Page 36 of State of the Union (First Family 3)

“You’ve stumbled upon a nightmare and saved ten lives in the process. I’m so proud of you, sweetheart.”

“Thanks.”

“When will you be home?”

“I’m waiting for Carisma’s mother to get here, and then we should be able to leave.”

“And Matt is still with you?”

“Yep. He’s been great today. I feel like we finally became real partners while we waited for this to go down.”

“I’m happy to hear that. I know how tough it’s been for you since Will left.”

“Yeah, it has been. I’m getting a call from Patrol. I’ve got to run.”

“Be safe, love, and wake me up when you get home.”

“I will. Love you.”

“Love you, too.”

Jeannie took the call from the Patrol officer transporting LaToya.

“We’re five minutes out.”

“Please bring her to the main entrance.”

“Will do.”

“Thanks so much.”

Jeannie put her coat back on and stepped outside into frigid air to wait. She saw the flashing emergency lights before the car came into view. The officer killed the lights as he turned into the hospital driveway. She opened the back door and offered LaToya a hand getting out of the car.

The other woman fell into her arms, sobbing. “I just can’t believe you found her. Thank you, Detective. Thank you so much.”

“I have to warn you,” Jeannie said. “She’s in rough shape.”

“But she’s alive. That’s all I care about. Take me to my baby.”

Jeannie led her by the hand to the bank of elevators. As she passed Matt, sitting in the lobby, he gave her a thumbs-up.

“Be right back,” she said to him.

“Take your time.”

In the elevator, she pressed the button for the fourth floor.

“How bad is it?” LaToya asked.

“As bad as it gets.”

LaToya let out a whimper and began to weep again. “Why would she take her and then treat her like that?”

“I wish I knew.”

“And there were other children?”

“Nine others.”

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