Free Vanished by Margaret Daley Page B

me.”
    Her mouth firmed into a frown. “I said it was nothing.”
    J.T. started to reassure Kim she hadn’t done anything wrong concerning Ashley, but Colin and Neil’s appearance in the room stilled his words. He would talk with his daughter in private about what he felt was behind her sudden impudent words and frown.
    â€œYou don’t look too good, Dad.”
    â€œI can always count on you, Neil, to tell it like it is.” J.T. peered at his son and saw the same shadows under his eyes and the deep tired lines on his youthful face. They were so much alike it was scary at times. He could recall all the hard knocks he’d experienced in his life and didn’t want that for Neil. “You two have got to take care of yourselves. I need you to eat and get some rest.”
    â€œRight back at you.” Neil folded his arms across his chest and stared at him.
    â€œI will.”
    â€œWhen? I heard you tell Kim you were staying at the station again tonight.”
    First Madison and now Neil. Didn’t they understand the clock was ticking down on this kidnapping? He knew it was because they cared, but he wasn’t the important one at the moment. “I have some things I need to organize.”
    â€œCan’t someone else do it?” Neil moved toward him.
    â€œNo! I’m in charge.” If he said it enough, maybe then he would believe it because right now he needed to believe he had some control over the situation, that his presence and knowledge in the middle of the case was making a difference.
    â€œI thought that was what the FBI was doing here.”
    â€œYeah, Daddy, we—” Kim caught a look from her brother and clamped her mouth closed.
    â€œThe FBI are here at my request, but I’m still the sheriff and in charge.” He put a hand on his son’s shoulder. “Look, I promise both of you I’ll try and sleep on the couch in my office.” He didn’t tell them he doubted he would get any rest even as tired as he was. He drew his son to him and held both his children, relishing their presence in his arms. If anything happened to them, too, he didn’t know what he would do. He couldn’t lose them. In his gut he knew the motive for the kidnapping was revenge. He had to find the person targeting his family before something else happened.
    â€œLet’s pray for Ashley.” J.T. took each of his childrens’ hands and bowed his head. “Dear Heavenly Father, we need your strength. Please bring Ashley home safe and sound. Watch over her and protect her from harm. In Jesus Christ’s name. Amen.”
    â€œI love you.” Kim squeezed him around the waist.
    â€œHoney, I love you and Neil. I’ll bring Ashley home.” When he pulled back, he looked each of them in the eye. “We’ll sleep in our own beds tomorrow night, but right now I’d better get back to the station. I have a lot to do tonight.”
    â€œCan I help?” Colin crossed the living room.
    J.T. caught his gaze. “You’re doing it. You’re taking care of the most precious things to me.”
    Emma shouted from the kitchen, “Dinner’s ready.”
    Colin glanced toward the door into the dining room. “Did you have enough food earlier?”
    â€œYes. Tell your wife and Grace thanks for thinking of me.” J.T. kissed Kim on the cheek, patted Neil’s arm, then headed toward the entry hall. “I’ll call tomorrow morning, Kim, to let you know when you can come down to the station.”
    â€œI’m coming, too.” Neil stood by his sister.
    J.T. gave them a nod then disappeared into the foyer where he paused and drew in a composing breath. He held his hands out in front of him and noticed the tremors. He clenched them into such tight fists that they ached.
    He remembered pouring Ashley her cereal yesterday morning. She’d only eaten a few bites before Neil had to leave for school.