Page 46 of Two Hearts Reunited

“Is something wrong?” Jake asked as Anya dug into the leather bag.

“Not really,” she answered, pulling out the two notebooks. “It looks like someone might have been in my office.”

Jake frowned, until he got a look at the notebooks in her hand before she handed them over and he began thumbing through them.

“Well, Anya. You’ve solved a big mystery that’s been on the books for the last few years,” Jake finally said. “I can hardly believe it, but these are the other two notebooks we’ve been trying to locate since Michelle and Jeff Barton found the first one about fourteen months ago in her father’s old office, hidden in the house she inherited.”

“Did that have something to do with the two trafficking arrests you made that I read about in the paper?” Anya asked.

“It did. They also tried to kidnap Ashley,” Eric replied.

Her eyes went wide. “Oh, no. I had no idea.”

“We purposely left out the names as well as the details in the paper,” Jake said. “This trafficking ring spreads far and wide.No sooner do we capture one or two people, but others fill their places.

Jake handed the notebooks back over. “I want you to put everything back where it was.”

She nodded. “Here are copies of everything in all three notebooks,” she said, handing over the sheets she had grouped together in a binder. “I still have another set. Keep in mind, all I’ve done is ruled out the names that don’t seem to have any association with Wisconsin or Michigan.”

“Which means that we’ll be looking into those while you continue your own research,” Jake cleared his throat, “with an updated data base that I’ll be providing for you after you receive clearance. If you’re willing, that is?”

“Of course,” she replied, her eyes going wide.

“With pay,” he added.

“Sure.” She grimaced. “As far as my office—only a few things appear to be missing from the wall. It could be someone I know.”

“I heard Eric chewing you out since you left the door open that led into the rest of the cabin,” Jake observed. “But I think you’re right. If anyone really wanted to hurt you, they would have done it by now. Not only will we add security to your property, but hidden surveillance too. Alright?”

“Alright,” she agreed.

Jake stood, reaching for the copies of the notebooks. “I’ll be in touch, Anya. Texting will probably be the best way to go. You might want to send me a list of the names you’ve narrowed down and the ones you’ve ruled out.”

“Okay. I’ve got everything on my computer on spreadsheets.”

He smiled, heading to the door. “I figured as much. Sounds good.”

Jake turned as he was ready to open the door. “How would you feel about sharing the information you receive from Charlie?”

“That would be fine. I wouldn’t mind the extra insight on whatever he discovers,” she replied.

“Good,” he answered. “Is tomorrow too soon to send in security?”

Her eyes went wide. “No.”

“I’ll let you know what time.” Jake opened the door. “See you soon.”

“Bye,” she answered, glancing at Eric, who appeared to be dazed.

“How about if I’m here for you tomorrow in case they need to be here after you go into work?” Eric asked.

“Would you mind?” she asked.

He kissed her. “Of course not. My parents are going to be here for another three or four days, so Ashley and Brian have help if they need it.” He sighed. “Speaking of which…”

“Yes, you’d better get moving,” she said, smiling. “I’m going to go into work a little earlier today anyway. Thanks for sending home all that food. I can have a quick lunch before I take off. It’ll be busy today because of our after Christmas discounts, along with a lot of people using gift cards and returning unwanted items.”

Standing, he reached for his coat. “I’ll give you a call tonight. Okay?”

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