One Big Mistake - Jennifer Youngblood Page 0,1

Edison before turning his full focus on Bitsie. “The only reason I didn’t is because you begged me not to.”

Tears pooled in Bitsie’s eyes before rolling down her cheeks. “I—I’m begging you now.” Her lower lip jiggled as she clutched Jefferson’s arm. “Just pay the money, Jeff,” she urged. “What’s a million dollars compared to the life of our child? You can always make more money.”

A hard laugh rattled Jefferson’s throat. “You’re assuming that the kidnappers will keep their word and let Allison go.”

Bitsie’s face caved. “I can’t believe this is happening,” she cried. She began wringing her hands. “Maybe this is fate’s way of punishing us because you disinherited Allison.” She shot Jefferson an accusing glare.

Ramsey was surprised. He had no idea that Allie had been disinherited. He looked at Edison to see if he knew, but Edison’s expression remained unreadable.

Bitsie was falling apart at the seams. Ramsey was worried that she might have a breakdown right here on the spot. Bitsie turned to the side-table and reached for a silver cigarette holder. Her hands shaking, she opened it and retrieved a cigarette. She lit it with a matching silver lighter before taking a long, appreciative draw. From the desperate way Bitsie was sucking on the cigarette, Ramsey got the impression it was her lifeline—more oxygen than nicotine.

Jefferson swatted at the smoke. “I wish you’d quit smoking those nasty things. They’re gonna kill you,” he muttered in disgust. He scooted away from Bitsie and ran a hand through his receding hair. He slid his tongue over his thick lips like he was doing some heavy thinking.

Ramsey felt a wave of pity for the couple. Allie was their only daughter, and the apple of her parents’ eyes. He glanced at the wall of pictures behind the couch. They were all of Allie. Pictures of her young in various dance costumes. Pictures of her as a cheerleader in high school, smiling brightly for the camera. The most recent one was of Allie on the cheerleading squad. Allie had followed in her mom’s footsteps by cheering at UTK.

A shiver ran down Ramsey’s spine. His daddy was wealthy, not as rich as Jefferson Post, but prosperous nonetheless. Ramsey couldn’t imagine the horror the couple must be experiencing right now, to have their daughter taken. It made Ramsey nauseous to think of all that Allie must be going through. Had the kidnappers hurt her? Was she still alive? He glanced at Edison. No wonder the poor guy was in such a frenzied state. He was desperate to save his fiancée.

Ramsey quickly ran his mind through everything that Allie had told him about her parents. Jefferson had been a star linebacker at UTK in his younger years. He was built like a refrigerator. Evidently, he still felt like the best way to solve any problem was to plow right through the center with brute force and then deal with the fallout later. He and Bitsie had met in college. After graduating, Jefferson had built his billion-dollar enterprise from the ground up. Ramsey could see why the man was loath to hand over one million dollars to kidnappers. Still, if it could save Allie’s life… Then again, Jefferson had a good point about the kidnappers not keeping their word.

Jefferson homed in on Ramsey as if reading his thoughts. “Edison dragged you along. You’re the only one who doesn’t have a dog in this fight. What do you think we should do?” There was a surly edge of challenge in his deep voice.

Ramsey stiffened. He clasped his hands, sitting up straight. “I don’t think I’m in any position to be offering advice.” His voice trailed off.

Jefferson’s eyes flashed. “I asked your opinion. Now give it to me.” His swarthy dark brows darted together, his lips set in hard, straight lines.

Ramsey got the feeling that few people denied Jefferson Post anything. Jefferson had a ruthless edge to him. The type of man people shouldn’t mess with. What type of kidnappers had the moxie to go after his daughter? He cleared his throat. “I think it would be in your best interest to get the police involved.” Ramsey felt Edison jerk, saw the exasperation on his roommate’s face. Ramsey quickly continued. “However, I also agree with Edison and Mrs. Post. I think you have to pay the ransom money, or you risk the kidnappers hurting Allie.”

Jefferson tipped his head, a faint look of admiration on his ruddy face. “So, you’re saying we do both.”

“Yes.”

Bitsie’s eyes rounded. “But the kidnappers