Page 17 of Forged in Steele

Franz leaned down to his mic but kept checking around the area.

Bristol looked at the pair of men, uncertain what to say. Jared could likely end up being involved in the investigation. Probably not as the supervisor or even investigative coordinator. She suspected those jobs would remain in-house at Multnomah County, and he would fulfill an investigator role, working tasks assigned to him.

At least he would be on the team. She didn’t see herself being allowed to work the investigation at all unless her dad pulled out that miracle.

Oh, please. I have to. Just have to.

Did God even hear her? She’d basically turned her back on Him when Thomas was murdered. Why should God listen to her now?

Because a precious baby was missing, that was why.

She’d seen that baby’s face in the photographs and could easily imagine her being held by someone who might want to do her harm.

What a horrible thing. Horrible, horrible thing.

Bristol needed to see this baby reunited with her parents. Of course she did, but she also had to protect the reputation of her family’s business. If any blame were placed on the company, it could sink them.

All her fault. She’d talked her dad and uncle into taking on the hospital. If they lost the business because of this kidnapping, how did one live with destroying something so important to the people she loved? All the while doing it with a former boyfriend looking on. One who had devastated her heart.

Jared stepped out of earshot but kept Franz and Bristol in sight while he dialed his supervisor. As Assistant Special Agent in Charge of the FBI’s Portland field office, Nathan Adair was a real taskmaster. Didn’t matter right now. Jared could be persuasive when he wanted to be. And he wanted to be. Not only to find this baby, but to catch up with Bristol on her life.Ifshe would even talk to him about anything personal.

“Adair,” the ASAC answered, his voice as sharp as the creases he usually pressed into his clothing.

“Wolfe here.”

“Let me guess. You’re calling about the kidnapping?”

So he’d already heard. Not surprising. At least not fully. The FBI was immediately notified of any kidnapping. Even so, this was quick.

Jared brought his supervisor up to speed on his situation. “I’d like to offer our services to the county.”

“Agreed.”

Wow.Adair’s easy acquiescence was unexpected.

“But it will be just that,” Adair continued. “An offer. The county is quite capable of handling this investigation. If they refuse our offer, we’ll back off.”

“Understood.”But not necessarily agreed with.“I’d also like to take lead on the investigation for our agency.”

“Don’t get ahead of yourself. They might not agree.” Adair let silence linger on the phone. “I’ll make the offer and get back to you.”

The call ended, and Jared took a moment to get his thoughts organized before rejoining the others. Bristol had made a call to check in with her security staff, but her eyes burned into his back the whole time.

What was she thinking about him? Surely, she didn’t trust him. Not one iota. He got that and understood. But it hurt. He wanted to be the opposite of his parents. To be a person everyone could rely on. Except for leaving Bristol in a lurch, he had been. But she would likely never see that.

Determined to prove she was wrong, he headed toward her, but slowed. The intensity flashing in her eyes caught him off guard. Sure, she’d been watching him, but wow! The woman could stare a guy down. He’d never experienced such a force coming from her in the past. Probably because it had been love at first sight with them, and she had no need to stare him down. But she wasn’t in love with him now. That was for sure.

He dredged up a tight smile and stopped in front of her.

“Your agency on board?” she asked.

“Eavesdropping?” he asked.

“I couldn’t hear you, but I’d be calling my supervisor if I were you and wanted to work the investigation.”

He had to give her credit for her sharp instinct. She’d asked good questions so far too and remained cool and in control when many officers would get excited and make mistakes. She was more flighty in her younger days, but seemed quite capable now. Patrol officer or not, she might be helpful in the investigation. Not that he would suggest it. Not with their past and when she was also a distraction to him. Those gorgeous brown eyes fixed on him and pursed full lips were bringing back all kinds of thoughts of kissing her.

He cleared his throat and shoved the thoughts out with it. “You know the FBI often partners on kidnapping cases and the odds are good that I’ll be involved.”

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