by Jenna Brandt
Lindsay nodded. “Thank you for your time. I’ll come back soon to talk with Alex.”
Once she was back in her car, Lindsay yanked the letter from her pocket and read the contents.
Hey
The dad yells alot. He gets angry when stuff mesy. I try my best be good. I cover my ears when he yells. Today he shook me. The mom told him to stop. He hit her. I went to hid in the woods.
Alex
Oh, no. This was all her fault. Her instincts had been right when she first met the Winters. Why didn’t she listen to her gut? She knew why; because she didn’t want to make any unfounded allegations against new foster parents and she was anxious to get Alex out of the shelter group home and into a permanent home where he wouldn’t be bullied by the other boys. She had convinced herself that her instincts were wrong, and Alex had paid the price.
Lindsay looked out the car window. The sun was already setting. How long could a little boy survive in the Colorado forest with winter approaching? And he didn’t know directions, so was he lost? Could he even find his way back if he wanted to?
Tears started to form in Lindsay’s eyes, but quickly she blinked them away. She needed to focus on what to do.
Grabbing her phone, she called her boss. No answer. She left a quick message detailing what happened and told her boss she was going to call the local police.
Her next call was instinctively to Aiden. He picked up on the second ring.
“Aiden, I need your help. It’s Alex.”
Twenty-Nine
The fear that laced Lindsay’s voice chilled Aiden to the bone. Something must be terribly wrong. “What’s going on with Alex?”
“He tried to call me several times today, but I was in a meeting. He left me a disturbing voicemail making me worry he wasn’t in a safe environment. I came to the residence for a well check, but he wasn’t here. I asked to enter the home, and during my inspection, I found a letter from Alex detailing allegations of abuse. He’s run away, Aiden; he took off into the nearby forest!”
Seething anger filled Aiden’s veins. What was wrong with people? How could they hurt such a sweet and loving boy as Alex? He would make sure they were dealt with properly, but first he needed to focus on finding Alex.
“Text me the address. I’m going to call this in.” He paused for a moment as concern for Lindsay’s safety came to the forefront of his mind. “Don’t approach the house again. Stay in your car and keep it locked. If they think you’re aware of what happened, who knows what they’re capable of.”
“Okay. I’ll wait for you in my car.”
After hanging up the phone, Aiden jumped into his SUV, then radioed over the details of what was going on to dispatch.
“K-9 2, this is Search and Rescue 1. Be advised, the entire unit will be joining you in the search.”
Aiden’s heart filled with pride at the brotherhood he shared with his fellow officers. When one of their loved ones was in trouble, they all treated it like one of their own. Lindsay had become the most important person in his life, and his fellow officers knew it from the way he talked about her.
“Copy that, Search and Rescue 1. Thanks for the assist.”
The familiar voice of Zach said over the radio, “You know we got your back, brother. See you in five.”
Aiden arrived at the address and saw Lindsay’s car parked outside. He jumped out of his SUV and made his way up to the driver’s side window. Tapping on the glass, he must have startled Lindsay, because she jerked slightly as her eyes grew round. Then a pensive smile formed on her lips as she rolled down her window.
“What’s our next step?” Lindsay asked.
“The rest of the search and rescue unit will be here momentarily. They want to help. In the meantime, I’m going to go and tell the foster parents I’m aware Alex ran away. I’m going to inform them I need a piece of clothing to start the search. Are there any other children in the residence?”
“No. They don’t have any children of their own and Alex was their first foster child.”
“Good. Hopefully they’ll comply.”
“What happens if they don’t?” Lindsay asked, her voice riddled with worry.
“Let’s hope it doesn’t come to that.”
Aiden walked to the front door of the house and knocked firmly. A few moments later, a burly man with a sour look on his face answered the door.
Looking Aiden up and down, the man asked in a gruff voice, “How can I help you, Officer?”
“I received a call that a foster child that resides at this residence has gone missing.”
