Page 7 of Forgotten Girls

Beth nodded. “That’s the plan, but you can’t go out in the cold like that. I’ll find your clothes. Wait there while I look in the closet.” She backed out of the room into the small storage area and opened the closet. Inside she found a coat, jeans, and a sweater. On the floor sat a pair of boots. She collected the things and took them inside, leaving the door wide open. “Can you put these on? It’s cold outside.”

“Okay.” Ava pulled on the sweater. “The man said the bad people are out there and they want to kill me.”

Shaking her head, Beth handed her the pair of jeans. “Not any longer. My partner and I got rid of them. It’s time for you to leave here now and come and meet some other kids. We have a safe place for you while we wait for your mom to come get you.”

“Okay.” Ava pushed her feet into boots and looked at her. “Can we go now?”

Glad she was cooperating, Beth nodded. “Yeah, we have a police cruiser outside. Is there anything here you need to bring with you? A toy perhaps?”

“I don’t play with toys.” Ava pulled on her coat. “I’m almost eleven and all grown up.”

Trying to control the anger welling up inside, Beth took the girl’s arm. “Okay, let’s go.”

When Beth got to the SUV, Styles was missing but Bear was still in his harness. She opened the door and waved Ava inside. “I won’t be long.”

As there were no door handles inside the back of the sheriff’s SUV, Ava wouldn’t be going anywhere. Beth scanned the area and, not seeing Styles, headed up the front stoop. The door was open and she could hear voices coming from inside. Hurrying into the kitchen, she stopped at the sight of Styles holding a little boy. Her gaze moved over to Ginny, wild-eyed and brandishing a carving knife. “Put the knife down, Ginny. Violence will only get you a jail cell for the night and I’m sure you don’t want that.”

“He wants to take my son away from me.” Ginny poked at Styles with the knife.

“I don’t. I want to take both of you to somewhere safe.” Styles stepped back, keeping the boy well out of Ginny’s reach. “Look at you, Ginny, trying to hurt your son and your brother. Tell me that’s an okay thing to do.”

As Styles kept her talking, Beth moved slowly, step by step, behind Ginny, and then pounced. She closed one hand around Ginny’s wrist and, pushing her off balance, slammed her onto the kitchen table. The knife spun from her hand and clattered onto the floor. The woman was stronger than Beth imagined, and it took effort to drag her hands behind her and cuff her. The scream from Billy almost burst her eardrums and she lifted her head to see the little boy’s terrified expression. She gave Ginny a little shake. “Stop cursing. You’re frightening Billy. Come along quietly.” She held the woman’s arm. “I’ll pack a bag for you. Is there anything special you need for Billy?”

“Yeah, he has an elephant on his bed. He can’t sleep without it.” Ginny slumped against Beth. “I haven’t done anything wrong.” She burst into tears again and her son wailed.

“Once you’ve stopped being violent, we’ll remove the cuffs.” Styles bounced the boy on his hip. “Do you figure I enjoy seeing you so upset? I want what’s best for you and that’s getting you as far away from Ethan as possible. He’s the bad man you need to be afraid of, Ginny. It’s always been him.”

“I don’t believe you.” Ginny sucked in a deep breath. “I’m not violent. I was just protecting my son. You say you’re Dax, but what proof do I have?”

“Look, do you believe the FBI?” Styles pulled out his cred pack and showed it to her.

“Okay.” Ginny indicated to her son. “What about Billy?”

“No one is going to take him away from you, Ginny. I won’t allow it.” Styles removed the cuffs. “You can’t go attacking people with knives. If you do, I can’t help you. Do you understand? All I want to do is make sure you and Billy are safe.”

“By taking me away from my home and the man I love?” Ginny stared at him.

“It’s only until we can speak to Ethan. If he’s not involved in child trafficking, you’re welcome to him.” Styles shook his head. “Right now, if you care about Billy, then you need to listen to me and do as I say.” He squeezed her arm. “Please, Ginny. Don’t make this any harder than it is.”

Seeing Styles’ deep concern, Beth tugged at her arm. “Come along. I’ll put you in the truck.”

“I’ll never forgive you for this, Dax, not ever.” Ginny turned and glared at him. “Mom will take my side. You’re dead to me, just like before.”

SIX

Styles’ experience with kids was zip. He liked kids just fine but had no idea what to do with the crying child. He took him into the kitchen and sat him on a chair. “Hello, Billy. I’m your uncle, your mom’s brother. My name is Dax. What’s your favorite food? Can I get you something?”

“Cookies.” Billy hiccupped and wiped his eyes on the back of his hand. “Why is Mommy angry?”

Pulling out a few wipes from a packet on the counter, Styles gently wiped his nephew’s tear-streaked face. “You don’t have to worry. She’s not angry with you. It’s my fault. When I was a little boy, I ran away from her in the forest and got lost. She couldn’t find me. It was a long time ago.”

Styles looked around the kitchen and found a jar of cookies, homecooked by the look of them.” He held up the cookie jar. “These cookies?” He opened the jar and placed it in front of the boy.

“And milk.” Billy took two handfuls of cookies and stuffed one in his mouth.

Breathing out a sigh of relief at seeing a small cup with the name billy on one side, Styles opened the refrigerator and poured a glass of milk. Whatever he was doing, it was working. His nephew was settling down and let out a sob only occasionally. Maybe kids took a while to run out of steam, like an old engine. “Nothing is happening to Mommy. We’re taking you to a nice place for a few days, so you can play with other kids.” He looked at the child, so much like his mother, and smiled. “I’m very happy to meet you at last, Billy.”

The boy sipped milk and ate cookies but didn’t make any further conversation. Styles heaved a sigh of relief when Beth came back into the kitchen. “Ah, what now?”

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