game turn out? Sophia sounded confused.

We won. Yeah, it was a landslide. Listen, Kinsey took off out of here like the house was on fire. You don’t know why? He asked.

I have no idea, Caleb. Is she okay? Sophia asked worriedly.

I don’t know, Sophia. I’ll call Chief Marco. Are the girls okay? He asked.

Yes, Julie’s temp is down. I think she’s just teething again honey, don’t worry. We have the babies. Find Kinsey and let me know what is going on. She hung up and worried. They hadn’t heard from the agents since yesterday morning.

* * * * *

My cell phone rang and I hit the blue tooth on the car. Hello!

Kinsey, this is Sam. Where are you, honey? He asked.

Um … I’m heading toward the beach area now. Traffic is starting to back up some. I told him as I turned on the next street, following the navigational system on the dash.

You’re already here? Sam demanded.

I don’t even know where you are, Sam. I told him quietly.

We aren’t that far away from the beach house that they have the girls in. Kinsey, I need you to come to us. We’ll deal with this. He said softly.

No. I have forty-five minutes to get there, Sam. I can’t detour. They’re going to kill one of them. I sobbed.

We are just above the villa on the beach, honey. Come to me at 1231 Cypress Avenue. Do it Kinsey, we’ll get them back together. Sam knew how determined the sisters got when one of them were in danger.

Fine. I hit the button and kept going and the phone rang again. WHAT?

Kinsey, where are you? Caleb. Great … this is just freaking great.

I’m in Northern Miami, Caleb. Take Cassie home. I answered.

What’s wrong? What is happening? Caleb demanded and I knew that he wasn’t going to back down without an explanation. Oh, man, well they had a right to know.

Someone has kidnapped Kelsey, Liza and Corrine. They are threatening to kill them if I don’t trade myself for them. I have no choice, Caleb. I can’t let them hurt our family. I cried. I know the odds. Okay? I grew up in the bureau. The chances that one of them wasn’t already dead were staggering.

Oh, no …

Yeah. I sighed and found the street. Caleb, I’m meeting up with Sam, Jim and Chet. They are on a hill overlooking the place that supposedly has our family. I’m going to try to listen and follow their directions, I promise. Please just hold the fort down until I get there, honey. Take care of Cass and Julie.

Name the address, Kins.

Caleb, I don’t want you in the middle of this. I cried.

I have to be. This is our family too. Tell me where to go or I will be driving around blindly while someone hurts my mother. He said gruffly.

I told him quickly about the house that the guys were at and that I was heading there. When he asked me to wait on him, I said nothing. Please wait, Kins. He groaned.

I’m almost out of time, honey. I can’t wait much longer. I hung up and punched the dashboard. This wasn’t happening. It was just too unfair.

I pulled into the driveway and slid to a stop. I opened the glove compartment and took out the Glock that was kept there. I reached under the seat and strapped on the knife and the .22 that I kept hidden there. Yeah, I’m not use to a normal life so sue me. When people seem to always want to take you out of the picture, you carry protection.

I slid out of the car and plastered myself against the outer wall of the house as I eased around to the back. I had to see how far I was going to have to run if they insisted that I couldn’t be part of this. I had to get our family back.

Kinsey, it’s just me. Sam said softly and I eased around and Sam stood there with a gun in his hand as well. Come inside quickly. I followed him in as soon as I got a look at the house below. Man, it was a far run down the hill and the place stood in a secluded cove. I am not sure how we could get down there without being seen … not from up here.

We walked inside to see Jim and Chet watching through binoculars. They both looked pale and worried. Sam had the laptop on the table open and online. What are you trying to find? I asked as I walked over. I checked my watch … thirty minutes left.

Blueprints to that damn house. Sam growled.

I pulled out the chair and started punching keys. That was an older house so I imagine that it had been through a couple of realtors. They usually did. The taxes were so blasted high that people would finally give up and sell their dream houses around here.

Century 21 had sold the house last. I looked at the number and made the call. I found the agent that handled the sale and handed the phone to Sam. He talked her into sending him the information on the house and a schematic.

I went to look through the binoculars as well. Do you know who it is? I asked as Chet turned to look at me.

That friend of Joyce’s, her name was Mai? Joyce and Li Chun escaped from Santa Fe. Joyce wants Kelsey dead. She’s furious at Liz and she wants you. Corrine is by association. She’s a fellow agent and a friend. Plus she is Caleb’s mother. Hurting her would hurt Caleb and in turn tear you up. The lady is not an idiot. This was planned. Chet sat down wearily. First, the prison break had everyone scrambling north because of where Joyce lived and what went down there. They also have your old Sensei, Kinsey.

I stared at him for a moment and looked again. I have to go down, Sam. I turned to look at him. I have no idea what their plan was, but Joyce would also want to lure Caleb and Cassie here. She wanted to take all of the people away that I loved. Make sure that Caleb and Cassie don’t follow me. They are probably an hour away.

You told them? Chet cried.

I had no choice. I answered.

