“We like to make a dramatic entrance. Draw out the suspense,” the man laughed. “What can I say?
Kara looked at me, confusion painting her face.
“This is Detective Dan Burroughs,” I said. “An old friend of mine.”
“An old friend?”
I nodded. “We played ball together back in high school,” I said. “And for some reason, he decided to become a cop.”
“Good thing I did,” Burroughs laughed. “Otherwise, you would've been in a whole world of shit today.”
“That's true,” I said. “And I appreciate you pulling my ass out of the fire.
Burroughs nodded and sighed. “I hate to do it, man.”
I gave him a rueful grin. “I get it. Don't worry about it. It's the deal I made.”
Kara looked at me, panic flashing through her eyes. “Deal? What deal, Declan?” she asked, her voice colored with worry. “What are you talking about?”
I took her hand and held it tight. “On my way back here, I called Dan,” I said. “Told him everything – including the fact that I was an accessory to your kidnapping. Told him about this meet. Didn't know your dad was going to be here though. I'm sorry about that.”
She shook her head and cast a look over at her father, who was being cuffed as we spoke. He looked at her, giving her a tight smile. I took Kara's face in my hands and kissed her, hoping she felt every ounce of love and passion I felt for her. Slowly, I pulled away and got to my feet. I held my hands out and Dan put a pair of cuffs on me.
“It's all going to be okay, Kara,” I said. “I promise. Now, go see your father. He did come all the way down here to save you, after all.”
She was torn. Conflicted. I could see it in her eyes. He'd abandoned her. But, he'd also showed up to save her, and put his own life on the line to do it. She looked at me again, tears streaming down her cheeks unchecked.
“I'm okay,” I said. “This is all going to work out. Don't you worry. Now, go see to your father.”
I let Dan lead me out of the room and out of the pub, to the waiting squad car that would take me down to the jail. I'd rolled the dice by agreeing to work with the cops on this. I'd held up my end of the bargain, now I was left to hope they'd hold up their end.
~ooo000ooo~
“Nine months?” I asked. “Seriously?”
My attorney, a public defender who looked like a kid fresh out of law school shrugged. “That's what the DA is offering,” he said. “It's a gift, Declan. You should take it.”
I leaned back in my seat and took Kara's hand, giving it a gentle squeeze. I knew I was going to have to do a little time. After all, I'd been an accessory to kidnapping. I just hadn't thought it would be nine months.
“I helped them roll up a major organized crime family,” I said. “I thought that would have warranted a little consideration.”
“That is consideration,” he said. “Accessory to kidnapping will usually land you in jail for five or more years.”
“But, I'm not pressing charges against him,” Kara said.
“Doesn't matter,” the lawyer responded. “The DA can make a case with or without your cooperation.”
I looked at Kara. “We knew I was going to have to do some time.”
A tear raced down her cheek as she looked at me. I reached out and gently wiped it away.
“You did nothing wrong,” she said. “You did the right thing. And this is how they repay you?”
I shrugged. “I did do something wrong though, baby,” I said. “I should have called the cops from the jump. I never should have played a part in keeping you hostage.”
“You didn't,” she cried as more tears rolled down her cheeks.
“I did,” I said. “And now, I have to pay the piper. I have to accept responsibility for my own actions. It's something I want Jack to learn as he grows up. It's important he learn that.”