“Find another way in. Give you cover in case we find danger,” Timothy said. “It’s just a precaution. I’m sure we’ll be toasting your brother’s safe and trouble-free return at the bar in Montego Bay this evening.”
Joel nodded. “Precaution seems to be your favorite word, Timothy.”
“It’s one of them. Precaution is how I survived three combat tours of duty. You should take the wheel, Joel, and when you get up there tell them your name and that you are Peter Swift’s son.”
“I’m not sure that’s a good idea,” Toni said, worried about Joel. “Maybe Joel should get out here and wait for us. He’s only eighteen.”
“Mom, no. I’m going. Restin is my brother.”
Maddox turned to her. “Sweetheart, I don’t think we have to be concerned for him or Restin. Your ex obviously needs both of them for some reason. Remember, he sent his man to get them.”
“Besides, I’m the one they will open the gates for,” Joel said. “Without me, how will you get in?”
“Oh God, I hate this. I hate everything about this. But okay. I don’t think we have any other choice.”
“Give me ten minutes and then drive up to the gate,” Timothy said.
She was glad to have him on their side. “Be careful.”
The rain stopped. The air was heavy. Her heart pounded like a jackhammer in her chest every second that ticked by. Please, God, don’t let my boys get hurt.
After the allotted time Timothy had asked for, Joel drove up to the iron entrance. He reached out the window and hit the green button on the callbox.
“State your business,” a deep voice said.
“I’m Joel Edmunds, Peter Swift’s son. I’m here to see my dad and my brother Restin.”
Toni had never heard either of her sons refer to Peter as dad before. Father, yes, but never dad. She realized that Joel had used “dad” to help get them inside. It was very smart of him.
The gates swung open, and Joel drove into the compound. “Oh shit, Mom.”
Three men with machine guns met them in the driveway.
Oh, God. “Joel, just do what they say, understand?”
“Okay.”
“Get out of the vehicle,” one of the men shouted. “Hands in the air.”
Zane and Maddox weren’t moving.
This is bad. Really bad.
Out of the corner of her eye she saw her ex appear in the doorway of the building.
“What the hell are you doing, Leron?” Peter glared at the three guards. “You and your men put down your guns. This is my boy.”
“Ya sah,” the man who had shouted at them said and stepped back. He and his companions lowered their weapons as Peter had ordered.
Looking thicker in the middle and with little of his hair left since when she’d last seen him, the bastard spread his arms wide. “Come to your dad, Joel. I want to take a good look at you and give you a big Jamaican hug.”
“Asshole,” Joel whispered.
“Put on a smile,” Maddox said in a low tone. “We’re here for one reason. That’s to get your brother back. Got it?”
“Yes.”
They all exited the van, Zane and Maddox stepping so that she and Joel were between them.