His parents and cousins had shown up, and James was relieved to see them. Since his brothers were helping in the search, he’d asked his father to make sure that Marina’s injuries were as mild as her doctor had told them. Not that he didn’t trust the doctor but he trusted his father more. His dad assured them that Marina was only being kept for observation. He was a doctor and knew the doctor that admitted Marina.
John finally convinced Marina’s parents to go home and rest, but not before Doug pulled James aside.
“Find. My. Grandson,” Doug said through clenched teeth but James was sure it was because he was trying to keep the tears back.
“I won’t rest until Danny’s home, Doug,” James assured him because he wouldn’t sleep until Marina had her son back in her arms.
Greg and Aaron arrived together and right behind Keith. James knew someone was going to be coming because Marina needed to be questioned. They didn’t get a chance right after the accident because she was ready to pass out. Both Aaron and Greg agreed it was better if Greg was the lead since there was no family connection. Before he entered the room, James pulled him aside.
“What do you know so far?” James asked.
“You know procedure says I can’t tell you everything, but Mr. Roberts gave A.J. a description of the car and the suspect, but he didn’t get a plate number. Mr. Roberts agreed to talk to the sketch artist.” Greg shook his head. “Well, look at that. I can tell you everything we know.”
“Thanks, pal. I appreciate it.” James shook his friend’s hand. “Greg, this woman means the world to me, and this is killing her.” James swallowed hard and Greg squeezed his hand.
“You know we’ll do everything to get her boy back.” James nodded and Greg followed him into the room.
Marina answered the questions, but James could see her getting overwhelmed. When Greg asked again if she knew where Marc would hide out, James shook his head, making it clear that Marina had enough. A nurse entered the room with a sedative for Marina just as Greg finished up. James was relieved because if she didn’t have something to relax her, she wasn’t going to get any rest. Stephanie stayed with Marina while James headed to the waiting room to put together some sort of game plan to find Danny.
He knew the department was doing everything they could, but Danny was like his own son and his brothers knew that. The only thing making it hard for James to concentrate on what everyone was saying, was thinking about how scared Danny must be. It was tearing him apart. Was he cold, hungry, was he crying? Did he know everyone would be searching for him? Marc didn’t hurt him last time but who knew what the crazy bastard was up to.
“You’ll drive yourself crazy if you keep it all inside.” John sat next to him and leaned his elbows on his knees.
“Just hoping Danny’s okay.” James watched Keith pace back and forth in the waiting room with his phone to his ear talking in a low voice.
“That bastard better be taking care of him.” John had his hands clasped together in front of him and it was obvious John was as restless as he was.
“Sandy, find out whatever you can about this son of a bitch. Check for bank cards, credit cards, anything you can find on him. He has to be somewhere. I want to know everything you can dig up on this guy. He’s out there somewhere with Danny.” Keith listened for a minute. “I don’t know, but maybe Stephanie can give you something on him. Stephanie has her phone in the room.” Keith listened again and then ended the call.
“Okay, Sandy is going to dig and find out what she can. How’s Marina?” Keith crouched in front of John and James.
“Pissed and scared. If they hadn’t given her a sedative, I think she’d be marching out of here looking for Danny,” James said.
“We’re going to find him, bro.” Keith sounded so sure. James was trying hard to be positive, and Keith had resources that the police didn’t. He also had all his available employees searching.
“I know, but how long is it going to take and is he taking care of Danny?” James just couldn’t stop the sick feeling in the pit of his stomach. Marc didn’t want Danny because he suddenly wanted to be a father, James was sure of that. Marc wanted something and he’d taken Danny for leverage. What the hell was it?
“How the hell is this bastard managing to be a step ahead of us every fucking time? I should have had Bull follow her home,” Keith said.
“Hind sight is twenty-twenty, bro.” John sighed.
Two fucking days and they were still no closer to finding Danny. James was wound so tight; he was ready to snap. The only reason he was at least attempting to keep himself under control was for Marina’s sake. She’d gotten out of hospital the day after the accident and had been wound up tighter than a drum.
Greg dropped by earlier in the day to let them know Marc’s car was abandoned about two kilometers outside St. John’s, but nobody had seen him or Danny. Danny’s picture was all over the news, as well as Marc’s, and they’d received dozens of leads, but nothing had panned out. That wasn’t unusual because for some reason there were people out there who just wanted to get involved whether they had information or not. It was a waste of the police resources but every call had to be checked out. The worse thing was the man that Tom described didn’t match Marc’s description. That only meant the bastard had someone helping him.
James begged his Uncle Kurt to let him help out with the investigation, but Kurt told him he was too close to the case. He’d even taken Aaron off the investigation, which didn’t go over well with his little brother. Although Kurt did give Greg strict instructions to keep them in the loop. Since the car had been found, the search parties started around that area, but everyone knew Marc wouldn’t be stupid enough to stay close to where he left the car. They’d also found another set of tire tracks telling them Marc had another car waiting for him. Which supported the theory he wasn’t working alone.
James walked into the house, slammed the door, and punched it. He’d spent the day with one of the search parties and the only thing they found was an open area where people were dumping garbage.
