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may
happen first, and the boys returned later. Our goal is to follow whoever picks
up the money. They should lead us to the boys.”
    “What
if they don’t go to the boys or you lose track of the kidnappers?” Selena’s
voice was a whisper. She fought down nausea and straightened her shoulders.
    “Then
we wait until they keep their part of the bargain.”
    Silence
followed Agent Kelly’s words.
    “Is
that the best plan you have?” Nikki’s eyes were narrowed. “Wait and see?”
    “We
could have done that ourselves.” Steve crossed his arms. “We risked Gates’ life
just by calling in the FBI.”
    “You
were right to call us, Mr. Walters.” Agent Kelly lifted her chin. “We’ve done
this many times. You have to trust us. The best chance you have of getting the
boys back safely, is with us.”
    Agent
Kelly turned on her heels and left the room. The rest of her agents followed.
There was an eerie silence after the FBI left. Agent Kelly’s words hadn’t
inspired hope. The authorities had their procedures to follow, but surely they
had a better plan for getting the boys back.
    Selena
cleared her throat. “Now you know why I called in outside help.”
    “Let’s
just hope they don’t mess things up.” Nikki turned and walked to the fireplace.
“Gates is all we have in the world. I couldn’t bear to lose him.”
    “It’s
no different for me.” Selena pushed back her pain. “Both of the boys have to be
saved.”
    “It
won’t be because of anything you did.” Steve’s tone was an insult.
    Selena
looked at the two people she had considered friends. It was insane that they
should think she had something to do with this kidnapping. She loved Gates. She’d
die if anything happened to Tarrin . A wave of
weariness washed over her. Suddenly, she was too tired to deal with anymore
accusations.
    “You
called in the FBI and I didn’t object or doubt your decision. Show me the same
courtesy.” Selena stood. “If it wasn’t for the Hunters, we wouldn’t even have
the ransom money. We can rely on them to get the boys back alive.”
    “Are
you suggesting I’m not reliable?” Steve jumped off the couch, his face
contorted with rage. “I’m not the one with a criminal brother. I’ve done
everything possible to get the boys back.”
    “You’re
the reason they were taken in the first place.”
    The
words were out of Selena’s mouth before she could stop them. The past week had
been hell. She had tried hard not to blame Steve for leaving the children
alone, but when all was said and done, he had failed. He had let his career
come before the welfare of the boys.
    “You
bitch.” Steve spat the words at her. “If Nikki hadn’t taken you in where would
you be today?”
    “Nikki
has been a true friend.” Selena nodded. “This wouldn’t have happened if you had
picked the boys up from the soccer game on time.”
    “None
of us are free of blame here.” Nikki stood between Selena and Steve. “We all
could have taken better care where the boys were concerned. Selena could have
trusted us with her past, and we should have taken better precautions. Children
of famous people are always targets for kidnapping.”
    Steve’s
shoulders sagged and he flopped back on the couch. “I never thought something
like this could happen.”
    “None
of us did.” Nikki turned to Selena. “We know you love Gates. If we had known
about your background that might have influenced the steps we took to protect
the boys.”
    Selena’s
chest tightened. She recognized the look Nikki was giving her. Her beautiful
face was poised in lines of remorse, but her chin was lifted high. The tone of
her voice dripped regret. Selena had seen this act before. It was one that
Nikki used when she was preparing to fire one of her assistants. The years of
friendship counted for nothing. Once the boys were brought home, she’d be
expected to pack and leave.
    “I
told you I was running from my past when we first met.” Selena’s voice