[Elena's POV]

The lead robber hesitated, then jerked his head at his companions.

"Search him," he ordered. "Make sure he's not carrying."

The thinner of the two accomplices moved forward, but his steps were reluctant, uncertain.

"Boss," he said, his voice muffled by the mask. "I don't know about this. Noah Marlowe's famous. We knock over a couple stores, we get caught, maybe we do a few months. But kidnapping a billionaire? That's federal. That's life in prison. Or worse."

He shifted his weight nervously.

"I just wanted to get my dad some decent meds, man. This is way too hot."

The taller accomplice nodded quickly. "Yeah. I'm with him....