"And where is Agent Cain's pistol now?"
"Doc gave it to Ronnie."
"I beg your pardon?"
"As a sign of trust, Mr. Galloway," she said testily, in Doc's defense.
The FBI agent expelled a long breath. "That's a hell of a lot of trust, Ms. McCoy."
"It was the right thing to do. You'd have to be here to understand."
"Apparently," he said dryly.
While talking to Galloway, she'd been listening with one ear to Doc as he continued trying to persuade Ronnie to surrender. She heard him say, "You're a father now. You're responsible for your family. Sabra's condition is critical, and there's nothing more I can do for her."
Galloway asked, "You don't feel in danger of him?"
"Not at all."
"Are any of the hostages in danger?"
"Presently, no. I can't predict what will happen if those guys in body armor charge the place."
"I don't intend to give that order."
"Then why are they there?" He paused for a long moment, and Tiel got the uneasy and distinct impression that he was withholding something, something important.
"Mr. Galloway, if there's something I should know-"
"We've had a change of heart."
"You're giving up and going away?" At this point, that would be her fondest wish.
Galloway ignored her facetiousness. "The videotape was effective. You'll be glad to learn that it achieved exactly what you hoped. Mr. Dendy was touched by his daughter's appeal and is now ready to make concessions. He wants this t
o end peaceably and safely. As we all do. What is Ronnie's current state of mind?"
"Doc's working on him."
"How is he responding?"
"Favorably, I think."
"Good. That's good."
He sounded relieved, and, again, Tiel got the impression that the federal agent was withholding something she'd be better off knowing.
"Do you think he'll go for total surrender?"
"He specified the conditions under which he would surrender, Mr. Galloway."
"Dendy will concede that this was a runaway and not a kidnaping. Of course the additional charges would stand."
"And they must be allowed to keep their child."
"Dendy said as much himself a few minutes ago. If Davison will agree to those terms, he'll have my personal guarantee that no force will be used."
"I'll pass along the message and get back to you."