Free Her Christmas Hero by Linda Warren Page B

pale.” Britt’s grandmother tucked the gun under her arm and opened her suitcase of a purse. “Probably low blood sugar. Here.” She handed him a candy bar. “Eat this.”
    Quinn knew he could overpower them at any time, but he decided to let this play out. Just to humor them. And that was the most insane thing he’d ever done, except for jumping into a swollen creek to save her granddaughter.
    Enzo took a bite and glanced at him. “Got any beer?”
    Quinn had liquor in his office, but he wasn’t offering it to Enzo. That was the last thing the man needed. “No. But I have water. Just a minute.” He went into the small kitchen off Denise’s office and found a bottle of water. He glanced at the phone, knowing he could call the police. But he wasn’t sure what that would accomplish. And hedidn’t relish the thought of putting Britt’s grandmother in jail, even if she was off her rocker.
    When he returned, Ona had pulled up a chair next to Enzo, the gun and purse in her lap. He removed the cap and handed Enzo the water, and then carefully reached over for the gun.
    But Ona was too quick. She jerked it away. “Not so fast, hotshot.” She pointed the weapon at his chest.
    â€œI don’t think that rusty gun will fire,” he told her, not batting an eye.
    â€œWanna find out?” A gleam entered her eyes similar to one he’d seen in Britt’s.
    â€œFired in 1945,” Enzo said, munching on the candy bar.
    â€œGo ahead then, shoot me.” Quinn held out his arms, thinking the only way to deal with insanity was with more insanity.

Chapter Seven
    Quinn and Ona stared at each other.
    Her eyes squinted down the barrel of the gun. “You don’t think I will, do you?”
    â€œNo, ma’am.” He lowered his arms. “You wouldn’t shoot a man in cold blood.”
    â€œDon’t be too sure about that, hotshot. My Britt’s heart is broken and I aim to change that.”
    Enzo choked, gasping for air. Ona laid the gun on her purse and slapped him on the back.
    â€œGoddamn nuts,” Enzo choked out, his eyes watery. “You know I can’t eat nuts with my false teeth.”
    â€œGood heavens, they’re just little bitty things.”
    â€œBut you know—”
    â€œGive it a rest, Enzo.”
    While they were arguing, Quinn reached down and slowly removed the gun, slipping it into Denise’s desk drawer without either of them noticing.
    Enzo took a big swallow of water and handed him the bottle. “I’d rather have beer.”
    Ona looked around and then directly at him. “Did you take my gun?”
    â€œYes, I did, and you’re not getting it back.”
    â€œListen here…” She started to rise, but Enzo caught her arm.
    â€œLeave it alone, Ona. We can’t kill nobody. I tried to tell you that.” The old man stared at Quinn through his thick bifocals. “But I have mob connections and I can get someone to take him out.”
    Quinn crossed his arms over his chest. “You have mob connections?”
    â€œAs a boy in Chicago I ran errands for the mob, and I still have connections.”
    â€œSo you see, you better give Britt her baby.” Ona was big on threats.
    Quinn’s patience was wearing thin. “Okay, now listen. This is only a separation. Britt will have her baby back soon. And you don’t need to hurt anyone to accomplish that.”
    â€œBut not quick enough,” Ona wailed, a tear sparkling in her eye. Quinn would have sworn that this tougher-than-nails woman never cried.
    â€œI’m Phil Rutherford’s lawyer, so I can’t say anything else. Just rest assured things will change.” Quinn wasn’t making empty promises. He planned to get to the bottom of the custody hearing.
    â€œSee, I told you he’s a nice man,” Enzo said.
    â€œYou’re so gullible.” Ona pursed her lips, not