Page 33 of Kidnapping of a Myth

“Watching them makes you want to cry, right?” Wendy said, tiptoeing to stand next to Bel. “Thank you so much for bringing him. Michael’s still clinging to me, but I think the fact that your dog is this muscular pitbull makes him feel safe.”

“He’s very protective,” Bel said. “He’ll watch over your brother, and there’s something about his gentle soul that makes everything better.”

“I was nervous when Eamon helped him out of the car, but you’re right. Even I feel safer having him around, although you’ll have to put him on a diet after this.” Wendy gave an apologetic chuckle. “You probably don’t want him eating all these snacks, but I can’t bring myself to stop them.”

“As long as they’re dog-safe treats, I don’t mind. Eamon likes to give him everything but dog food, so Michael is in good company.”

“Eamon babying your dog makes absolutely no sense. That guy is scary, so I see why my dad told me to call him if I ever needed help, but he’s different around you two. It’s actuallyadorable because he’s the biggest man I’ve ever seen, and he treats that pitbull like it’s a purse puppy.”

Bel laughed at the comment, a genuine belly laugh, and some of the tension knotting her chest loosened. “Please tell him that.”

“God, no. I’m not brave enough to tease him.” Wendy smiled, and while Bel still saw the crippling fear wracking her body, it seemed she needed this friendly moment as much as Bel did. “I wish Henry could see how great Cerberus is for Michael.”

“What do you mean?”

“He’s scared of pitbulls. He prefers small fluffy dogs, so when he saw them together, he got nervous. He asked Eamon to take Cerberus home, but that caused Michael to have a meltdown, which I handled poorly.”

“Don’t be too hard on Henry right now. What you’re going through isn’t normal. It’s life-altering, and you’ll feel its effects for a long time, even if things end well. Plus, it’s natural to be wary when strange dogs are around kids, but I promise I wouldn’t have brought Cerberus if I was worried about his reactions.”

“Henry apologized, though,” Wendy said. “I’ll admit, we can be stuck up, and pitbulls aren’t exactly millionaires’ usual pets. He explained he was simply scared of the animal, but if it helps Michael, he agreed Cerberus should stay.”

“Sounds like a good man,” Bel said. “It’s okay to be nervous around dogs, but that he’s doing what’s best for your brother shows how much he cares.”

“I love him. I really do.”

“And it seems he loves you.” Bel grabbed her hand. “Don’t worry. I plan to fight like hell to find John, and then you’ll get your happily ever after.”

“I’m glad Eamon brought you.”

“Me too.” Bel smiled. “I’m going to say hi to my dog quick and get back to work.”

“Okay.” Wendy nodded, and Bel tiptoed into the living room. Cerberus wagged his tail enthusiastically at his mother, and she crouched before him, kissing his soft head. Much like Michael, she needed her dog’s support, and after a long minute of hugging his thick neck, she forced herself to leave.

She silently entered the kitchen, hovering on the outskirts as Griffin coordinated the investigation. He’d printed out maps of the estate and was making a schedule to systematically search the grounds. Without another clue from the Tinker, their best option was to scour the property, but after the trunk disaster, Griffin demanded they be organized and safe. He’d kicked all unnecessary personnel off the property, forcing the gathered news trucks back to the main road, and he’d gotten permission from the family to use some of the guest rooms to sleep in. He wanted an around-the-clock police presence until John was found, and once again, Bel was thankful she’d packed multiple changes of clothes. She and Gold could share the clean outfits until this was over.

“When I heard the gunshot and then you didn’t answer me, I thought it was you,” Eamon’s voice whispered in her ear as he stepped behind her, his fist gripping the back of her shirt. “I ran the entire way there because I feared you were dead.”

“Gold almost died,” Bel said. “I got to her in time, but the deputy was shot.”

“I know. I smelled it was his blood.” His grip tightened on her shirt, his knuckles brushing her spine as he held on for dear life.

“Call Ewan and tell him we need him. Next time, I might not be able to save Olivia, and he’ll never forgive us if we let The Tinker kill her.”

“I won’t forgive myself if anything happens to you.”

“So, keep an eye on me. Yesterday I wanted to call the police, and while we need the help, watching that deputy get shot and thinking I was going to lose another partner made me realizeI don’t feel safe working this case without you. The Tinker will kill John if we don’t find him, and he’ll kill everyone who tries to rescue that boy. We got lucky at the car. No one died, but I’m afraid this is only the beginning. I hate saying it, but I fear someone will die before this is over.”

“It won’t be you or Gold. Ewan and I will make sure of that.”

“I don’t want Griffin getting hurt, either. I don’t want anyone to die.”

“I’m not a god, as you reminded me, but I’ll do my best to help from the shadows. Just know, I’m no hero. If it comes down to you or someone else, I will save you.”

“I know… but promise if it’s me or the boy, you’ll save John.”

“Don’t ask me that.”

“Eamon, please.”

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