Captive Justice: A Private Investigator Mystery Series (A Jake & Annie Lincoln Thriller Book 4) by Rayven T. Hill

a clear view of the entire area from the corner of his eye.
    Jake approached the bench where he was to meet for the exchange, sat down and laid the briefcase beside him. He leaned back and looked around.
    Off to his right, on another bench, a couple of lovebirds were deep in conversation, not giving him a glance, seemingly intent only on each other. Between the two of them, they would have a clear view of anyone coming into the park from either direction.
    He was surrounded by cops. Jake suspected there were more about, probably at all entrances to the area and perhaps even a hidden sniper. Hank would be around somewhere as well.
    He looked at his watch. It was one minute after seven. He didn’t know what to expect.
    He watched a pair of squirrels run by, weaving and dodging as one chased the other across the grass and finally up a tree and out of sight. The leaves rustled and branches bowed as the furry animals leaped from tree to tree and continued their game elsewhere.
    Jake felt under his jacket. The pistol was loaded, the safety on.
    And then his phone rang.
    Jake frowned. That wasn’t his ring.
    It rang again. The sound came from under the bench. Jake got down on one knee and peeked underneath. A cell phone was taped to the underside, held firmly in place by a piece of duct tape.
    He carefully peeled back the tape and retrieved the phone.
    “Hello?”
    “Jake?” It was a deep abnormal voice.
    Jake examined the buttons on the front of the disposable phone. He touched the speaker button so the mike under his jacket could pick up the conversation.
    “This is Jake.”
    “It seems we have a problem.”
    “What problem?” Jake asked. “I’m here and waiting for you.”
    “I said no police.”
    “I’m alone.”
    “I’m surprised at you, Jake. Who’re you trying to fool? The place is surrounded. You don’t think we can make a successful exchange under these circumstances, do you?”
    Jake was silent.
    “I was explicit in my instructions. Did you not understand?”
    “I understood.”
    “Then why are there police around? I can see at least four from where I am.”
    Jake glanced around. Was the kidnapper nearby? There were a couple of cars parked on the street near Jake’s vehicle, but they’d been empty when he arrived. If anyone were in the park and within sight, the police would already know about them.
    He decided the kidnapper was bluffing. He wouldn’t be careless enough to show himself if he knew the police had the area covered.
    “Where are you?” Jake asked.
    A deep ominous laugh, and then, “You don’t expect me to give myself away, do you?”
    “I have the money and I’m here to make the exchange. That’s what you asked for.”
    “Change of plans, Jake.”
    Jake wasn’t surprised. He didn’t expect things to be quite so easy. “What’re your new plans?”
    “Very simple. You want Mrs. Gould and I want the money. Under the current circumstances, that can’t happen.” The rasp of breathing on the line, then, “You’ll take the money and get in your car.”
    Jake stood, grabbed the briefcase and glanced at the pair of cops on the other bench. He had no choice but to do as he was told. The safety of Mrs. Gould was at stake.
    He strode across the lawn, climbed into his car and set the briefcase on the passenger seat.
    “Are you ready to go?” the voice asked.
    “All ready,” Jake answered, as he started the engine.
    “I know the police are listening, so do exactly as I say and don’t try to tell them where you are by making some obscure comment you think might give them a clue to where you’re going. I’m not that stupid.”
    “I’ll do exactly as you say.”
    “That’s the spirit, Jake. You’re being cooperative and that’s the best thing for the sake of dear Mrs. Gould.” A pause, rumbling on the line, and then, “Drive straight ahead. Go slowly.”
    Jake dropped the gearshift into first, let out the clutch and pulled onto the street.
    “Excellent, my friend. Now,