by Iris Abbott
“Shit!” She ran inside and noted for the first time that Snowball’s leash was missing. She groaned out loud. Jacob knew he wasn’t supposed to walk the dog by himself. She was almost as big as Jacob.
Her mind filtered back to the last time she saw her nephew. He tried to tell her something about Snowball. She slapped a hand over her eyes and groaned. She ran back to her apartment and opened the door. She needed to call Hannah. The thought of the phone call made her sick to her stomach.
****
Hannah closed her locker. It was another grueling day at work. She was under mental stress as well.
A war raged inside her for over three weeks, ever since Steve came to town. She tried to fight her love for him, but she was ready to admit defeat. In less than a month, she fell head over heels in love. The more time she spent with him on and off the job the more she wanted to be with him. Even Jacob took to him like a duck to water. She knew her son was at the age where a man’s influence was important. The time Steve spent with them only proved the point.
Speak of the devil. Steve walked into the locker room and gave her a smoldering look. “So, it’s Christmas Eve, and I can’t think of anywhere I’d rather be than with you and Jacob. I can pick up a pizza and bring it over to your house along with your Christmas gifts.” His eyes sparkled, and he smiled as if he was the owner of a big secret he couldn’t wait to share.
Hannah’s mouth dropped open, and she stared at him. Of course, she and Jacob bought him a couple of presents because he’d been such a huge part of their lives the past few weeks. Spending Christmas Eve together though was a giant step forward. After all, holidays should be spent with loved ones. It screamed commitment and relationship, and she still wasn’t sure if that was what Steve was angling for here.
The sex between them was earthshattering, but neither of them mentioned the L word yet. They hadn’t made plans to spend the holidays together, and there was plenty of opportunities for them to do so before now. Hannah realized she would love nothing more than for Steve to spend the special time of year with Jacob and her.
The loud and insistent trill of her phone interrupted Hannah before she could give him an answer. She saw her sister’s name and knew she wouldn’t be calling unless it was important. She gave Steve an apologetic look and turned away to answer the phone.
“Hey, Amber,” she greeted before her sister could say anything. “I was getting ready to leave the hospital. I should be there in a few minutes.”
“Umm, J-jacob’s m-missing!” Her sister blurted out the devastating news.
Hannah’s fingers tightened around the small phone. Panic came swift and fierce, threatening to overwhelm her in its sickening intensity. Her knees buckled. She would have fallen to the hard tile floor if Steve hadn’t reached out and pulled her into his arms.
The shrill tone of her voice when she finally spoke was unrecognizable as fear managed to clog her throat. “Oh Go! What do you mean Jacob’s missing!”
****
Steve was positive his heart stopped beating. He took one look at Hannah and knew she was falling apart. He wrestled the phone from her grasp and brought it to his ear.
“Amber, this is Steve Rivers. I need to know what’s going on.” He listened while she explained the series of events leading up to Jacob’s disappearance.
“Okay, how long ago since you last saw him?” Steve demanded to know. He let out a short breath when he heard her answer. “Okay, forty-five minutes isn’t that long.” He offered the small piece of hope for both Hannah and Amber, but inside fear gnawed at his gut.
He clamped down on the devastating feelings. He had to stay calm for Hannah’s sake. They would find Jacob soon. He wouldn’t allow there to be any other outcome.
“See if you can find a couple of people in the apartment complex you trust to help you mount a search by foot. He can’t have gotten far. Someone should stay at the apartment in case he comes back,” Steve remembered to warn her. “Stay in touch with us by phone as needed. We’ll be there as soon as possible.”
He hung up the phone. Hannah struggled into the coat she’d thrown over her arm before answering the phone. He brushed her inept hands away and buttoned it for her as quickly as he could. “Your sister says she has a couple of teacher friends in the apartment complex who are helping her look for Jacob.”
He grabbed her arm and propelled her out of the locker room at a fast clip. Hannah was silent all the way to the parking lot. They reached his truck first, and he ordered her to get in when she looked like she might walk to her own car.
