Page 22 of Ethan's Command

Brooklyn glanced at Ethan, so he jumped in. “They did. However, the boys who were arrested weren’t the ones who attempted to kidnap Ethan.”

Leilani’s eyes opened wide as alarm spread across her face. “Really?” she breathed. “You’re sure?”

Brooklyn nodded. “I’m sure. They weren’t the same men. Have you noticed anything around the neighborhood, or around school? Anything out of the ordinary?”

Leilani shook her head. “No. Not a thing. I asked Rikishi, that’s my husband,” she added for Ethan. “He’s still at the office at the moment but he hasn’t seen anything either. I can’t understand it. Why would someone want to kidnap Liam?”

“We’re asking ourselves the same question,” Ethan said. “Do you mind if we talk to Keoni? Just to ask if he’s seen anything that struck him as odd or out of place?”

“Of course. Though, he’s not feeling well, so if you wouldn’t mind keeping it short.”

Brooklyn flashed a look of concern. “Oh, I didn’t realize. Liam didn’t mention it.”

“Must be what Ren has. I know he’s been out of school since Monday. Maybe keep your distance,” she said with a smile. “I hope Liam doesn’t come down with it.” Leilani stood andthen disappeared in the back of the house but returned a few moments later with Keoni.

“Hey, Keoni,” Brooklyn said as the boy sat down on the chair across from them.

He looked a bit pale, but otherwise, he looked fine to Ethan. His eyes were clear if a bit wary, but he stayed buried in his hoodie, making it hard to really see his expression.

“Hey,” Keoni responded in a soft voice.

Keoni seemed stressed and Ethan was trying to figure out the best way to put the boy at ease when Brooklyn smiled. “Sorry to bother you. Are you playing online with Liam?” Keoni glanced quickly at Leilani but nodded. Brooklyn chuckled. “Are you kicking Rusty’s butt?”

Keoni grinned. “Yup. Man, he’s bad.”

“Who’s Rusty?” Leilani asked.

“My…friend. He’s watching Liam,” Ethan supplied.

Brooklyn shifted in her seat. “We won’t keep you then especially since you aren’t feeling well.”

As if on cue, Keoni coughed.

“I just wanted to ask if you have noticed anything odd or different lately.”

Keoni frowned. “Different?”

Brooklyn swallowed. She appeared to be struggling, so Ethan said, “Anything out of the ordinary. I’m willing to bet you all are pretty sharp and notice what goes on around you. Did you happen to see anyone following you or Liam? Anyone hanging around who shouldn’t have been?”

Keoni paused as if trying to remember something but then he shook his head. “Nope. It’s been the usual.” He glanced at his aunt, then added. “Nothing at school or at the cafe. Nothing different. Oh, except for my cold.” He coughed again.

Ethan knew they weren’t going to get anything out of the kid. He seemed uncomfortable, which might be because he wasn’tfeeling well, or it could be because he knew something but made up his mind not to share the knowledge. No point in grilling him. It would just get ugly. The way Leilani was watching him, there was no way in hell she was going to let Ethan go after Keoni with any kind of aggressive questioning technique. To be honest, bullying a kid didn’t appeal to him anyway. “Okay. Well, that’s good. If you do notice anything let your mom know, okay?”

He nodded. “Can I go now?” he asked his aunt.

“Yes. Make sure your homework is finished before you go back to the game.”

“Yeah, yeah.” Keoni disappeared down the hallway.

Leilani took a sip of her tea, looked like she wanted to say something and then took another sip.

“What is it?” Ethan asked gently. “You seem to want to tell us something.”

Leilani hesitated.

Brooklyn leaned forward, reaching out to touch Leilani on the knee. “Anything you think might be helpful, please tell us.”

Leilani set her cup down. “I don’t like to speak ill of anyone…” Her voice faded out.

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