“Katie—”
The exasperation in his voice made her smile. She was glad he was concerned. “I’ll be fine. I’ll text as soon as I get there. I do have a gun, remember? And I’m trained in self-defense. And I’m alert and know someone’s after me. Should be enough, right?”
“Wasn’t enough when someone tried to burn your house down, was it?”
Ouch. “Hmm. Okay, I’ll give you that point,” she muttered. “However, I’m leaving now.” She pulled away from the curb and waved to Faith as the woman packed her van. The M.E. was still with Bobby Young. Hunter Young had left the scene, claiming he had to go break the news to his family. She didn’t envy him that job.
He sighed. “Then stay on the phone with me.”
She paused. “All right.”
“I’m still going to Erica’s. She really wants to talk about this case.”
“Fill me in tomorrow?”
“Bright and early. Cort’s going to be outside your hotel room all night.”
“Poor guy.”
“He never sleeps. If he gets four hours a night, he’s as fresh as though he’s had eight.”
“Not fair.”
“Tell me about it.”
She paused. “Hey, Jordan?”
“Yes.”
“Thanks for caring.”
“You’re welcome, Katie.”
The warmth in his voice made her cheeks start to heat. She cleared her throat. “What did Mrs. McKinney say? Anything helpful?”
“Yes. I think we may have something to work with.”
Not what she’d expected to hear. She sat a little straighter. “What?”
“She remembers seeing a car, a gray sedan, parked several doors down. She also remembers seeing the car there every day for about two weeks before your sister disappeared.”
“Someone staking the place out,” she whispered.
“It’s one theory, of course, and that’s what I think. I could be wrong, but…”
“We need to ask the other neighbors specifically about that vehicle.”
“I’m already compiling the list. Get this, though. Mrs. McKinney took a picture of the car.”
“What?” Her blood started humming. “Why?”
“Well, it wasn’t a picture of the car per se. She was taking pictures of her kid on his skateboard. He’d just gotten the board as a birthday present and was up and down the street showing off while she was snapping pictures.”
“And of course she had those pictures in an album somewhere.” Excitement tripped through her.
“Of course. The car was fuzzy in a few of them, but she let me take the best one of the lot.”
“Take a picture and text it to me, will you?”
“Sure.”
New hope sizzled. The car wasn’t much, but it might turn into something big. “There wasn’t any mention of a strange car in the case file.”
“No.”
“Right.”
Anger filled her. “What were Frank and Danny doing while my sister was in the hands of a kidnapper, maybe fighting for her life—” Her voice cracked on the last word and she cleared her throat.
“We’ll figure it out.”
“We sure will.” Resolve hardened and she sent up a silent prayer for God’s blessing. Help me find her, Lord.
They chatted until she reached the hotel. “Cort’s waiting on me, just like you said. Parked right outside my room.”
“Good. Sleep tight, Kate.”
“Bye, Jordan.”
Katie hung up and let a smile linger on her lips. She climbed out of her car and was greeted by Cort. “Glad to see you looking good. Sorry about the night of the fire.”
She patted his arm. “Don’t you worry about that. I appreciate your willingness to do this.”
“I miss the job. Being retired ain’t all it’s cracked up to be.”
Katie bid him good-night and entered her room. The text from Jordan came through and she clicked on the picture. A young boy, about twelve years old, looked like he was having a blast as he rolled down the street on his skateboard, arms wide to help with balance.
The screen was small so she couldn’t get much detail on the car behind him, but zooming in helped. And she had a picture she could show when they questioned more neighbors about seeing the vehicle. Thank You, God, for this small step. Her adrenaline ebbed and exhaustion swamped her.
As she prepared for bed, her stomach rumbled. She’d forgotten to eat. A glance at the clock said she was going to bed at 5:49 p.m. So what? She was exhausted.
She shut the light off and within minutes was asleep.
