by Kate James
Shannon nodded.
Ariana blew her bangs out of her eyes. “That is complicated. Does Logan know?”
“No,” Shannon replied. “Let me explain. I—”
“I’m sorry, but I have to say this,” Jessica interrupted. “Blame it on the hormones that I’m being this direct, but what kind of father would start a relationship while his son is missing?”
Shannon regretted starting the whole discussion. Good judgement seemed to have deserted her lately. “It’s not like that. It’s not as if we’re having a relationship. And...it’s probably one-sided. As I said, I don’t believe he thinks of me like that. We just...talk. He knows I can—in a way—relate to what he’s going through.”
In response to the three pairs of questioning eyes focused on her, Shannon gave them an abbreviated version of what had happened to Charlie.
“I’m so sorry, Shannon,” Madison said and gave her a hug. “What a terrible thing for you and your family.”
“I can see what you mean about being able to understand. Are you sure your interest in him isn’t because of your brother?” Ariana asked.
Shannon shook her head slowly. “Believe me, I’ve been around that block more times than I can count. He’s a good man and by all accounts a good father. I like him. His values. His integrity. His obvious love for his son.” She tucked her hair behind her ears. “I can’t believe I’m even thinking about this! How can I contemplate a relationship with him when his entire focus is—and has to be—his son?” She locked eyes with Ariana. “Your job is the closest to policing there is, and you know Logan best. Am I crossing a line here?”
“I wouldn’t say you’re crossing it, but you’re certainly stretching it.”
“Do you think Logan would see it that way?”
“Shannon...” Jessica interjected. “I’m not worried about what Logan will think. My concern is for you. I know how Cal felt when he couldn’t see his daughter, back when we first met, and that wasn’t nearly the same. He knew that Haley was safe and fine with her mother. I can’t imagine how much Sawyer Evans is suffering, not knowing if his son is—I’m sorry, but it must go through his mind—dead or alive.” She rubbed a hand over her belly. “Be careful with your heart, Shannon. This long without a ransom demand or a clue as to the child’s whereabouts is very concerning. Even I’m aware of that. You don’t know how it’ll turn out or how the father will handle it.”
And that was the crux of her dilemma, Shannon thought as she drove home later that night. She’d developed feelings for Sawyer, but was uncertain how he felt about her. And the guilt of being interested in him at a time like this weighed heavily on her. Jessica had suggested not so subtly that people did strange things during a crisis and didn’t always react in the manner they normally would. Was she experiencing a weird projection and trying to make some form of restitution for her role in Charlie’s death?
No, she decided. She was sufficiently self-aware to know what she was feeling.
When Shannon got home, she took Darwin for a long walk, then called her mother.
“Your father and I have been thinking about you,” Victoria said.
Just the sound of her mother’s voice helped settle Shannon’s anxiety. She’d purposely avoided calling her parents since Dylan had gone missing. Time might have lessened the pain for her parents, but it hadn’t healed the wound entirely. “I’m sorry I haven’t called, Mom.”
“No need to apologize. That poor boy still hasn’t been found, has he?”
Shannon should’ve realized that not calling wouldn’t have spared her parents the heartache. There’d been too much media coverage. “No, Mom.”
“Are you involved in the case?”
“I was initially. Not now, though. The FBI has been called in, too.”
“This whole thing—it’s hard on you, honey,” Victoria observed.
“Yeah. But not as hard as it is on the boy’s father.”
There was a pause. “Yes, that’s true.”
“Mom, you and Dad got through losing Charlie. How did you manage it?”
Shannon heard her mother’s deep sigh. “I don’t have the answer to that question, other than to say we’ll never be over it. We live with it every day,” she said softly. “But your father and I had each other, and that made a world of difference. The missing boy doesn’t have a mother, does he?”
“No.”
“The news reports said she disappeared three years ago.”
“She’s presumed dead, Mom.”
“Oh?”
Shannon didn’t want to get into the details about Sawyer’s wife.
“It’s unfortunate that the man’s going through this on his own,” Victoria continued when Shannon remained silent.
“He has parents and a sister. They seem close.”
“Good. That’s good. Although I don’t think it’s the same. I don’t know how I would’ve survived without Paul.” Shannon could hear the emotion in her mother’s voice. “That boy’s father needs all the support he can get.”
“I speak to him regularly and I do what I can.”
“As part of the job?” Victoria asked, sounding surprised.
“No. He’s...he’s become a friend.”
“Oh...” This time there was a long silence. “How did that happen?”
Shannon shrugged even though her mother couldn’t see it. “It just did. I’ve talked to him about Charlie. It seems to help him.”
Her mother made a noncommittal sound.
“He’s asked me how you and Dad dealt with losing Charlie.”
“It’s very personal and I imagine different for everyone who goes through it. A lot of marriages don’t survive that sort of loss.”
“You and Dad made it and are stronger for it, aren’t you?”
“Yes. We’re blessed in that regard. If you’re that man’s friend...what’s his first name again?”
“Sawyer.”
