Ella rolled her head and shoulders. “And a challenge for parents to balance letting our children feel safe and really being safe. We want to protect them from every harm that comes their way, but we aren’t with them 24/7. I know it was wrong for the boys to leave the camp area, but where were the counselors who were supposed to be keeping an eye on them?”
“It has to be doubly hard being a single parent. What happened to Robbie’s father?”
She tensed, withdrawing her hand from his.
She began to rise when Josiah said, “I’m sorry. It’s none of my business. I just thought his father might be able to help.”
A humorless laugh escaped her lips. “His father is no longer in his life. I’m telling you this so you don’t ask about him anymore. It’s a subject that distresses my son.”
And Ella. Why? It was none of his business, and he usually respected a person’s privacy, but he had a hard time letting it go.
“I’m sorry. I didn’t mean to upset you.”
She took a deep breath and tried to relax in the lounge chair, but her grasp on its arms indicated the tension still gripping her. “My philosophy is to look forward, not back. I can’t change the past so I don’t dwell there.”
Easier said than done, he thought. He tried not to look backward, but what had happened to him was an intrinsic part of the man he was today. Ella’s past was part of her present, too. She didn’t have to tell him that Robbie’s father was the one who’d hurt her so badly. He curled his hands into tight fists until they ached. Slowly he flexed them and practiced the relaxation techniques his counselor had taught him.
The sound of the French doors opening pulled Josiah’s attention toward Thomas coming out on the deck. The fierce expression chiseled into his friend’s face meant he was the bearer of bad news.
SIX
Ella saw Thomas heading for her. She straightened in her lounger on the deck at the Witherspoon estate. Not good news.
Thomas grabbed a chair and pulled it over to Ella and Josiah, checking to see where Robbie was.
Her son threw a Frisbee that Buddy caught in midair. “Did you all see that?” he yelled over to them.
“Yeah, both of the dogs love to catch Frisbees,” Josiah answered while Thomas settled in his seat next to Ella. “So, Thomas, what happened?”
“A child a year older than Robbie, same hair coloring and height, has been taken by a man that fits Foster’s description. A black truck like the one you described was identified near the abduction. We have an Amber Alert out on Seth London.”
“Where did Foster get the black truck?” Ella asked, remembering that wasn’t the description of the vehicle that his neighbor had reported stolen.
“It was reported stolen. He took the license off it, but we’re looking at all black trucks, including those with plates, because we have a report of several license plates missing from a parking lot. We’re also immediately investigating any car thefts in case he steals another one. Just like the first car, he probably won’t keep the black truck long.”
Josiah leaned forward, resting his elbows on his thighs. “What else?”
“We dug into Foster’s past and found his record. He went crazy when his girlfriend sent her son to live with her grandparents, and he attacked her. The grandparents moved away from Alaska and disappeared. This month was the anniversary of when that happened.”
“Was the child his?” Josiah glanced toward Ella.
Seeing the compassion in Josiah’s gaze nearly undid her. Josiah was so different from the type of man Keith was, but then, she’d been fooled by her ex-husband, too.
Numb with all that had happened the past couple of days, Ella averted her head. She didn’t want to hear about Foster, and yet she needed to know. The man had come after her son several times and might still try again.
“The girlfriend said no. Foster insisted he was the biological father and should have a say in where the boy lived. I’m joining the manhunt, but wanted you to hear what happened from me.”
Finally Ella focused on the conversation. “It sounds as if he’s gone crazy again.”
“Yes. I’m speculating he saw the boys playing in the woods, and it made him snap. Michael, like Seth, looks similar to Robbie.”
After the horror of my marriage, Lord, I don’t know if I can do this. Ella lowered her head and twisted her hands in her lap.
“Do you need me to help with the hunt?”
The calm strength in Josiah’s question reminded Ella that she wasn’t alone this time. She had people who cared about her.
“We don’t have an area narrowed down. Once Seth was taken into the truck, there was no scent for the dogs to follow. I’ll let David know if we need Northern Frontier’s resources. Right now the police are handling it, but David is on alert.”
“I didn’t receive a call from him. Did he say the training session tomorrow is still on?” Ella looked toward Josiah, his gaze ensnaring her. “Did he call you, Josiah?”
“No, not yet. I would have said something to you.” Josiah’s expression softened.
“He told me he’s canceling it. He wants everyone ready if there’s a need for civilians to search for Seth.” Thomas stood.
“But he should have let me know,” Ella said. “I usually make the calls when something is cancelled.”
Thomas clasped Ella’s shoulder and squeezed gently. “He knew I was on my way to talk with you. He wanted me to remind you that you’re on vacation and he can handle everything for the next week.”
Ella pursed her lips. “There are a lot of people to get in touch with.”
“Bree is helping him. I want you to keep your son here. If Foster is fixating on kids like Robbie, he may still try to come after him. Michael and his mother have gone to Nome to visit some relatives.” Thomas peered at Josiah. “I’ll call with any news.”
“I take it Alex knows about the most recent developments.” Josiah got to his feet and walked to the railing of the deck.
