Page 16 of Evening Shadows

“Police?”

She knew that meant police contacted and involved. Although she wished they had been, she also knew HIS would be limited if they were since it wasn’t their neck of the woods. Then she thought about Fort Bragg and Jesse and Ken’s past Ranger experience. Her heart leapt. If needed, help would be available.

“Note stating not to contact them.”

Devon didn’t miss a beat. “Witnesses?”

“Unsure. I couldn’t get anything else from her. She did fine answering questions for a while, but then…. She’s just so overwrought.” Hell, she realized she’d gone into a narrative instead of keeping to the short response. Although this wasn’t her first kidnapping rescue with HIS, it was the first time she’d been the resource and had a personal investment in the case.

The clicking sounds from Devon’s hands flying over his keyboard were her response. She’d always wondered how he found the information he did—some of the legality of it made her wonder—but when it came to rescuing children, she never questioned his ability. He’d always said the information was out there, you just needed to know where to look. Then, he’d give that adorable grin and wink adding, “And not get caught.”

“For hire or pro bono?”

She knew it meant how deep they could pull from their pockets, although she had an inkling that, depending on the situation, if a client’s budget was exhausted, they dug into HIS funds for rescues. Since she’d never been in this situation—where she knew the client—she hadn’t considered a thing like a bill for services rendered. “I don’t know if she can pay or—”

Jesse interrupted her. “Pro bono.”

Relief whooshed through her. The last thing Bev needed was to deal with a ransom demand and a bill for their expensive services from the men she despised, no matter if they rescued her son.

Ken jumped in. “Beverly Shodun. Her husband, Adam, was killed on an op Jesse and I led.”

A knife to the gut ripped up her insides as she thought of that op. What she’d experienced with Ken and Jesse’s leadership and actions warred with what she’d recently learned about their leadership and actions on Lance’s final op. But people changed.

“Christ,” Devon breathed. “I remember now. Okay, Sam, I need you to tell me everything you can about Beverly and her friends. Is she seeing anyone?”

The time for brevity of information was over. He had the basics to start his computer magic, so now the investigation part began. “I don’t think so.” The questioning lilt of her voice must’ve alerted everyone to her newfound uncertainty. She hadn’t asked Bev this question, yet she’d expected if Bev had been dating, she’d tell Sam about it. Besides, Bev was too dedicated to Adam’s memory.

“We’ll find out,” Ken stated from the driver’s seat.

“As for friends, she had acquaintances, but I think I’m the only one she calls a close friend. Bev suffers from—”she hesitated“—depression.” She gulped, hating to expose her friend’s personal problems, but knew anything could be relevant. “Among other things. I’ve been trying to get her into counseling. She hasn’t gotten over her husband’s death.” She didn’t glance at Jesse or Ken, but somehow knew they’d been thinking about that fatal op and the fact Sam’s husband had also been killed. Absorbing the new information, and how Bev wanted her to help enact vengeance, tore at her.

She mentally shook herself back to the person who kept those types of emotions deep inside. Strength and focus were needed, especially since Bev would go into a fit when she arrived with the men.

Delving into more detail about what she knew about Bev, she thought back to her friend’s habits, routines, and more. The longer she spoke, the more she realized Bev needed her help whether she wished it or not. And not just in rescuing Cody.

She wouldn’t just suggest after this. She’d make it happen, even if she had to drag Bev to a doctor and counseling herself.

Ken asked the million-dollar question. “Why do you think someone kidnapped her kid if she’s not rich or socially prominent?”

That had been gnawing at Sam’s belly. Bev hadn’t told her of anything she’d gotten herself into or anyone she’d started seeing, so Sam couldn’t figure out the reason. The only thing that came to mind made her sick to her stomach. “Maybe—” She couldn’t spit it out; it tasted so terrible on her tongue.

“No. It doesn’t feel like sex trafficking” Jesse said. “They wouldn’t have left a note, even if it’s not a typical kidnapping note.”

The four quieted, and Sam prayed they’d get a good lead when they met with Bev.

Devon broke the heavy silence. “Let me see what I can do. I’ll have a report for you before you land.” He disconnected the call without waiting for a response.

Sam’s gut churned at the realization she was about to learn more—personal and financial—about Bev than she’d ever known and because of her friend’s instability; she didn’t think she’d like it all.

In the rearview mirror, she caught Ken’s gaze. “What do you think really happened, Sam?”

She bristled at his question that raised doubts they believed all she’d told them. In no way would she tolerate that misplaced sentiment. “What do you mean? Cody was kidnapped? What else is there?”

“Well,” Jesse took over the sudden interrogation pointing her way, “it did take her six hours to contact you.”

“We can ask her about that when we get there,” she responded sharply and wanted to kick herself for not asking that question. “Maybe she thought Cody was at a friend’s house.”

“Does she often leave him alone? I mean, he’s only nine,” Ken asked, though she caught the hint of disapproval in his voice.

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