Blind Trust. Laura Scott

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       THREE

      Shaken by her second attack in less than a couple of hours, Eva longed to step into Finn’s broad arms, soaking up his strength. What in the world was going on? She had no idea, other than she knew the man had almost got away with dragging her into the car. If not for her cry for help, and the way Finn had announced he was a cop and called her by name, she was certain she’d already be a hostage in the car being taken to who knows where.

      She shivered, realizing how stupid she had been to leave the police station alone. Especially since her motivation was nothing more than wounded pride.

      “This has to be related to the incident from this morning.” Finn’s voice broke into her thoughts. “And from what I could tell, the guy was dressed in black and wearing a ball cap, the same as how you described the man from this morning. If we can get the camera footage, we may catch a glimpse of his face or the license plate of the car.”

      “That’s fine, but it wasn’t the same man,” she insisted, battling a wave of frustration. She tried to think of a way to make him understand. “This guy was slighter in build and sounded—different. His voice was raspy and he smelled kind of dusty.”

      “Raspy and dusty?” His voice held a note of skepticism. “Okay, then, did you notice anything different about the voice or scent from the guy who took Cocoa from the training center?”

      “He smelled stinky, like he needed a shower, not dusty.” She thought back for a moment. “And there was a twang in his voice, as if he may have been from somewhere else. A hint of the South, maybe.” When Finn’s eyebrows levered upward she felt defensive all over again. “Never mind. I know this may seem crazy to you as a cop, but that’s the only way I can describe the difference between the two men. Thanks again for coming to my rescue.”

      “Hold on, Eva.” Finn reached out and caught her hand. Ridiculous that she liked the feel of his warm fingers cradling hers. “I’m sorry. Sounds and smells are important, so I appreciate the extra clues. We’ll get this guy, and the one who took Cocoa, too. But right now, I’m going to take you home.”

      The word home brought an image of Mikey. Mikey! What if her presence put the child in danger? For the first time in years, she was tempted to pray, to ask God to watch over her young nephew. “Okay, but can we please hurry? I’d like to pick up my nephew from preschool. My brother-in-law is out of town for the week at a training conference in Atlanta, so I’m taking care of his son. It’s a bit early to pick him up, but I’ll feel better once he’s with me.”

      “Not a problem. Let’s head back to the station, where I left my SUV.” Finn put his arm around her waist and, despite her determination to remain independent, she was grateful for his support. Abernathy walked along Finn’s other side, and she couldn’t help thinking about Cocoa.

      Why had the pup been taken by the stinky Southern-twang guy? And why had the raspy-voiced man tried to drag her into the car? None of it made any sense.

      Worst of all, she feared for her nephew.

      “Do you think Mikey will be in danger?” she asked as they made their way toward his SUV. “Maybe I should move to a hotel temporarily.”

      “Where do you live?” Finn asked.

      “I’m staying at my brother-in-law’s for now, while I take care of Mikey. He has a small house in Forest Hills, not far from the training center.”

      “What about when you’re not staying at Pete’s place?” Finn asked. His tone was casual, but she sensed he really wanted to know.

      “I rent a room in a three-bedroom house owned by one of my college roommates. Her parents are doctors at the hospital and bought it for her. The house is only about five miles from Pete’s. I can walk to the training facility or take a short subway ride if the weather is bad.”

      “Okay, let’s pick up Mikey and head back to the house. We’ll figure out the next steps later.” Finn steered her toward the SUV and opened the passenger door for her, then the back hatch for Abernathy.

      Traffic was always a challenge, especially getting from Jackson Heights over to Forest Hills. Eva could feel her nerves fraying with every stoplight and every bumper-to-bumper slowdown. Logically she knew the two men in black had been after her and Cocoa, not Mikey, but she wouldn’t rest easy until she had the little boy safe at home.

      The preschool wasn’t far, and when Finn pulled up beside it, she told him she’d be right back, shoved open her door and jumped out. Quickly, she went inside, then paused, waiting for her eyes to adjust from the bright sunlight to the dim interior of the building.

      “Auntie Eva!” She heard Mikey before she saw him running toward her.

      “Mikey!” She swept the little boy into her arms, cuddling him close. His blond hair was so much like hers that people often assumed she was the boy’s mother. “I’m here to take you home.”

      “You’re early.” Peggy Harris, Mikey’s preschool teacher, came over to stand beside her. “We were in the middle of a Father’s Day art project.”

      “I know. I’m sorry.” Eva didn’t want to go into the events of her morning, so she simply offered a wan smile. СКАЧАТЬ