Page 123 of Stolen Angels

And the Trumans, Priscilla Wilkinson and Kaylee, and Jan and Becky Hornsby would be celebrating as families. Ava would finally get her puppy.

Vera was probably already working on her prime rib, peeling tiny new potatoes and baking pies. But before Ellie could join her own family, she had a press conference to address.

Though she hadn’t slept much the night before for thinking about Silas, Gayle and their little girl, she crawled from bed and padded to the shower. She quickly cleaned up and dressed in a red holiday sweater and jeans that she would later wear to Vera’s.

The mountains looked like a white winter wonderland as she dashed outside to her Jeep. The streets were fairly empty now as she drove, although she noticed lights flickering inside houses, a few kids already out sledding, having snowball fights, pushing new scooters and bicycles in their drives.

Angelica was waiting when she arrived at the station, looking regal in a red dress with her hair in a sophisticated, braided bun.

Her cameraman had already set up, and Captain Hale stood to the side in the press room. She’d texted Cord the night before and asked him to be present, too.

“You ready?” Angelica asked.

Ellie lifted her chin. “Yes, let’s do this.”

Tom gave the 1-2-3 signal and Angelica began, lifting her microphone. “Angelica Gomez, Channel Five News. This Christmas morning we’re happy to report that thanks to the great police work of Detective Ellie Reeves, Ava Truman has been found safe and sound. She is now home with her parents for the holiday.” She paused and pushed the mic toward Ellie. “Detective Reeves?”

“During the investigation into Ava Truman’s disappearance, we discovered her abduction was linked to two other missing children, Kaylee Wilkinson and Becky Hornsby. All three girls have been reunited with their families. Sadly, a woman named Gayle Gooding abducted the children because she was distraught over the death of her own daughter, six-year-old Piper Gooding, two years ago.” Ellie decided to omit the details about the transplants for now. Angelica could cover that in a more detailed report later. After all, this was Christmas and she wanted to focus on the good news today.

“I have some thanks to give. They say it takes a village to raise a child. This time, the residents of Bluff County were that village, and Ava, Kaylee and Becky might not have been found if not for your help, support, and the love that went out for Ava. From those who prayed and lit candles, to those who brought food to the Trumans, to the neighborhood watch, to Ranger Cord McClain and fellow SAR workers and town members who searched and hunted for Ava, and those who phoned in tips, you are the ones who held this town together.”

Unexpected emotions teetered to the surface and Ellie worked to keep them from spilling over.

The hard cold details were hard to say out loud, but Ellie couldn’t help but think about them. One woman, Renee, died trying to convince the police to look for her child. Another mother, Jan, claimed she lived each day to find hers.

And Gayle Gooding took her own life to be with her daughter.

She thought of her own birth mother and how she’d suffered. First thing she’d done when she woke up this morning was to call and check on Mabel.

“She’s making some progress,” the doctor had said. “But I still think it’s too soon for you to visit again. We don’t want her to have a setback.”

Ellie understood the message. Seeing her might thwart Mabel’s progress. Her heart felt heavy but she accepted it.

“Detective?” Angelica prodded.

She jerked her attention back to the press conference then cleared her throat. “It’s Christmas, folks, a time we are supposed to celebrate. So let’s do that today. Hug your children and your families, keep them close and show them you love them.”

She thanked everyone again, then stepped away and Angelica tied up the interview. Cord approached her, looking slightly sheepish. “You don’t have to thank me for doing my job, Ellie.”

She squeezed his arm. “Yes, I do. You’re always there when I call.”

He shrugged, his eyes flickering with unease. “I always will be.”

Their gazes locked for a long minute. “Do you have plans today?”

He gave a tiny nod. “Lola asked me over. She’s cooking.”

Ellie smiled. “Then you’re in for a treat.”

A blush colored his bronzed skin. “How about you?” he asked.

“Going to my parents.”

Cord nodded, then lingered another minute as if he had more to say. But Angelica approached her, and he headed out. The reporter had commented that she had no family, but that wasn’t true. “Angelica, today is for family. Will you come to dinner at the Reeves with me?”

Angelica’s brown eyes turned wary. “I don’t want to intrude. And I know you haven’t told them about me.”

Ellie’s heart skipped a beat. “No, but it’s time I did. I meant what I said. You’re my sister and I want the Reeves to know it. Today, families should be together.”

Angelica’s gaze met hers for a heartbeat, emotions clouding her serious face. “I don’t know what to say.”

“Just say you’ll come,” Ellie said, then pulled Angelica into a hug.

“I will,” Angelica whispered. “Merry Christmas, Ellie.”

“Merry Christmas, Angelica.”

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