by Rita Herron
“Did you go through an adoption agency?” Jacob asked.
“No. We used a private lawyer. But like I said, Delaney signed away all rights.”
Facts could be checked. “What is the name of the lawyer?”
Evie ran a hand through her hair. “His name was Pitts. Arnold Pitts.” She bit her lower lip. “Now tell me. Does her mother want her?”
“I don’t know anything about this girl named Delaney,” Jacob admitted. “So as far as I know, your adoption is not in jeopardy.”
Unless Twyla was Alice, which he was beginning to think wasn’t the case.
Still, what had Philips learned that had led him to Evie?
“Evie, if your adoption was legitimate, and you had nothing to do with the kidnapping of Cora’s baby or Kurt Philips’s murder, why did you run?” Jacob pressed.
“I...didn’t run,” Evie said although she didn’t make eye contact with Jacob.
“Then why was your house completely cleaned out?” Jacob asked.
Evie looked down into her coffee again as if she could hide inside it. “I planned to adopt a little boy, but it fell through at the last minute, so I decided to get away. There’s no crime in that.”
“No, there isn’t,” Cora interjected. “What happened with the adoption?”
“Another couple got the child,” Evie said, her voice cracking. “And don’t ask me who, because I don’t know.”
“Were you working with the same lawyer you used with Twyla?” Jacob asked.
Evie gave him a wary look. “No, it was a lawyer I saw in an ad. He specialized in arranging adoptions for couples and single-parent families, so I contacted him.”
“Again, why did you run?” Jacob pressed.
Evie made another low, pained sound in her throat. “Because they pressured me for more money.” She stared at the window, a faraway look in her eyes. “Another couple paid twice as much as I’d agreed to, so they got the baby instead of me.”
“They were selling the baby to the highest bidder?” Cora asked in an incredulous voice.
“That’s what I started to think,” she said quietly. “When I asked for more details about the baby’s parents, the lawyer became angry. He said if I couldn’t have kids of my own, I should be grateful for anyone who’d help me.”
Cora sighed softly. “That was a horrible thing to say, Evie.”
Evie gulped. “I told him he was unethical. That I planned to report him to the police. And...and...”
“And what?” Jacob asked.
Evie released an agonized sigh. “He said if I reported him, I’d be sorry. That... I would lose Twyla.”
Jacob’s heart pounded. “What he said, what he did, was very wrong, Evie. My brother is with the FBI and is investigating a baby kidnapping/adoption ring. This man may be part of it.”
Evie raised a brow. “You think that baby boy was stolen?”
Jacob shrugged. “It’s possible. Even if the baby wasn’t kidnapped, this lawyer may be promising the child to multiple people for adoption, then pitting prospective parents against each other to inflate the price.”
“I can’t believe I got caught up in it,” Evie said. “I lost my husband a while back, and I was desperate and...stupid.”
“You’re not stupid,” Cora said. “That man is a vile predator.”
“She’s right,” Jacob said. “He’s taking advantage of vulnerable people, and he needs to be stopped.”
“But I can’t risk losing Twyla,” Evie cried.
“If your adoption is legitimate, you won’t lose her,” Jacob assured her. “But if we don’t stop him, he’ll do the same thing to someone else.” He paused. “Worse, if he’s selling kidnapped babies, their mothers and fathers are looking for their children just like Cora is.”
* * *
CORA COULDN’T IMAGINE selling babies as if they were objects. “He’s right,” she told Evie. “You can’t allow this man to hurt anyone else.”
A myriad of emotions played across Evie’s face as she glanced at her daughter.
“Just think how you’d feel if someone took Twyla from you and sold her to someone else.”
Evie’s gaze shot to Cora’s. “It would tear my heart out.”
“Just like it did mine,” Cora said softly. “The only thing that has kept me going is the hope of one day finding my daughter.”
“Twyla isn’t your child,” Evie said emphatically. “I swear, I met her mother. I was there when she gave birth. I can give you her contact information.”
