Page 45 of Saving Jennifer
“You made it out,” Gator answered without a greeting. Though he didn’t say anything, Noah could tell from Gator’s tone that he was glad things had gone well and that he was safe.
“Barely.” Noah recounted the events at the airport, the ambush at the cabin, and their escaping into the turmoil of the thunderstorm, using the elements and the forest for cover, and finally the events at the small private airport. “They knew exactly where to find us. I don’t know how. Though it took them a while, they captured Jennifer. I managed to stay one step ahead, and they finally gave up looking for me. They had their prize anyway. It’s strange though, Gator, they could have taken her out at any time. It would have solved the Amirs’ problems; she would be dead and unable to testify. Instead, they took her to the private airport outside town, ready to put her on a private plane.”
“Karim’s got resources,” Gator replied. “And enemies with deep pockets pay well for good intelligence, which is probably how they found you. We knew it was only a matter of time, once they figured out you were in Tennessee. Facial recognition software would have given them your name. It’s not a far stretch to figure out where your family lives, and from there, find you.”
Noah sighed, knowing his uncle was right. He’d just hoped they’d have a little more time. “What’s happening in New Orleans?”
“The Amir compound is buzzing like a kicked over beehive. Lawyers, diplomats, family members flying in from the U.A.E. They’re preparing for a legal battle.”
Noah closed his eyes, processing the information. “And Abdullah?”
“That’s the interesting part. No sign of him. Not a single appearance or statement supporting his mother and brother. My source says he’s completely absent from all the legal preparations.”
“Not surprising after what they did to him.”
“Exactly. The evidence we found confirming he was drugged and held against his will during Chloe’s kidnapping is solid. I personally spoke with the man who rescued him. He’s making sure that Abdullah is well protected against anybody else in hisloving familyacting against him. He was never part of their plan to kidnap Chloe.”
Noah shifted, grimacing as pain shot through his side. “What’s the timeline look like?”
“Trial starts in five days. Jennifer needs to be here to testify. Until then, keep moving.”
Noah hesitated, the weight of unspoken thoughts heavy on his tongue. “I don’t know what happens after the trial.” Gator’s silence encouraged him to continue. “Jennifer deserves better than this. Better than me.” The admission felt like another wound opening. “What do I have to offer her? A dishonorably discharged soldier with a target on his back? A man who couldn’t even save his own team?”
“You know that wasn’t your fault. Donovan is going to get what’s coming to him, mark my words well, nephew. He betrayed you, betrayed his entire unit. He was your commanding officer; under normal circumstances it wasn’t your place to question his actions. You followed orders, did your job. The faulty intel was to blame, not you. You are not responsible for those men’s deaths. That falls squarely on Donovan’s shoulders. He’ll get what’s coming to him. And you found out he was in cahoots with the enemy, even if you couldn’t prove it. Donovan is dirty but remember this…Karma has a way of making everything right.”
“And is karma’s real name Gator Boudreau?”
Gator chuckled. “We all have baggage, Noah. It’s how we deal with it that defines us. You can drag it around alone, letting it weigh you down until you stumble and fall. Or you can share the load.”
Noah stared at the ceiling, letting the words sink in.
“There’s something else you should probably know,” Gator continued. “I’m following a lead on why the Amirs want Jennifer alive. Why they’re trying to capture, not kill.”
“What lead?”
“Not over the phone. I need more proof first. But if I’m right…” Gator paused. “Just keep her close.”
“I will,” Noah promised. “With my life if necessary. Two of my brothers are coming with us. The rest of the family will scatter until after the trial. I don’t want them at the homestead until this whole situation with the Amirs is handled.”
“That’s good. Tell your mom to call if they need anything.”
“I will. See you in five days.”
After ending the call, Noah lay back, exhaustion washing over him. The door opened softly as Jennifer returned, her expression unreadable in the dim light.
“Your mother asked if you are really okay,” she said, settling into the chair beside the bed. “I told her you were being stubborn but would survive.”
A small smile tugged at his lips. “Thanks.”
Jennifer studied him, her anger seemingly replaced by something more complex. “Why didn’t you tell me you were hurt?”
“I couldn’t risk slowing us down.”
“That’s not a good enough reason.”
Noah met her gaze. “I’m used to handling pain alone.”
“And that is your problem.” She rose from the chair and carefully crawled up onto the bed to sit beside him, her back against the wall. “You don’t have to carry everything by yourself.”