“Someone who does the dirty work, not knowing it’s a kidnapping,” David explained, and then glared at Kelly. “I don’t like taking orders from you people. I have the final say here and I want to cooperate with this guy. He says he’ll give Jimmy back once he has the cash and diamonds and I believe him. What would he want with a baby anyway?”

Kelly spoke carefully; she had expected the outburst. “Of course as the parents you have the final say. But you’re inexperienced in these matters. You cannot believe a word this guy says. He could keep your child and demand another ransom, and still another. Then you would be his stooge.”

David grumbled. “If this doesn’t work you’re responsible.”

“No,” Kelly said. “If we fail to get Jimmy back, the kidnapper will be responsible. We can only do the best we can with what we know, and everything this guy has done so far tells us that he’s exceptionally clever. We must stick with our plan. Whatever he tells you to do, do it, don’t argue with him. We’ll be close by.”

“But what if he sees you?” Amy asked.

“He won’t see us,” Kelly said. “That I can guarantee.”

Time to rock. They went out to the driveway. They had the block covered and knew for a fact the kidnapper was nowhere near. Kelly continued to puzzle over why Falling had threatened David and not the baby. Could this be a crime of revenge after all? Before David left the house with the cash and diamonds, he demanded a gun.

“What do you want a gun for?” Vicki asked. “You’re not going to shoot anyone.” She had a short fuse when dealing with David. She had confided in Kelly that she was often tempted to kick him in the balls.

David was annoyed. “The guy implied he would kill me if I brought the FBI into this. Well, you guys are spread all over the goddamn city. I want a gun.”

Charlie spoke. “Have you ever fired a gun before, Mr. Techer?”

David hesitated. “No.”

“Then it’s too late to learn how to use one,” Charlie said, glancing at his watch. “Get in your car and get going. You don’t want to be late.”

Charlie had that kind of authority. He stared at him and David got in a white BMW. Kelly loaded the bulky case in the backseat. Weird to think a million bucks in hundreds weighed over twenty pounds. The diamonds were lighter. Amy leaned through the car window and hugged her husband goodbye.

“Be careful,” she said.

David spoke with feeling. “I’ll bring Jimmy home, honey.”

Kelly felt touched, despite herself.