Finding Her Son(47)

Emily gripped the age-enhanced photo in her fingers. “He could be Joshua,” she said. “His hair is the color of Eric’s.”

“And yours,” Mitch said, letting the silky strands slip through his fingertips.

A woman exited the passenger side, and the small child reached for her. She laughed and took the boy, cuddling him to her.

“They look happy,” Emily said, her voice solemn. “They look like a family.”

“Yes, they do.”

She gripped Mitch’s hand. “What do I say?”

He stared into her eyes. “You tell them the truth.”

“It’s been so long. Joshua won’t know me. What if he cries? I don’t know if I can handle his tears.”

“He might not know you at first.” Emily’s eyes glistened with tears, and Mitch kissed her. “But he’ll recognize your love, Emily.” Mitch held out his hand, and Emily placed her small one in his. “You can do this.”

The walk across the street seemed like miles. Step after step. Emily hesitated. He didn’t blame her. If the Greenleys didn’t have Joshua, they were back to hoping Marie called again. The woman was another ghost.

They walked up the driveway toward the couple, who stopped, their faces curious.

Jim Greenley stepped forward, his stance curious but protective. “May I help you?”

Mitch pulled out his badge. “Mitch Bradford, Denver Police Department. Could we ask you a couple of questions, Mr. Greenley?”

Emily didn’t move. She simply stared at the small boy toying with his mother’s blond hair.

All Mitch could make out was the color of the boy’s hair. He seemed healthy. He let out a joyful giggle as his mother tickled him. “Your son seems happy,” Mitch said quietly.

The man preened with pride. “A chip off the old block. Now, Officer. What can I do for you.”

At the sound of his father’s voice, the boy turned and reached out his arms. “Da!”

His upper lip had a scar. A very identifiable scar. This child had had a cleft lip repaired.

He couldn’t be Joshua.





Chapter Eleven


Emily sagged against Mitch as she stared at the baby’s mouth.

“Do you have a problem?” Jim Greenley snapped. He folded his arms across his chest.

The man’s combative stance made Emily realize she was staring at the boy. She forced herself to face the increasingly hostile parents. “I’m sorry. Your son is about the same age as mine.”

Judy Greenley relaxed, then smiled. “Oh, is he with you?”

The words sliced through Emily as the truth took hold. She bit her lip to stop it from trembling. She couldn’t get the words out.

Mitch stepped forward, tucking her closer. She needed him. So much.

“Emily’s son was stolen when he was a month old. We have reason to believe that he was adopted here in Florida.”

“You can’t think…” Judy’s hold on her son tightened.

Emily recognized the fear on her face.

“No, ma’am. Emily’s son didn’t have a cleft lip.

Judy let out a deep sigh.

Emily wanted nothing more than to get out of there. She stepped backward, but Mitch held her fast next to him.

“Your son is adopted, isn’t he?”

Jim Greenley’s expression grew suspicious.

“Please,” Emily said. “We’re just trying to find my son, and we’re not familiar with this area. It would save so much time.”

The man’s face softened. “He’s ours. Everything aboveboard. We went through a well-known agency.”

“I understand,” Mitch said. “Would you mind giving us the name?”

“Sommerfield Adoption Agency. They’re based here in Orlando.” Jim Greenley pulled his wife into his protective embrace. “They have a good reputation,” he reiterated, as if he were trying to convince himself.

“I’m sure they do,” Mitch said. “Thank you for your help.”

Sommerfield? That wasn’t the name on Perry’s notes. Was this all a wild-goose chase? Renewed fear shook her, but Mitch propped her up, standing strong next to her.

“I hope you find your son,” Judy Greenley said softly, cradling her boy.

“Thank you. Enjoy your boy. He’s a gift.”

Emily’s eyes burned with unshed tears. Their last lead was gone.

Mitch turned her away and whispered in her ear, “All we have to do is make it to the car.”

She nodded and stumbled beside him to the street. She couldn’t think, couldn’t feel. Her entire body had gone numb with disbelief. No matter what she’d said as each disappointment had occurred over the last several hours, she’d never believed they’d fail.

She stared up at him, his face blurry through her tears. “I don’t know where my son is. I don’t even know where to look.”

“Let’s get you in the car,” he said.

A black-and-white tore down the street at them. Mitch shoved her toward the SUV. “I shouldn’t have used my credit card at the rental company. Get inside.”

The police car skidded to a stop right next to him as the stunned Greenleys looked on. Jim pushed his family inside their house just as a young cop slammed his door, his hand on his weapon. “Officer Bradford?”