Free Harmonized by Mary Behre

fiancée. “Be that as it may, it’s still officially their case. They will hammer your ass to the wall of the station if they think you’re invading their turf, Harmon. Personally, I couldn’t give a damn what they say about me. So I’ll be the one to let them know the Bremer case has had a new development. If we get the collar, you’ll get the credit, but for now, let me take the heat.
    â€œIn the meantime, you’ve got work to do. Start with the names you have. Tara Twomey; there can’t be too many of those in the city. Next, check out the birthing center. See if you can get addresses on Toya and Tracye.” Seth turned to Karma. “You can help. Go back to Gwyn’s place and see if you can find this Tina person. If you find out where she lives, let Zig know.
    â€œIf this is a kidnapping case and not a murder-suicide attempt, we don’t want to scare off the kidnappers. Observe from a distance. Don’t talk like you think Wesley is anything but dead. But move quickly and keep in touch with me. If you’re right, then the baby is out there and sick and needs to be found as soon as possible. Do what you can to get through the list of names tonight. I’ll handle the case from the station side. Let’s make sure if Wesley Bremer didn’t die on that bridge that he doesn’t die before we can locate him.”
    â€œKarma and I will stay together until this is solved.” Zig took her hand in his. “When we know something, you’ll know something. I appreciate you coming here and hearing her out.”
    â€œSeth, I hate to do this to you, but I have to go. I told Shelley she could stay at our place tonight. Dev and Beau are staying at theirs.” Jules gave Karma an apologetic look. “My sister’s getting married tomorrow to Seth’s partner.”
    Karma’s heart jumped in her throat. “Seth’s partner is Dev Jones? Devon Cary Jones?”
    Seth’s eagle eye turned on Karma again. “Know him?”
    â€œSure, she does. He’s her cousin,” Zig said with a smile that faltered when he must have seen the panic that had to be showing on her face. “And the McKinnons don’t know you’re back, do they? I know you said you didn’t contact them four years ago but I thought you’d have done it when you came home this time.”
    â€œNo,” she replied slowly, swallowing hard and wishing it could wash away her embarrassment. “I wanted the timing to be just right. One thing led to another and I haven’t been able to make it. I got back and Gwyn was in the hospital. I’ve been so focused on her that I haven’t been to see my dad yet.”
    Seth and Zig both narrowed their eyes at her in obvious suspicion. Karma’s knee started jiggling, she had to concentrate to keep her leg still. Only Jules seemed delighted to hear about a potential for a family reunion.
    â€œI’ll keep the secret about you being in town.” She gave Karma a quick hug. “I just hope I get to be there when Dev sees you again. He brought one of my sisters back to me.” She opened her mouth then waved her hand in the air. “It’s another long story; we’ll have to save for later. I really gotta go. Seth, are you coming with me or do you need to stay here and work?”
    â€œI’m coming,” he said then cocked his head at Karma. “Why did you say your last name was De La Cruz?”
    â€œIt is. My name is Carmelita Rosanna McKinnon De La Cruz. It’s part of my mother’s heritage. The mother’s surname is kept by the baby too.”
    â€œAnd you didn’t want me to know you were related to the McKinnons because . . .” He helped Jules with her coat, but kept his gaze on Karma.
    â€œBecause we had a falling-out a long time ago. When they learn I’m back in town, I’d rather they heard it from me.”
    Seth opened his mouth,