Chapter 15
15
Landon resisted the urge to fling open his door, instead easing it open with care to avoid jostling the SUV unnecessarily. His boots hit the rain-slicked road with a muted thud, and he took a steadying breath as the storm lashed against him. Rain pelted his face, and the wind howled around him, but it wasn’t the storm that had his pulse racing—it was the thought of Noel.
All he’d wanted to do was reach out, cup her face, and kiss her senseless. What the fuck is wrong with me? The thought gnawed at him, even as the rain soaked through his clothes. Sure, she was beautiful. That much was undeniable. But this pull, this visceral reaction every time he looked at her, was something else entirely. He prided himself on being in control, especially in situations like this. Yet with Noel, his usual discipline felt like it was hanging by a thread.
She wasn’t just a pretty face. From the moment she entered this chaotic mission, she’d shown resilience, adapting to every twist and turn without hesitation. She hadn’t flinched when he armed himself or suited up for action. And then, there was the moment when he’d been caught vulnerable—how she’d fired that shot, saving not only him but Penny and Tad too. Jesus, she hadn’t even fired a gun before.
The sound of the back door next to him opening jerked him out of his thoughts. He turned to see Tad climbing out, his body shaking with the wind but his expression resolute. Landon helped him down, then turned to assist Penny. His hands were steady as he lifted her gently, holding on as her feet landed on the slick road.
Remembering that he told them to get out on his side, he turned around to find Noel’s face before him. Noel had clambered over the console, her rain-drenched hair plastered to her face. She paused, balancing on her hands and knees, waiting for him to move aside. Her eyes met his, and for a heartbeat, the storm seemed to quiet.
“Sorry,” he mumbled, embarrassed that his thoughts had taken him away from what he needed to be focused on. Offering her a hand, he assisted her down.
“Thank you,” she said with a wobbly smile while blinking away the rain hitting her in the face. “My Cinderella chariot was getting wet, but it’s even wetter out here.” She moved around him and reached out to take Penny by the hand, guiding her toward the back of the vehicle.
He threw open the hatch, pulling out his bag of equipment. With practiced efficiency, he handed Tad another bag—one that carried food but no weapons. The boy took it with a solemn nod.
“Follow me,” he ordered before heading up the road. He continually glanced over his shoulder to ensure everyone was all right. Noel guided Penny, with Tad bringing up the rear. He led the way up the muddy road, the relentless wind and rain turning every step into a battle.
Noel walked beside Penny, her arm around the girl’s shoulders, offering steady reassurance. Tad trailed them, his face set with quiet determination. The boy’s bravery struck Landon. For someone so young, Tad carried himself with a protector’s heart. Landon couldn’t help but respect the kid—Stan had raised him well.
Penny, despite her small size, pressed on with surprising strength. Landon noted her resolve, deciding she carried more of her grandmother’s grit than her mother’s flair. The thought gave him hope. They might be battered by the storm, but they’d get through this together.
With everyone falling in line and leaning into the wind, they made their way up the road until he could see the small structure off the side. The intel Sadie had sent made it look like it would be a good choice to wait out the storm. There was a narrow gravel path, and he had to lift the overhanging foliage out of the way. With each frond raised, he’d wait until Penny would pass under, and then Noel would take it from him, keeping it lifted for Tad.
Now, standing outside the small building, he glanced over his shoulder. “Stand back,” he ordered, pulling out his weapon. Knocking and receiving no answer, he shouldered the door open and, with a light in one hand and his gun in the other, swept the interior, finding it empty. It might have been a small home or waystation once, but it appeared to have been abandoned for years. There was no furniture, but at least the hard-packed dirt floor was blessedly dry.
Stepping inside to ensure no animals or varmints were around, he turned and called out, “Come on. It’s safe.”
Penny entered next, followed by Tad. Noel had stepped to the side before she brought up the rear. Once inside, her gaze swept the room before landing on him, and his heart stuttered as he waited to see what she would say about the rudimentary shelter.
She grinned. “Looks dry, and the wind can’t knock us around here.”
A release of breath left his lungs, pleased that she continued to adapt to the changes.
“These windows are boarded,” Penny whispered.
Landon realized they were like the room where she and Tad had been held, but Noel jumped in before he could say anything. She walked over and stood directly in front of Penny, placing her hands on the girl’s shoulders and pulling her in for a hug.
“Yeah, they are, sweetheart. But think of it this way… they aren’t here to keep you in… to keep you trapped. They’re boarded to keep you dry and safe with us.” Noel leaned back and held Penny’s gaze. “Right?”
Penny glanced at Tad before looking at Noel again. Then she nodded and let out a relieved breath. “Right.”
“Okay, then,” Noel said, stepping back and finding Landon. “What should we do to get settled for the evening? I assume it will be tomorrow before the storm stops, and someone can get the road cleared.”
He almost informed her that his people would get to them quicker than the Jamaicans could get the road passable. Instead, he nodded and said, “There’s a folded waterproof tarp in the bottom of the bag that Tad was carrying. Let’s set that up for us to sit on.”
