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from her family.
    “Sure, I can have her ready for pick-up tomorrow afternoon. That won’t be an issue. Thanks again, Joe.”
    She heard the distinct rattle of the phone hitting the desk.
    “What are you doing?”
    Gasping, she turned to find her brother, John, right behind her. She’d been so focused on listening to her father, she hadn’t heard him approach.
    “I’m eavesdropping,” she whispered.
    John smiled, his blue eyes gleaming, his blond locks curling at his neck. At three in the afternoon, he looked tired, but he’d probably been out all night and just starting his day.
    “What for?” he murmured.
    “To see what’s to be done with me with this big dinner coming up.”
    “Why does anything have to be done with you? Just put on a dress and smile like you usually do. I don’t see what the big deal is.”
    She rolled her eyes and crossed her arms over her chest. She’d forgotten John hadn’t been around all week, and apparently, hadn’t spoken to their parents.
    “I was almost kidnapped. Now Daddy’s worried about opening up the house for the big dinner with my kidnappers still on the loose.”
    John’s eyes widened and he let out a low whistle. “No kidding?”
    She shook her head. “No. Daddy’s in there talking to a man he hired to find the kidnappers. They’re trying to figure out what they’re going to do with me. It’s like I’m some lamp they aren’t sure where to put.”
    He laughed and pushed the door open. “Hey, Dad!”
    “John!” her father bellowed. “Good to see you, son!”
    Ruby trailed in behind her brother and watched the two men hug. It seemed as though John had lost a little weight.
    “Why didn’t anyone tell me about Ruby getting kidnapped?” he asked, sitting down on the far leather couch.
    “We haven’t seen you, although I’ve tried to call a few times. You never pick up that damn phone, though,” her father answered, taking the sofa across from him. “Come sit down, Ruby.”
    After she’d plopped down next to her father, he put his arm around her shoulders.
    “I caught her outside eavesdropping,” John said, grinning.
    She glared at him as her father chuckled.
    “Don’t be a tattletale, John. How much did you hear, Ruby?”
    “I heard that you think Joe has a good solution to this pretend-problem.”
    “It’s not a pretend-problem, honey. This is a real threat. I want my daughter safe.”
    She sighed. “So what’s the plan?”
    “I’m having Joe take you to a secure location where you will be watched over by very capable men who specialize in protection situations such as this.”
    “Where’s she going?” John asked.
    “Northern Arizona, a place called Flagstaff, or just outside of the town, I guess. Joe said the location is secure, and I trust him.”
    “You don’t even know him, Daddy.”
    “That’s true, but his firm came highly recommended to me through many sources.”
    She sat in silence staring at the glass table in front of her, trying to find the positives in this situation. First, she wouldn’t have to attend that stupid dinner. Second, she’d get out of the house. Third, she’d never been to Arizona, so it would be fun to visit a new place.
    As far as the negatives went, someone else would still be in control of her life.
    Glancing over at John, she found him staring at her as if he thought her some strange exhibit at the zoo.
    “What?” she asked.
    He shook his head, as if trying to clear his thoughts. “Nothing.”
    “They’re coming to get you tomorrow, Ruby,” her father said. “They said they’d be here about three, so make sure you’re packed, and I’ll let your mother know about the plan.”
    She nodded, and her father turned his attention to John, asking him about the nightclub deal.
    Tuning them out, she decided she would focus on the positives and enjoy her trip to Arizona.

Chapter 8
    Garrett stood among the trees, watching Zach walk around outside with Savannah. She sniffed the ground, her tail