Page 112 of Silver Linings

His eyes snapped to Hawk’s, unable to process what he’d just said.

When his friend simply nodded, he took off.

“What are you doing here?” Gunner yelled as he walked into the room where Paul and Corrine were standing.

“I’m sorry, Gunner. When they said who they were, I figured it was best to let them back so Hank could handle things.” Mae looked visibly upset, rocking Sage back and forth, but Gunner nodded to let her know she had done the right thing.

“We heard our granddaughter was abandoned by her mother at work today. We have a judge looking over our petition to take her into our custody now that Lily has shown her true colors.”

“I’m sorry. Tell me who you are again?” Hank’s booming voice filled the room.

“We’re that baby’s biological grandparents,” Corrine answered.

“Her true paternal grandparents,” Paul added.

“Well, I’m very sorry to break it to you, but one of Sage’s legal guardians is here, present, and perfectly capable of taking care of her. And that’s exactly what Gunner is going to do.” Hank nodded to Gunner. “And as for Mrs. Brooks, we don’t believe she abandoned her baby, but that she was forced to leave Sage against her will. Her disappearance is being treated as suspicious. Maybe you both could follow me to answer some questions, starting with how you knew about Lily’s disappearance so quickly.”

“It’s not illegal to listen to police scanners,” Corrine huffed before Paul put his arm on his wife and shook his head.

“We certainly would be more than happy to speak with you, Sheriff, once our lawyer is present.”

Gunner rolled his eyes and tried to stifle the growl barreling through him. Of course, James’s parents would show up. He should have been expecting it.

“Mae,” Gunner moved past the weight lifting equipment and into the kitchen area.

“I didn’t know if anyone tried to call Lily or Sloane, so I’ve been trying. But I can’t get through.” Tears filled her eyes.

“We’re going to find them. But I need you to take Sage up to our apartment and stay there with her until I bring Lily back, okay?”

“Of course.” Mae moved Sage from her arms and placed the baby over her shoulder, gently patting her back as she bounced up and down.

“I love you, sweet girl. You be good for your Aunt Mae.” Gunner kissed the top of Sage’s head. “There should be milk Lily pumped yesterday in the fridge and she has Sprout’s schedule posted there, too.”

“I’ve got it all under control. Just bring them back.” She wiped a tear from the corner of her eye as she turned to go.

“I’m going to see what Tracker found.” Gunner turned towards Hawk. “I need you to stay here with Mae.”

“No fucking way, Reap. I’m going out with the team. I’m not staying back.”

“There is literally nothing more fucking important than making sure nothing happens to Sage while we get Lily back. You know those assholes in there with Hank are trying to take her any way they can. I can’t focus on getting to Lily safely if I know Sage is in danger. I trust you to keep her safe. I trust you.”

Hawk sighed. “Tell Gage I want in on the team comms.”

“Yeah, man. Of course.”

“Good. I guess I’ll be upstairs with Mae.”

“Thank you.” Gunner reached out and pulled Hawk into a hug. It wasn’t something he’d ever normally think of doing, but his friend was putting aside his own needs to help him. Gunner knew Hawk would die protecting Sage if that was required, and he needed him to know how much that meant to him.

“Fuck, man. Don’t make me cry. Go get your wife and Sloane back.” Hawk stepped back, and both men shared a nod before he turned to follow Mae and Sage.

“Tracker, what do you have?” Gunner walked into his office without knocking.

“I wasn’t able to find anything tracing their phones.”

“What the fuck does that mean? We’ve got nothing to go on?”

“No. Listen. Before you and Lily came to town, Sloane asked me for some help. She wouldn’t give me any details and swore up and down that she wasn’t in any trouble, but she asked me if there was any way I could put a tracking device in a necklace that she owned. I told her yes. I mean, that’s one of the easiest things to do. I activated it and gave it back to her the next day. She’s been wearing it ever since.”

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