Free Operation Breathless by Marianne Evans Page A

but chances were Layla would be a forgotten entity amidst a blur of daily customers. Another idea came to life that would vindicate—or condemn—her as well.
    He focused on the youngster for a moment before deciding to take a gamble. “OK, you don’t have a receipt, but there may be another answer here. Give me your phone.”
    “Why?” She handed it over.
    Gabe took custody and gave her a flinty, challenging look. “If you’re telling the truth, this phone and your activity on it, will verify your alibi.” Next he addressed Susanna. “I’m going to need help. Have you got Ryne Calvert’s number? I want to run an idea past him.”
     
    ****
     
    “Will it work?” Less than an hour later, Gabe was at police headquarters, seated next to a desk occupied by Ryne Calvert.
    “Gabe, I think it’s a great plan. What you have in mind will definitely make her or break her.”
    Ryne Calvert’s assessment fortified Gabe’s resolve. “Precisely my intent—and my gut tells me she didn’t do it. Layla and her parents have given the go-ahead, so I think we’re set to move forward”
    Ryne leaned forward, his posture one of carefully leashed intensity. “Let’s get to work and make it happen. I’ll have some associates of mine make a few calls. Since we have unanimous permission, I don’t think we’ll have a problem securing localized phone data and GPS findings connected to Layla’s cell phone.”
    A weight lifted from Gabe’s shoulders. “Thanks. The GPS app on Layla’s phone might answer everything. This means a lot to Susanna…and me.”
    Ryne grinned at the addenda Gabe tacked on. Ryne was more than just a fellow enforcer of the law. Beyond shared backgrounds and being neighbors at Heart’s Haven, Ryne had become one of Gabe’s closest friends since returning home.
    Home.
    Despite the drama of Layla’s problems, the thought stopped Gabe short. Yes, Angel Falls reasserted itself as his home—in a number of ways.
    “Where’s Layla now?”
    Ryne’s question snagged Gabe’s attention. “Her parents came by. They took Layla and Susanna back to Wellsprings. The kid is under lockdown, and her parents are at the end of their rope. They’ve been cooperative, but they’re backing off. It’s like they’re relying on Susanna to step in as guardian.”
    “Don’t weigh that decision too harshly. Sus is a lot more objective at this point. From what I’ve seen in my work at the high school, I can tell you influence like mine and Susanna’s is necessary. We shake up the status quo, and sometimes the work we do takes temporary precedence over family relationships. It’s all about objectivity and outside perspective. You’ve been a big part of that, too, Gabe.”
    Gabe pushed out a deep breath. He leaned back in his chair and rubbed his tired, gritty eyes. “That doesn’t make it any easier.”
    “Nope. It’s never easy—but it’s worth it, so keep the faith.”
    Faith. Gabe thought of the key from Pia—the mysterious way he had been drawn to Susanna from the very beginning. “I’m trying.”
    “I’ve seen that. I know Susanna thinks the world of you—and appreciates everything you’ve done.”
    Gabe was smart enough to recognize a leading statement when he heard one. After a slight pause, he decided to confess. “I enjoy everything I’ve found here, Ryne, but if I quit my life back in Michigan, I’ll be letting the demons win. Does that make any sense?”
    “Absolutely.”
    “Leaving Detroit goes against everything I hoped to accomplish with my life.”
    “As opposed to what you’re doing at Wellsprings?” The pointed remark hit home, and Gabe gave his friend a sharp stare. Ryne absorbed the vibe and kicked his legs into a stretch. “Sadly, the demons live everywhere. Stay here and you’d just be battling them in a new location is all.”
    Gabe gave a snort. “Subtle, pal. Real subtle.”
    “Honest, pal. Real honest.” Following a shared laugh, their meeting reached a conclusion.