Page 19 of Complicated Past

Jalen went around the island and climbed onto the bar stool.

Linc loaded groceries in the fridge and avoided her gaze as she poured Jalen a bowl of cereal.

“Have you heard anything from Clara or the police?” she asked when he handed her the box of tea.

“Not yet. Dev must have filled in Chief Lundgren because I got a text from his wife, Stephanie. She’s the head of the Family Readiness Group and reached out to the other wives. They’ve offered to help watch Jalen. I wasn’t sure about it, but no one would know to find Jalen with them, and Walt Shuler didn’t deploy because he’s transitioning to a different role. He’s around, there’s good protection, and they have a couple of kids Jalen can play with today. That frees me up to search for the van. You can stay here or come with me.”

“What are you going to do ifyoufind the van?”

Linc hesitated. “That depends.”

“On . . .?”

“On where it is and what intel I can get.”

“Then I’m coming with you.” She could call Clara and insist he let the police handle it if, by some miracle, they did find the van. Staying in a stranger’s home alone not knowing if Linc was doing something reckless would stress her out all day.

As they drove to his friend’s house, Linc told Jalen they were taking him to play with Mr. Walt’s kids and have lunch while he and Kendra worked.

“Can we go to that playground?” Jalen asked as they drove past an elaborate climbing structure with tubes and slides.

“I’ll tell Mr. Walt you want to go.” Linc parked on the street in front of his teammate’s house. “Do you want to come in and meet the Shulers?”

“Okay, but I do trust your judgment.” They’d also had to pass through security to get on base, which would make it harder for whoever had taken Regina to get to Jalen if they found out where he was.

Linc unbuckled Jalen and carried the booster seat with him to the door.

A woman in her late thirties opened the door, still wearing her pajamas. “Come on in.”

“This is Jalen,” he introduced them as Jalen hugged Linc’s leg.

“I’m Miss Tammy.” Behind her, two kids popped into view and stared at Jalen. The younger girl followed her brother to their mother’s side. “This is Beckham and Emma.”

“Do you want to play with my truck?” Beckham held a yellow toy dump truck.

“Can I?” Jalen looked at Linc.

“Give me a hug first.” Linc dropped to a knee. His eyes closed as Jalen wrapped his arms around his neck, and he hugged the boy back.

“You’re squeezing me,” Jalen croaked dramatically.

“Sorry,” Linc chuckled. “Have fun and play nice. I’ll see you tonight.” Moisture glistened in his eyes as he got to his feet. As Walt joined them, the boys scurried into the adjacent room, followed by the young girl. “You’re sure this isn’t an imposition?”

“Not at all,” Tammy assured him. “It’ll keep those two from tormenting each other.”

Walt nodded his agreement as he shook hands with Linc. “Sorry to hear about your sister.”

“Thanks. This is Kendra Andrews. She knows Bri. We’re trying to locate the van that snatched Bri’s grandmother. If we can find her, it could give us a lead on where Bri is.”

“If there’s anything I can do, or you need backup, let me know.”

“For now, keep him safe.” Linc nodded to where the kids had disappeared.

“I got your six. How’s the new guy doing? He earned his nickname yet?” Walt asked.

“He’s still Newbie, and not happy about it.”

Tammy rolled her eyes. “Team tradition,” she explained to Kendra. “You should let the wives contribute ideas.”

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