“Well, if you’re Sawyer’s friend, he’s fortunate to have your help. But, Shannon, honey, you still carry scars, too. Please be careful and don’t take on more than you can manage.”
“I won’t. I promise.”
When Shannon hung up, she wondered if that, too, was a promise she wouldn’t be able to keep.
CHAPTER SEVEN
“SHANNON! COME IN HERE!” Logan called from his office doorway.
Shannon got out of her chair and hurried over.
“There’s been a break in the Evans case,” he said.
“What is it?”
“There’s been a reported sighting of Dylan Evans near Marina del Rey.”
“That’s the first real lead since Dylan disappeared.”
“Correct. I thought you’d want to know.”
“Has Sawyer—Mr. Evans—been told?”
“Yeah. Bigelow notified him just before he called me.”
Shannon lowered herself into a chair. “The local police have been alerted?”
“Yeah, they’re investigating the lead. Bigelow and Leary are on their way.”
“Does the local police department have tracking capabilities? Canines?”
“Marina del Rey is served by the LAPD. They have a K-9 Unit, all right. Three times the size of ours.”
“But they don’t know Dylan.”
“Shannon, if you’re going where I think you’re going with this, neither do you.”
“No. But Darwin searched for him. Sawyer—Mr. Evans wouldn’t have anything with a recent scent of Dylan on it. That’ll make it harder. Darwin might have sensory memory. It’s possible,” she insisted, when Logan looked at her doubtfully. “He might be able to do a better job.”
“Better than experienced LAPD K-9 officers?”
Shannon understood Logan’s s
kepticism. She sounded foolish to her own ears. But she needed to help, if she could. “Maybe not, but an additional resource wouldn’t hurt. Logan, could you lend me to the Marina del Rey Sheriff’s Department to take part in the search? This is a child we’re dealing with. Surely any help would be of value. If you explained the situation to the sheriff, he wouldn’t object, would he?”
She watched Logan as he considered her request. Not telling Logan now that she had a personal relationship with Sawyer—whatever that relationship was—would be another transgression. Regardless, she couldn’t bring herself to do it. He obviously wasn’t enthusiastic about her getting involved, and she didn’t want to say anything that would tip the scales against it. She wanted to be part of the search team.
For Dylan. For Charlie. For Sawyer.
“Are you sure you’re up for this?” he finally asked.
Not trusting herself to speak, she nodded.
“I’ll make the call. Get ready to move.”
She rose. “Thank you, Logan. I appreciate it.”
She went back to her desk, packed up her duffel and waited for word from Logan. She could see him on the phone through the window of his office. It wasn’t a quick conversation and he looked grim. When he finally hung up, she prepared herself for bad news.
He leaned out of his doorway and gave her a thumbs-up. “I’ll text you the coordinates. Report to Sergeant Brian Anson of the Marina del Rey Sheriff’s Department.”
She shot to her feet. “I’m on it. Thank you.”
“Go make a difference,” she heard him say as she jogged out of the squad room.
* * *
AS A FORMER prosecutor with the DA’s office, Sawyer knew the statistics about abducted children and that the likelihood of finding them unharmed decreased exponentially with time. The more time that passed, the more pessimistic he became. The more despondent.
His parents and sister had done everything they could to lift his spirits, but they were grieving, too, and their grief only compounded his. So—rightly or wrongly—he’d avoided them.
His one saving grace had been Shannon. She was a steady, calming influence, and had managed to give him hope when he’d felt there was none left. And she really did seem to understand because of her brother, and her job.
Sawyer had been worried about his own mental state. His moods veered dramatically from rage, wanting to lash out at the Fates, to depression so severe he doubted he could drag himself out of bed.
And through it all, when he felt he could no longer go on, there she was. Shannon seemed to know just when he needed her the most, and what he needed to hear to get him through to the next hour or day.
But now...there finally was hope.
Detective Bigelow had called to inform him that they’d had a credible sighting of Dylan. Shortly after, Shannon phoned.
“You believe it could be Dylan? That this could lead the cops to him?” Sawyer asked. He knew she wouldn’t have any more information than Bigelow, but her opinion mattered.
“Yes, I do. After the tip, local police checked security camera footage and we’ve seen the image.” Her voice was filled with emotion. “I think it’s him. And if it is, he’s okay, Sawyer. He’s unharmed.”
Sawyer closed his eyes, and let the hope and relief surge through him. “Can I... Can I see it? The picture?”
“Did Detective Bigelow offer to show it to you?”
“No.”
“Sawyer, normally you wouldn’t have been told about this. We keep family members out of investigations for good reason. We don’t want you to have expectations only to be disappointed. In this case, Bigelow made an exception, respecting your background. I can’t give you more than he already has.”
He wanted to push, but knew it wouldn’t get him anywhere. And it wouldn’t be fair to her. “Okay,” he said grudgingly.
“I’ll be going to Marina del Rey. Logan’s arranged for me to be part of the search team.”
“That means a lot to me.” His voice sounded stronger.
“I’d like to stop by, if that’s okay. Pick up some more items that belong to Dylan. For Darwin to use, and also the search-and-rescue dogs the LAPD is deploying.”