We have to get into position first, Kinsey. It will be dark enough in about fifteen minutes. Sam told me calmly. Don’t be a fool. She plans on killing all of them anyway. Don’t let her win this.

I stared at him. Kelsey is your wife, Sam. Corrine is Chet’s wife. Liza is Jim’s wife. What in the hell do you want me to do? I was frustrated. I have never raised my voice to Sam. He was the big brother I had never had … he was my godfather and brother-in-law. Surely he knew that I just couldn’t stand back and let this happen. All of those hostages down there with my sister meant a lot to me as well.

We have to be smart about this … Sam began and my cell phone rang.

Hello? I answered with a shaking hand.

You are running out of time, Kinsey Summers. The voice said.

I am almost there. I answered.

Good. Because I promise you that I will start taking these women’s lives without hesitation. She said.

I’d like to hear their voices. How do I know that they are even alive? You’re just waiting to kill me as well. I growled in the phone and Sam was nodding.

You will have to take that chance, Kinsey … The woman laughed.

No, I don’t. I hung up and cried.

It’s okay, she’ll call back. Sam pulled me against his chest. I can’t help but feel like I was losing my sister. Lord, don’t let this happen! We waited five minutes and prayed.

The phone finally rang and I grabbed it. What?

Kinsey? I heard Kelsey cry.

Kels! Are you okay? Have they hurt you? I asked. There was a shuffling sound and then I heard them tell Liza to talk.

Hey Kinsey, how did the game go? Liz laughed. We’re okay. Kelsey is okay. They took the phone.

Corrine was next and I could tell that she had been crying. Kinsey go home, honey, they’re crazy. Don’t come here. I heard a slap. I wanted to beat whoever did that.

Quiet! The woman yelled. They are alive for the next eight minutes, Ms. Summers. The phone went dead as we quickly put together a plan to get them back.

I ran to the car and took off slowly while the guys converged down the hill. I had one of their earpieces in place and we would communicate only when necessary. It took a few minutes to maneuver and make it to the house. I pulled in, shut off my lights and eased out. Something slammed me over the head and I fought for consciousness as I rolled away from the hit and kicked. I grabbed the .22 at my ankle and came up, aiming it in the face of Mai. She was quick. I had forgotten that from the competition in Atlanta. She kicked the gun free and came at me throwing kicks and hits fast. I am not playing this game again. I dodged her last kick and slammed her head into the rear of my car. She went down. I popped my trunk and threw her in and shut the lid.

One in the trunk, I whispered and eased forward. I had three minutes left. The door opened and Joyce walked out with a gun in my face. Well, this sucks. I griped and turned the .22 around for her to take it. Hello Miss Mason, what are you doing here? Yeah, this is frustrating. Joyce had a hit on me at the karate competition. The match didn’t go the way that she had planned but later at the Sheridan, they managed to follow through and Mai and three of her group just about killed me in the bathroom. Sometimes, you just can’t win.

She shoved me into the living room and I saw my family was handcuffed. I needed to know how many people were here.

I counted six. One was in the trunk, Joyce, Li Chun and three that I didn’t know by sight. Great, they all looked in good shape. They shoved me down on the hearth.

Where is Mai? Li Chun demanded as she kicked me in the face.

Who is Mai? I grinned and spit blood at her. I was going to watch this next hit a little closer. They just had to get captured by martial arts specialists …

The one that beat you in Atlanta! She roared and threw a kick. I dodged and she flew feet first into the fireplace. Too bad a fire wasn’t going. I elbowed her and she was out cold after she hit the coral hearth.

I think you got your information wrong. I grinned and was instantly knocked out by the next Chinese woman. I woke several minutes later, handcuffed like the rest of my family.

Kins, are you okay, honey? Kelsey cried. Somehow she had cradled my head in her lap.

I’m good. How about you? Are you okay? I whispered.

You shouldn’t have come; she’s going to kill us anyway. Kels was crying. I nodded at Sensei Li and smiled at the others.

We’ll be okay, Kelsey. I whispered. I was already working on the cuffs. When were these people going to learn? I’ve escaped these things so many times; I could do it in my sleep. I kept my eyes closed as the women argued in the distance.

Li Chun is a mess, Joyce. Now what? You know there are going to be agents looking for these girls. She stared toward the agents at the hearth. She couldn’t believe that little college teenager had managed to get the better of her friend. They may already have Mai and you know it. We need to leave.

We heard them arguing in the hallway. I made a makeshift key out of a pen that was thrown carelessly on the end table. I loosened Kelsey’s cuffs and she turned to get Sensei Li free. The process was long but if they saw me moving, they would separate us.

I have to finish this. Then we will go. I heard Joyce say. I raised an eyebrow at Kelsey and she shook her head slightly. Everyone wasn’t free yet.

Kinsey, can you hear me? Sam was in my earpiece. They hadn’t found it? Cool. My hair had grown out and was long and I had worn it down to the game. I was in too much of a hurry trying to get here that I hadn’t taken the time to put it up or in a ponytail. Shoot, I even thought about cutting it but we had decided that I would wear it long for the wedding … oh, man.

Uh-huh … I whispered.