Tad immediately knelt and reached inside the bag. He pulled out two pouches, and Landon nodded. “I forgot there were two. That'll give us plenty to sit on without having to be on the floor.”
Noel reached out and took one of the tarps from Tad. They unfolded them, then spread them out next to two walls. Tad and Penny sat on one with their backs against the wall. Noel sat on the other one and looked up expectantly at Landon.
Sharing a piece of tarp with her suddenly seemed like an excellent idea… and a bad idea. Good, because he’d be close to her. Bad, because being that close made him think of how sweet her lips were. Determined not to embarrass himself, he placed the weapons bag close and sat with his back against the wall beside her. They were sitting at a right angle with the kids, keeping them close together. Their clothes were soaked, and he hoped they’d be able to stay warm enough.
Noel dug around in the bag that was closest, pulling out another water bottle. “Tad. Penny.” Gaining their attention, she asked, “Did you have any water while you were away?”
Both shook their heads, so she handed them another bottle. “Make sure you stay hydrated.”
Penny blushed, and Noel leaned closer. “If you need to go, I’ll go outside with you.”
Penny’s lips curved as she nodded. Landon was glad Noel had thought of how a twelve-year-old girl might be embarrassed to ask about needing a bathroom break.
No longer needing his earpiece, Landon typed into his phone, giving their location and plans. He let LSIMT know they would spend the night in the small structure. He also told them that as soon as Cole and the others could get to Jamaica, he would get the kids and Noel west of the mudslide to meet up. The affirmative reply let him know that Logan and the others were in planning mode, and Landon had no doubt they’d be rescued tomorrow.
Looking down at the reply, he saw where Logan had spoken to both Stan and Pamela, each wanting to talk to the kids as soon as they could.
He scrubbed his hand over his face. “Your parents have been told that you’re safe, and they want to talk to you. We’ll play this however you want to.”
“I’ll talk to Dad,” Tad said without hesitation. He twisted around and looked at his sister sitting next to him. “What about you, Sis?”
Penny rolled her lips inward, pressing them tightly as she looked down at her hands. Finally, heaving a great sigh, her shoulders rounded, and she said, “I’ll talk to Dad, too. And I’ll talk to Mom.”
Landon was typing the request that LSIMT patch him to the ranch, knowing their satellite capabilities could bypass the storm wreaking havoc on cell signals and the internet.
“Wait,” Tad said. “Before we talk to our parents, I want to know how this went down.”
Landon believed in honesty and full disclosure, but he wasn't sure what to do when dealing with young people and children. Turning, he caught Noel’s gaze. “Are you comfortable handling this?”
Nodding, she straightened her back, and an air of determination rolled off her. She angled her body slightly to face the kids more fully. “Your mother didn’t have permission from your dad to bring you to Jamaica.”
“How did Dad find out so quickly?” Tad asked. “We just got here yesterday, so she must have told him by yesterday afternoon.”
“Yes, she did. Your mom called the ranch yesterday evening and talked to your dad. While the actual words spoken between the two of them are not known to me, she did make a demand?—”
Tad snorted, his voice tinged with bitterness. “She wanted more money, right? Mom brought us down here so Dad couldn’t just come get us, and she wanted more money.”
Penny’s head swung around, her eyes wide. Her gaze quickly darted to Noel and Landon, seeking confirmation. Landon held her stare for a moment but remained silent, allowing Noel to take the lead with the children.
Noel nodded gently, her expression calm but honest. “That’s true. She wanted your father to renegotiate the alimony agreement.”
The four sat silently for a few minutes while the storm raged outside. Landon waited and watched to see how the children would process the harsh reality. Tad’s shoulders tightened, his hands balling into fists on his lap. A low growl escaped him, a sound that seemed to rise from deep within his chest. It was obvious that the revelation cut deeply.
Landon shifted his gaze to Penny, and his heart clenched as he saw a tear slide down her cheek. Her small body trembled, her breath hitching as the storm outside seemed to mirror the turmoil within. Tad noticed immediately. He jerked his head toward her, then wrapped his arm around her shoulders and pulled her close, another sign that his protective instinct kicked in.
Noel’s voice remained soft but steady as she continued. “I don’t know your mother well enough to explain her actions or motivations. But I know she made demands, and your father and grandparents crafted a plan to handle the situation.”
“They sent you to come get us,” Penny whispered, her voice fragile.
Noel nodded. “Yes. Landon works for a security company. Your father and grandparents wanted to keep this situation out of the public eye, so they opted for a private solution.”
Tad’s sharp eyes turned to Landon, his voice probing. “Who do you work for?”
“I used to be an FBI agent,” Landon replied, his tone even. “Now I work for Lighthouse Security Investigations Montana.”
Noel added, “Your grandfather is friends with a judge in Montana. That judge knew I had experience working on custody cases as a social worker. I got a call from my boss to go to the ranch this morning, and the next thing I knew, I was on a plane to Jamaica to ensure your safety.”
“But you had no idea we’d been kidnapped,” Penny said, her eyes pinned on Noel.
“That’s right. When we came, it was just to bring you back to Montana.”
