Finding Her Son(45)

The man winked, and she felt the heat creep up her cheeks. Despite all his magazine covers as a tech whiz, she wouldn’t have recognized him, though his eyes were definitely familiar. Noah Bradford had Mitch’s eyes.

He crossed the room and held out his hand. “You really would’ve shot me?”

“No question.”

“I like that in a woman.”

Though his lips tilted up at the corner, the smile didn’t reach his eyes. The dark pupils held shadows and a dangerous glint that Emily had only seen a few times in Mitch. Noah, however, had that expression even when he tried to grin. Mitch’s family just grew more and more fascinating.

“But you hesitated too long,” he said. “If I’d wanted to, I could’ve eliminated the threat.”

“Why didn’t you?”

“I like petite spitfires with gorgeous long, silky hair,” he purred, sidling up to her.

“Watch yourself, bro,” Mitch growled. “You have hundreds of women flocking to your bed. Bizarre, considering you make your living behind a computer monitor. Leave mine alone.”

Noah threw up his hands and backed away. “Just seeing where you stand, little brother.”

Emily shivered at the possessive statement. Normally she would’ve been irritated by such macho posturing, but she appreciated the brothers’ dynamic. They were family. She missed that. So much.

“Thanks for coming so fast.”

Mitch hugged his brother in one of those bear hugs that made Emily smile. There was caring there, and love and trust. Family.

“Seems like old times,” Noah said. “Bailing you out of another mess, except you usually don’t get my car shot up.”

“Dad ratted me out, didn’t he?”

“Actually, the cops called since it’s my SUV.”

“I’ll pay to have it fixed,” Mitch said. “Speaking of Dad, we’re going to have a few words after this is all over about the high-tech investigation he’s into these days.”

“I was going to tell you—”

“You’ll tell Chase and Sierra, too. Dad might be moving too fast. You ever think of that?”

The Bradford brothers clearly didn’t mind a little conflict. So different from her family, and so very different from the Wentworths. William and Eric both avoided confrontation to the point where they turned inward. Strange how she noticed the flaw so much more now that Mitch had entered her life.

“Did the rest of you consider how you’ve discounted his abilities since he lost the use of his legs?” Noah challenged.

“He needs to take care of himself first.”

“So, I guess that means your investigation should just be desk duty, bro. Let me fund someone who can take over. I know about your leg. It’s seventy-five percent, and that’s being generous.”

Mitch didn’t attack his brother. He simply stilled. “Touché, Noah.”

Emily stepped between the brothers. She stood toe-to-toe with Noah and stared up at him. She couldn’t care less that his six-foot-four-inch frame dwarfed her. “Are you a doctor? Because unless I see an M.D. after your name, you have no business judging his capability. I, on the other hand, as a physical therapist, know exactly the extent of his recovery. In any case, I’ve gotten closer to finding my son in a couple of days than the entire last year. And it’s because of Mitch, so lay off.”

Noah took a step back and raised his hands. “I surrender.” He shot Mitch an amused glance, which made Emily’s hackles rise even further. “Passionate little thing, isn’t she?”

Mitch smiled. “You have no idea.”

“I’m standing right here,” Emily said. “Why don’t you make yourself useful? Help us instead of attacking the man who’s gotten me closer to locating my son than the entire Denver PD and FBI?”

A blush colored Noah’s cheeks above his beard. “Sorry,” he muttered. “Noah’s taxi service at the ready. When do you want to leave, ma’am?”

Mitch snagged a notebook from the table. “Last night Dad narrowed the list to a few Florida families who took custody of baby boys the month following Joshua’s disappearance. We’ll start there.”

“We’re going to Florida? Now?” Emily said, her jaw dropping.

“As soon as you’re ready. Noah’s flying.”

Noah picked up his duffel. “You calling the cops?”

“No!” Emily and Mitch yelled at the same time.

“Okay.” His gaze narrowed. “Is that why you’ve got Dad running these crazy searches and keeping such a low profile?”

“There’s an informant—maybe more than one—at the police department. I’m not taking chances. If they learn where we’re going—”

“I could lose my only chance to find my son,” Emily finished. “We can’t trust them.”

Noah’s gaze had gone solemn. “Got it. We leave low-key.” He rubbed his beard. “I was—out of pocket—but I think I’ll keep this for now. Less chance of me being recognized. Give me fifteen minutes to shower and change. Can you be ready?”

“I’ve been prepared for this moment for a year,” Emily said.

Noah disappeared down a hallway toward the master bedroom. Emily turned to Mitch. “When did you call him? You didn’t tell me about it. Another secret, Mitch?”