“I believe you,” Cora said, although doubts still plagued her. But she didn’t want Evie to run again.
“I’ll take that information,” Jacob said. “I’m going to contact my brother Liam—Special Agent Liam Maverick. Then I want you and Twyla to come back to Whistler with us. Liam will find that bastard lawyer you worked with. He’ll also want you to look at photographs of suspects in the kidnapping/adoption ring he’s investigating.” He leaned closer. “I promise, Evie, we’ll keep you and Twyla safe.”
Twyla raced over. “Mommy, can I have my ice cream now?”
Evie squeezed her daughter’s arm. “Of course, honey. Then we’re going to take a little trip.”
“What is this lawyer’s name?” Jacob asked.
“Tate Muldoon,” Evie said in a low voice.
Jacob stood. “I’ll phone Liam and give him a heads-up.”
Cora waved the waitress over to bring Twyla’s treat, indecision warring in her head over Evie’s innocence as the waitress brought the dish of strawberry ice cream.
She chatted with the little girl about kindergarten and her favorite activities and stories as Twyla ate. Evie relaxed slightly, the love for her little girl obvious.
If Evie was in danger, she needed a friend.
But if she had some part in Alice’s kidnapping or this baby ring, she deserved to go to jail.
Cora struggled to remain calm. Was this nefarious ring responsible for her baby’s disappearance?
Chapter Twenty
Jacob kept an eye on Evie, Twyla and Cora as he stepped into the hall near the restroom to phone Liam. “She’s scared out of her mind this guy will come after her daughter. I don’t know if he’d hurt the child or just try to take her. She claims the adoption was legitimate, but we’ll have to verify that.”
“I’ll start looking into it ASAP,” Liam said. “If this lawyer is involved in the kidnapping/adoption ring, this could be a big break.”
There were a lot of ifs. “Even if he’s not, what he’s doing sounds illegal and warrants an investigation.”
“Agreed.” Liam hesitated. “Do you think Evie will testify?”
“If it means protecting her daughter, yes. But we have to assure her that they’ll be safe.”
“I’ll guard them myself,” Liam said.
“Do you want me to bring them to Charlotte?”
“No, I have room at my cabin in Whistler. They can stay there.”
A smart choice. It was off the beaten path, and Liam had a security system. Someone would also be pretty bold to come after Evie under an FBI agent’s own roof.
Liam would make certain the mother and daughter’s whereabouts remained confidential.
“All right. I’ll escort them there myself.”
“Copy that. What’s the lawyer’s name?” Liam asked.
“Tate Muldoon.”
“Good work, Jacob.”
“I hope it pans out,” Jacob said. “And if he had something to do with Cora’s baby’s kidnapping—”
“He’ll pay,” Liam assured him.
Jacob inhaled, and they ended the call. He joined Cora, Evie and Twyla just as Twyla finished her ice cream.
Jacob grinned at the little girl. The innocence of a child’s laughter and enthusiasm for simple things like ice cream warmed his h
eart and made him think about how lonely his house was.
He had been so focused on finding his father’s killer and locating Cora’s child that he hadn’t made time for a personal relationship. Hadn’t considered having a family of his own one day.
It had just been him and his brothers. No big holiday celebrations or family dinners. Christmas meant grabbing a beer and a burger in between jobs.
Cora looked up at him with those wide beautiful eyes, and his chest squeezed. Kissing her had been spontaneous and...nice.
Hell, who was he kidding? It was a lot more than nice. It was passionate.
He wanted to do it again.
“Everything okay?” Evie asked.
Jacob jerked his mind back to the case. “Yes. You’re all set. We’re meeting Liam at his place.”
Wariness flashed in her eyes again, making him wonder if she was still hiding something.
Liam was an excellent interrogator. If Evie was holding back or lying, his brother would get the truth out of her.
* * *
TENSION STRAINED THE air between Cora and Evie as they followed Jacob back to Whistler. Thankfully, Twyla’s constant chatter and giggles eased the ride.