Are you contained? He asked.

Nope … I answered.

Are the others free? He asked.

Not yet. I answered and saw Kelsey studying my face. Earpiece … I whispered.

Let me know when you all are free. He whispered.

I closed my eyes and tried to gather my strength. I had planned on cutting the party after the game and going home to sleep. We had finished part of our tests, but we had a few more plans to make. The cake was ordered, the wedding invitations were out and we had the florists and the wedding planner onboard. I tried not to think about what was next right now. The chances of all of us living through this … were slim. I knew this. I may not make it to the wedding. I understand that. But if I have to die, it will be to allow our family to live on. I can’t stand the idea of losing any of these people. I just can’t take any more loss.

I heard the women come in and stand over us. Is she still out? Joyce demanded.

Look at her face! What do you think Joyce? Kelsey growled. I thought you were my friend. Why are you doing this? You’re free. Run while you can.

You have always been the superior one, haven’t you Kelsey? Miss perfect … Liam wasn’t good enough but you had to have him. Then you throw him away and marry yourself an agent. Being the prosecutor wasn’t good enough, you had to go and be an agent. Don’t look down at me! You had everything handed to you. Joyce spit in Kelsey’s face and I could have killed her.

We are just trying to live our lives, Joyce. I am not better than you or anyone else. I love Sam. Liam is gone. It was his choice to do the things that he did. I had nothing to do with that. You know what a bad man he was, Joyce. You are free of him. Get on with your life! Kelsey sobbed. Yeah, this was tearing her up.

Jacob was like my own son! He deserved a life! Joyce roared at Kelsey. Your sister killed him!

No, he was already dead and didn’t know it yet. When he fell out of the helicopter, when you and Liam left him, he was dead. Kelsey said in a quiet voice. You know this, he would have never lived but he was determined to hurt Caleb and Kinsey before he left this world. Kinsey stopped him. That is all.

She unloaded her damn gun into Liam…was that just stopping him? Joyce yelled.

She lost it! Do you think she needed to be raped by your nephew as well as your cousin? Kelsey yelled back.

NOW! Liza yelled. I rolled into Joyce and she went down and basically all hell broke loose. Gunshots went off. Fists and kicks were flying. I didn’t think, I just reacted like everyone else did. Joyce was down. My Sensei was down. The others lay at our agents’ feet by the time it was over. I crawled over to hold Sensei Li in my arms. Joyce was dead. The ambulance was on its way.

Hang on, please. Just hang on. I cried as I rocked the small instructor in my arms. She had fought hard but these guys were good. She finally went down with a gunshot to her stomach and we were trying to hold pressure and keep her stabilized.

We have her, Kinsey. Corrine said softly as the paramedics came in and took over. I stood up. I was covered with blood and I didn’t know what was mine and what belonged to my Sensei. This wasn’t even her fight but she joined it with everything she had as well. This was just so wrong. Liza, Kelsey and Corrine had been beaten but they were going to be okay. I stumbled down to the water and walked out to wash the blood off. I was numb and exhausted. I was afraid that no matter what they did, Sensei Li wasn’t going to make it. I could feel her life force fading as I held her. I ducked under the water and swam.

I felt something grab my hair and drag me. I fought, but the man was strong. We both struggled under the water and then another man grabbed me and they took me to a mini sub, one of those little things that divers used at times. I was dragged with them and then other hands grabbed me as we surfaced. They pulled me over the side of a boat and I was gasping for air. I turned to fight and was met by a gun slammed against the side of my head. I have no idea what everyone has against my head. Man …

Welcome to your next nightmare, bitch! I heard the Cuban accent just before the world faded into blackness. In the distance, I saw a light and the forms of my mother and father. Then I felt nothing at all. I couldn’t help but wonder if this was the end and although I loved seeing Mama and Daddy walking toward me, I was angry. I didn’t want to leave this world just yet. My life hadn’t even begun yet with Caleb. I hadn’t had a chance to make my dream of him a reality. Other than being raped, I was going to die basically a virgin and would only know the violence…not the joy. I had to fight my way back. Menendez was determined to ruin me for some reason and I had to find out why …

Chapter One

Kelsey ran outside as the ambulance took Sensei Li. The paramedics were doing CPR as they closed the doors and took off. Sam grabbed Kelsey close and held her still. Sam, where is Kinsey? She sobbed frantically. It’s hard to believe a seventeen-year-old kid could fight so violently. Of course, Kinsey’s last year and a half had been plagued by other people’s cruelty. Still. Mai and her Asian cohorts were professional assassins. It was all the three of them could do to keep up and they were trained FBI agents. They both turned as Caleb slid the Mustang into the driveway and came running.

Is everyone okay? He demanded. Willie and Cassie ran behind him and Cass ran and grabbed her mother in tears. Caleb turned and looked at his Mom as she stood there shaking, bloody and crying. Mom?

I’m okay. It is over. Corrine cried as she held her family close. Chet wrapped his arms around his family and closed his eyes. Chet, where did Kinsey go? She was injured.

