Page 15 of Ethan's Command

“Don’t mention it.” Cooper clapped Ethan on the shoulder.

Ethan watched Coop return to his truck and then headed for home. He fed Mojo, grabbed a quick shower, and caught a couple of hours of sleep. A few hours later when his phone rang, he answered immediately.

“Foster,” he said.

It was Bellamy. “Coop filled me in. What’s your take on all this?”

“It’s weird,” Ethan admitted. “There’s something else going on here. Nova rolled out early this morning, and you know how she is. If it’s DEA-related, it’s big.”

Bellamy paused before replying. “You think it’s connected to Liam?”

“I don’t know. Could be coincidence, but I’m not a huge believer in coincidence. If there’s something big involving the DEA happening on the Big Island, then chances are there’s some kind of connection."

"I think you're right. I’ll head to the school and check out their security. Just to be sure they can't get to Liam there. Rusty is coming along as well. No way these guys get Liam.”

“Good call. Let me know if you need more backup. I really appreciate the help," Ethan said. “Brooklyn’s scared out of her mind, even if she won’t admit it. I appreciate you all stepping up.”

Bellamy chuckled. “She came to you for a reason. Just keep your head on straight.”

Ethan laughed. “No promises.”

The parking lotwas full when Ethan pulled into the police station, but he was able to spy Brooklyn getting out of her car as he climbed out of his truck.

“What are you doing here?” he called out. “Is everything okay?”

“I could ask you the same thing,” she replied, her voice tight.

Ethan hesitated. He didn't want to scare her off or anger her by overstepping. “I figured it was time to talk to the cop who took your report on Tuesday. They need to know that the van was at your place last night. I thought you wouldn’t want to deal with Peterson. The way you described him wasn't flattering. Sorry if I’ve overstepped."

Brooklyn sighed as she brushed a stray tendril of hair out of your face. “I appreciate your efforts, but it isn’t necessary. I got a call this morning. They’ve got some guys in custody. I’m here to see if I can identify them. I didn’t want to bring Liam unless I had no choice.”

“That’s smart,” Ethan said, holding the door open for her. “Let’s get it over with.” She looked like she was going to argue with him but then, with a shrug, she entered the building.

Inside, Officer Peterson greeted them with a curt nod. “Miss Alexander." He glanced at Ethan. "And you are?"

"Ethan Foster. I am a security consultant hired by Ms. Alexander."

Peterson's eyebrows lifted. "I see." He glanced back and forth between Brooklyn and Ethan, but her expression never changed. Peterson gave a small shrug. "We have three boys in custody. I’d like Ms. Alexander to take a look… See if you recognize any of them.”

The cop led them to a small room with a window looking into another room. “One-way mirror. They won’t be able to see you,” he explained. “Each one will be identified by a number. Let me know if you recognize anyone.”

Brooklyn nodded stiffly. “I understand.”

One by one, the boys were brought forward. Brooklyn studied their faces carefully. She leaned closer to the glass before shaking her head. “It’s none of them.”

Peterson frowned. “You’re sure?”

“Positive,” she said firmly. “The guys who tried to grab Liam were older—early twenties, maybe. These boys are too young. Also, none of them have bruises.”

“Bruises?” Peterson asked, narrowing his eyes.

Brooklyn folded her arms. “I hit one of them in the throat. Hard. It would’ve left a mark, and none of these kids have any.”

Peterson sighed. “These are the kids we’ve got for joyriding pranks. Are you sure you got a good look?" Doubt laced his voice. "You know, in the heat of the moment, things can get… confusing. Maybe you don't remember the whole thing the way you think you do."

Brooklyn's eyes narrowed to slits. "I remember it perfectly. It's hard to forget when someone tries to kidnap your family."

"Um… yeah, well, sometimes it's not so cut and dried. Anyway," Peterson continued, "several other families have identified the boys so they will be charged. You can tell your nephew he's safe now."

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