Page 52 of Justice Denied

“I need you to continue our investigation. It has to be the reason for them taking her.”

He returned to his workstation, his mind racing with which lead to pursue. One rose to the surface. “Brogan and I are going to talk to Ryan Topher tomorrow morning, so I’ll research the central cast of characters there more, including Fiona, the woman Dolores said moved to Topher from SafeSense.”

“Good idea. I’m going to work through the rest of my invoices. I have about ten more to go.” She sniffed. “There’s not much else I can do while I’m waiting.”

“Do they know what happened?”

“They’re certain she was kidnapped because the security footage had been tampered with during the twenty minutes an incident involving two residents took place.”

“Was the incident staged?”

“Not sure, as these two residents often kick things off between them. The police think the timing is suspicious as it drew staff and security guards away from my mom’s room.”

The weariness and concern underneath her words made Seth question his acquiescence to stay put. “Are you sure you don’t want me to come there? You sound like you need a hug.”

“More than you know, but”—her voice grew stronger—“I need you to help me figure this out. I believe this will be the key to bringing my mom home safely.”

“If you’re sure.” He frowned as he realized dinner would not be happening, at least not in the way he’d anticipated. “How about if I text you in a few hours to see how you’re doing?” He decided not to mention dinner but would figure out how to bring food to her when the time came.

“Sounds good.” She sniffled. “You haven’t mentioned the phone call.”

“What call?”

“I texted you a few hours ago.”

“Let me check.” He did so, but nothing had come through from Jetta. “I don’t see anything.”

“Oh, wait, now I see it didn’t send. I was going to follow up with the detective after I visited with my mom but forgot. I’ll resend the text. Would you pass it along to the detective?”

“Sure.” He wanted to ask about the phone call now, but the weariness in her voice made him hold off. He wouldn’t press her. He was about to sign off when he remembered there was something he could do for her, and it didn’t necessitate being with her in person. “May I pray with you?”

“Would you? I’ve been praying for Mom’s safety, but I’ve run out of words.”

“It would be a privilege.” Closing his eyes, Seth bowed his head and lifted up the situation to their heavenly Father. He had prayed in public only a handful of times, but he felt no awkwardness as he bared his heart to the One who cared about them.

“Dear Lord, you know how scared we are for Jetta’s mom. Please keep Emily safe from harm. Let her rely on you for her strength of body and mind. Give Jetta peace during this difficult time of uncertainty. Help us to peel back the curtain on the lies surrounding the embezzlement and find the truth. Let us not grow weary of fighting for justice for her father. Let us be successful if it is your will. In Jesus’ name, Amen.”

Jetta sniffled again. “Thank you, Seth. I feel better already.”

“I’m glad.” His heart swelled with purpose and a growing affection for this woman God had brought into his life, for he had no doubt who had orchestrated their meeting.

Muffled voices came over the line, then she said, “I’ve got to go, as the police are here with an update. Not on the location of my mom, but on the circumstances of her abduction.”

“Let me know what they said when you can.”

Jetta assured him she would, then disconnected the call. Seth held the phone to his chest and prayed again for Jetta and that Emily would be found safe—and soon. Then he dialed Detective Oldfield’s number to report the anonymous call Jetta had received.

After identifying himself when Oldfield answered, Seth said, “Jetta received a phone call telling her next time, the shooter won’t miss.”

“From an unknown number, I’m guessing.”

“Yes.” He outlined the warning to back off the embezzlement investigation.

“I’ll log it in my notes, but I’ll be honest—it will be next to impossible to trace the caller.”

“We know that.” Seth drew in a breath. “There’s more. Her mother’s been kidnapped from a rehab center.”

“What happened?” The detective’s voice sharpened.

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