Kidnapped in the Woods by Deena Alexander

Author:Deena Alexander
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: Harlequin
Published: 2023-04-10T19:38:18+00:00

* * *

Big Earl spread his hands. “Tell me what you need.”

The tension knotting Pat’s gut began to unravel. Just like that, no questions asked, his old friend was willing to help, as would all his fellow firefighters be. And the fact that Jack Moretta was there eased his anxiety even further. Jack was a friend, one who’d do anything he could and then go beyond, one he fully trusted. “For starters, I need to charge our phones, and I need to get ahold of Gabe.”

“I can do that.” Big Earl stood and walked out of the room.

When Pat turned to Rachel, she frowned. “Do you think we did the right thing coming here?”

Did he? He wasn’t sure, couldn’t ever know a hundred percent if he’d made the right choice. He lifted his hands, let them fall. “I don’t know. All I know is this is where I felt most compelled to come.”

She nodded and lowered her gaze.

“What?”

“I just hope we don’t end up bringing trouble to your friends.”

“Me too. But I don’t know what else to do, where to turn.” He swiveled in his chair to face her fully, gripped her trembling hands in his. “Jane needs help, Rachel. We can’t trust the police just yet because of Ben’s involvement, and I’m at a loss.”

“You’re right. I know that in my heart.”

“But?”

“I guess I just got too used to handling things on my own.”

“No one can go through life without depending on others.” Something he’d forgotten and would do well to remember.

She frowned at him, shook her head. “How do you do that?”

“Do what?”

“Trust so easily.”

Pat reluctantly released her hands. “I don’t. Believe me, trusting the people here didn’t come easy. It came after years of getting to know most of them, some since childhood. It came after working beside them, risking my life for them and knowing with complete certainty that they’d risk theirs for me as well. No, trust never comes easy. Not for me, anyway.”

“No, me neither. But I—”

“Pat.” Jack strode across the room and opened his arms in welcome. “How’s everything?”

“I’m doing okay.” Pat stood and hugged him, then stepped back. “And how are you and Ava doing?”

“Everything’s good.” He grinned and petted Shadow. “Lots of wedding plans.”

“And Mischief?” Even the thought of the adorable little girl brought warmth to Pat’s heart.

“Earning her nickname, that’s for sure.” Jack laughed, but then sobered quickly. “Big Earl told me you’re in trouble. He went to hunt up a couple of chargers from the office, but he’ll be right in.”

“Thanks.” He introduced Rachel, and Jack greeted her with a welcoming hug.

Then he held out a cell phone to Pat. “In the meantime, you can use my phone to give Gabe a call. Then why don’t you sit, and we’ll eat while you tell us what’s going on?”

Grateful for the help without wasting time with a million questions, Pat took the phone. “Sure thing, Jack. Thanks.”

“Anytime. I’ll be back in a few.”

“Jack’s a good guy, Rachel. Try to relax for a few minutes, take advantage of the moment of peace.

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