To soothe Cora and Twyla’s nerves, Cora shared a story about a stinky skunk she’d written for her class. She’d been working on illustrations lately. Maybe one day she’d publish it.
“I loved Stinky Dinky,” Twyla said. “Do you gots another story?”
Cora laughed softly. “I think I might.”
For the remainder of the ride, she told stories and the three of them sang children’s songs Twyla had learned in kindergarten.
But as they neared Whistler, Evie’s hands tightened around the steering wheel, and her body grew rigid.
Cora patted the woman’s arm. “It’s okay, you can trust Jacob and his brother. They’re good guys.”
Evie shot her a wary look, then gave a little nod. “I hope so,” she said in a raspy whisper. “Twyla means everything to me.”
Tears pricked at Cora’s eyes. “I understand. I really do.”
Evie parked behind Jacob, her hand trembling as she opened the car door. But she lifted her chin in a show of courage as she climbed out and opened Twyla’s door.
Cora followed, her emotions boomeranging in her chest. Liam met them outside on the porch, and he and Jacob exchanged a quick brotherly handshake.
Evie squared her shoulders as if she was intimidated by Liam’s size.
“You don’t have to be afraid of him,” Cora whispered as they walked inside. “I can vouch for the Maverick men.”
Evie relaxed slightly as they entered Liam’s cabin. The house was slightly larger than Jacob’s, with a cathedral ceiling boasting a ten-foot stone fireplace and a deck that ran the length of the back of the house. Though it was dark, she’d heard the sound of the river outside when they parked. The back deck probably offered a view of it and the canyon below.
“You and your daughter can stay here tonight,” Liam said after greeting Evie and Twyla. “There’s a private wing upstairs you’ll have all to yourselves.”
Evie offered him a tentative smile.
“Do you have suitcases?” Liam asked.
“In the car,” Evie said. “We hadn’t had a chance to unpack.”
“I’ll get them.” Jacob hurried outside to retrieve their luggage while Liam showed them around.
“The refrigerator is stocked.” Liam grinned at Twyla. “I wasn’t sure what you liked, but I have my favorites. Pizza and mac and cheese.”
Twyla’s eyes sparkled. “I love pizza and mac and cheese!”
“Really?” Liam made an exaggerated face, and Cora couldn’t help but smile. The Maverick men amazed her with their bravery and kindness.
“It’s been a long day,” Evie said. “Is it okay if I get Twyla settled before we talk?”
“Of course.” Liam gestured toward the stairs. “There are two rooms with a Jack and Jill bathroom in between. But if you’re more comfortable sharing a room with her, that’s fine.”
Evie raised a brow at Liam as if surprised by his sensitive comment. “Thank you.”
She ushered Twyla up the stairs, leaving Cora alone with the Maverick men.
Liam gestured toward the laptop on the breakfast bar. “My people have been researching Tate Muldoon.”
Cora and Jacob looked over Liam’s shoulder as Liam displayed a photo. “This is Muldoon meeting a woman we suspect is involved in the kidnapping ring.” He hissed. “It appears the two are connected.”
In the photo, the woman was holding an infant to her, the baby wrapped so tightly in a blanket that you couldn’t see its face. She’d also angled her head downward to avoid direct contact with the security camera at the airport.
Cora’s stomach roiled. Who did that baby belong to?
* * *
JACOB INSTINCTIVELY PLACED a hand on Cora’s back to comfort her.
“Do you know how long this ring has been active?” Cora asked.
“Not yet,” Liam replied. “But now we’ve identified Muldoon, we can dig into his background and activities.”
Jacob gently squeezed Cora’s arm. “He may or may not be responsible for Alice’s disappearance, Cora.”
Liam shifted. “But we won’t rest until we have the answers.”
Evie walked down the steps with a troubled expression.
“Is Twyla all right?” Cora asked.
