Devin was going at the problem from every possible angle. “You may think this an odd question – what was the name of the party who rear-ended you when the Elkhart baby was born?”
"I was new in town, and GCH felt bad that I was hit on the way to work. They handled everything. Nora Grassley processed the paperwork."
“Of course, she did.” Devin thanked Dr. Morgan for his time and raced back to the police station to share what he’d found out with Poppy.
Eleventh Chapter
Steering with one hand, Devin reached into his backpack with the other. Muscle memory had him reaching for his leather-bound Bible before he remembered it was loaned to the Spencers. Devin missed it but knew it was where it would do the most good. He turned on a Christian podcast which he often listened to on Satellite radio, which centered him. For a trip that was meant to help him decompress, it had taken just the opposite turn. Devin walked into the police office and was met at the door by Poppy. She had good news, and he had some as well.
"Nora cracked. She admits she’s stolen four babies. The most recent one is Hope Spencer, who will be the easiest to reunite with her parents. The Zucker’s were able to identify the facilitator's vehicle, which had Quebec plates. They are the middle-man and were masquerading as the Johnsons at the B & B. There's a chance that the child hasn't been placed with the unsuspecting couple yet."
“Had Nora used this couple before?” Devin asked. His hand was on his cell because he couldn’t wait to notify Ken and Magda.
“Yes. They’ll help us blow this thing wide open. What’s your news?” Poppy asked.
“Did you ask why they didn’t fake Hope’s death like the others,” Devin asked. “It seemed that they would have stuck with a system that worked.”
“They thought they’d try something new. I’ve seen this before; criminals get cocky and change things up. It usually ends up getting them caught.”
“I have the names of the other three couples involved in this horrible scheme. One was 18 months ago, and two others were four years ago. You said your child is 3-years-old, so you’re in the clear.”
Poppy laid a kiss on Devin’s cheek and threw her arms around him, making him a touch uncomfortable. “Oh, don’t get the wrong idea while I was originally interested in a date – no more. The ex and I contacted the agency we used and did some gumshoe work. It brought us closer, and we’re going to give it another try.”
“I’m thrilled for you, Poppy. Some couples are just meant to be together. I haven’t found my someone yet, but someday. Excuse me while I contact Ken and Magda – I love giving good news.
***
Devin was about to call, but he decided to tell his good friends in person that Hope would be coming home. With license plate and vehicle descriptions, the Canadian Mounted Police would have the nefarious “Johnson” couple in custody soon. Devin expected to hear from Poppy when the call came in. He hoped it was soon because Devin couldn’t wait to return home to whatever chaos awaited him in Kingsvale, New Hampshire. He would kiss the ground when he landed at Logan.
Devin cruised along, having become a proficient driver of Ken’s car. It smelled like Elena’s home cooking before he rang the bell. Magda opened the door and immediately recognized the look of joy in Devin’s eyes.
“Please say you have good news,” Magda said. Devin’s Bible was open on the kitchen table, and a candle was burning.
“I’m here to collect my Bible.”
Ken’s jaw dropped. “Oh, we thought…”
Devin couldn’t leave them hanging for long. “I’m here to get my Bible because your prayers have been answered. I’m waiting for a call from Poppy. We’ve identified the couple who have Hope. The Grassley’s are behind bars, and while the other cases will be complicated, yours is not.”
Elena fell to her knees and thanked God. “I prayed for a miracle, and that’s what we got! My grandbaby is coming home.”
Ken and Magda embraced each other and then initiated a 3-way hug with Devin. “Thank you, my friend. You’ve always been there for me, and you’ve taught me that God is there, too. I can’t wait to raise my daughter as a child of God and never let her forget how He helped bring her back to us.”
“I helped, too – don’t forget about me,” Devin joked.
Magda and Elena began running around like chickens with their heads cut off. “We have so much to do to get things perfect for Hope, Mom,” Magda said.
“She’s a week old, darling. I don’t think she’ll remember if there are dishes in the sink.” Ken laughed.
Devin was about to help clean up when the doorbell rang. A police officer held a perfect and beautiful baby girl. Hope was home.
***
Devin took a cab to the airport. He wasn’t a drinking man, but he had a stiff cocktail before leaving the Spencers. He figured he’d need it during the first leg of his trip if it were anything like before. He was a lightweight when it came to alcohol, so Devin hoped he’d pass out. After he was crammed in his seat, Devin made a phone call.
“Sam, it’s great to hear your voice.”
“Poppy said you had a difficult few days reuniting the families with their children.”
"It was heartbreaking, and I need a vacation from my vacation. Next time I'm going somewhere that no one knows me. I'll be home mid-day tomorrow."
“Why so late?” Sam asked.
“I’m driving from Boston. After this flight, I’m never taking a prop plane again. I was hoping we can have lunch. The last few days were tense, and I need someone to talk to,” Devin said.
"Call me. I will be wherever you need me."
“Love you, Cus.” Devin put his phone away and held his Bible in his lap as the plane took off.
Download All Books by S.F. Nightingale
18K Small Town Estate Series Book 1: Who Murdered Uncle Ebenezer?
18K Small Town Estate Series Book 2: Of Abraham and Murder
18K Small Town Estate Series Book 3: Blood Over Water
18K Small Town Estate Series Book 4: When Hope is Missing
Final Surprise Bonus
Final words from the author…
Hope you’ve enjoyed this novel.
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Love,
Who is S.F. Nightingale?
S.F. (Sarah Faith) Nightingale is an author with a mind of a butterfly.
She likes to daydream and pour what is in her heart into words which is mostly Christian Cozy Mysteries.
She was born in a small town in Ohio. Now she lives with her husband and two kids in California.
When she is not immersed in writing or reading books, she likes to cook, travel, and journal.
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Some of My Favorite Bible Verses:
; “I can do all things through him who strengthens me.” (Philippians 4:13)
"Fear not, for I am with you; be not dismayed, for I am your God; I will strengthen you, I will help you, I will uphold you with my righteous right hand." (Isaiah 41:10)
"Be strong and courageous. Do not fear or be in dread of them, for it is the Lord your God who goes with you. He will not leave you or forsake you." (Deuteronomy 31:6)
"But they who wait for the Lord shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings like eagles; they shall run and not be weary; they shall walk and not faint." (Isaiah 40:31)
"No temptation has overtaken you that is not common to man. God is faithful, and he will not let you be tempted beyond your ability, but with the temptation he will also provide the way of escape, that you may be able to endure it." (1 Corinthians 10:13)
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When Hope is Missing Page 4