Page 13 of Gideon

“That’s why they have numbers on them,” the other voice said.

I put my gun back. “Go back to sleep. It’s still early,” I said.

“Are you sleepy?”

“No.”

“Then let’s leave. We will get to Haley earlier than expected and surprise her.”

“Okay, we’ll get some coffee before leaving town.”

She ran to the bathroom and changed her clothes. I gathered our things and was ready when she opened the bathroom door. I took Bear out, and he did his thing.

“Haley will be so surprised when we show up earlier than expected. I can’t wait to see her. When I had Haley, the love I felt in my heart for her made me cry. I thought, why don’t all mothers feel this love? The world would be in a better place if they did.”

“Haley’s lucky to have you for her mom.”

“Thank you. I hope I can keep her safe. I have to keep that monster away from her.”

“He won’t get near you and Haley. I’ll make sure of that.”

7

Laney

As we drove through Carlsbad,California, I couldn’t help but take in the beauty of the place. The ocean stretched out endlessly, its mesmerizing waves sparkling in the sunlight. I could have watched it for hours. Gideon pulled into a gated community, pressed a few buttons on the keypad, and the gates swung open.

He parked the car in a driveway, and I stepped out, trailing behind Bear. As I rounded the corner, the sight before me took my breath away. The ocean was right there, its waves crashing gently onto the sand.

I walked toward the beach, the cool sand beneath my feet. Laughter drew my attention, and I turned to see her—Haley. My heart stopped as tears spilled down my cheeks. She looked up, saw me, and screamed, “Mommy!”

I ran to her, and she flew into my arms. I held her tightly, silently vowing never to let her go again.

As I clutched her to me, I became aware of others nearby. A woman with a kind smile approached. Her beauty was striking, but it was the warmth in her eyes that stood out.

“You must be Kat,” I said, my voice thick with emotion. “Thank you for keeping my baby safe. You and your husband have done more for Haley than I can ever repay.”

“You might want to wait before you thank us completely,” Kat said with a knowing smile. “Just wait until you see what River gave Haley.”

Before I could respond, a tiny bark interrupted us. A small bundle of fur darted toward me, yipping excitedly and jumping against my leg. Haley’s face lit up, her eyes still glistening with tears.

“Does this little one belong to you?” I asked, laughing softly.

Haley giggled. “Her name is Little Bit! River said she’ll stay tiny. Do you love her, Mommy?”

I smiled, setting Haley down so she could cuddle the puppy. “Yes, I do. She’s perfect.”

Kat rested a hand on her belly, and I noticed for the first time how round it was. “When is your baby due?”

“Six weeks,” she said, beaming. “There are two of them in here.” She patted her stomach affectionately. “My mom is coming to help, but she’s waiting until closer to the due date. She says River and I need this time alone before life gets even crazier.”

“I think she’s right,” I said. “Finding time for just the two of you will be much harder once the babies come. She probably just wants to give you both a chance to savor these last moments of calm.”

Kat nodded. “You’re probably right. I’m just so impatient. I want to hold them already! Oh, I’m sorry—I didn’t even introduce myself. I’m Kat Channing, and this is my husband, River.”

River nodded politely, his gaze steady and unreadable.

“It’s a pleasure to meet you both,” I said.

---