She … oh, no! Chet looked toward the shore where he had seen Kinsey washing the blood off. Sensei Li had bled all over Kinsey and she had to try to wash the blood off to see what her own injuries were. Chet ran down to the beach with the others close behind him. KINSEY! He yelled. In the distance, he could see a yacht pulling out and pouring on the speed. KINSEY! He ran up the shore as he dug for his cell phone.

The rest of the group ran to the shoreline to see what Chet was yelling about. Caleb began shaking uncontrollably. Dad, what is it? Where is Kinsey?

Caleb … oh, son … Chet’s voice broke as he radioed the Coast Guard. "This is Agent Jackson. We need you to try to stop a yacht from leaving and getting out into International waters. Yes Sir, the name on the boat is; My Maria. I cannot read the numbers from here. It is approximately fifty feet long; two tiered with a covered fly bridge. I believe they have one of the agent’s sisters. Yes Sir; that is where we are." Chet’s hand was shaking. He saw the blood flowing in from the water. It had to be from Kinsey when she went out to try to wash it all off.

Dad, why would that boat take Kinsey? Was that their escape route? Caleb cried.

"It has to be Caleb. ‘My Maria’ belongs to Manny Menendez. Chet looked frantically for another boat. Sam, we have to find a boat!" He ran to the car.

Chief Marco, Cain here, I need you to find out if Menendez is still in prison. The adults took off and Caleb handed the keys to the Mustang to Willie, his brother-in-law, and best friend. He hopped into Kinsey’s car and took off.

Where is he going? Cassie cried after her brother.

I don’t know, honey, let’s go. We’ll try to call him on the way back. Will hopped in and reached over to pull the seat belt across Cass. Kelsey and the others were in their cars. Everyone was headed for a boat … somewhere. We have to get home, Cass. Annie will need fed and Julie will be throwing a fit. Willie said sadly. Annie was their four-month-old daughter, Annabelle Lynn. Julie was a Cuban orphan that Kinsey and Caleb were adopting after Kins had saved the baby’s life but lost the mother’s. Julie was eight months old and had been raised by all of them. She worshipped Kinsey and Caleb. The girls need us, Cass, let’s go. Will said softly as he pulled out. We’ll give Caleb a little time and then we’ll try to get in touch with him. He’s losing it.

* * * * *

Caleb had pushed the Mustang to the limit. When he saw the ambulance at the residence, his heart was in his throat. Where was Kinsey? Obviously, the confrontation was over. By the time he reached the shore where his Dad was standing and yelling into a cell phone, he realized that someone had stole his heart away. Kinsey was gone. They were getting married in two weeks and she was gone … just like that. He took Kinsey’s Camaro and floored it as he got onto the street. He had to keep close to the shoreline and somehow find a boat and go after her.

The phone rang and he hit the Blue Tooth on the car. What? His voice was husky and full of anger and fear. He hit a wet spot, hydroplaned and then straightened back out as he spun around. He punched his foot to the floor again.

Where are you Caleb? Never mind, I saw that … Kelsey’s voice was shaky but she seemed like she was calm. Let me ride with you.

Caleb stared ahead of him as he made it down the shoreline. Where are you Kels?

We’re right behind you, honey, pull over and Liza and I will go with you. Kelsey said gently. She knew that the boy was in no shape to be driving … neither was she.

Cody eased over to the side. Kelsey and Liza ran up and Liza was at the driver’s door. Move over, buddy. She said gently and Caleb stared at her for a second and then did as he was told. Kelsey hopped in the back.

Okay Sam, lead the way. Liza said into the phone. Sam pulled out and flew ahead of them. He knew that Caleb and Kelsey were losing it. Who could blame them? He didn’t feel that much in control. His phone rang.

Go. He said gruffly.

Manny is out. He and two of his men are free. Three guards are dead and six are in the hospital barely hanging on. Miguel was with him. The guard said that the kid was arguing with him and was taken at gun point. Marco told him quietly. The good thing is … if Manny didn’t kill the boy … he likes Kinsey and might protect her.

Yeah, right … Sam groaned. Where would they go, Chief?

I would say that he would head back to Cuba, Sam. They have cutters out now and helicopters are searching as well. We’ll try to stop him. Marco was frustrated. It didn’t seem like they could keep these guys in jail. There was too much corruption in the ranks. You need to head toward home Sam. Either way, he’ll go south.

Copy. Sam slammed his fist on the dashboard. He knew as quickly as Kinsey showed up that she would get hurt. She had been doing so well. Now this…

* * * * *

Stephen and Sophia met the kids as they ran in from the garage. Cassie gladly took the baby and Willie held Julie. Have you heard anything yet? Cassie asked. Her voice was soft as she kissed little Annie. She looked as Jana and Vera hurried out.

Corrine called and said that someone has taken Kinsey? Vera looked confused. First, Marco had called and said that they had the female agents and then the next call said that someone had kidnapped her baby. What happened? Hadn’t Kinsey been through enough?

Come into the family room, Vera. Cassie finally calmed down and faced the frantic women. They all followed her inside and Cass took a receiving blanket out and sat down to feed the baby. Annie was nuzzling in for all she was worth. Will looked at them lovingly and sat down on the floor with little Julie. Corrine and Chet came in with Jim and were setting up the radio.