“You’re in no shape to drive, and we don’t have time to argue. “Get in,” he prompted once again.
****
The cold settled into her bones, and Hannah knew he was right. They didn’t have time to waste. Her precious little boy was out there in the freezing cold somewhere. They had to find him fast.
Hannah set rigidly still in the passenger seat not seeing out of eyes blurred from tears that refused to fall. Steve talked on his phone, but the words didn’t register. The sound of his deep, even voice soothed her. She focused on it even if she couldn’t comprehend what he said.
Finally, after fifteen minutes in the car, it dawned on her that they were going the wrong way. “What are you doing?” she shrieked. “This isn’t the way to Amber’s apartment. We’re going the wrong way,” she exclaimed in disbelief.
A strangled sob left her throat. “I have to find my baby! Where are we going?” The gate finally broke and the tears that only glistened in her eyes a short time before poured down her cheeks.
Steve reached over with his right hand and entwined his fingers with those of her left hand. “Your sister already has several people walking around the apartment complex looking for Jacob. She says he’s wearing his red coat. That might make him easy to spot from the air. It’s worth a try anyway.
An old Army buddy of mine operates a small private airport not far from the hospital. He’s the one that told me about the job. Anyway, he has a couple of helicopters on the premises. He’s letting us borrow one. We can look for Jacob from the air.”
Hannah’s tears stopped instantly, and she sucked in a long, harsh breath of air. She needed to pull herself together. She was a flight nurse for Heaven’s sake. Why hadn’t she thought of that? She squeezed the hand that was holding her own to express her thanks. A few minutes later Steve drove into the drive of the airstrip and parked right outside the main door of a metal hanger.
A man with the same rugged good looks and tough exterior as Steve met them at the door. Hannah watched as the two men enthusiastically shook hands. “I’m sorry for your trouble,” the stranger greeted Hannah with a grave nod before turning back to Steve. “I knew you wouldn’t want to waste any time. The chopper is on the helipad, fired up and ready to go. I did the safety inspection myself, so you’re good to go.”
Hannah noted the relief that crossed Steve’s face before he gave the man his sincerest thanks. He pulled Hannah around the back of the large metal structure. A gleaming helicopter waited on a large flat surface well away from the building and any other obstacles.
They were in the small, private helicopter and in the air before Hannah could catch her breath. She slipped on the pair of headphones Steve pointed at, so they could communicate with each other over the noise of the motor and rotating blades. Flying low over a residential area could be risky, but she trusted Steve’s flying ability.
“My buddy contacted the proper authorities. They know we’re gonna be in the area and why.”
Hannah nodded but didn’t comment. She needed to focus on what was outside the chopper not get distracted by the man inside. She turned her head, looking around the cockpit. She searched out of every window and from every viewpoint that she could find.
It was cold and dreary. Not a good day for a little boy to be lost outside if that was actually the problem? Her stomach clenched. What if he wasn’t lost, but there was something more sinister going on? News stories about u
nsuspecting children being snatched from their front yards were reported all the time. She brought a fist up to her mouth and bit down to keep from crying out in anguished pain.
Steve’s strong voice filled her ears. “Don’t let your imagination run wild, Hannah. Concentrate on finding his coat,” he warned.
Hannah did just that. She recognized the apartment complex as they flew over, and she could see at least six people below them canvassing the area for Jacob. Steve veered away from the complex, flying in ever-expanding circles with Amber’s apartment building in the center.
Hannah’s eyes watered and stung. She needed to blink, but she refused to close them for a fraction of a second in case she missed something. Then she saw it, a small but bright splash of red against the dreary gray backdrop of winter.
She grabbed Steve’s arm and pointed toward splotch of color. “Look! Over there, it’s Jacob’s coat! It has to be!” Her nails bit into the flesh of her palm. She crossed her legs to stop herself from bouncing up and down.