*
Jordan inhaled the scent of home-cooked food. Fried chicken and macaroni and cheese. His stomach rumbled. He would be forever grateful that Erica and Max often took pity on him and invited him to share their meals.
He was disappointed Katie had backed out, although he had to admit he was surprised she’d lasted as long as she had. Her body had taken a beating over the last couple of days and was bound to give out before much longer.
Brandon walked into the den, grabbed a red-and-green Christmas pillow from the seat and flopped onto the couch. Erica’s brother had become almost a permanent fixture around the place. So much so that Jordan thought Max might be a little worried about what was going to happen after his and Erica’s wedding in a little less than three weeks—on New Year’s Day. He couldn’t believe Christmas and the wedding were coming up so fast.
Brandon asked, “When are we eating? I’m hungry.”
Max laughed. “You’re always hungry.” He looked at Jordan and sobered. “So, how’s it going with Katie these days? I know she was avoiding you for a while there. How’s it going now that you two are working together?”
Jordan grunted and set his tea on the coaster. He settled onto the couch. “It’s going much better now, but you’re right when you say Katie wasn’t happy Erica assigned the case to me.”
“I know. Strange. Do you know why she was perturbed you got the case?”
“Yes.” He didn’t say any more.
Brandon and Max exchanged a look. Brandon shrugged and Max rolled the glass between his hands, then said, “I think it’s because she’s attracted to you.”
Brandon snorted.
Jordan jerked then choked a laugh. “What?”
Max shrugged. “That’s Erica’s deduction.”
Jordan lifted the glass of tea to his suddenly dry mouth. He knew she was attracted to him. The feeling was mutual. But that wasn’t the reason she hadn’t wanted him on the case. “She said something to Erica?”
“Nope. Not a word.”
He hadn’t thought she would. Then again, she and Erica were tight, so… “Oh.”
“But women notice these things, you know?”
“Especially Erica,” Brandon said, his lips curving into a sardonic smile. “Now that she’s found the love of her life, she’s determined everyone in her path will do the same.”
Max grinned. “Poor Brandon. And yet you keep coming over and giving her opportunities to set you up with her friends.”
Brandon patted his trim belly. “If she wasn’t such a good cook, you wouldn’t see as much of me.”
Jordan knew that wasn’t true. The man was crazy about his niece, Molly, and was very protective of his sister. When she’d almost been killed by the woman who’d kidnapped her daughter, Brandon and Erica had grown even closer, watching out for one another and pulling together as siblings often did when a crisis hit a family. He looked at Jordan. “But if Erica says she’s attracted to you, she is.”
“Maybe.” He wasn’t going to debate his romantic life. Or the lack of. He glanced at his watch and wished they’d get onto another subject. Katie was fine, safely in her hotel room and most likely sound asleep. And he wanted to hurry up with the dinner and discussion and get back to her. In fact, if his invitation to dinner hadn’t felt more like a business invitation over a personal one, he’d just go ahead and leave.
Bu
t Erica wanted to talk about the case, and Jordan appreciated her willingness to feed him a home-cooked dinner while she did it.
Max pulled at his lower lip. “I hate that Katie didn’t feel like coming, but she probably needs the rest more than she needs the food.”
“She’s definitely had a few long days.”
“Max, are you two ready to eat?” Erica asked from the door. Molly stood behind her, flour streaks covering her face and clothes. Jordan’s gut clenched like it did every time he was around small children. It wasn’t that he didn’t like them—he did. They just brought back bad memories. Memories he fought off on a daily basis. Memories he kept at bay most of the time by avoidance. He found working himself to death was better than alcohol. He had enough issues and didn’t need to add to his troubles by becoming a drunk.
And prayer. Sometimes prayer helped, too.
He tuned back in as Max said, “We’re more than ready. Bring it on.” Max stood and Jordan followed him into the kitchen.
He hated that Katie wasn’t there, either. He missed her presence. How odd. He shot a text to Cort.