Please, what has happened to Kinsey? And where is Caleb? Vera cried. She knew that things were only getting worse from the way everyone that came home looked. Corrine was limping and had a black eye and swollen lip. She came in and sat down to hold Vera’s hand. This family had been through too much already. They had a wedding coming and now the bride was missing with the groom running wildly after her.

Honey, it all happened so fast. She said softly. We had almost caught up with Joyce when we were split up. Then the Chief sent us in two different locations. The guys went one way and we went another. Unfortunately, we walked right into a trap. All three of us were knocked unconscious and taken to that cove on the beach. We woke up in handcuffs with Joyce and that girl that hurt Kinsey after the tournament in Atlanta was there. Her two friends were with her and her cousin that had been incarcerated with Joyce. Maria Menendez was also with them. We should have known. She sighed and stood up and walked over the beautiful painting of Kinsey next to her mother and Kelsey’s painting was on the opposite side. All three women looked so much alike it was striking. Her beautiful soon to be daughter in law smiled back at her from the painting. Kinsey had been so good to her daughter and her son. She was crazy in love with Caleb. This was going to kill Caleb. He loved that beautiful girl more than life itself.

"Mai had called Kinsey at the game and as you guys know, Kinsey came running. Mai was threatening to kill all of us. She offered a trade; if Kinsey came, she would let us go. Of course, Kins knew that probably wasn’t what was going to happen, but what could she do but show up? Bless her heart, she felt like she had no choice. Sam talked her into going to the house overlooking the cove first where the guys had set up surveillance and was trying to find a way into the house we were kept in. They ran out of time and set the op up quickly and Kinsey drove down as the other agents converged down the hillside. Mai met her and this time; Kinsey took her down immediately and put her in the trunk of the car.

"Joyce met her at the door with a gun. Kinsey managed to provoke another one and took her out on the hearth when Li Chun threw a kick at her. It was then that she was knocked unconscious. When she woke, Kinsey quickly got out of her cuffs and fashioned a key for the rest of us. She still had an earpiece in and communicated to Sam what she was doing. Liza yelled ‘now’ as soon as all of us were free, and we took the others down, but their Sensei had been shot and Kinsey was covered with her blood.

Both Joyce and Sensei Li died. I guess Kinsey had gone down to the shoreline to wash the blood off and see how bad she was injured. She had been holding her Sensei until the ambulance showed up … Kinsey had been hit a few times really hard … Corrine’s voice broke. Vera, it happened so fast. No one saw that someone grabbed Kinsey in the water until we saw a yacht speeding away. They are trying to locate them now. The Coast Guard … oh, Lord, we don’t even know how bad Kinsey was hurt.

Chet came and put his arms around his wife. Stephen, help me see to Corrine’s injuries. She refused to go to the hospital. They left the room and the others sat and stared at one another. Julie’s thumb had gone to her mouth and she had tears running silently down her cheek. The little girl understood enough to know that her ‘mama’ was gone. For all intense purposes, Kinsey was her mother. Lee, Julie’s real mother had been killed only hours after delivering Julie. Both had been thrown in the water like unwanted garbage. It was a miracle that Kinsey and Caleb were out on the boat and close enough to retrieve and revive the newborn infant. Another miracle was the simple fact that Julie had not sustained any permanent damage from the lack of oxygen.

Caleb and Kinsey had taken on the responsibility to raise Julie as their own. She was named after Julia, Kinsey’s mother, and Lee, the infant’s mother. The young engaged couple had gone through so much and still had maintained the important parent roles for Julie. Now, the child was brokenhearted.

* * * * *

Caleb answered his cell phone that rang with Bob Marley’s ‘No Worries’ that Kinsey had programmed into his phone. That was Kinsey’s ring tone! KINSEY! Where are you? He cried. Liza quickly pulled over.

So, you are the boyfriend, huh? The Cuban on the other side asked with a laugh.

What have you done with her? Caleb asked, trying to keep his voice even.

I have her, buddy. You guys have my daughter. We could trade. Menendez said softly.

Let me talk to Kinsey! Caleb demanded.

Let me talk to Maria! Manny countered.

Maria is in custody. Caleb said heatedly.

Yeah, well, Kinsey cannot come to the phone right now. Manny laughed.

Caleb had put the phone on intercom so Kelsey and Liza could hear the conversation. Liza took the phone and growled. We’ll get Maria. Name the time and the place.

You get Maria and I’ll call back in … let’s see … how about three hours? Manny laughed. Then, we’ll let lover boy talk to his girlfriend. The phone went dead.

Damn it! Caleb slammed his fist against the dash in frustration.

Kelsey hurried and called Sam.

Hello? Sam answered.

Where are you? Kelsey asked.

We’re at the house setting up, honey. What’s happening? Sam leaned against the doorframe and turned up the speaker and flipped on the recorder.