“She wouldn’t let me into the house until I told her.”
“Yup, that’s my sister. She wants to know what’s going on before it happens.”
When Thomas left, Ella stood beside Josiah at the railing. “I think if Buddy hadn’t been with him, Robbie could have been Seth today.”
“I hope someone sees Foster or the truck or something to give the police the break they need, but I am not going to let anything happen to Robbie.”
Alex came out on the deck. “Dinner is ready. I would suggest you keep the TV and radio off. The story about Seth is all over the news. Tonight, while Buddy is staying with Robbie, I’m going to let Sadie loose downstairs to prowl. Ella, the alarm system here is top-notch. No one is going to get to Robbie with us around.”
“Thanks. It’s nice to have friends to turn to for help.” Both Josiah and Alex had reassured her that she and Robbie weren’t alone. She had to keep reminding herself of that. This wasn’t the same as four years ago when she’d fled her husband. When she’d arrived in Alaska, she’d had no friends and a four-year-old to raise by herself.
Ella yelled out, “Robbie, it’s time to come in.”
Her son stopped before throwing the Frisbee and faced her, a dog on each side of him. “Do I hafta come in? We’re having fun.”
“Tuesday won’t come fast enough. He needs a dog of his own,” Ella murmured to Josiah and Alex, then shouted, “Yes. Now. Dinner is ready.”
“It’s still light out.”
She shook her head. “It’ll still be light at eleven o’clock when you’ll be in bed.”
Robbie shrugged his shoulders and plodded toward the steps to the deck with both dogs following closely. When he arrived in front of Ella, his mouth set in a pout, he said, “We were having so much fun.”
“I know, and you’ll be able to
come out here tomorrow with Buddy and Sadie again, if you want.”
“What about the training session? You told me we had to go there early.”
“We’re not going.”
“Why not? You’re in charge. David told me you were indi—indispensable.”
Ella chewed on her lower lip. She shouldn’t have said anything. Robbie didn’t need to know about the little boy abducted today. He didn’t need to worry. She’d do enough for the both of them. Then she remembered her granny telling her that when she began to worry, she should pray. Give it to God. Easier said than done. “I’m on vacation, remember? David wants me to start right away.”
Robbie turned to Josiah. “Are you going?”
“Nope. I’m staying here, too.”
A serious expression descended on Robbie’s face, his forehead crinkling. “It’s because of me and what happened yesterday.”
Josiah nodded. “You’re my priority and Buddy’s.”
“Yeah, he and Sadie are great. I can’t wait to get my own dog.”
“Soon.” Ella started for the French doors. “I don’t know about you two, but I’m starved. I didn’t eat much at lunch.”
Robbie peered up at Josiah and fell into step next to him. “That’s because she ate while working at her desk.”
“I’ve done that a few times and don’t even remember what I ate an hour later. When we sit down for a meal, we should focus on the food and savor it.” Josiah cocked a grin. “Or at least that’s what my sister keeps telling me.”
Robbie giggled. “I don’t want a sister, but I’d love to have a brother.”
Ella’s cheeks flushed with heat. That wasn’t going to happen, but at one time she’d wanted three or four children.
“My big sis isn’t too bad, but I’ve always wanted a brother, too.”
The laughter in Josiah’s voice enticed her to glance toward him. His twinkling blue eyes fixed on her, and he winked.
Her face grew even warmer, and she hurried her pace to walk with Alex toward the dining room. She couldn’t deny Josiah’s good looks and kindness, but then Keith had been handsome and nice in the beginning. How could she ever let down her guard and trust any man?
* * *
Driving toward the Carter Kennels outside Fairbanks on Monday, Josiah took a peek at Robbie in the backseat, looking out the window. Ever since he’d told him he had something special planned for him, Robbie had kept his attention glued to the scenery as though that would tell him where he was going.
“When are we gonna be there? We’ve been driving forever.” Robbie turned forward. “I wonder if Buddy is doing okay.”
“Robbie, you need to be patient.” Ella shot her son a look that said knock it off. “That’s the third time you’ve asked in the past forty minutes.”
Josiah saw the mountain, at the base of which the kennel was located. “We’re almost there.”
“Where?”
“A surprise. After sitting around all morning at Outdoor Alaska, I thought we should do something I think you’ll love.”
“I miss Buddy.”
“He needed a rest.”
“He slept all night in my bed.”
Josiah smiled and sliced a glance at Ella who rolled her eyes. “Yeah, but he was on guard duty.”
“But he was snoring last night.”
“Trust me, Robbie. You’ll enjoy this.”
When the large Carter Kennels sign came into view, Ella twisted toward her son. “This is a kennel for sled dogs. They train them here. One of the owners takes part in the Iditarod Race every year.”
“Did he ever win?” The excitement in Robbie’s voice infused the atmosphere in the truck.
Josiah chuckled. “He is a she, and Carrie has come in fifth and third. She told me next year she’ll definitely win.”
“I’d like to do something like that one day. I followed it this year.”
