Chapter Twenty-Two
Flynn
I paced in frantic circles around my living room, unable to focus on anything but Cedar. It had been hours since I’d last heard her voice, and my mind reeled with worst-case scenarios.
My mother sat on the couch, her eyes swollen from crying, while Heather hovered beside her, an arm draped protectively over her shoulders. Across from them, Cedar’s parents—Susan and Dave—sat in matching armchairs, worry etched into every line of their faces.
For the last hour, we’d been brainstorming ways to rescue Cedar, but we kept hitting dead ends.
“I don’t understand why he’s doing this,” Susan said shakily. “I thought Cedar mentioned he’d changed his ways, turned over a new leaf.”
“He only pretended so we’d let our guard down,” I muttered, running a hand through my hair. “I suspected he was up to something, but I never thought he’d go this far.”
Dave’s face twisted with barely contained fury. “Your uncle will pay dearly for hurting my daughter,” he hissed through gritted teeth.
“I’ll do whatever it takes to get her back,” I vowed. Her and our unborn child, I wanted to add, but managed to stay silent. Only Nurse Katie, Dr. Lee, and I knew about Cedar’s pregnancy. I’d sworn them to secrecy until she was safely home.
Just then, the doorbell rang. Heather went to answer it, returning a moment later with a man disguised in a hat, wig, and sunglasses.
“Heather,” I snapped, my frustration boiling over. “Who is this?”
Before she could respond, the stranger removed his disguise—revealing Devan. My temper flared.
“Devan?” I said, my tone raw with anger and suspicion. “What are you doing here?” I turned to Heather. “What the hell, Heather? Do you want my wife killed? Will specifically said no cops.”
“Flynn…” Devan tried to speak, but I cut him off, also ready to berate my sister.
“But I—” Heather started, only to be silenced by my raised voice.
“You have no idea how dangerous Uncle Will is! He said no police involvement, yet you thought now was the perfect time to bring your cop boyfriend?”
“Flynn, calm down!” my mother pleaded, voice trembling.
That was when my own rage bubbled over. “Uncle Will killed Dad!” I roared.
A stunned silence fell across the room, broken only by collective gasps. My knees felt weak, and I dropped onto the closest sofa, struggling to steady my breathing. Mom was the first to speak again, her voice hitching with tears.
“It’s been confirmed?” she whispered. “Will killed my husband?”
I gave a short, grim nod. “Detective Ralph told me a few days ago. He had help—from Dad’s secretary, two people at the company, and apparently someone on the inside at the police. We can’t trust anyone.”
Devan cleared his throat. “I’ve been tracking Will’s movements,” he said, low and urgent. “I think I can help get Cedar back. And for the record, no one at my precinct knows I’m here.
Heather told me how sensitive this is, and I’m not an idiot. If Will’s bragging about having police contacts, I sure as hell won’t show up in uniform. That’s why I came disguised as a friend, not a cop.”
The group exchanged looks, and I studied Devan hard, trying to decide if I could entrust my wife’s life to him.
“Cedar is my friend, too,” he continued. “I can’t just stand by and do nothing. I know a way we can save her, but time is running out. We have to act fast.”
I stood, meeting his gaze. “I’m sorry I blew up at you. Thank you for wanting to help.”
Devan nodded. I turned to Heather, ready to apologize, but she simply squeezed my hand and mouthed, It’s okay.
“Go ahead,” I said to Devan. “What’s your plan?”
“We need to stall,” he replied. “Will gave you twenty-four hours to meet his demands, but we can use that time against him.”
I glanced at the clock on the wall, then back at Devan. “We’re down to about twenty hours now. How do we make this work?”
“We’ll make it look like you’re giving in,” Devan explained. “Draw up the paperwork Will demanded, sign it, and spread rumors you’re stepping down as CEO to hand the company over to your uncle. We’ll feed the media just enough to make it convincing—but it’ll be a bluff. While Will’s guard is down, we strike and get Cedar out. I have a separate plan for that.”
“What exactly is this plan?” Susan asked, eyeing him warily.
Devan hesitated, then shrugged. “It’s not pretty, ma’am. But we’re dealing with someone who’s shown he’ll go to any lengths. I’ve learned in law enforcement that a good cop sometimes has to outmaneuver a criminal by thinking like one.” He exhaled. “If Will’s going low, we’ll go lower and drag him out by the ankles.”
He spent the next several minutes laying out details. He had a few trusted people working “off the books” to track Will’s associates and any properties he might be using as a hideout. The more we heard, the more confident we felt.
“All right,” I said when Devan finished. “Whatever it takes.”
He nodded. “Let’s get started.”
Faking Compliance
Within three hours, our family lawyer, Mr. Fletcher, arrived with documents relinquishing my shares and position to Will. Signing them felt like a betrayal of my father’s memory, but I reminded myself it was only temporary.
Following Devan’s instructions, I scanned the signed documents and sent them electronically. Throughout the evening, I fielded calls from media contacts, dropping hints about a major press conference I’d hold soon—a supposed “big announcement.” It was all part of the ruse.
My phone buzzed with a single text from Will: Smart choice. I await the announcement.
We had eight hours left before Will’s deadline. Worry gnawed at me, each minute feeling like an eternity.
“Please be okay, Cedar,” I whispered. My eyes closed of their own accord. I can’t lose you and our child.
The whole house fell into an uneasy hush. Mom and Susan took turns making light snacks none of us had the appetite to eat. Dave and I exchanged tense glances, both of us coiled with impatience. Occasionally, someone would clasp their hands in silent prayer.
Suddenly, Devan’s phone buzzed. He stepped away to answer, his expression growing intent. My heart pounded as I waited.
“What’s going on?” I managed when he ended the call.
He turned to face us, a determined set to his jaw. “My team is ready,” he said quietly.