The man’s eyes narrowed as his face turned red with anger. “I don’t know what you’re talking about. I told that nosy, uppity woman that Alex is at the movies.”
“Look, sir, I know for a fact that isn’t the case. You can either stop lying now and help us find the boy, or this is just going to get worse for you.”
“How dare you tell me what I should do!” The man started bellowing at Aiden. “You’ve got no authority over me.”
The man started to move towards Aiden in a menacing manner. Aiden’s hand reflexively moved towards his gun on his hip.
“Sir, you need to step back now,” Aiden demanded as he moved backwards down the path.
Even as he gave the command, Aiden could tell the man wasn’t going to listen. He continued forward, forcing Aiden to swiftly pull his gun from the holster and point it at the other man.
“Stop now, or I’m going to fire my weapon,” Aiden yelled.
That must have gotten his attention, because the man stopped moving and raised his hands.
Aiden kept his gun leveled at the other man. “Sir, turn around and put your hands behind your back.”
“Why? What did I do?” the man asked as he grudgingly did as he was ordered.
Aiden placed his gun back in its holster and took out his handcuffs. “I’m detaining you for the course of this investigation.”
As Aiden finished handcuffing the man, Zach showed up with Harley. “Do you need help?”
“No. I got him, but can I put him in the back of your car before I get Cooper?”
Zach nodded. “Do you want me to go in the house and get a couple of clothing items for the search?”
“Yes, go ahead and grab it. Alex is the only kid that lives in the residence.”
Fifteen minutes later, Aiden had Cooper out of the SUV, and ready to search for Alex.
“Promise me you’re going to find him, Aiden,” Lindsay pleaded in a frantic tone as she placed her hand on Aiden’s arm. “I don’t know what I’m going to do if you don’t.”
“I give you my word, I’m going to do whatever it takes to locate Alex.”
“What can I do?” Lindsay asked.
“Pray.”
Nodding, Lindsay stepped back to let Aiden begin.
“You ready, boy? This one really matters. It’s Alex.” Giving the command to search, Aiden added, “Go find him, boy.”
Cooper took off into the nearby forest and started his trained routine with Aiden following behind.
After about a half hour, Lindsay texted Aiden for an update.
How is it going?
Have you found any clues?
Aiden texted back.
Still searching.
Haven’t found anything yet.
Lindsay replied.
But the sun is almost completely gone.
It’s getting cold.
He can’t be out in the cold tonight.
Even though Aiden was thinking the same thing—knowing that both the weather and animals of the forest would be a problem for the boy—he didn’t want to make Lindsay’s fears worse.
It’ll be okay.
I’ll find him.
Flashes of the dead girl from the previous week came crashing into Aiden’s mind, causing doubt to flood his heart. He knew the only way to combat fear was faith. Silently, he sent up a prayer for God to help him.
Another fifteen minutes passed. Cooper started barking and circling arou
nd a large pine tree. Aiden sprinted to the location.
Curled up in a ball at the base of the tree was Alex. Aiden bent down and reached out, gently stirring the boy awake.
“Alex, it’s Officer Aiden.”
The little boy rubbed his eyes as he asked groggily, “Is Cooper with you?”
On cue, Cooper started to bark, then moved over and began licking the boy’s face.
“Does that answer your question?”
Alex began to giggle but flinched a moment later. “My leg hurts.”
Aiden bent down and examined the leg. There was no external damage, but the ankle was swollen. “I think you sprained your ankle, Alex. I’m going to wrap it to help with the swelling.”
Aiden pulled a roll of gauze from his backpack and made quick work of bandaging the ankle.
“Let me tell everyone you are okay—Lindsay is beside herself worried about you—and then I’ll get you out of here.” Aiden pushed the button of his radio receiver and then spoke. “Dispatch, this is K-9 2. I’ve located Alex. He’s good.”
“Copy that, K-9 2, glad to hear it.”
Aiden quickly pulled out his phone and sent a text to Lindsay.