Steve nodded. Luckily, they were in a relatively flat and open space. Steve set the helicopter down with barely a bump. Hannah yanked off the seatbelt, and Steve cautioned her.
“Don’t forget to watch out for the blades when you get out!”
She was used to working in and around choppers. She knew that sometimes people forgot how deadly the blades could be. Hannah gave him a small smile of thanks right before she yanked off her communication headset and dunked out of the helicopter. She headed toward the bright red beacon of material on the ground at full speed. Her only thought to get to her son as soon as possible.
****
Steve watched her sprint toward the now moving red coat. The garment was instrumental in their search. Thank goodness the boy was wearing it.
He tore off his headgear and followed after Hannah. The first thing he noticed when he got far enough away from the noisy chopper was the excited bark of a dog. He remembered Hannah’s sister mentioned something about her dog missing too. He let out a deep breath of relief. He closed the distance between him and the woman and child who had quickly come to mean everything to him.
Hannah touched every inch of her son. Tears leaked from her eyes and froze to her face. Steve wanted to brush them away, but she was occupied with her son. “Is your ankle the only thing hurt?”
The boy nodded his head, but he continued to cry. “I r-really m-messed things up,” he sobbed. “I only wanted to take Snowball for a walk to help out Aunt Amber.” He wiped his eyes and sniffed. “The dog ran off, and I tried to catch him, but I f-fell and hurt my a-ankle.”
Steve patted the young boy’s shoulder. “You all right other than your ankle?”
Jacob nodded. “Think so. J-j-just cold.” His teeth chattered. “Now everyone’s mad at me, and Santa probably wouldn’t bother with a lump of coal much less My Christmas wish.” He cried harder.
Steve gave Hannah a helpless look. He didn’t know what to do or say.
Hannah drew her son into her embrace and hugged him close. “It’s okay sweetie. Now that we’ve found you everything’s gonna be all right.” She rocked him back and forth.
Steve couldn’t stand not being a part of the scene. He sank down behind Hannah and wrapped his arms around woman and child. He ruffled the damp hair on Jacob’s head.
“Thank goodness we found you, buddy! As nice as the reunion is, we’ve got to go. It’s cold, and you’re damp. We need to get you warm and dry. Besides, your Aunt Amber and her friends are still looking for you.”
Jacob looked up from where he’d hidden his face against his mother’s jacket and gave Steve a big grin. His little shoulders, once slumped as if they carried the weight of the world, lifted.
****
Hannah gasped. “I forgot all about my sister. I better call her right now!” She whipped her phone out of her pocket and pressed a button.
“Amber! It’s me, we found him! He hurt his ankle, and that’s why he couldn’t make it back to your apartment. Snowball is with him and is safe too. It looks like he was able to keep Jacob warm. Thank goodness they stayed together.”
“That’s great news,” Amber whispered into the phone. Her voice sounded hoarse, probably from calling out for Jacob and Snowball. “I was worried sick. I’ll let everyone know and call off the search. Give him a big hug and kiss for me.”
“I’ll let you do it yourself when we drop off Snowball. See you soon,” with that Hannah broke the connection and put away the phone. She turned to Steve. “Thank you so much! It might have taken them another hour or more to find him on foot.” She shivered. “And it’s cold enough to freeze out here.”
Steve leaned in and gave her a quick kiss. She wanted him to linger but now wasn’t the time.
“We haven’t known each other long, but I hope you know that I’d do anything for you and Jacob.” He stood and offered a hand to Hannah. After he helped her up, he bent down and lifted Jacob into his arms.
“You’re too heavy for your mom, but I don’t want you on that ankle until it’s been x-rayed.” He lifted Jacob up until the boy sat atop his shoulders. “How about that, you’ve got the best view around from up there,” Steve teased.
Hannah joined in. “Yeah, maybe you should keep an eye out for Santa while you’re perched so high.” Hannah grabbed Snowball’s leash and held on tight. “Jacob, there’s a reason you aren’t allowed to take Snowball out on your own. She’s as big as you are and much stronger. These are work dogs. A lot of Alaskan Malamutes are trained to pull sleds so Snowball wouldn’t have any trouble pulling a six-year-old. As I think you found out today.”
