Finding Her Son(16)

He leaned in and let his hand roam down her cheek to the edge of her turtleneck. Her pulse jumped beneath his fingertips. He stroked her palm with soft, tender caresses. She shivered, and her body moved in closer. The heat emanating from her made Mitch long to feel her softness pressed against his chest.

His fingertips drifted up her arms. Very gently he brought her to him. With a soft groan he lowered his head slightly. Her lips parted, her eyes drifted closed.

She sucked in a quick breath. “No. I can’t.”

He clasped her hands in his and studied their entwined fingers. If only he’d met Emily at another time, another place. When he could let himself get lost in her arms. She might’ve been the woman he could’ve trusted to fall asleep with and never worry about betrayal. “I understand.” With regret—and relief—he eased away. “I’m sorry.”

“Don’t apologize. Everything’s just confusing right now.”

Mitch stood and turned away, willing his body to calm down. “Let’s get back to work.” He lifted the lid off the cardboard box of evidence. The photo on top was of a smiling blond-haired man and a radiant Emily on their wedding day. No sadness in her eyes, only joy.

He wanted Emily, but he shouldn’t get involved. He couldn’t let himself care too much. Not when everything he said was a lie. When she found out why he was really here, helping her, but spying on her at the same time, she’d never forgive him. God knew he’d never forgive himself.

“Let’s go through the evidence box and compare it to your data,” Mitch said to distract his traitorous body. He placed the box on the table. “Maybe something in these interviews will jog your memory.”

Emily peered inside, and her hand paused over the wedding photo. “We were happy. Everything was perfect.”

Or was it? Those last few weeks, Eric had pulled away. He’d said it was work and soon everything would be fine. He’d kept his secrets, and then she’d lost him.

His laughing eyes captured her. What would he think of her now? A year after his death, letting herself get taken in by the first cop who’d shown her any sympathy. She’d almost let Mitch kiss her, but he wasn’t being her friend. Not really. How long would he help? Until Tanner pulled him into a more important case?

Her cell rang, and she answered.

“I need to see you,” Perry said. The PI’s voice was quiet. “I have a lead on your son. It’s big, Mrs. Wentworth. Really big.”

“The police department—”

“No. No cops. Can’t trust anyone. Especially not the law. I don’t know who’s looking the other way there, but someone is.”

“You’re saying someone at the police department is involved?”

Mitch’s head snapped up. She backed away, and he nearly dove for her. He pried the phone from her and, before she could protest, pressed the speakerphone button.

Emily shook her head vehemently and tried to grab the device.

“Do you trust me?” Mitch mouthed.

Did she trust him? His intense gaze made her insides quiver. His every action made her believe he wanted justice. The way things were going right now, she had to take a chance. She nodded, and he handed her the phone.

“You there, Mrs. Wentworth?”

“Sorry, Perry. Um…where do you want to meet?”

“I’m on my way back to Denver. Be at the main library when it opens in the morning.”

Mitch scribbled a note on a piece of paper and passed it to her.

Must have proof.

“I’ll be there, but I need something concrete, Perry.”

“You’ll have more than that, ma’am. I’m gonna find your kid.”

With a shaking hand, Emily ended the call. “You’ve got a lot of nerve.”

“My rules when it comes to the investigation.”

“Perry’s not the kidnapper. I don’t like deceiving him.”

“You need more than Perry. No offense, Emily, but he’s not exactly top drawer. Word on the street is he has a drinking problem.”

“Well, if I don’t sell this house soon, I won’t even have him. You’re going to be my only resource.” The stark truth made the long journey seem bleak, with only bright memories of Joshua lighting the way.

“Then let’s get back to the evidence,” Mitch muttered.

Darkness had long since cloaked the house when they came up for air. Emily’s vision had gone bleary despite the pots of coffee and snacks they’d consumed. She glanced at her watch and blinked. “It’s getting late.”

“I’m not going anywhere,” Mitch said, his voice flat and no-nonsense. “Not with Ghost at large.”

“You’re not thinking of staying here tonight.” Or maybe he was. She studied the man who’d spread out at her dining-room table, surrounded by snacks, pens, stickies and a notepad.

“Nonnegotiable,” he said, pulling out another file. “I’ve got coffee, work, a laptop, the internet, my gun and a beautiful damsel in distress. What more could a guy ask for?”

Stunned, Emily sat back in her chair, studying the determined face of the man who’d suddenly turned into her champion. “Why are you doing this?”

Mitch walked over to the empty cradle and lifted the teddy bear with a gentle hand. “You’ve been doing this on your own long enough,” he said. He centered the bear on the table. “And I don’t like unanswered questions. Besides, sleep is overrated.”