Push To Happiness

Chapter 35

Abe showered and got ready for dinner. She wore the simple, yet elegant maternity outfit Jon had bought for her. She put her hair into a simple pony tail and knocked on the adjoining door before opening it. Both men looked stunning. They were dressed in their typical jeans and boots. Each wore a button-down western shirt and a large black Stetson. "I need to get me some boots so I can fit in too," she said.

They laughed and moved into the hall. "May I escort you to dinner?" they both asked bowing playfully. She laughed and accepted both their arms as they left the hotel.

Talk at dinner was fast and furious. The men talked loudly about cattle prices, almost shouting at times. Marc estimated how many calves and open cows they had to sell. The negotiating began well before dessert was served. Orrin kept glancing at her during negotiations, making her skin crawl. She scooted closer to Marc and glanced up at him. He looked at Jon with narrowed eyes. Jon glanced toward Abe then to Orrin before returning his gaze to Marc. Marc pursed his lips and nodded.

Abe's head was reeling. The conversation made little sense to her. The men laughed and shook hands after finally agreeing on a price. Orrin wrote out a guarantee slip and handed it to Marc. "Get the cattle to me before Christmas. After that, we'll have to re-negotiate."

Marc examined the slip of paper before handing it to Jon. Jon reviewed the document and tucked it into his wallet.

Marc nodded. "It's been a pleasure doing business with you."

Orrin saluted and hurried from the room claiming he had another appointment elsewhere. Once their leftovers were boxed up, the trio rose to leave. When they exited the private dining room, Abe froze. Her father was being seated at a nearby table by the hostess. Their eyes met briefly. He turned to the man with him, "Looks like I won't need your services after all. I just found my daughter."

Jon bumped into Abe, not realizing that she had stopped. Abe fell forward into Marc. He had just turned to ask Jon a question and caught her around the waist. He looked at her in alarm. "Are you okay?"

"Unhand my daughter. Abigail Marie, go get in my car," her father sneered. Abe wriggled out of Marc's arms and backed away quickly.

Marc whirled around and narrowed his eyes. Both Jon and Marc stepped quickly between Abe and her father. "She is staying with me," Marc challenged.

The man scowled at Marc, but ignored the challenge. "Marie, go get in my car before I press charges against these men," he snarled again.

Abe shrank against the wall, her eyes wide with fear.

"Abe, you don't have to go with him," Marc said over his shoulder.

"Well, if this is how you want it," Martin sneered. He fished out his cell phone and quickly dialed a number. "Detective Denrose. This is Martin Penderton. I found my daughter and her kidnappers. We are at a steak house on 7200 South and Fort Union." He paused for a moment. "Oh I am sure I can keep them here until you arrive."

Marc handed Detective Swallow's card to Jon. Jon reached for his phone and dialed the number. Marc kept his eyes on the sinister man standing before him.

"Detective. This is Jon Nield. Abe's father just arrived." He paused, listening. "Yes, sir. Apparently, that's what he has done. Yes, sir."

Jon hung up the phone. "The detective is on his way. He heard the call through the police scanner," he told Marc. "Let's go back in the private dining room and wait. Shall we?"

Marc nodded and helped Abe through the door. Jon followed and closed the door behind them leaving Abe's father in the dining hall. "This isn't going to be good," predicted Jon.