“Do you have any idea where they might go first?” Sam asked.
“Nope. Maybe to the Caymans to get the money. They were smart not to try here. They know that I know about the account and that we’d try to trace it.”
“So I suppose the fact that you know is going to make them harder to track.”
“I’m afraid so. Sorry about that.”
“Don’t be. If not for you, we’d have no idea where to start. Sydney called the folks on the neighboring ranch. They said as far as they knew, your parents hadn’t returned. They were going to go over and check. I don’t think they’ve called her back yet.” Sam scratched his head, thinking. “There’s something that just doesn’t quite seem right to me about this situation.”
“What?”
“I can’t believe your parents considered me that big of a threat. I mean, they’re the legal parents, and Dallas McCray told me that courts will consider the best interest of the child first, before my interests or anyone else’s. Duke has been living with them his whole life, and to uproot him would not be in his best interests. I love my son, and I want him, but even I can see how the court would see this.”
“Yeah. So?”
“So why would they run? They don’t seem the type.”
“But they are the type, Sam. They ran from their families when they were young so they could be together.”
“Yes, but their families are criminals. I’m not a criminal.”
“But you pose a threat, just like their families did. It really makes perfect sense if you skew your reasoning just a little.”
“You mean think like people who were raised by criminals.”
“Exactly.”
“I suppose so.” Sam paced the floor. “And when you explain it that way, it does make sense. Still, it just doesn’t feel right.”
“Okay. Say I’m wrong. Say they didn’t run. Then what could have happened?”
Sam plunked on a chair. “That’s just it. I’m not sure.”
“Is there anyone else who might have an interest in Duke? In my parents?”
“Only your grandparents, but they’ve left them alone all this time.” Sam let out a huff of air. Think, Sam. Think.
And a light bulb lit over his head.
“There is one other person.”
Chapter Nineteen
No, no, no! You can’t have my son!
Sydney struggled against the arms holding her, jerking her.
She opened her eyes. Sam sat next to her, gently tugging on her.
Thank God. It had only been a nightmare.
“I’m sorry to wake you, sweetheart, but Blake and I need to talk to you.”
She rubbed the sleep out of her eyes. “Okay. What about?”
“Rod Kyle.”
“Rod? Why? He’s old news.”