Page 119 of Missing Marcus

“Victoria texted, telling me a few minutes ago.”

“PITA’s your priority. When we land, take one of the stashed vehicles and return home. You came only as backup, and Patch rode along. Don’t argue.”

“Got it, boss,” Doc responded, appearing relieved.

“What’s the deal? Doesn’t he have three kids already?” Knight nudged Patch.

“She’s carrying twins. Kassie’s the backbone of the team. She built the facility and purchased a helo and Victoria provided the other two. Our vests stay top-of-the-line, the equipment we use gets updated constantly, and she’s the first one at the door when one of the team’s injured. You’re not only part of the team, you’re family. When you hurt, we all do. We may not share blood, but we hold a bond like no other,” Patch explained while Leo and Taco spoke into the coms.

When they landed, he watched Leo pat Doc on the back and send him home to his wife. The men loaded into cars brought by men Knight recognized from the mountain, yet didn’t know how they fit into the team.

Patch elbowed him. “They’re cool. It’s another story for a different time.”

They watched Taco and Ragu approach the door with two FBI agents. They breached the door within seconds and armed men filed into the house. Shots fired and Knight listened through the coms. Mr. Wilkinson yelled his fury as they led him in handcuffs to the vehicles. Within minutes, they whisked him away as agents searched the house.

“Patch,” one of the agents shouted for his friend. “We got a GSW to the arm, nothing serious. Can you check it out?”

Patch rushed to the young agent’s side and applied first aid. “First time on a raid?” Patch asked. The man nodded and grinned as the adrenaline ran through him. Knight recalled the feeling and knew in a few years from now, the agent wouldn’t blink at the small wound and be forever changed.

“Knight! Knight,” Saint called out.

“Over here,” he called as he watched Saint’s concerned expression.

“Load into helo one, the team’s waiting,” Saint ordered.

Dread filled every bone in his body as Patch grabbed his arm, propelling him toward the helo. Leo stood at the door, waiting for his men.

“What’s wrong?” he demanded as Saint shoved him inside. Leo climbed in, indicating to the helicopter pilot to lift off.

“It’s Gabby. She’s gone.”

45

Gabby rested her hand on her stomach as she listened to Nugget and Bryanna compromise. The little girl seemed determined to win as her friend gave out a tired sigh.

“Nugget. How about one chapter tonight and Daddy can read you two tomorrow?”

Nugget threw her head back dramatically. “Mama, you don’t have to read it. I do. I want to win the medal for reading class. Tommy Harding’s two chapters ahead of me. He says girls can’t read as fast as boys. If he beats me, I’ll have to listen to him brag until the end of school and that’s like forever.”

“Okay. Two chapters and then to bed. You’re home tomorrow and can take your e-reader with you to Emma’s.”

“Mama,” she complained. “It’s a sleepover and Rolo drools on our readers. Plus, Aunt Kassie gets sleepy and Emma says we have to stay quiet ‘cause she’s got two babies in her tummy and they wrestle inside there all night, making her tired.”

“Aunt Kassie invited you over to play. When you have quiet time, you can read,” Bryanna reminded her daughter.

“Are you carrying twins? Emma says her mama gets cranky, and Gran Victoria and Gran Maddie make her go to bed early, as if she’s grounded. You sure sound a lot like her.”

Gabby giggled behind her hand.

Bryanna narrowed her eyes at Gabby. “Don’t encourage her. I swear she’s gonna be a lawyer when she grows up. She can argue until I don’t have any excuses left.”

Gabby knew her best friend didn’t mind as she stared at her adopted daughter with love in her eyes.

“Upstairs, young lady. Two chapters or none at all. Take your pick. Aunt Gabby came to visit me and you’re not using your manners.”

Nugget’s lip came out in a pout. “I’m sorry, Mama. Sorry, Aunt Gabby.”

“Whatcha you reading?” Gabby asked as Nugget came to give her a hug.

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