Page 32 of Chasing a Kidnapper

“Laurel can’t stay there, West. It’s too dangerous. I would feel better if she stayed in the suite with us.” She glanced at him. “Or a safe house of some sort, although I know we probably don’t warrant that level of protection.”

“I’ll talk to Captain Ross about a safe house.” He should have considered that option earlier. The PD had access to at least two safe houses, and any baby in danger certainly deserved to stay in one.

“Thank you.” She drew in a deep breath. “I pray this guy doesn’t hurt her again. She’s already been through enough.”

“I know.” He reached over to take her hand. He didn’t like the idea of a former cop being in the bull’s-eye any more than she did.

There were two PCPD squads outside Laurel’s home when they arrived. He was relieved to see the two officers walking around the outside of the home, using their flashlights to examine the ground. Temps during the day reached the high forties, low fifties, but dropped overnight. It wasn’t that late, though, so there was a good chance this guy may have left a footprint behind.

Laurel Newton rushed out of the house when they pulled up. Her previously injured eye was turning purple, but other than that she appeared unharmed. Trisha pushed out of her passenger seat to hug the older woman.

“I’m so glad you’re okay,” Trisha said. “I was worried sick.”

“I’m fine, except I’m upset that he got away.” Laurel turned to face West. “He wore dark clothes from head to toe and the black ski mask over his face again. That’s why I felt certain he was the same one who broke into your home the other night.” She drew a steadying breath, then said, “I feel bad dragging you here, Detective Cole, but I was hoping you could help search for evidence.”

“Call me West. And I’d be glad to help search.” He frowned, then added, “But you may want to pack a bag. We’re not leaving you here.”

Laurel looked shocked. “Where would I go?”

“With us,” Trisha said. “We have a two-bedroom suite. I believe the sofa opens to a roll-away bed.”

“We have the suite, but I’ll work with Captain Ross to arrange a safe house. In the meantime, pack a bag and get into the SUV with Gabriel.” He eyed Trish. “I’d like you to stay here, too. Keep an eye on Peanut for me.”

“Of course.” Trisha looked calmer now that she knew Laurel wasn’t harmed.

West headed toward the officers searching the ground with their flashlights. “Find anything helpful?”

“Not yet.” Officer Skinner, the same cop who had come to meet them at the scene of the shoot-out with Petey Pawners, glanced up at him. “Unfortunately, it looks like he stayed on the grassy area. No sign of any disturbances in the plant beds lining the house.”

“I’ll take the other side of the property,” West offered.

“Is this related to the gun trafficking case?” Skinner asked.

“No connection that I know of, although anything is possible. This perp should be considered armed and dangerous.” West turned his flashlight on and headed to the other side of the property.

Like the other officers, he took his time, playing the light across the ground in minute increments. After a solid fifteen minutes of searching, he joined the PCPD officers on the driveway.

“You were right, he must not have gotten too close,” West agreed. “There was no sign of him being on the other side of the place, either. He was gone by the time you arrived?”

“Yeah.” Skinner shrugged. “We came lights and sirens, so that probably scared him off.”

He didn’t blame them for using lights and sirens, although it would have nice to have a clue as to who this guy was. Not at the expense of an innocent person being hurt or worse, though. “Thanks for getting here so fast. Appreciate the support.”

“Hey, Newton is one of us.” Skinner scowled. “Any assault on a cop, even a retired cop, is an assault on us.”

“I hear you.” He felt the same way, hating how Trisha and her son were in danger. Two cops needing to be kept safe should be more than enough to sway Doug Ross into springing for a safe house.

At this point, he’d pay for the place himself if necessary.

Laurel Newton walked toward them, rolling a small suitcase behind her. He took note of the gun and holster she had clipped to her belt, giving a nod of approval. She flushed. “I’m not going to be caught off guard by that perp again.”

“Good. Three of us being armed should help.” He reached for her luggage, remembering how she’d been kneed in the kidney. “I’ll take that.”

“Thanks.” She relinquished the suitcase.

He stored the small bag in the back crate area with Peanut. “Sorry, Sweet Pea, you need to share your space for a while.” He scratched the beagle behind the ears, then closed the hatch.

Laurel chose to sit in the back with Gabriel. He held up a finger to Trisha and Laurel, silently asking for a minute, then pulled out his phone. Captain Ross answered on the third ring.

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