Page 25 of Nick

“What if you are sick?”

“I’m not sick, but I might need to change my diet. I’ve gained weight; I’m not fond of it at all. I’ve had to get some new clothes, so I’ll discuss that with Ashley as well. I’m glad you are coming with me. I am a little scared. Don’t tell Samuel or Grandpa, please. You know how they are. I don’t want to worry them.”

“We won’t say anything.”

“Now, let’s get this bread in the oven.”

* * *

Early the following day,we were up before the sun. I took Jenna with me to court. Jeff would be going home as he should. I was anxious to know where Jeff was. He still hadn’t shown up. I called the prison. Dave said they left at seven. What the hell happened? I talked to the district attorney. He sent the police out to see what they could find. When the call came, it wasn’t good. They found the Van, and the driver was shot up pretty badly. They didn’t know if he’d make it or not.

“It has to be the judge. He must have found out Jeff was going to be released. So where is Jeff?”

“I hope they didn’t kill him. I’ll talk to the judge and let him know what is going on.”

“I’m calling my friends to start hunting for him.”

“Stay around until I talk to the judge.” An hour later, he came back.

The judge said he talked to the judge that sentenced Jeff. He didn’t realize he was the father of the guy who deserved to die until I explained who he was. He sent out warrants for the judge, the district attorney, and the public defender. He’s having the judge charged with murder. The guard died. Did you get hold of your friends?”

“Yes, they are out looking right now. I’m glad the crime scene hasn’t been touched. They’ll be able to follow the tracks. I just don’t want to go home and tell Tina about her brother. I don’t know what to say. God, I hope they don’t hurt him. I guess I better tell her. What if they kill him?”

“I’ll hang every one of those bastards. I can’t wait for that judge to get put in prison. I’m sure his wife will be happy. I have a case, so I’ll see you around, Opal.”

“Thank you for everything. If you hear anything, will you call me?”

“Yes, and if you hear anything, call me.”

“Will do.” I went into the waiting area, and Jenna was waiting for me.

“Where is Jeff?”

“I don’t know. Everyone is looking for him.”

“I hope they find him. Tina will be sad if they don’t find her brother.”

“I know. I hope they find Jeff soon.”

Tina was standing outside the bread shop when we walked up the pier. “Where is he?”

“He’s missing,” Jenna said before I had a chance to say anything.

“What do you mean he’s missing?”

“Jenna, please let me explain to Tina what happened… He never showed up, so the district attorney sent the police to see where he was. They found the van, and the guard was shot. They believe it was Judge Sampson who was behind all of this. I have the Army Rangers out hunting for him. They’ll find him.”

“What can I do to help?”

“You can do the same thing Jenna and I are going to do. Eat a bowl of ice cream.”

She giggled at that but I could still see the worry in her eyes. “We won’t tell my parents. I don’t want to scare them worse than they have already been scared. We can pray. I stopped praying when I was with my husband because I felt God never heard me. But I guess he did listen to me because he sent my brother to me.”

“Yes, he did hear you. Come on, let’s close shop early and head on home.”

As soon as I walked into the house, my phone rang. “Hey, sweetie, where are you?”

“I’m with Jax. We are searching for Jeff. I was with him when he got the call. I thought I better call you and tell you where I was.”

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