Free Mendoza's Return by Susan Crosby Page A

about dating, okay? I’m not that lonely.”
    â€œOkay.” She patted his shoulder. “I could use your help with something.”
    He sat up a little straighter. “Shoot.”
    â€œPull over in front of Howard’s, would you?”
    â€œYou planning on taking up some kind of sport?” he asked, parallel parking the car easily.
    â€œMaybe.”
    He laughed. “That’ll be the day. You almost flunked P. E. a few times.”
    â€œIt wasn’t from lack of skill but lack of interest,” she said with a sniff.
    He grinned. She was glad to have changed his mood. And she really could use his help.
    After all, an experienced captain could make all the difference when someone was about to sail into uncharted waters.
    Â 
    Rafe had just arrived at the ballpark that afternoon and was making his way to the dugout to leave his backpack when his cell phone rang. He didn’t see Melina and Elliot yet, but he was early. With time to kill, he answered the phone. “Rafe Mendoza.”
    â€œRafe, it’s Ross Fortune.”
    â€œHey! It’s been a long time, Ross. Since Isabella and J.R.’s wedding. How’s the private investigation business?”
    â€œBooming. Which says a lot, doesn’t it?”
    Rafe laughed. “Yeah. What’s up?”
    â€œMy cousin Jeremy said he talked to you about this baby-on-the-doorstep business. He said you advised him to go to the police and report the found baby.”
    â€œThat was my advice, yes. Did he?”
    â€œThe short version—he and Kirsten did, plus theygot engaged, plus they were given temporary custody of baby Anthony. Lots of questions here, Rafe, and things are getting complicated. No one seems to be who they say they are. In the meantime, I’m out of ideas about how to search for the birth parents. I can’t believe the baby was left without even a note.”
    Rafe saw a woman kicking up dust as she jogged across the diamond, a kid beside her. Rafe squinted, focused…
    Even expecting her, he had to stare for several seconds before he realized it was Melina. He’d never seen her like this—wearing a baseball cap with her hair threaded out the back in a ponytail that swung as she moved. She also wore sunglasses, a Rangers jersey, black pants and shoes. Not cleats, he didn’t think, but something athletic looking. And the jersey didn’t hide the sway of her breasts as she jogged, either. He remembered how they felt in his hands, heavy and firm, and the texture of her nipples when he ran his tongue around—
    â€œSo, what do you think?” Ross asked in a way that sounded as if it hadn’t been the first time.
    Rafe tipped the phone back up to his mouth. “About what?”
    There was a long pause, then, “What we’ve been talking about since you answered the phone—do you have any ideas where to look for answers about who baby Anthony is and where he comes from?”
    â€œNot off the top of my head. As I told Jeremy, this isn’t exactly my area of expertise. But if you andJeremy would like to meet with me for dinner and do some brainstorming, I could do that. Regardless, I’d like to catch up with you.”
    â€œSure. I’ll tell you, Jeremy could use some answers. Between opening a new private practice here in town, the baby and his father’s disappearance, he’s got a lot on his mind.”
    â€œHow long has William been gone?”
    â€œThree months. Most of us have given up hope, but not Jeremy. He’s sure William’s alive.” Ross sighed. “Well, give me a call after you’ve talked to him. Anything you can say or do to help will be greatly appreciated, Rafe.”
    â€œI will. Bye.” Rafe ended the call and cradled the phone while he continued to stare at Melina as she neared, having slowed as she’d gotten closer, her cheeks flushed, her lips parted as she breathed a little harder than