Menendez just called from Kinsey’s phone. Evidently Kins had the phone in her waterproof pouch that she carries in an emergency. He called Caleb. He’s saying that he has Kinsey and is willing to trade for his daughter, Maria. Kelsey’s voice caught. Sam, we have to at least try. She sobbed.

Okay, calm down, Kelsey. I’ll call Marco and start getting it ready. You guys need to head back here. Okay? Sam was glad that they at least had a bargaining chip. How’s Caleb holding up, honey?

Um … good as I am, I guess. We’re headed that way. She shut the phone and handed it back to Caleb while Liza sped toward the mansion.

Can they do that? Caleb asked.

We’re going to try. We’ll at least have her at the mansion and be ready to use her to get Kinsey back. Kelsey sat back into the seat. She was exhausted and aching and trying to think after having almost no sleep for two days. How did he get her so easily?

I have a feeling that Manny had divers in the water, honey. Liza said from the driver’s seat. Kinsey was beat up and if they were waiting and pulled her under … well, it is possible that two of them could drag her under and get her to the yacht with a mini sub.

Caleb stared out the window. It was already morning. He was too afraid to think so he remained quiet. He was so afraid that she was hurt badly again. What would they do to her? How much more could she take without breaking? He prayed that they wouldn’t be cold enough to molest her. It took her forever to get over Liam.

She’s tough, Caleb, you should have seen her fight through those women. Kelsey’s voice was husky with emotion. It was as quick and vicious as the fight in the bathroom at the Sheridan in Atlanta. We didn’t see that fight, just the aftermath. This time, Lord, she moved quickly. As soon as Liza let her know that we were free, she went through the three women like they were standing still. By the time we had Joyce down, two of them were starting to get back up and Kinsey was holding Sensei Li. Liza shot Joyce and Corrine and I finished the two off that got up then Liza took down the third one. They were already so messed up; it wasn’t hard to take them down. Liza met her gaze in the mirror. None of them knew how Kinsey had moved that fast. She had already taken down Mai and stowed her in her trunk and then Li Chun was out maneuvered so fast that she was still unable to move around too well. Caleb, Kinsey was amazing and she was walking and moving well … Kelsey’s voice trailed off. Her sister had already been knocked unconscious to stop her from hurting anyone else. She fought with Mai outside before Joyce had brought her in, then again when she neutralized Li Chun. When she fought those others, they had no idea how much more she was hurt. Was she walking wounded? Oh, man …

* * * * *

Miguel eased into the storage cabin and sat in front of the small form. He had brought water and first aid supplies to try to clean up the girl and see how badly she was hurt. He was not prepared to get bounced off the wall. Hey! Easy Kinsey Summers, I am here to help. He wasn’t exactly sure how she had moved that fast so he stayed against the wall while she tried to focus. Kinsey, it is Miguel, I will not hurt you. He told her softly.

I looked at the guy against the wall through a pink maze of blood. Where am I?’ I asked hoarsely. My throat was on fire. Miguel kept his distance and rolled a bottle of water towards me. Thanks." I grabbed it and downed it. My head was banging and I felt like I had been run over by a steamroller.

You should have stayed out of it. Miguel grumbled. I have no idea how to help you now. He eased over. Now, let me clean up your wounds, will you?

I nodded and sat down. I had on my jeans and t-shirt but the shoes and socks were gone. I had a chain and shackles attached to my ankle and it was black and blue and scraped. Evidently I had been trying to get free before … I just don’t remember it. The room was swaying and I finally realized that I had to be in the belly of a ship. Great … What are you doing, Miguel? I whispered.

I am trying to keep you alive, Kinsey Summers. You may be one tough little hombre but these fools have guns and won’t hesitate to use them. You need to keep quiet and let the agents negotiate for your release. Don’t agitate Manny, Kinsey. He’ll kill you in a heartbeat.

Where are we? I asked.

We are heading toward Cuba but Manny is going to back off some to try to get his daughter back. Otherwise, you would have already been dead Kinsey. Miguel said as he tried to help wash off the blood from my face. Man, he hit you hard, Summers! He tried to fashion a bandage around my head. Your best bet is to try to pretend that you are asleep. Okay? We have several hours before the negotiations are over and we are headed to Cuba. Kinsey, you have to remain still. He tried his best to bandage her wounds. The kid looked like she had been in a major car accident.

Why did you come with him? I moaned and appreciated the aspirins that he handed me.

It was not my choice. He held me at gunpoint. It was either climb on board or die on the spot. I would prefer to live, Summers. Miguel looked exhausted and he was beat up as well. They set a riot up and then killed a couple of guards to get out. I have to run now, Kinsey, they’ll never believe me.

I leaned back against the wall and studied Miguel. I imagine he didn’t have a choice. Maria is Manny’s’ daughter? I remembered the non-Asian in the group. Pretty girl. Shoot, she couldn’t have been much older than me.

Yeah, she is twenty-one and tough as nails. He’s been training her since she was little, Kinsey, she only looks fragile. He had noticed the sympathy on my face, I guess. Yeah, she was tough … I remember that now. Was she hurt?