Tad and Penny looked at each other, uncertainty written on their faces. Then Tad asked, “Why did they think we’d need a social worker to check on us if we were just going from our mom to our dad?” Then he looked over at Landon. “And why would they think someone from a private security agency might be needed?”
For the first time, Noel hesitated, looking down at her hands clasped in her lap. Landon knew what needed to be said and understood that Noel was gathering herself before giving the kids the news. Suddenly, wanting to spare her being the one to say the words, he blurted, “Because I brought a down payment to give to your mother.”
A small gasp slipped from Noel’s lips, Tad’s chin jerked back, and Penny’s mouth dropped open.
“A down payment?” Tad repeated, his voice cracking.
“Your mother agreed to sign the paperwork giving your dad full custody, and?—”
“That sounds like Mom was selling us,” Penny murmured, her blue eyes wide. Her hand jerked out, and she grabbed Tad’s arm. Giving it a little shake, she said, “Tad? Is that what it sounds like to you, or am I crazy?”
Tad held Landon’s gaze for a moment. Landon had no idea what the young man’s reaction would be, but he didn’t look away. He felt Noel’s hand on his arm as though she was also seeking comfort.
“No, Sis, I don’t think you’re crazy. I think it sounds like Mom was selling us.”
Noel sucked in a raspy breath. “That may be putting it in a harsher light than it has to be.” Tad opened his mouth, and Landon was sure the boy would refute Noel’s statement. But she threw her hand up and shook her head.
“Hear me out. I don’t know your mom or her background. I don’t know what her motivations were or what her situation is. I have not been privy to the alimony agreement, so I have no idea about her financial agreements. But I can tell you that the woman I met today, whose children had been snatched from the beach, was devastated. She was distraught and begged us to find you.”
The kids stared at Noel as though their very reason for existing rested on her words.
“It struck me that perhaps she felt like she needed more money, so taking you all on a vacation and then holding that over your dad’s head seemed like a good idea. She never intended harm. She probably assumed she’d still see you. So until you know her motivations for sure, don’t assume the worst. Once you have all the facts, you can decide how you want to handle your ongoing relationship with your mom.”
Landon thought Noel was painting Pamela in a light she didn’t deserve, but he understood the kids needed something to hang on to… something that gave them hope that their mother wasn’t as mercenary as she’d acted.
Once again, silence inside the room allowed the wind and rain to create background noise. Landon finally said, “As soon as we arrived, your mom had just found out from Horticia that you were taken. Our jobs changed… well, mine did. Instead of just making the exchange of money and signed paperwork, then ensuring you returned to Montana, my new mission was to rescue the two of you.”
“Thank you,” Penny whispered. “I can’t believe that I didn’t say that earlier.”
Landon’s lips curved slightly, and he inclined his head. “No thanks needed.”
“So what now?” Tad asked. “I mean, after the storm passes?”
“We will head out in the morning and walk down the road to where we can be picked up. My coworkers have flown to Florida and will get to Jamaica in the morning. They will have a vehicle to get to us.”
“And then?” Penny asked softly.
“Then we will go to your mom’s place. We are in touch with your dad and will take our instructions from him. But I assume we will fly back to Montana immediately.”
Penny let out a long sigh. “This is so messed up.”
Tad tightened his arm around her. “No more messed up than it’s always been.” He looked at Landon. “I’m ready to talk to Dad.”
Landon nodded and began typing on his phone. After a moment, he said, “Mr. Fugate. I have your children here. Tad would like to speak to you.”
He handed the phone to the young man and waited as Tad told his dad they were safe and had not been harmed. “Listen, Dad, here’s Penny so you can hear her voice, too.” He handed the phone to his sister.
“Hey, Dad.” She paused, then said, “Yeah, I’m okay. Landon says we should be home tomorrow.” After another pause, she smiled. “Yeah, I miss you, too. Love you. Bye.”
She returned the phone to Landon, her face contorted into a grimace.
“Are you okay, honey?” Noel asked, leaning forward so her hand rested on Penny’s foot.
Penny opened her mouth to speak, but the words seemed to get stuck. She closed it again, her small face drawn with exhaustion and confusion. After a moment, she tried once more, her voice barely a whisper. “I guess I’m just tired.”
Tad, sitting close beside her, nodded in agreement. “It’s a lot to take in,” he murmured, his voice steady but heavy with emotion.
Noel’s gaze flicked between them, her eyes warm with understanding. “You’re right,” she said softly. “How about we let Landon’s team tell your mom that you’ll see her tomorrow? She already knows you’re safe with us.”
Both kids nodded, the tension in their small bodies easing just a little. Landon watched a tentative smile pass between Penny and Noel, a fragile but hopeful connection forming amid the chaos.
A thought snuck up on Landon, surprising in its simplicity yet profound in its intensity: he wanted to be on the receiving end of one of Noel’s smiles. Not just a polite, passing one, but a real smile that would light up her face and reach her eyes, making him feel like he was the center of her world, if only for a moment.
His chest tightened at the thought, a feeling both foreign and welcome all at once. In the midst of a storm, he found himself craving something soft, something warm. And that something—or someone—was sitting right beside him.