“James?” Marina stood at the bottom of the stairs. “Why are you punching the door?”
He walked towards her, but she backed away. The fear in her eyes made him want to punch himself. “I’m sorry, I’m frustrated.” He shoved his hands into his front pockets as the lump he’d been swallowing all day formed in his throat again. “Uncle Kurt won’t let me help and I feel like all we did today was walk in circles. I feel useless.”
“You’re not useless. You’re keeping me from falling apart.” She cupped his face in her hands and stared into his eyes.
“I’m going to head home now.” Jess walked out of the kitchen. “Nan left some food in the fridge and said to make sure you eat.”
“I’ll get something in a bit, Jess. Thanks for keeping Marina company.” James smiled at his cousin.
“No problem, I just wish there was more I could do. Kristy is coming tomorrow and make sure you both eat. I’m not having Nan jump down my throat because you didn’t.” Jess pulled on her coat.
“I’ll make sure we eat. You don’t need the wrath of your grandmother on you.” Marina smiled. Jess hugged her and kissed James’ cheek before she headed out the front door.
“I’m going to get a quick shower and then we can eat.” James kissed Marina’s cheek before heading upstairs.
“Mason was waiting for you to come home.” Marina called after him. “He fell asleep but maybe you should let him know you’re home.”
James opened Mason’s bedroom door and stared at his son curled up on his bed holding something. When James walked closer his heart almost jumped out of his chest. It was the picture of Sarah that he’d put in his dresser with his wedding ring a few weeks back. He’d wondered how the picture was constantly showing up on his dresser after he’d put it in the drawer. James kissed Mason’s head and turned to leave.
“Daddy?” He heard Mason’s soft voice.
“Go back to sleep, buddy. It’s late.
” James sat on the side of his bed and covered him up.
“Did you find Danny?” Mason sounded hopeful and James hated to dash his hopes.
“Not yet, buddy.” James ran his hand over his son’s unruly curls.
“I asked my angel mommy to help you find him. Nanny Betty said she works for God now.” Mason held up the picture.
“Thank you, Mason. I hope she can help.” James kissed his cheek. His son had his Sarah’s heart.
“Daddy, she can’t help but Nanny said she can watch Danny until you find him.” Mason said.
“I hope you’re right, pal. Now I think you need to get some sleep,” James said.
“Okay, Daddy, but I gotta say my prayers.” Mason sat up in the bed.
“Okay.” Mason put Sarah’s picture on the bedside table and knelt on the bed. He clasped his hands together.
“Thank you for my family and my friends. Please watch over them.” Mason stopped and then closed his eyes. “God, can you please help Daddy find Danny because I really miss him. Amen.” The tears burned his eyes and he closed them to hold them back. Mason blessed himself and crawled under the blankets. “Goodnight, Daddy.”
“Goodnight, Mason.” James kissed his son’s forehead and covered him up. Before he left the room he turned and noticed the picture on Mason’s bedside table.
“Sarah, help us find Marina’s little boy,” James whispered and left the room. Mason truly believed Sarah was watching over Danny, so who was he to doubt him. They had to find him soon.
Chapter 19
Three days they’d been searching for Danny and Marc but they seemed to have disappeared off the face of the earth. She and Stephanie spent the day walking around the streets with pictures of Danny and Marc showing everyone she walked by. They would all look at the flyer but nobody saw them.
As they drove back to Hopedale they passed the area where she’d gone into the ditch. The only thing there was the skid marks where she tried to stop the car. Other than that it was as if nothing changed. Except something did. Her son was with someone he didn’t know and she knew in her heart he was scared to death.
James’ parents’ house had become the command center for the search parties. They’d all end up there after they’d spent the day searching and see if there was any news. She walked in and was greeted by Nanny Betty and Cora. The first thing she was made to do was eat and she did. James’ grandmother wouldn’t give up until she ate something.
“Jimmy’s at de station. He should be back in a bit.” Nanny Betty told her as she poured up a hot cup of tea.
“Thanks, I don’t know what I would do without all of you.” Marina hadn’t taken the time to thank any of them because she was so focused on getting Danny home.
“No need for thanks. Dat’s wat family is for.” Nanny Betty gave her a hug and moved on to making sure Stephanie was eating.
James walked into the house with his father. He walked right to her, crouched and took her hand. For a few minutes they just stayed there watching the dozens of people coming and going. A lot of the people she didn’t know but had been told they were off duty police who’d brought their families to help. Keith’s guys were there as well being bossed around by Nanny Betty because they weren’t eating enough. Any other time she’d find that funny.
“I think it’s time we head home and try to get some rest,” James said.
“Yeah, I think Mason is ready for bed.” Marina saw the little boy sitting on Kristy’s lap with his head resting on her shoulder.
“Let’s go.”
A couple of cars drove up and down the street the same as they always did. It was like nothing in the world changed, but something did change. Her world was turned upside down. How could all these people driving around not know the pain she was going through? What a stupid thought. None of these people driving to their destinations knew Danny, and they didn’t know what an amazing little boy he was. None of them knew his smile could light up a room and none of them knew how her chest hurt without him.