Not any worse than this. I motioned to my head. I only used blocks and hits … not weapons, Miguel. Joyce was killed. I think Sensei Li was also killed. I don’t know about anyone else. I sighed. My head was banging, and I ached all over. Oh, well, the goal was to get Kelsey, Liza and Corrine away and that had been accomplished.

This is as good as I can do. Miguel said quickly. Lie back and try to stay looking unconscious, Kinsey. I’ll do my best to protect you. How is my daughter?

Julia Lee is doing quite well. She is happy, Miguel. This will make her really upset if I don’t get back though. She loves Caleb a lot … and my family and friends … she had no damage from lack of oxygen and she is already walking and talking. This could set her back a lot. I swallowed hard. I know how close we are with Julie; she will be heartbroken. Will Caleb be able to hold it together and care for her? Once again, she would be left without a mother. I cannot let that happen …

I will try to get you back to her. He said softly. Play unconscious, Kinsey, it is your only chance. He whispered as he headed out of the room.

I lay back down and tried not to cry. Oh, Caleb, I am so blowing our wedding. I sobbed. I would do anything to be able to be held by those strong arms just one more time …

* * * * *

How is she? Manny demanded as Miguel brought the supplies back up on deck.

She is hurt pretty bad, Manny. The girl needs to be in the hospital. Miguel answered as he grabbed a beer from the fridge and looked out over the ocean. They were closer to Miami now. Maybe they could get this done and get out of the country without anyone else getting hurt. He wished that he could see his daughter.

Is she conscious? Manny asked.

No, not yet … I had to put in some strips to hold some of the wounds together. You hit the kid hard. He griped.

Well, she better wake up soon … He griped. He saw Chavez heading to the hold. What are you doing?

I will go wake the bambino, Boss. Chavez flashed his slimy grin and Miguel spun around, fists ready.

Leave the kid alone, you moron! Miguel roared at him.

Ah, come on … she’s a pretty little thing! Chavez sneered at him and motioned Miguel forward. What’s a matter, Miguel, you have a hard on for the little blonde?

You pervert, leave the kid alone. Miguel growled.

Cut it out. Manny laughed. We return her undamaged unless we can find a way around it. Chavez. Go jack-off and leave the kid alone.

Miguel stomped back and blocked the door to the storage room. If he had to stand guard until the transfer, he would. This girl was Julie’s mother now; she wasn’t going to be abused as well. He flinched remembering when they passed Lee around like a whore. He married her to save her from all of that. He shook his head and slid down to the deck. He had gotten away from this and now he was back in over his head. What was he going to do? He couldn’t protect Kinsey forever. He had been a part of this kind of cruelty. He couldn’t believe that all of a sudden he found morality. That was not going to help him. It wouldn’t help Kinsey either unless he could find a way to get her free.

* * * * *

I’m sure that Miguel didn’t know that I was listening. I don’t plan on waiting around until he falls asleep and the others take advantage. I have to find a way out of here. I looked at the shackles that had my ankle chained to the thick anchor chain and the metal hook on the floor. I stood up gingerly and looked around. At least he left the light on. I could move about three feet in all directions. I eased into a box and tried to see if there was anything that I could use to get this chain free. I sat back frustrated. I’m exhausted and I have no idea where we are. If they wanted to do a trade, they were headed back toward Miami and then probably they would move toward the Keys.

I felt in my pockets and found nothing. Crap. I know Caleb and Kelsey are probably going nuts by now. I have to get away. I reached for my throat and found my cross … Mama’s cross. I slipped it over my head and realized they had left my rings on as well. I didn’t want to damage either of them. I looked and realized that there was a key on the chain that had my cross. What was I doing with a key? The safety deposit box! I forgot. Could I fashion something to open this bracelet? I started filing the key against the iron and worked as fast as I dared, stopping only long enough to listen to what was happening on deck.

Close. I’m getting closer. I won’t ever get in the safety deposit box again but, oh, well. I heard them coming and covered the anklet with dirt and lay back down. I know blood was dripping from my forehead and arm wound … mainly from exertion but looks are everything right now. I laid back and closed my eyes and remained as still as I could.

Miguel came in talking. It looks like she’s still out, Manny. Now what? He moaned and acted like he was really concerned. Maybe we ought to get her to a doctor.

I could hear someone kneel down and then a rough hand brushed my hair away from my face. She’s been bleeding. Fix her up again and then we’ll try to get her awake. … Wait a minute. The cold water was a jolt but I didn’t move. He evidently brought a bucket of sea water to dump on me. I didn’t take the bait. Okay, it was worth a shot. Do your best. I heard him on a cell phone as he went out. You have my daughter yet?

* * * * *

Miguel leaned down. Let me change these out, Kinsey. I brought some sealer to close the wounds. He worked hard and hit the wounds with peroxide and that did make me jump. "Good, you are awake. He chuckled. It’s getting dark and it will be a moonless night. The storm’s coming in. If you can get free, you’d better get off somehow. I’ll make sure the door is unlocked after everyone else goes to bed. You’re a good swimmer. We’re three miles off shore, so you need to swim directly north. Do you think you can swim in?" He worked hard applying sealer.

