High Stakes Gamble

Chapter Forty-Three

Aurora shook with delight at the way Kai played his hand. That beautiful bastard was a freaking genius. Not able to stand being enclosed in the police van, she’d opted to stay outside, feeling nearer to Kai. Since Cory had elected to remain with her, she heard his grunt of approval and realized, she’d said the words out loud.

He turned to one of the others in their detachment. “Get Lelonde out here. He’s going in. And find a pick set for the lock.”

Aurora had seen Lelonde arrive earlier and had watched as they’d taken him into the SWAT van so he could follow what was going on.

Marc Lelonde approached with some trepidation. “Detective Morelli.” Hope shone as he nodded in her direction. He stepped closer to Cory. “Lieutenant, Please let me go to her.”

“I anticipated you’d say that, sir. You have to realize that your wife is very precarious right now. Our psychologist has been following the procedure so far and her message is a warning that you cannot make any sudden moves, no loud tones and very little talking. Let her carry the conversation where she wants. Your main responsibility is to have her pass Lily to you. Once she no longer is holding the baby, we can restrain her.”

“You won’t hurt her.” He stated a fact—didn’t ask a question.

Respecting his right to make himself clear, Cory answered in kind. “I can make no promises except to say, once she no longer has the baby, we will take every precaution to take her into custody as gently as possible. Can you tell me what you wife’s favorite drink is—tea, coffee?”

“She likes chai latte. Sometimes on the way home from work, I stop and pick one up for her as a treat.”

“Perfect.” Cory waved over a plainclothes rookie. “Can you get a chai latte and fix it up with a sedative?”

“Sure, Lieutenant. There’s a place not far.”

“Good. Make it pronto, but don’t turn on any siren.”

Within a very short time, Lelonde had been fitted with a vest worn under his shirt. When the goffer came back with the hot drink Aurora accepted it and passed it to Lelonde. The lock pick set arrived and Aurora held out her hand.

Cory stepped up and knocked it away. “Not a chance, Aurora. You know that ain’t going to happen.”

“Cory, I need this. And you have to admit, I’m the best with locks.”

“Makes no difference. You’re too close to the conflict. If Jane saw you, it could jeopardize the con and wreck all the progress Kai has made.”

Aurora swallowed the pleading words that had gathered in her throat and coughed. She blinked back the tears so close but not yet dripping. Without thought her hands came together under her chin as if she were saying a prayer.

“I’ll stay out of sight. I promise.”

“No.”

“God Cory, do you need me to beg. I will. I—”

“Dammit Rory, don’t do this to me.”

The next words she whispered. “I’d do it for you.”

Cory stood in front of her not moving. Then all of a sudden he grabbed her as if to shake her. Instead he hugged her close and also whispered, “You got me with the tears, Brat. Didn’t have to pull out the big ammunition. Go get your family.”