“Yes. Of course. Whatever you need.”
“Any of his clothing you haven’t washed yet. If not, a special stuffed animal perhaps.”
“Laundry hasn’t been high on my list of priorities.” He smiled weakly. The first smile he could remember since Dylan had disappeared. “I have clothing. I’ll have it ready for you. And some toys, too, if it helps.”
As soon as he hung up, he grabbed a small gym bag and went to Dylan’s room. Every time he walked in there, it was like a hard punch to the gut. To see the room exactly the way it had been the day they’d left for their camping trip...
But without Dylan.
He gathered the items for Shannon, then stopped abruptly.
He glanced around the room, yanked open the closet door and looked inside. He then turned around slowly, searching the room again.
“Where’s Joey?” he murmured, perplexed.
He jammed a few more things into the bag and rushed back into the living room to call his parents. “Mom, the police think they might have a lead. Someone reported seeing Dylan.”
“Oh...”
He could hear his mother’s soft crying, followed by murmurs, and it helped him understand why the police didn’t usually inform family members about unsubstantiated leads.
“Sawyer?” His father’s voice was on the line. “What’s happening?”
“The police have a lead—”
“Finally! What have they got?”
“I’ll tell you, but first I have to get some things ready for the police. Dad, did you and Mom take Joey home with you from the campground?”
“Joey? You mean the stuffed kangaroo?”
“Yes. Do you have it?”
“No. Why would we?”
“Just checking. I’ll call as soon as I hear anything further. Talk to you later, Dad.”
Dylan had had the stuffed kangaroo with him on the camping trip. There was no question about that. He wouldn’t have gone without Joey. With everything else on Sawyer’s mind, he’d only now realized that Joey wasn’t in the house. He called Meg, too, but she hadn’t taken the toy home, either. When Shannon arrived, he swung the door open before she had a chance to knock. “Hi,” he said, surprised that he was able to smile again.
He smiled even more widely when he pulled Shannon into a hug. She smelled of something soft and floral, which he found comforting.
He stepped back. He hadn’t seen her in uniform since the day they’d met. He noticed her eyes were a deep blue. How could he have missed that? He supposed he’d been seeing the world through a filter of hazy gray since Dylan had disappeared.
Picking up the bag of clothing and toys, he handed it to her.
“Thanks. Um, I need to go now.”
“Yeah... Oh, I don’t know if this matters, but I noticed today that Dylan’s favorite toy is missing. It’s a stuffed kangaroo, about this big.” He indicated with his hands. “He must’ve had it with him when he was...taken.”
Shannon looked at him thoughtfully. “We didn’t find it along the trail, so there’s a chance he might still have it. I appreciate you telling me.”
She started to walk away, paused and turned back. Reaching for his hand, she squeezed it. “We’ll do everything we can to find Dylan. I’ll bring him back home to you, if I can.”
Sawyer nodded, wanting to believe her. Needing to believe that she’d do it, this time.
He continued to stare down the road long after Shannon’s Explorer was gone. The reported sighting gave him renewed optimism. He hoped it wasn’t a mistake. He didn’t know how he’d survive if it was.
The fact that Shannon was going to be involved in the search for Dylan eased his anxiety. He’d asked Bigelow about driving to Marina del Rey; he wanted to be there in case they found Dylan. Bigelow had told him it wasn’t possible. If they found Dylan, they’d get his son home as soon as they could. In the meantime, Sawyer trusted Shannon to do what was needed.
Sawyer hoped Dylan did have Joey with him. It helped to think he hadn’t been alone all this time without anything familiar.
Sawyer’s parents and Meg had said they’d come over when he’d spoken to them earlier. They arrived within minutes of each other.
Although he’d wanted to keep to himself over the past few days, now he realized how much he appreciated their being with him. He would’ve lost his mind waiting there without them. They were all tense, anxious, and they needed each other. That was family. That was what he wanted for Dylan, if only he’d come back home again.
And they waited for the phone to ring.
* * *
SERGEANT ANSON DIDN’T seem particularly pleased to have Shannon involved. But she didn’t let that bother her. She had authorization to be here. At least the three LAPD K-9 officers were more welcoming. Yes, she’d been a little intimidated seeing them and—based on their ages—realized they had far more experience than she did. So be it. She wanted to help find Dylan. It mattered to her professionally and personally.
Shannon watched the security camera footage, showing the boy holding the hand of a dark-haired woman. She appeared to be of Hispanic descent. They left a playground, stopped to purchase ice cream, then crossed the street and headed south on Walgrove Avenue.
Shannon’s heart thudded heavily. She was certain the boy was Dylan. They’d checked the woman’s image against the possible suspects they were considering from Sawyer’s days as a prosecutor and there wasn’t a match. They tried facial recognition, on social media and in police files, and nothing popped. The woman was not known to police.
The ice-cream vendor was gone when they got to the playground, but the local police were tracking him down. Shannon allowed herself a moment of satisfaction that it was Darwin who’d picked up Dylan’s scent from where the cart had been.