How is she?
Cort responded,
Fine. Sleeping, I think. Lights have been off for about half an hour now. Quiet.
Great. Keep me updated.
Will do.
Jordan put his phone away and bowed his head as Max led the blessing.
Erica looked up after Max said “Amen,” and said, “Fill me in on Lucy Randall’s case and the progress you’ve made, will you?”
Max choked on his laughter. “Let the man eat, Erica.”
She flushed. “Sorry.”
Jordan cleared his throat and dug in. While Max and Erica discussed whether or not Erica should hire another person for the Finding the Lost agency, he could feel Molly watching him. When he looked up, he saw her slide Nellie a green bean. The dog ate it.
When Molly realized she’d been caught, her gaze flew to her mother and then to Max, then back to Jordan. She lifted a finger to her lips, and Jordan couldn’t help it. He bit back a smile and gave her a slow nod. No way would he rat her out.
Her eyes sparkled with mirth, and she happily plopped a bean in her own mouth. The knot in his belly eased, and he breathed a sigh of relief. Maybe the past could fade after all.
“Don’t you think, Jordan?”
Erica’s question made him blink. “Huh?”
“You weren’t listening to a word we said, were you?”
“Ah, no, sorry. I was…um…thinking.”
Erica narrowed her eyes. “I’m sure I can guess what you were thinking about.”
Jordan felt a flush start to creep up the back of his neck. “Hmm. I won’t argue with a woman who feeds me.”
Erica laughed and backed off. Jordan enjoyed the food and the company, and even some of the teasing, but he was ready to get down to business. Erica seemed to sense his restlessness and said, “Max, why don’t you and Jordan take your coffee into the den. I’ll get Molly settled and be there shortly.”
Max stood. “Why don’t I get Molly settled and you and Jordan can start talking?”
“Guess that’s my cue to shove off,” Brandon said. He looked at Jordan. “I’ll see you later.”
Jordan nodded.
“Don’t forget, we’re having Christmas dinner here,” Erica said.
Brandon frowned. “Right. I may have to work. We’ll see.” He left and Erica sighed then stood and gave Max a smile that made Jordan ache to have someone look at him that way. No, not someone. Katie.
He swallowed hard and followed Erica into the den. The coffee warmed his hands.
“So tell me the latest. What have you learned from Mrs. McKinney?”
*
Katie sat up and looked at the clock. She’d been asleep for an hour and fifteen minutes. Now her nerves hummed and her senses spun. Knowing it would be a futile effort to try to go back to sleep, she tossed aside the covers and turned on the light.
She wanted her house back.
She wanted whoever was trying to kill her behind bars.
She wanted to find her sister.
She wanted a relationship with Jordan.
That last admission wasn’t easy, but it was one she couldn’t deny.
And she wanted her mother to love her. It seemed that no matter what she did or how hard she tried, it was never good enough.
Tears threatened at the thought, and she pushed them back. She couldn’t dwell on that or she’d go nuts. For the next fifteen minutes, she paced the room. Then picked up the phone and dialed her parents’ number.
Her mother answered on the second ring. “Hello.”
“Hi, Mom.”
“How are you, Katie?”
She swallowed. “I’m doing okay. I wanted to let you know that I hired a maid service to come clean your house for you next week.”
Silence echoed for a brief moment, then her mother said, “Well, that’s very nice. Thank you.”
“Sure.” Katie took a deep breath. “I was wondering if you’d like to meet for breakfast one day soon. I’m working a rather complicated case right now, but—”
“I don’t think I’ll feel up to that, Katie, but thank you for the invitation.” The oh so proper politeness made Katie want to weep.
“Okay, well, maybe another time. Is Dad around?”
“Hold on.”
Katie bit her lip. She almost wished her mother would yell at her. Anything would be preferable to the cold, polite attitude.
“Hello?”
“Hi, Dad.”
“Hi, sweetie.”
