Harlequin Love Inspired Suspense December 2016, Box Set 1 of 2 by Valerie Hansen

Author:Valerie Hansen
Language: eng
Format: epub
ISBN: 9781488027185
Publisher: Harlequin
Published: 2016-11-15T00:00:00+00:00

CHAPTER NINE

Rachael grabbed a single slice of pizza from the kitchen island and put it on her plate. Sitting down at the table with the entire First Response Squad and their significant others was a first for her, but Jake had called them together to discuss the second kidnapping attempt. She’d never seen the entire team together, and she had to admit, four big, strapping law enforcement guys made her uncomfortable. And, of course, she was still apprehensive of Detective Hunter, not to mention her FBI husband, and Darcie’s detective fiancée, Noah.

Francie had opted to stay with her sister in McMinnville, and Pam hung out in Jake’s condo, where Kelly slept in her portable crib. Rachael had delivered some pizza to Pam, and now she took her own slice into the dining room, where Skyler was deep in conversation with Jake. They didn’t seem to notice she’d entered the room, so she sat in the chair closest to the door. She picked at her pizza but knew she should eat, since with all the craziness they’d all missed dinner, and this late-night snack replaced it.

“I’ve come up empty on women connected to Ms. Baldwin who’ve lost a child,” Detective Hunter said. “Now that there’s been a second attempt on Kelly, we know the kidnapper is after her, and this is all tied to Ms. Baldwin somehow.”

“I concur,” Jake said.

“Maybe it’s the grandparents,” Skyler said. “When I went back and put the pressure on them, they admitted to knowing about Kelly, and they’re angry that Ms. Baldwin has chosen to raise her without telling them about her.”

“That’s not necessarily a reason to kidnap the child,” Archer said. As a negotiator, Rachael thought he must have strong insight into motivations. “But it’s the best one we’ve got so far.”

“I really think it’s possible,” Detective Hunter said. “Not the grandfather himself, mind you, as he doesn’t fit the size and build of the kidnapper, but he could have arranged it.” The detective took a long drink of water.

Jake slid forward on his chair. “I want to talk to them first thing tomorrow.”

The detective set her glass down. “That’s not a good idea, Jake. You’re too personally involved.”

He held up his hand. “My mind’s made up, so don’t try to talk me out of it.”

Rachael saw the frustration on Detective Hunter’s face that was pale, her lips drawn. She went to pick up her pizza, then dropped it back on the plate and wrapped her arms around her stomach as if she was ill. Rachael thought about asking how she was feeling, but she didn’t want to ask something so personal of a woman who’d made it clear there was nothing personal about their relationship.

Deciding to mind her own business and get through dinner, Rachael took a bite of her pizza and chewed, though she didn’t really taste it, her mind on Pam’s parents. If they were indeed trying to take Kelly, Pam would be so hurt. She’d also be afraid that they might succeed, and she’d lose Kelly.

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