I found Alex.
He’s OK.
Will be bringing him out shortly.
“Alright, Alex. I don’t think you should walk on that ankle, so I’m going to carry you out.”
The little boy nodded as Aiden picked him up, cradling him in his arms.
Twenty minutes later, the pair, with Cooper beside them, emerged from the forest.
Lindsay rushed up to them with a huge smile, giving them both a hug. “I’m so glad you’re okay, Alex.” She glanced down at the boy’s wrapped ankle and asked, “What’s wrong with his foot?”
“It’s nothing, Miss Lindsay. Officer Aiden said it’s only a sprain.”
Lindsay’s eyes filled with tears. “Thank you, Aiden. You have no idea how much this means to me.”
“To me too. I care about this guy here,” Aiden said as he gently squeezed the boy in a hug.
“Can you put me down? It’s not very manly to be carried around by another dude, you know,” Alex stated.
Both Aiden and Lindsay started laughing. Alex looked confused. “What? What’s so funny?”
Aiden walked over and put Alex into the front seat of his SUV. He turned to face Lindsay, but before he could say a word, a thin woman with brown hair and spectacles approached them. Though she looked to be only in her mid-thirties, her stern expression called to mind an elderly nanny.
“Lindsay, do you have the letter which Alex Sterling wrote you?” she asked with an authoritative voice.
Nodding, Lindsay pulled it out of her coat pocket and handed it to the woman, who promptly unfolded it and quickly read the contents.
The woman looked up at Aiden and asked, “Is this the officer who found Alex Sterling?”
Again, Lindsay nodded. “Joyce Falton, this is Officer Aiden O’Connell. Aiden, this is my boss. Joyce is the head of the Boulder County Child Protective Services.”
“Thank you for doing your job, Officer O’Connell,” Mrs. Falton stated with no emotion in the words. “We would have been in a whole heap of trouble if you hadn’t. It’s bad enough the media is going to have a field day with the story. Considering everything, it’s in everyone’s best interest if Bob Winters is arrested.”
“He’s already in custody in the back of my partner’s car. We planned on making his arrest official after we found Alex.”
“Good.” Turning to Lindsay, she added, “Additionally, the Winters’ license to foster is being revoked, pending the outcome of the investigation into the situation that led up to Alex Sterling running away. Lindsay, I task you to make sure Alex makes it back to the shelter group home tonight. In the meantime, I’m going to go oversee the arrest of Bob Winters.” Joyce Falton turned around and headed towards Zach’s SUV.
“She’s a formidable woman,” Aiden observed.
“Indeed, but she does genuinely care about the children in our care.”
“I’m betting not as much as you,” Aiden stated with admiration.
“I love all my kids so much. I was so worried while you were in that forest.” Lindsay placed her hands on his chest and looked up into his eyes. “I don’t know what I would have done if anything happened to either of you.”
“But nothing did,” Aiden assured, “because God was watching over us.”
“I’m so glad God brought you into my life.”
“Me too,” Aiden said before he leaned down and seared her lips with an adoring kiss.
Thirty
The last couple of weeks had flown by. Aiden and Lindsay spent their evenings together and their weekends involved in church activities. They also visited Alex together whenever possible.
This afternoon, Aiden was taking Lindsay horseback riding again. The snow had finally let up, then melted, giving a window of time to be outdoors. They decided to take advantage of it.
As Lindsay sprinted out the door and hopped into Aiden’s Mustang, he gave her grin. “Did I mention you look really good in jeans and a t-shirt?”
Lindsay laughed. “Every time I wear them.”
“Well, it’s just as true as the first time I said it.”
“I don’t see Cooper today,” Lindsay noted.
“He’s spending time with Harley and Zach. With Harley being sick for the past week, Cooper’s missed her.”
“It’s so sweet how much they like each other.”
Aiden nodded. “Cooper moped all week while she wasn’t working.”