“She’s not warming up at all, is she?”
His sigh echoed. “I’m working on her. At least she’s speaking to you.”
“True.” It was only in the last few years that her mother had climbed far enough out of her depression to even interact with Katie. And every once in a while Katie thought she caught a glimpse of longing and love in her mother’s eyes. But before she could act on it, her mother shut it off and shut her out.
It broke her heart. “I’m doing everything I can to make her love me, Dad. What else can I do?” Her voice cracked on the last word and she wanted to call the words back. “Never mind. You don’t have to answer that.”
“Katie—” His voice wobbled and he cleared his throat. “Your mother loves you, honey. She loves you so much.”
“No, I don’t think she does,” she whispered. “I think she hates me.”
“Oh, baby…”
“I’m sorry, Dad, I shouldn’t have brought it up. Forget it.” She took a deep breath. With an effort, she shoved aside the hurt, wondering if she’d ever get used to it. “Dad, I need to ask you something and I want a straight answer.”
“What’s that?”
“You asked me to drop Lucy’s case.”
“Yes.” She heard his wariness, but appreciated he didn’t push the subject of her mother.
“Why?” He sighed and didn’t answer. “Dad?” Katie prompted.
“Because it’s dangerous,” he blurted. “I don’t want anything to happen to you. Please, Katie, don’t put yourself in any more danger.”
Katie sat stunned. Hearing the worry in his voice nearly undid her as much as her mother’s coolness.
“How do you know I’m in danger?”
“Landing in the hospital isn’t enough? That fire was deliberately set. The police officer I talked to said you were shot at. You need to stop looking for Lucy.”
“Dad, I don’t even know that the fire or anything else going on is related to looking for Lucy.” She suspected it, of course, but had no real evidence of it.
“Well, I do,” he snapped.
Katie paused. “You do? How?”
A heavy sigh filtered through the line. “I…”
“You what? Tell me.”
“I got a phone call. Someone with a low voice told me to warn you to stop looking for Lucy—or he’d make sure I had another daughter disappear.”
Katie sat frozen
. Shock raced through her. “When was this?”
“Right after the fire.”
“That’s why you came to the hospital. To tell me to stop looking for Lucy.”
“Yes.” She closed her eyes at his husky admission.
“Why didn’t you tell me about the phone call?”
“He said not to. Said he’d come after your mom and me if I said he called, so you can’t say anything.”
As she absorbed the shock that someone related to Lucy’s kidnapping had contacted her parents, she said, “He probably didn’t want me to try and trace the call.”
“Katie, please, drop it. Lucy’s gone. It’s not worth your life.”
“Dad, this is the whole reason I became a detective.” She paused. “If I stop looking for her, he wins,” she whispered. And her mother would never forgive her. She had to find Lucy. “You really want that?”
“Of course not,” he snapped. Katie bit her lip and waited. He finally said in a softer tone, “Of course I don’t want him to win, but honey, I can’t lose you, too.”
Heart in her throat, Katie finished the call with her father with promises to be careful. For a moment she sat there, marveling. Her father loved her enough that he didn’t want her looking for Lucy if it put her in danger. She swallowed hard at the realization and wished her mother felt the same way.
Clamping down on her emotions, she called Gregory and filled him in. “Will you try and trace the call and see if the officers on duty in that area will ride by my parents’ house more often?”
“Sure.”
“Thanks.”
Phone calls finished, her mind in a jumble of thoughts, she was debating her next move when her stomach rumbled.
Katie dialed one more number.
“Hello?”
“Do you have any leftovers? I’m starving.”
Erica laughed. “Of course. I was just sitting here with Jordan talking about your case. We’d love for you to join us.”
In the background, she heard Jordan’s low rumble. “Tell her I’ll come get her.”
Erica started to repeat it, but Katie said, “I heard him. Let me talk to him a minute, please.”
She waited while Erica passed the phone to Jordan. “Hey.”
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