Page 27 of SEAL's Angel
Chapter 7
They’d all squished around Dawn’s small kitchen table and were chatting and eating the breakfast Jake prepared when the doorbell rang. She didn’t need to look to know it would be a police officer to talk to Chase.
“I’ll go see who it is,” Rafe said. She was pretty sure he realized who it was. Though it was just after seven. She didn’t get visitors so early, even if it was a school day.
“Now that Rafe isn’t here to influence you, wasn’t I right about my French toast? It’s the best you’ve ever had, right?” Jake boasted as he held up the empty platter.
“Yes, even better than Mommy’s,” Cindy responded joyfully. Followed quickly by, “Sorry, Mommy.”
Dawn chuckled. “Actually, I’m not proud. Cindy’s right. It’s better than mine. What did you add to the batter?”
“Hmm, not sure I should divulge family secrets.” Jake waggled his eyebrows and grinned.
“Ahh c’mon, Jake. You can tell us. We’re friends. Close enough, right?” Chase added.
He’d been quiet while everyone chatted around him, but he’d eaten more than she’d expected and even taken the last slice of French toast off the platter and finished the bacon. It had caused a minor argument with Cindy, who’d been too slow to grab it.
“All right, but first you have to tell your uncle it’s the best. Then I’ll tell your mom all my secrets.”
“All of them?” Dawn asked. That could be interesting. There was so much she didn’t know about the reserved man, and he knew almost everything about her.
Before Jake could answer, Rafe came into the kitchen with Officer Spencer following close behind him. “I brought company.”
“Good morning, Mrs. Randolph. I’m sorry to interrupt breakfast.” The day before, she’d thought the cop was tall, but standing next to her brother, she realized he was at least a half of a head shorter. When the two big men stepped into the small kitchen, it made her feel claustrophobic.
“Can I get you anything, a cup of coffee, Officer Spencer?”
“No, thank you, ma’am. I just need to speak with Chase for a few minutes. If that’s okay? What do you say, young man? Ready to answer a few questions?” Spencer asked as he focused his gaze on Chase.
Chase turned to look at Dawn. His skin had paled when the officer walked in, and the scratches stood out like bright red lines on his cheeks. She’d known this was coming and had warned him, but he was only eleven. It would have scared her, too.
“Is it okay if I join you?” Dawn reached over and squeezed Chase’s shoulder.
“Yes, of course.”
“All right. C’mon, kiddo, let’s go talk to Officer Spencer in the living room.”
Chase nodded, and she offered her arm to help him get his balance.
“I want to come,” Cindy demanded.
“Not this time. How about you help Jake and Uncle Rafe clean up this mess?”
“That’s no fun.” Cindy crossed her hands in front of her chest and squished Wilbrr.
“It’s that or go upstairs and get ready for school.”
After getting Chase settled on the sofa, Dawn sat next to him. She hoped her presence would make it easier. Besides, there was no way she was going to let the police officer question him without her there.
Spencer sat in an armchair across from them and pulled out his notepad. Dawn shuddered as it brought back memories from last evening and how scared she’d been that she’d never see Chase again.
“How are you doing today, Chase?” Spencer smiled, probably hoping to put the boy at ease.
“I’m okay.” Chase’s voice sounded calm, but his little hand trembled as it grabbed hers.
“Glad to hear it. You scared everyone pretty badly yesterday.”
“I know. I’m sorry. I didn’t mean to.”
