Finding Her Son(20)

The stench of burning rubber and plastic filled the air. The odor made her stomach roil, though not as much as the thought of what someone was willing to do to get her out of the way. All she wanted was to find Joshua. Why couldn’t they let her have her son back?

Thank goodness Mitch had seen the blanket. Two attempts on her life in front of a cop had made Tanner take her more seriously. She couldn’t let up, though. If she didn’t push, no one would.

Emily shifted her gaze from the search to Mitch, who was focusing intently on his conversation with one of the bomb-squad techs. His ability to ignore the pain he had to be feeling left her in awe. If only he’d lean against the vehicle and ease the weight, but his dogged determination wouldn’t let him show any vulnerability. She’d learned that about him in the short time she’d known him.

Her hand slipped into her pocket and pulled out her phone. It had gone dark. The battery must have died. She needed to try Perry again. They were ninety minutes late. Maybe the PI had attempted to call. She got out of the car and walked over to Mitch. “Can I borrow your cell to call Perry?”

His expression more grave than she’d ever seen, Mitch handed her the phone. He clasped her arm and walked her a few feet away from the tech, bending his lips to her ear. The warm breath bathed her neck, and she shivered at his closeness. “Don’t tell him where you are. Just set up another meet. We can’t be too careful.”

Mitch backed away, his expression stonelike and chilled as he continued the conversation with the other officer.

She hated not being able to trust anyone. She stepped a few feet away. Her call went straight to Perry’s message. Where was he?

The phone vibrated in her hand and started playing an unrecognizable tune.

“Turn that thing down, bud. You want to make everyone sick with that stupid fight song?”

Emily’s gaze flew toward the voice. A striking-looking man walked toward Mitch, grinning and holding a cell in his hand.

“You never did have good taste, Ian.”

Ian tapped his phone and Mitch’s stopped ringing. His tension eased, and he smiled in a way she’d never seen. He looked at this man with complete trust and confidence. As the strong friendship between the two men became clear, Emily had never felt more alone. Mitch had connections. She’d witnessed the trust when he’d spoken to a few of the cops. Without hearing a word, the camaraderie between them spoke volumes. How could Mitch ever be totally on her side? He’d saved her life, yes. But he was loyal to them. She should remember that.

“Did you find me a ride?” Mitch said.

Ian grinned with a mischievous glint deep in his eyes.

“Your brother Noah’s SUV. He won’t miss it.”

“True. After that last big software deal, he went nuts and bought the Hummer. He’s got five cars now.”

Mitch tried to pluck the keys from his friend’s hand, but Ian closed his fist. His face turned serious. “It’s not every day my best friend’s car gets blown to smithereens. What’s up, bud?”

Emily’s body tensed. How would Mitch respond? Had he believed her?

He looked around at the few cops who still stood near them. “Not now.”

The vise around Emily’s heart eased a bit. He might. He just might be on her side.

“Then I’m not leaving,” Ian said, the keys still in his grip.

Emily recognized the tick in Mitch’s jaw. She’d seen it when Ghost had cut the girl, and when he’d studied the pictures of the children on her wall. Friends were too precious. She couldn’t be the cause of problems between them.

“It’s my fault,” Emily said quietly, stepping into their circle. She held out her hand. “Emily Wentworth.”

At the mention of her name, Ian paused, the openness in his face evaporating. He reached out his hand to hers. “I’ve followed your case. Ian Archer. I’m the investigator for the coroner’s office.”

He’d probably studied the accident. She nodded, trying to gauge his judgment. Was she a black widow to him?

“No matter what you’ve heard, I didn’t kill my husband,” she said, deciding to meet his doubts head-on. “I just want to find my son. It’s starting to look like someone doesn’t want me to.”

Ian studied her expression, and, as if he had made some decision, his face softened a bit. “I understand. I hope you find him.”

She clutched at the small opening. “Did you look into the accident? Was there anything that stood out to you?”

Ian stiffened and slid a sidelong glance to Mitch.

“Emily’s private investigator, Perry Young, indicated he had information that there might be some…irregularities in the police work. We were on our way to meet him when—”

“I see. Can I tag along?” Ian asked. “I’d be very interested in his theories.”

She could use his expertise. “Sure.”

“No,” Mitch bit out at the same time.

She whirled on him. “Why? If he can help—”

“Ian has a daughter to take care of.”

Mitch’s face was uncompromising. The friends’ gazes held, obviously communicating in a way she didn’t understand. Ian finally nodded. “Fine. See you at your dad’s for the tree trimming,” he said. He turned to Emily. “It’s nice to meet you. Good luck.”