I’ll make it. I whispered.

You are a tough one, kid. I’ll protect you as good as I can. Chavez already wants at you, so you can’t stay. He said roughly. Get back and take care of Julie. Swim hard and fast, Kinsey Summers, it’s your only chance. Miguel stood up and grinned down at me. You’ve been working, I see. How about using the key? He dropped the key in my hand and then walked out and locked the door.

Who knows who your allies are? I just know there’s three miles between me and my heart. I have to get home. I thought about Caleb and Julie and felt the tears slide down my cheeks. I have to get back to them.

* * * * *

Sounds like a personal problem, Cain. You have my daughter, bring her to the Keys. Menendez barked. He knew he had to bluff. The Summers kid was still unconscious.

Not until I talk to Kinsey and I know that she is okay. Sam yelled.

I talk to my daughter first. Menendez laughed.

The phone shuffled and some coaching went on in the background and finally he heard his daughter’s voice. Papa? Is that you? She cried.

Ah, there is my Maria! He laughed. Are you okay?

I’m okay, Papa. Are you coming to get me? Maria answered the code that they had set up before the operation went down.

We will negotiate. Hold tight, my love. Manny grinned. He was proud of his girl.

I will. She said softly.

We will have you home in no time. Which was the meaning for; men are on their way.

The phone shifted again. Let me talk with Kinsey. It was her sister this time.

Sorry, she’s sleeping. We will talk in the morning, big sister. You better pray that my daughter is not injured. He laughed.

You jerk! Let me talk to my sister! Kelsey cried and the phone went dead.

* * * * *

Kelsey collapsed in tears and Sam held her close. He won’t hurt her. He wants his daughter back. He turned to Jim. Contain her in the wine cellar under guard. We’ll post more guards. Bring the kids close and we’ll spread out our families in the safe rooms. They moved at a dead run. Sam was pretty sure that Menendez was going to try to get Maria and keep Kinsey … if she was still alive. Lord, she better be alive. He couldn’t let himself think otherwise but one thing for sure; they were coming after his daughter.

Sam looked at Caleb, standing out on the dock with his hands in his pockets, staring out at the ocean. He headed down to talk to him.

Caleb, we’re going to put all of the families in the safe room and keep Maria in the wine cellar. I need you to come on in now. Sam said quietly.

Sorry Sam, I have to stay out here. Caleb said firmly. I feel like Kinsey is trying to get away. I have to be able to get her.

Caleb … Sam saw that the boy’s emotions were barely in control. Okay, stay low in the boathouse. If you want to get on a wet suit and have the boat turned around, you can. He handed him a gun and a couple of clips. I can’t protect you, son.

I understand. Caleb nodded and walked to the boathouse. He felt a tug out in the ocean. It was like Kinsey was trying to tell him something. Night had fallen and Sam was right. He would stay low and listen to his heart. If he knew which way to go, he would have already been going after her.

Where’s Caleb? Chet demanded when Sam started locking down the house.

He’s staying in the boathouse. He has weapons and he’s going to be ready to take off. He has a radio. It’s his heart out there, Chet; he has to be where he can act. Sam said quietly. Chet looked out at the shore and couldn’t see him. Caleb had already gotten under cover. He would do the same but that was his boy. You have to trust him, Chet.

Chet nodded sadly and hit the radio. Caleb.

Yeah, Dad.

Be careful, son. Chet said in a choked up voice.

I will Dad, take care of our family. Caleb eased into the wet suit and then sat down in the speedboat. He blended into the darkness and waited … and prayed.

* * * * *

I waited until I heard the door unlock and then listened until the boat was quiet. I hurried to unlock the stupid iron bracelet from my ankle and then stood carefully. I stretched and wiggled as much as I could and then slipped my jeans off. I had on the jockey boxer shorts that would be a lot easier to swim in. I slid off my top and that left a sport bra. Hey, it covered more than a bikini and I needed all the help in movement that I could get.

I found a life vest that was inflatable. I figured at the last minute I would inflate it if I couldn’t swim any more. I hurried and found a fanny pack and looked for any kind of weapons that I could find. I did find a knife … a very sharp diving knife. Armed with that, Mama’s cross and my rings, I eased out of the storage room and listened.

I made my way back to the back diving platform and found a spear gun. I set it and took it in with me and then I made my dive.

I swam until I ran out of air under water and then bobbed up to get another breath then I did it again…and again. Finally when I looked back, I couldn’t see the yacht any more. I started swimming on top of the water for all I was worth.

It was hard to judge how far I had gone. Without a moon out and the stars covered by clouds all I could do was swim north and pray. That’s what I did. I hoped that none of my injuries started bleeding.

There had been a shark attack in the Keys last week. I don’t feel like wrestling with one of those bad guys.

To try to keep my mind from wandering toward thinking of the pain and fatigue that was beginning to rack my body, I thought about the wedding. We had almost everything planned now. Vera, Jana and Sophia were having fun helping with all of the preparations.

Eloping sounded really good about now. Although my dress was beautiful