“At least she’s back now. Plus, he gets today with her. Although, I’m sure the Stocktons will miss seeing Cooper.”
“Yes, but they’ll understand. They’re good like that.”
A short time later, they arrived at the Stockton ranch. Just like before, John Stockton was standing in the barn with two saddled horses. He smiled at them as they approached. “Hello, Lindsay, Aiden.”
“Hi, Mr. Stockton,” Lindsay greeted in return.
“Now what did I tell you about calling me by my first name.”
Lindsay could feel her cheeks turn red from the correction. “Sorry about that, John. I promise I’ll get it right next time.”
John chuckled. “It’s alright, Lindsay. I just want you to think of us like family, just like Aiden here does,” John stated as he patted Aiden on the back with his free hand.
“Thank you, John,” Lindsay said. “I’d like that too.”
“Now, you go enjoy your ride, and take your time.” John handed over the reins to them before exiting the barn.
The duo mounted up on the horses and took off for the nearby creek. Knowing it would be cold, they had prepared with thick jackets, hats and gloves. Despite the chilly weather, the day was perfect.
* * *
“Look at how beautiful the mountains are today,” Lindsay smiled. “The tops are still covered in snow.”
“They are beautiful, but not as beautiful as you,” Aiden said with admiration. Bringing his horse to a stop, he dismounted and helped Lindsay do the same. Aiden tied off the horses to one of the nearby trees, then turned to face her.
“Lindsay, every moment I spend with you, I realize it’s never enough. I hate when we’re apart.”
“I feel the same way,” Lindsay confirmed.
“I can’t imagine not spending every moment of every day with you for the rest of my life.”
Lindsay’s heart started to flutter in anticipation as she realized Aiden was about to propose.
“I know we haven’t officially been together long, but I also know it doesn’t matter because you’re the one for me, Lindsay Wright.” Aiden got down on one knee and took Lindsay’s hands in his own. “Will you do me the honor of being my wife. Will you marry me?”
“Yes! Yes, I will marry you, Aiden O’Connell,” Lindsay shouted with joy.
Jumping up, he pulled her into his arms and kissed her. Pulling back, a confused look cros
sed his face.
“What is it?” Lindsay asked.
“In all the excitement, I forgot to give you this.” Aiden reached in his pocket and pulled out a ring box. He opened it to reveal a square-cut diamond ring.
Lindsay inhaled sharply. “It’s beautiful.”
“Can I put it on?”
“Of course,” Lindsay said as she gave him her left hand. He slipped the ring on.
“How did you get the size right?”
“Erica. She’s good at helping me get your sizes right.”
Lindsay laughed. “It seems I owe her a ‘thank you’ when I get home.”
Pulling her back into his arms, he said, “I have one more thing I’d like to discuss with you, future Mrs. O’Connell.”
“What’s that, Mr. O’Connell?”
“I know we’ve talked about wanting to find a family to adopt Alex. What if we were that family? What if we adopted him?”
“Do you really mean that?” Lindsay asked as tears formed in her eyes.
“I do. I want a big family, and I want that family to start with you and Alex. The thing is, I think we should speed up the wedding so Alex can move in with us as soon as possible. That way, we can foster him while the paperwork goes through.”
Aiden tried to read Lindsay’s face. He didn’t think she was the type of woman who needed a big wedding. He also didn’t want to deny her one if she did want it. When she didn’t respond right away, he said, “If you’re wanting a big wedding—“
“That’s not it. I agree with everything you’re suggesting. I just . . . I just can’t believe how blessed I am that God brought you into my life, Aiden O’Connell.” She leaned up and kissed him soundly on the mouth. “Let’s do this. Let’s get married as soon as possible, so we can go get our boy.”
It’s not quite the end!
* * *
Did you enjoy — Lawfully Adored? You won’t want to miss the rest of the books about K-9 in the series from — Lorana Hoopes, Ginny Sterling, Elle E. Kay, and Evangeline Kelly.