Free Ultimate Cowboy by Rita Herron

hostage situation and you’re looking at a lot of prison time.”
    Kyle shifted and stretchedhis legs out in front of him.
    “You can do yourself a favor by cooperating,” Agent Cord said.
    “It does look bad,” Julie said. “But there are always extenuating circumstances. Say, if someone forced you to commit that crime.”
    Brody sucked in a breath, hoping that Will would speak up, but he simply stared at the floor.
    Agent Cord opened the file and spread several photos of therobberies across the table. “We have footage from three different convenience stores proving you were present at the robberies.”
    Kyle glanced at the pictures, his face stoic.
    “Kyle,” Julie said. “I know you didn’t plan this robbery alone. Are you involved in a gang?”
    That question brought a sharp look toward Julie.
    “No gang?” she asked. “But each time you’re with another boyclose to your age. This boy here—” She pointed to the blond kid. “We believe his name is Tray Goodner and that he was abducted five years ago from a carnival.”
    “The two of you committed these robberies together,” Agent Cord said. “Who is your ringleader, Kyle?” Agent Cord hit the table again. “Or are you the leader?”
    Kyle shot him a belligerent look.
    “We know you’re in trouble,”Agent Cord said. “And that you need our help.”
    Julie reached out to touch his shoulder, but he jerked away.
    “We want to help you,” Julie said. “Did someone hurt you? Force you to rob the stores?”
    He glared at her again.
    “You have bruises on you, Kyle. How did you get those?”
    “None of your damn business,” Kyle muttered.
    Julie and the other agent exchanged a look. “Allright, I think it’s time to call your parents,” Julie said. “Give us their name and number.”
    Kyle’s body went rigid.
    “I’m sure they’re probably worried about you,” Julie continued. “They’ll want to know you’re safe.”
    “There’s nobody to call.” The boy ducked his head down, his lips set tight, an angry look marring his face.
    “Please,” Julie said. “If someone forced you and Trayto rob that store, then we can make a deal for you. And we can help reunite you with your real families.”
    “I don’t know what you’re talking about,” Kyle said.
    “Fine, don’t talk.” Agent Cord’s voice was harsh. “You’re old enough to be tried as an adult. Is that what you want?”
    The boy’s leg jiggled again. Then Julie slid another photo from the file and laid it on the table. “Lookat this, Kyle. This little boy’s name is Hank Forte. He’s only six years old.”
    Kyle’s gaze cut to the picture, but he quickly glanced back down at the floor. In that split second, Brody detected pain and fear in his eyes.
    “Hank’s mother and father are devastated,” Julie said. “They carried him to a local fair for the day. They were having fun, riding rides, playing games, eating cottoncandy, but they turned their heads for a minute, and he disappeared.” Julie pushed the photo toward him, forcing it into his line of vision. “Hank’s parents can’t sleep right now. They’re terrified and worried, and I’m sure that Hank is terrified, too.”
    Kyle flinched, a movement so small it was barely detectable. But it indicated that Julie was getting to him.
    “If you know where he is,please tell us,” Julie said softly. “You may think it’s too late for you, but it’s not. And if you talk to us, you can not only save yourself, but you can save Hank.”
    * * *
    J ULIE STRUGGLED TO control her voice. She was determined to present a calm front to Kyle. God only knew what the poor boy had gone through.
    It was obvious that he’d been abused. Probably over a long period oftime.
    He was also lying. That she had no doubt about. Although he tried to look tough he was scared.
    And not just for himself.
    The tiny flinch at the corner of his mouth when she’d shown him that photo of Hank indicated he had seen the boy. That she was