“Sorry, mom.” He gave her an impish grin. “I just wanted to help Aunt Amber and gain points with Santa in case he’s still checking his list.”
Hannah patted her son’s knee. “Word is that Santa’s already impressed with you, young man.”
“I know I am,” Steve joined in. “Your mother is lucky to have you, and I’m lucky to know you. You’re one special boy.”
“This must be what it felt like to have a dad,” her son muttered. “Thanks, Steve. I wish you were my dad,” he suddenly blurted out.
****
Steve looked at Hannah and the faltering smile she gave him. He’d been thinking the same thing, but he was too cautious to voice the words out loud. He nervously laughed. “We’re still getting to know each other,” is all he could think to say without further embarrassing Hannah. He pointed at Snowball. “Do you think we can get her into the helicopter?”
“I think so,” she answered in a shaky voice.
“Let’s hope.” He wasn’t keen on leaving the dog behind.
They reached the helicopter. Steve slipped Jacob inside and fastened his seatbelt, making sure it was secure. He waited for Hannah to get inside before lifting the dog up for her to grab. The dog seemed happy enough to be by Jacob’s side and didn’t give them any trouble.
After everyone was settled, he powered up the helicopter and lifted off, flying back to his friend’s air hanger. He spoke into the mouthpiece. “After we land, I’ll drop you and Jacob off at the front door of the hospital and then I’ll take Amber’s dog back to her apartment. Your car’s still in the employee parking lot, so you’ll have a ride home without having to wait for me.”
Hannah’s face fell, but she didn’t argue with him. He knew it was a practical plan. They couldn’t take Snowball inside the hospital, and they couldn’t leave her in the car.
She finally nodded. “That would probably be for the best,” she agreed. She bit her lip, “I’m sorry our Christmas Eve plans were ruined.”
Steve shrugged. “They aren’t ruined. I still plan to grab a pizza and your presents and meet you at your house. I just have a couple of errands to run beforehand, but I’ll be there,” he promised
“I’d like that.” She closed her eyes and leaned back in the seat.
Steve guessed the extra adrenaline was leaving her system. He felt his own body crashing from the high. He gritted his te
eth and focused on flying the chopper. He had precious passengers to keep safe.
SEVEN
Jacob rested on the couch, facing the Christmas tree. His bandaged ankle was propped up on a stack of pillows.
Hannah found the ingredients for a tossed salad. She busily washed and chopped vegetables while she waited for Steve to arrive.
Her sister called over an hour ago to check on Jacob’s progress and to let her know that Snowball was delivered safe and sound. She was full of praise for Steve. Hannah could only agree. Steve was definitely something special.
She covered the salad, put it in the refrigerator, and settled on the couch next to Jacob. Both of them kept glancing at the door. Luckily, Steve didn’t keep them waiting long. About ten minutes after she sat with Jacob the doorbell rang.
Jacob tried to jump up to answer the door. He let out a loud groan when he remembered his sore ankle. Hannah gave her son a sympathetic look. “Your ankle should feel a lot better tomorrow morning, but only if you rest it tonight.”
Jacob sighed, but he didn’t argue. He also didn’t try to get up again.
Hannah rushed to the door and let out a small breath of relief when she recognized Steve’s silhouette through the glass on her front door. His arms were full of packages. She opened the door and ushered him inside. “Wow, you’ve been a busy little elf the past few weeks if all of those are for us.”
“I hate shopping, but it’ll be worth every second I spent at the mall to see your faces when you open your gifts tomorrow morning.” He handed her the stack. “Why don’t you put these under the tree,” he suggested. “I’ve got to go back for the pizza before it gets any colder.”
Hannah took the packages from him and watched him disappear out the front door. She left it unlocked for him and trudged into the living room. She could barely see around or over behind the high stack of packages.
