Born Under a Bad Sign
Prologue
"Cindy, can you come over and look after the boys this afternoon?"
There it was at last, the invitation she'd been waiting for. The father was at work, the housekeeper was out of town. The mother had an obligation at the school she couldn't get out of. It had taken her almost a month to ingratiate herself with the family, for them to know her well enough to ask her on more than one occasion to stay with the two youngest for an afternoon. Before there'd always been one of the adults somewhere in the vicinity while she took care of the two little ones; once the mother was out of the house today she'd be alone with them. The youngest one was just icing on the cake; the primary target was the wise-beyond-his-years almost five-year-old. The first boy born in the family, he was bright and chatty, and Cindy was his favorite babysitter. He made an excellent subject and would provide them with all the leverage they needed. She just required a few minutes to get the word to Dan that everything was falling into place and it was time to execute their plan. "Sure, Mrs. Maverick, what time do you want me there?"
"Two o'clock would be perfect. Beauregard will be thrilled to know you're coming to watch over them."
"My pleasure. I'm sure I can think of more than enough to keep him and Breton busy for an afternoon." Her shift at the café would be over soon, then she could hurry down to the livery and tell her brother it was time; today was the day to put their plan into motion.
"Good. We'll see you at two o'clock, then."
"I'll be there."
Cindy could hardly keep from trembling, she was so excited. At last, she was going to be able to afford all those beautiful things she wanted. And her and Al could finally get married. All because Bart Maverick was one of the wealthiest men in town, and he would do anything in the world for his children. Including pay a hefty ransom to be sure they were safe.