“She fell asleep as soon as her head hit the pillow,” Evie said.
“I’m sure you’re tired, too,” Liam said. “But I need you to look at this photograph.”
Evie joined them at the computer and studied the picture of the man and woman with the baby.
“Is that the lawyer you worked with?” Liam asked.
A sick expression darkened Evie’s eyes, then she murmured that it was Muldoon. “Oh my God. He’s really selling children, isn’t he?”
Jacob nodded. “You sensed something was wrong?”
She took a minute to answer. “Not at first, but when he started demanding more money, I became suspicious.”
“How did you connect with Muldoon?” Liam asked.
Evie explained about the ad. “I realize it was stupid to choose a lawyer from an ad, but he specialized in helping bring families together. When I first spoke with him, he sounded caring, as if he enjoyed matching children who needed parents with mothers and fathers who wanted to open their hearts and homes to them.”
“He’s a professional. He knows how to play on people’s vulnerabilities,” Liam said.
“I feel like such a fool.” Evie rubbed her temple.
Cora curved her arm around the woman’s shoulders. “You aren’t a fool. You wanted a child, and obviously have a lot of love to offer.”
“You’re not the only one he’s done this to,” Liam said. “But you can stop him from taking advantage of others by testifying against him once we make an arrest.”
“I just want Twyla to be safe,” Evie said. “I can’t lose her.”
“You’re both safe here,” Liam said.
“If he’s running a big operation, he could have a number of people working for him,” Jacob added.
“You’re right.” Liam checked his watch. “If my suspicions are correct, the kidnapping ring is international. They’re selling babies all over the world. Transporting them across states and countries complicates the situation and makes it harder to identify and trace the children.”
Jacob understood the problem. The media did what they could to broadcast nationwide, but if the babies were shipped to another country, they might never be found.
Liam glanced at Evie. “It’s late. Why don’t you get some rest, and I’ll make some phone calls.”
“Thanks.” She glanced at Jacob. “And I’ll call my mother.” Evie said good
-night and disappeared up the stairs. Liam walked Jacob and Cora to the car. Cora climbed in, but Jacob hung back to confer with Liam.
“I still think Evie is holding out on us,” Jacob said.
Liam shrugged slightly. “Maybe. Let’s give her some time. She’s obviously frightened now and needs time to learn to trust us.” He patted Jacob’s shoulder. “I won’t let her get away, bro. Just take care of Cora.”
Liam was right. Cora was still in danger.
And he’d do anything to protect her.
* * *
CORA COULDN’T ERASE the image of Evie and Twyla’s frightened faces from her mind as Jacob drove her home. Dark storm clouds rumbled above, raindrops splattering the windshield as they unleashed a torrent of rain.
Jacob snagged an umbrella from the back seat and handed it to her. She opened the door and then the umbrella before hopping out. Jacob raced to join her and they ran up the path to her porch, hunched beneath the umbrella together. She almost slipped on the wet steps, but Jacob caught her arm and steadied her.
When they reached the door, she fished out her keys while Jacob scanned the perimeter. She had set the new alarm, so she checked it as she entered. Still, Jacob motioned for her to wait at the door while he combed through the house.
“Don’t you trust the system?” she asked as he returned to the foyer.
Jacob shrugged, the dim light from the porch accentuating his strong, square jaw. His eyes looked as dark and stormy as the night outside.
“I just don’t want to take any chances. If Philips connected Evie to this kidnapping ring, and they know we’re onto them, they may be the ones who came after you.”
A shudder rippled through Cora. She dropped her purse on the end table and rubbed her arms to ward off the chill from the rain. “I can’t imagine anyone so coldhearted as to steal and sell children.”
A muscle ticked in Jacob’s jaw. “Me, neither, although people keep surprising me. Unfortunately not always in a good way.”
Despair threatened to overcome Cora as Liam’s statement about transporting children to different states and countries taunted her. “If these people kidnapped my baby, she could be anywhere.”