The first flurries of the year were starting to fall. Any other time she would consider it beautiful, but at the moment all she could think about was if Marc was keeping Danny warm enough. Danny had his heavy jacket on when Marc took him, but she wondered if he was inside or were they out in the cold?
She glanced at the clock on the wall and swallowed the lump in her throat that had become permanent since Danny disappeared. It was his bedtime, and he was used to her tucking him in every night. He’d even gotten used to James singing the ‘tough boy song’ every night. Would Marc make sure he went to bed on time? The lump threatened to choke her and her eyes burned with tears yet again. She didn’t want to cry anymore because she was sick of feeling weak. It was more than seventy-eight hours since she’d seen her son, and her heart was hurting.
She turned when she felt something touch her hand and saw Mason staring up at her. His big blue eyes stared up at her and she realized he was just as lost as she was.
“Auntie Marina?”
“Yes, sweetie?” She tried to control the tremble in her voice.
“Do you need a hug?”
Marina nodded and knelt on the floor in front of him as his small arms wrapped around her neck. She closed her eyes and tried to hold back the tears. She didn’t want him to see her cry. He was trying to make her feel better, and if she was crying it would upset him.
“That’s from me and Danny,” he whispered against her cheek, and she couldn’t stop the tears anymore. They rolled down her cheeks as she hugged Mason tightly against her, and he didn’t flinch. It was as if he had some sort of instinct that Marina needed to just hold him for a while.
“Thank you, Mason.” She kissed the top of his head and he put his head on her shoulder. When she opened her eyes, James was standing in the kitchen with his hands in his pockets. The glistening in his eyes said he was moved by his son’s concern. She’d grown to love this child as much as her own.
“Mason.” James’ voice cracked as Mason turned around. “It’s time for bed, buddy. You go get ready, and I’ll be up to tuck you in.” Mason gave her another hug and she couldn’t hold the tears back anymore.
“Don’t cry, Auntie Marina. Danny’ll be home soon. I know he will.” He seemed so sure and she wished she had his confidence.
“I hope you’re right, sweetie.” Marina kissed the top of his head and he ran out of the kitchen. She stood and turned back to the window. James walked up behind her and wrapped his strong arms around her. She knew he was missing Danny, too because she’d saw him staring at the flyers his family made. It was as if he was willing the picture to tell him something. Marina turned into his arms and pressed her cheek against his chest. His hands stroked her back and she closed her eyes.
A few minutes went by, and she heard Mason call out from upstairs. James kissed the top of her head and she felt the loss immediately. The cold thoughts entered her head again. She couldn’t think the worst, but sometimes her mind just went there. Would she ever see her son’s smiling face again?
Her phone vibrated in her pocket and she frantically fished it out. She glanced at the screen and although she loved her parents, she was disappointed that it wasn’t someone telling her they’d found Danny.
“Hi, Mom.” Marina held the phone to her ear.
“Is there any news on your end?” her mother asked.
“Not yet.” Marina sighed as she stared out of the window.
“He’ll be home soon, honey.” As positive as her mother was trying to sound, Marina could hear the doubt.
“What if Marc’s not taking care of him?” Marina didn’t know where the tears were coming from but they’d started again.
“I can’t believe he’d do anything to hurt his own son. He’s just trying to hurt you, honey.” That wasn’t all he wanted and she knew it. Marc wanted something but she had no idea what it was.
“I hope you’re right, Mom.” Marina wiped the tears from her cheeks.
“If you need anything let
us know.” Janet said. “Your father is out with Sean and Kurt searching the woods.”
Marina hadn’t even realized they were still searching since it was snowing and dark. “I hope they’re not too deep in the woods because the snow is starting to get heavy out here.” Marina said.
“I’m sure they’ll be smart enough to get in out of the weather.” Janet said and Marina shivered. The thought of Danny being out in bad weather with someone he didn’t know was making her want to throw up. She tried hard to keep the contents of her stomach down and talked to her mother for a few more minutes. Her mother ended the call just after her father had arrived home. Janet wanted to find out if Doug had found out anything. Marina wanted to know, too, but when she was about to ask her mother to talk to him, she heard James yelling.
Chapter 20
James sat on Mason’s bed reading but he noticed his son kept glancing at Danny’s bed. Mason had to be missing Danny so much. The boys were like two peas in a pod. They did everything together, especially since Marina moved in but over the course of the last day or so, Mason had become really quiet.
James was almost finished the book when Mason took it from his hand and crawled onto his lap.
“Daddy, if someone told you to keep a secret but the secret was something that could make everyone happy again, would you tell?” The expression on Mason’s face had James hair standing on end.
“What are you talking about, buddy?”
Mason seemed to be struggling with his thoughts as he stared at Danny’s bed.
“Mason, is there something you need to tell me?” Mason jumped down from his lap and walked to Danny’s bed. He glanced at James for a moment and then got onto his hands and knees and pulled something from under Danny’s bed. When Mason stood up, he was holding a small box about the size of a ring box. He held it in his hands as he stood in front of James.
Dangerous Abduction (O'Connor Brothers Book 2) Page 19
