Free Finding Her Son by Robin Perini Page A

you are. Just set up another meet. We can’t be too careful.”
    Mitch backed away, his expression stonelike and chilled as he continued the conversation with the other officer.
    She hated not being able to trust anyone. She stepped a few feet away. Her call went straight to Perry’s message. Where was he?
    The phone vibrated in her hand and started playing an unrecognizable tune.
    “Turn that thing down, bud. You want to make everyone sick with that stupid fight song?”
    Emily’s gaze flew toward the voice. A striking-looking man walked toward Mitch, grinning and holding a cell in his hand.
    “You never did have good taste, Ian.”
    Ian tapped his phone and Mitch’s stopped ringing. His tension eased, and he smiled in a way she’d never seen. He looked at this man with complete trust and confidence. As the strong friendship between the two men became clear, Emily had never felt more alone. Mitch had connections. She’d witnessed the trust when he’d spoken to a few of the cops. Without hearing a word, the camaraderie between them spoke volumes. How could Mitch ever be totally on her side? He’d saved her life, yes. But he was loyal to them. She should remember that.
    “Did you find me a ride?” Mitch said.
    Ian grinned with a mischievous glint deep in his eyes.
    “Your brother Noah’s SUV. He won’t miss it.”
    “True. After that last big software deal, he went nuts and bought the Hummer. He’s got five cars now.”
    Mitch tried to pluck the keys from his friend’s hand, but Ian closed his fist. His face turned serious. “It’s not every day my best friend’s car gets blown to smithereens. What’s up, bud?”
    Emily’s body tensed. How would Mitch respond? Had he believed her?
    He looked around at the few cops who still stood near them. “Not now.”
    The vise around Emily’s heart eased a bit. He might. He just might be on her side.
    “Then I’m not leaving,” Ian said, the keys still in his grip.
    Emily recognized the tick in Mitch’s jaw. She’d seen it when Ghost had cut the girl, and when he’d studied the pictures of the children on her wall. Friends were too precious. She couldn’t be the cause of problems between them.
    “It’s my fault,” Emily said quietly, stepping into their circle. She held out her hand. “Emily Wentworth.”
    At the mention of her name, Ian paused, the openness in his face evaporating. He reached out his hand to hers. “I’ve followed your case. Ian Archer. I’m the investigator for the coroner’s office.”
    He’d probably studied the accident. She nodded, trying to gauge his judgment. Was she a black widow to him?
    “No matter what you’ve heard, I didn’t kill my husband,” she said, deciding to meet his doubts head-on. “I just want to find my son. It’s starting to look like someone doesn’t want me to.”
    Ian studied her expression, and, as if he had made some decision, his face softened a bit. “I understand. I hope you find him.”
    She clutched at the small opening. “Did you look into the accident? Was there anything that stood out to you?”
    Ian stiffened and slid a sidelong glance to Mitch.
    “Emily’s private investigator, Perry Young, indicated he had information that there might be some…irregularities in the police work. We were on our way to meet him when—”
    “I see. Can I tag along?” Ian asked. “I’d be very interested in his theories.”
    She could use his expertise. “Sure.”
    “No,” Mitch bit out at the same time.
    She whirled on him. “Why? If he can help—”
    “Ian has a daughter to take care of.”
    Mitch’s face was uncompromising. The friends’ gazes held, obviously communicating in a way she didn’t understand. Ian finally nodded. “Fine. See you at your dad’s for the tree trimming,” he said. He turned to Emily. “It’s nice to meet you. Good luck.”
    Ian tossed the set of keys to Mitch before walking away.
    “Why did you do that?” she asked. “He might know something or have