Page 100 of Free Fall (The Quantico Files 3)

“But you did. And by the way, thanks for the flowers,” he added, nodding toward the large bouquet delivered that morning.

“From everyone at the office. They just want you to know they’re thinking of you.”

“I appreciate it.”

“Monty told me about your eyes clearing up. God really watches out for you, doesn’t He?”

“He watches over all His children. I’m not special. I also believe He’s going to bring Alex home.”

“I hope so too.”

Logan sighed. “The name Lum Jones is a long shot.”

“I know, but at least it’s something.”

Logan’s gaze locked onto Jeff’s. “You’ve got to find Alex. I’m afraid...”

“After everything that’s happened to you? How could you not have faith?”

Logan tried to blink away tears. Not just because he was worried about Alex, but because such words of encouragement had come from Jeff. “You’re right. She just has to come back. She has to make it through this.”

“I know, I know.” Jeff stepped closer to the bed. “Everyone’s looking for her, Logan. Some of the best investigators in the business. They’ll find her. And I’ll keep you updated the best I can, but the only reason I’m getting information at all is because Alex is involved.”

“I know. Thank you.”

“I do think those murders fifteen years ago are related to this. It’s a good lead.”

“I agree. What were the kids’ names again?”

“Emily Marsden and Thomas Tedder, although Thomas isn’t what they called him.”

“So you’re convinced that the guy taking these women killed those two?”

“Yes. But why kidnap women who look like Emily years later? What’s he after? Surely he got his revenge when he killed her.” He shook his head. “We won’t know anything about his motives until we find the women and bring them home.”

Jeff paused a moment before saying, “Before I leave, I’m going to ask you to do something I’ve never asked you to do before.”

Logan frowned. What could he do from this bed?

“I want you to pray. I’m not sure how to do it, so I want you to pray while I listen. Is that okay?”

Overcome with emotion, Logan could only nod. He waited until he could find his voice, then prayed for Alex, asking God to bring her back safely. After that, he prayed for the other women. “Deliver them, Lord,” he said. “Send your angels to surround them and protect them. And thank You that my friend Jeff is now my brother. In Jesus’s name, amen.”

When Logan opened his eyes, he caught Jeff wiping his cheeks with the back of his hand. “So Monty told you,” he said. “Good. I want you to know that I’ll be praying you’ll recover completely and get back to work. It’s not the same without you.”

“Thanks. Trust me, I’d rather be at work than here.”

“Monty says he’s going home with you. He’s determined to take care of you while you heal. I’ve given him the time off.”

“Yeah, he told me. Thanks. I appreciate it.” He sighed. “I need to call my family, but I want to wait until I can give them good news. My mother says my father is recovering well from his stroke, but sometimes she keeps things from me that she thinks might worry me. Just in case he’s having a tougher time than she’ll admit, I don’t want to dump this on them right now.”

“You know, if my kid did something like that, I’d come unglued.”

“I hear you. I’ll contact them soon.”

Jeff shrugged. “It’s your business, but I still think you’re wrong.”

“I’ve been wrong before, but I have to go with my instincts. Good or bad.”

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