Ransom Read Free Page A

sister, and were holding the couple hostage in exchange for the necklace.
    Thus Liz Cantrell was making the trek north.
    That the woman hadn’t panicked but had followed the kidnapper’s instructions spoke to her determination. But not involving the police was pure recklessness. Liz Cantrell was no match for the likes of Santini.
    Blake’s gut twisted. He hated to think what would happen to Liz and her sister if he didn’t intercede.
    After swiping the necklace from the table Blake stuffed it back into the jewelry box, then headed into the interrogation room.
    Liz had her back propped against the wall, her arms around her torso as if holding herself together. Her gaze lifted from the floor to him. Her pale complexion and frightened eyes tugged at him. He didn’t make a habit of intentionally scaring women. But he had to make sure she was malleable so when the time came she’d follow his directions without question. If the need arose her compliance could be the difference between life and death.
    Her gaze dropped to the box in his hands. “That’s mine.” She pushed away from the wall. “You opened my suitcase.”
    He set the box on the table. “That’s what happens when you carry undocumented diamonds.”
    She made a face. “Diamonds? What are you talking about?”
    He narrowed his focus on her. Did she really not know? Or was she playing him? His informant inside Santini’s operation said she was an innocent pawn.
    Maybe.
    Blake rarely trusted anyone. Let alone a man willing to sell out his boss.
    Or most women.
    In his experience women in general made the best liars and broke their promises much too easily. Truth and fidelity were moving targets, not hard and fast ideals.
    But they were ideals that he honored.
    He’d let himself be sucked in before by a woman to only be disappointed and hurt when the inevitable happened. He wouldn’t make that mistake again. Instead he took to heart his father’s motto, never let your guard down .
    He shook off the memories scratching at his mind. The here and now needed his attention. Santini was the objective. And this woman standing before him was the means to an end. Nothing more.
    Blake had pressed his informant for Santini’s location, but the man was more afraid of Santini than Blake. It was one thing to report a goods transaction and an entirely different one to give the cops Santini’s whereabouts. The informant had bolted, and Blake hadn’t heard from him since. But at least Blake had Liz Cantrell. She would lead him to Santini.
    Lifting the lid, Blake grasped the diamond necklace, holding it up for her to see. “This.”
    Her eyes widened. “Those are just rocks.”
    â€œNo, Miss Cantrell, they aren’t.” He dropped the necklace. It landed on the table with a clatter. Twelve stones, held together by thin gold wire. “Those are uncut diamonds. Illegally trafficked from the mines of Venezuela.”
    She shook her head. “No.” A hand flew to her throat. “Oh, no.” Anger clouded her eyes. “Those aren’t mine.”
    â€œAre you telling me you’re carrying them for a friend?” He tsked and shook his head. “Not the smartest move.”
    Her lip curled. “You don’t understand.”
    â€œTry me.”
    She lifted her chin but remained mute. He had to give her props. She had a spine of steel so far. He didn’t know many who’d face him with such bravado, especially women.
    He waited, letting the silence draw out. Her expressive eyes revealed her inner turmoil. She was struggling to keep from talking but something held her back.
    Was she also more afraid of Santini than Blake?
    Picking up the necklace, Blake said, “I’d hate to think you were caught up in something that might land you in jail. Or worse.”
    She shivered and licked her lips. “May I have some water, please?”
    A stall tactic. It