Page 114 of Falling for Brody

As Brody took a breath, he saw Gabriel get out of his vehicle. Roland jumped out a moment later.

Brody chanced a smile. "According to Bea, she thinks that Chip and his... and the man that took him might have gone into the woods behind the house."

Ethan nodded. "Is he familiar with the woods?"

Brody shook his head, his expression darkening. "No. He's just moved here. His father's family are suing for custody."

The men on the team nodded amongst themselves.

Raiden Walker moved in, his search dog, Duke at his side. "Can we have an article of Chip's clothing?"

Brody felt like he might collapse at any moment. If there was any doubt that he loved Chip as his own, it was gone in that moment. "Yeah, come on in, Raiden. I'll grab something out of his hamper."

As he led Raiden inside as Gabriel led Roland through the house and out into the backyard.

Raiden's Dog Duke hadn't spent time with Chip, but Roland?

Brody believed that Roland probably loved Chip as much as he did.

"Here." He handed Raiden a shirt that Chip had worn to school. "This will have his scent."

* * *

Chip heardpeople moving around in the woods, people calling his name.

He wanted to call out to them, but they sounded so far away.

And he knew that the man who'd tried to take him away was in the woods, too.

He had to be careful.

He had to wait.

But how long?

If he didn't wait long enough, that guy might catch him again and take him away.

But if he waited too long?

He shivered and huddled down in the pile of leaves he'd found, pulling the leaves over him.

"Mom? I need you."

* * *

Rhea might have brokenthe speed limit on the way back, but so many people were already driving ten to twenty miles over the speed limit, she doubted anyone would notice her.

All she wanted to do.

All she needed to do was get back to Fallport and help them find Chip.

She had to believe that he was out there.

She had to believe that she'd get him back.

When she saw the sign pointing to the turnoff she almost broke down into tears, but she held herself together because she had to.

* * *

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