“Yeah, your mom mentioned that to me when I asked her about coming here.” Josiah pulled into the driveway. “Carrie has tours of the kennels in the summer, but she’ll have time this afternoon to give us a private tour.”
“She will? Yippee!” Robbie shot his arm into the air. “Will I be able to pet the dogs?”
“Carrie will have to let you know that. She’s a trainer and has some great mushers.” Josiah parked in front of a small black building where Carrie ran her business while the dogs stayed in a building off to the right.
As Carrie came outside, Josiah, Ella and Robbie climbed from the truck. Carrie was a fellow dog lover as well as a good customer of Outdoor Alaska. “It’s nice to see you again.” He shook the forty-year-old woman’s hand.
“It’s been a while since the Iditarod. You need to come out here more often. Great place to relax.” Carrie turned her attention to Ella, then Robbie. A smile blossomed on her face as she greeted the boy. “You must be Robbie. I’ve been looking forward to meeting you today. Josiah said something about how much you love dogs and that you’re a big fan of the Iditarod.”
Eyes big, Robbie nodded his head. “Yes, ma’am. I was at the starting line this year rooting everyone on. One day I’d like to be at the finish line in Nome.”
“Maybe you can drive a team one day.”
Robbie grinned from ear to ear. “I hope so. I’m getting a puppy soon.”
“An Alaskan husky?”
“No, a German shepherd from Buddy, Josiah’s dog.”
“Let’s go meet my huskies.” Carrie began walking toward the kennel area.
“I hope to train my dog to do search and rescue.” Robbie’s voice drifted back to Josiah, who was trailing them with Ella next to him.
His chest swelled listening to the boy’s words. He could remember when he was Robbie’s age and thought anything was possible. He was going to conquer the world and save everyone. Then real life had intruded, and he grasped that he didn’t need to do it on a grand scale but one person at a time. That realization had helped him deal with the past.
“I think I’m going to stand back and let my son enjoy the special time with Carrie. This is a dream come true for him.”
“Good. Hopefully, after the past few days, this will take his mind off someone being after him.”
Ella shook her head. “All because he reminds Foster of his ex-girlfriend’s little boy. What is this world coming to?”
“Someone once told me that when I wake up in the morning, I should tell myself, ‘This is the first day of the rest of my life.’” It was a piece of advice from the chaplain who’d visited him while he was recovering from his captivity.
“Has it helped?”
“When I remember to do it. Changing a mindset isn’t always easy.”
She looked off toward Robbie. “I know what you mean. I had someone suggest to me to start listing every day what I’m thankful for. To focus on what I have, not what I don’t have.”
“Has it helped?”
“When I remember to do it,” she said with a laugh.
Robbie came running back to Ella. “Mom, I get to feed the dogs, then Carrie is going to show me how to hook up a sled. She is gonna let me go out on a sled run.”
“How?”
“She says in the summer and fall she does A...” He scrunched his forehead and thought for a few seconds. “ATV training with her dogs when there isn’t enough snow for a sled.” Robbie rushed back to Carrie.
Ella released a long breath. “I have a feeling my son quoted her word for word.”
“It’s good to see him smiling so much.”
Ella shifted toward Josiah. “All because of you. I can’t tell you how much I appreciate your help. It hasn’t been easy for me to accept help, but when your son’s life is in jeopardy, you do what you have to do to keep him safe.”
“You’
re a terrific mother.”
She blushed.
“And Robbie knows it.”
“There were moments this weekend when he wanted to do something I had to nix that I wasn’t so sure.”
“He shook off his disappointment and each time came up with something else to do.” Josiah watched Robbie finish feeding the dogs, then walk toward a shed where he knew Carrie kept the dog sledding equipment. “I guess we’d better join them.”
The faint red patches on her cheeks began to fade as she walked beside Josiah. “Thank you for showing Robbie some of Buddy’s training. That took his mind off the fact that the activities at Northern Frontier were canceled on Saturday. When I told him last Friday he was going to attend with me, he was so excited. He didn’t understand why it was called off, and I couldn’t lie so I didn’t tell him much of anything.”
“It’s hard trying to keep him protected from what’s going on—Robbie’s smart. I think he knows something is up.”
“Yes, I’m afraid you’re right. I want my dull life back.”
As he strolled across the compound, he took her hand and peered down at her. “Dull is good.” He’d learned excitement wasn’t all it was cracked up to be. He’d joined an elite team in the Marines because he’d wanted more action. Once, when he’d been injured and had desk duty for a month, he’d become so restless he’d tried to get the doctor to clear him for active duty early.
When he and Ella were a couple of yards away, Robbie held up a harness. “I get to put this on a dog, then help set up the tug line and gang line.”
“Great,” she said to her son, then leaned closer to Josiah. “I know what he’s going to be doing the rest of the summer. Reading everything he can find on sled dogs.”
“Don’t be surprised if he becomes the youngest competitor in the race.”
For a few seconds Ella blinked as though surprised. All traces of enthusiasm left her expression as she swallowed hard.
“Is something wrong?”
She angled away from him. “No, nothing’s wrong, so long as my son is safe.”
To Save Her Child Page 7