Page 34 of Chasing a Kidnapper

He looked good. Better than good. She felt like something Peanut had dragged in from the woods after the rain but forced a smile. “Good morning.”

“Good morning.” The corners of his eyes crinkled when he smiled. Something he seemed to be doing more in the past few days. “How did you sleep?”

“Great.” She set Gabriel in the car seat. “Mostly because Gabriel was down for the count.”

“I’m glad.” He nodded toward the hall. “I haven’t heard Laurel moving around yet. I hope she’s okay.”

“She’s better off here with us.” Last night, given her earlier conversation with Laurel, she’d considered asking the woman to watch Gabriel so she could tag along with West to visit the storage unit facilities. Now that they were in a safe house, with the added layer of protection of the bullet-resistant windows, Trisha didn’t have any qualms at all.

If Laurel was physically up to the task.

“I agree.” He rose to his feet and crossed to the coffee maker, pouring her a cup. His fingertips brushed hers as he handed it to her. “I can make breakfast, as long as you’re comfortable with eggs and bacon. I don’t do anything fancy.”

“I don’t need fancy, but I can make them.” She gestured to the computer. “You have work to do.”

It seemed impossible, but the safe house felt even more cozy than the hotel suite. Obviously, being in forced proximity to West Cole was messing with her mind. He was so kind and considerate, while exuding strength and support. He was everything her ex wasn’t. They could be in a huge mansion and she’d still be hyperaware of him.

Gabriel began to cry, making her feel like a failure for allowing herself to be distracted by West’s good looks at her son’s expense.

“I’ll have to feed Gabriel first.” She took a sip of her coffee, then set it aside to make Gabriel’s bottle and morning cereal. The way her son opened his mouth for each spoonful, like a guppy, made her smile.

When Gabriel had eaten his fill, she wiped his hands and face and set him on the carpeted living room floor. Peanut came over to stretch out beside him. The K-9 was incredibly good-natured when Gabriel grabbed at her ear. To Trish’s mind, Peanut treated her son like her own puppy.

“There’s been no sign of the masked perp,” West said as she began cooking bacon on the stove. “Skinner and other cops canvassed the area around Laurel’s home, but nobody saw him.”

“I didn’t imagine him,” Laurel said as she entered the kitchen.

“I know you didn’t,” West assured her. “I was just hoping someone else had caught sight of him, too. Or the car he’s driving now if he was the one who’d stolen and abandoned the black Ford sedan.”

“I didn’t see a car, so I’m sure he parked out of sight,” Laurel said thoughtfully. “What do you mean a black Ford sedan?”

Trisha quickly explained about the Ford driving past West’s home and being reported stolen. West added his two cents about the interview with Renee Mills, the owner of the car. “I still think she knows something. It’s worth taking another run at her now that the car has been found.”

“I agree.” Trisha started making eggs, while Laurel played with Gabriel.

Ten minutes later, they were all seated at the table for breakfast. Trisha bowed her head. “Dear Lord Jesus, we thank You for keeping Laurel safe last evening. We ask that You continue to provide the strength, knowledge and courage to find this man responsible. Amen.”

“Amen,” Laurel and West echoed.

The meal was pretty good, if she did say so herself.

“I can watch Gabriel if you need to work the case,” Laurel offered.

“Would you?” She searched her friend’s gaze. “How are you feeling? Does your back still hurt?”

“I’m fine.” Laurel waved off her concern. “According to the doctor I had a bruised kidney. He warned me there might be bleeding but I’ve been okay. When they did the repeat scan, the kidney looked fine so they went ahead and discharged me.” Laurel touched her black eye. “I know I look like I lost a boxing match, but this doesn’t hurt anymore, either. They iced it pretty well while I was in the hospital. I promise I’m good to go.”

“That would be wonderful if you could stay here with Gabriel for a few hours.” She glanced at West, who didn’t look nearly as happy. “Right, West?”

“Sure.” He shrugged then added, “I know the local cops will be taking frequent passes down this street to keep an eye out for anything suspicious. I also know for a fact we were not followed from Laurel’s place. And I drove ten miles out of my way to make sure I wasn’t tailed from the hotel and the grocery store, either.”

“Great. I’d like to go with you to the storage facility,” she said. “We plan to see if my ex-husband had a storage unit under his name, which would explain why someone might be looking for a key,” she added for Laurel’s benefit.

“Good idea,” Laurel said.

“I can go alone,” West began, but she quickly interrupted.

“No, I’m coming, too. I know Gabriel is in good hands with Laurel.”

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