Finding Her Son(21)

Ian tossed the set of keys to Mitch before walking away.

“Why did you do that?” she asked. “He might know something or have suspicions about who could be involved.”

“He and my goddaughter have been through enough. Too many cops saw him here as it is, and if one of them is our mole, I don’t want him associated with a case involving missing children. Understand?”

The fierce protectiveness in his words made her tremble with regret. What had she been thinking? She had no right to bring anyone else into her nightmare. “You’re right. I’m sorry. There’s no need to put anyone else in danger.” She faced Mitch. “Detective Tanner is up that hill. Why not just give the assignment back? I don’t really need you. I have Perry. I’ll get by.”

“I didn’t mean it like that. I’ll connect with Ian later. I just don’t want to be obvious or make Haley a target.”

Back stiff, she ignored his words and started toward the crowd of cops. Mitch yanked her arm. “I’m not letting you go,” he said, tugging her against him. “You do need me. I saw the blanket. I believe you. Do you think these other men will?”

“Perry does. Keep your friends and family close, Mitch. I know what it’s like to lose them.”

“I’ll look out for mine. That doesn’t mean I’m going to abandon you. I’m in too deep.” He gave her a small smile. “Now let’s talk to Perry. He may suspect who wants you dead.”

After a quick consultation with Tanner, Mitch led her to his brother’s pristine SUV. The recently detailed smell assaulted Emily’s memories. Her last fight with Eric had been about the compact. He’d wanted to get her something new. She hadn’t wanted to risk it. He’d been furious with her, but she’d known they couldn’t afford it. They’d struggled to meet the mortgage when he’d left his father’s company. She didn’t care, but Eric hadn’t been used to budgeting or doing without. She ran her hand over the supple leather seats, and her eyes burned. This vehicle was just her husband’s style. Top of the line. All the bells and whistles.

As Mitch steered the car down the mountain, she clutched at the armrests until her fingers hurt. Her breath hitched, and a small sound escaped. She rubbed her eyes. No. She didn’t need to think about the past. She had to have faith that with Mitch and Perry she’d put what was left of her family back together.

“You okay?”

Emily cleared her throat. “I’m fine. Perry’s office is just around the corner. I don’t blame him for not waiting for us, but I wish he’d pick up.”

Mitch pulled onto a rundown street. Iron bars decorated most windows. A few unsavory characters loitered on the corners. “He’s not exactly in the garden district, is he?”

“He stayed on the case. I’m grateful.

“Just tell me you didn’t come here alone.”

“Sometimes.”

“Emily, you’ve got to start being more cautious.”

“I’ll do what I have to do to find my son, Mitch.”

One glance at her companion’s strong jawline and determined expression reminded her things had changed. Mitch believed in her. She’d given him the out, and he hadn’t taken it. He could have. Maybe, just maybe, she’d found an ally who would stick with her. And not because he received a check.

He parallel-parked and stopped the engine before twisting to face her. “I take the lead here.”

“He trusts me.”

“Precisely why I do the talking this time. I’ll put some pressure on him, but I want to know if he’s blowing smoke or not.” Mitch’s eyes grew cold, and his expression dangerous. “If we’re really dealing with a breach in the department, I want to know now.”

As charming as Mitch could be—and Emily had to admit, she liked him—he had that deadly look that she’d hate to be on the wrong side of.

They climbed up the stairs, and Emily kept a close eye on his gait. She could see a bit of strain, but he powered through the stiffness, not giving away anything. One more thing to appreciate about him—he had grit.

Mitch turned a corner. Perry’s office door was cracked open. And quiet. Mitch paused. His entire body tensed; his stance screamed alert. He leaned forward. “You ever seen the door ajar?” His voice was so quiet she could barely hear him.

He pointed to the other doors down the hall. All of them were closed. She strained to remember.

“No,” she whispered. “I’ve always knocked.”

“Stay behind me.”

He moved in front of her and pulled a gun from beneath his jacket. With caution, he eased toward the office. His back against the wall, he slowly pushed at the wood.

He stepped through the entrance and stilled.

Emily peeked around him.

Perry Young faced them, on his knees, his face bruised, his nose bleeding, his hands behind his head.

A masked figure stood behind the PI, a gun at his head.

Perry lifted resigned eyes and met Emily’s gaze.

“Eighty-five!” he yelled.

The gun went off.





Chapter Five


Perry Young’s face exploded. Blown off too fast for Mitch to pull the trigger at the killer. He shoved Emily into the hall and aimed his Glock. “Denver police. Put the gun down. Now.”