Angi Morgan - Navy SEAL Surrender

“They’ve never forgiven him.”

“Who?” He looked genuine asking his question, like he really didn’t have a clue.

“Everybody. Other than the sheriff, Mabel and me, no one talks to him. Ever. No one ever told you why he didn’t go to A&M?”

“I assumed he changed his mind. Neither of us were good in school.”

“But you knew he lost his scholarship, right?”

John’s poker face melted.

“Your dad never said anything?”

“He didn’t talk too much about Brian.” John dropped his gaze to the tabletop.

“In other words, you didn’t ask because you didn’t want to hear.”

“I’m listening now.”

“The town was upset about Mrs. Cook’s death. It didn’t matter that it was an accident. They wanted Brian punished. So there were outcries and editorials demanding consequences. Teachers withdrew their letters of recommendations.”

“They could do that?” he asked in a hurt whisper.

“The university suddenly didn’t have a full scholarship. They reduced it to about a thousand dollars. He couldn’t finance the rest.”

Disbelief, astonishment, anger—a ton of emotion took charge and marched across his face. “You can count on my help. Whatever it takes. We’ll find your daughter and clear Brian.”

“I don’t know what you can do, John. The police and rangers have an Amber Alert. No one saw anything, no clues, no prints, no way to find her. It’s like she just disappeared.”

Alicia saw his fists tighten, ready to do battle to defend his family. It had been a while since she’d felt someone was completely on her side.

“I can help. Trust me.”

The harsh tightness across his face softened. His hand took hers and she saw a glimpse of a friend. It had been a while since she’d depended on anyone. She nodded, realizing that trusting him was second nature. She’d run to the Double Bar because he was home.

Chapter Five

“Tell me what happened after I left and what we’re up against.” John paced the kitchen, keeping his dad’s napping form in his peripheral vision. He didn’t want him upset.

After the first couple of stories, John barely listened to Alicia’s recounting of how the town had treated Brian. He was still stuck on his brother’s arrest. Instead of calling a lawyer, Brian had phoned Alicia.

What was up with that? Was it his way of keeping his family informed without talking to John? Warning Alicia? She thought they were being framed. “Do the police know who Brian called?”

“I’m not sure.” She looked as confused as he felt.

Cute and confused, with that worry line emphasized between her brows. Now wasn’t the time for an attraction, and neither was the future. Alicia claimed there was nothing between her and Brian, and she thought they were only friends. They were clearly closer than either wanted to admit. They always had been.

“What did Brian say, exactly?”

She put her fingertips to her temples, concentrating. “They pulled him over, found Lauren’s bear and crown behind his seat—the one I said she had with her when they...when they took her. The Aubrey police would be coming to the house to talk to me.”

“You sort of buried the lead, Alicia. I think Brian called to warn you not to go home.”

“Do you think they left something at my house?” She shook her head and her long hair fell forward, covering her face. “The media has already taken Shauna’s side and is insinuating that I arranged for Lauren’s kidnapping to get the ransom money. Do you believe they’re going to arrest me? I haven’t done anything.”

He didn’t have time to be sensitive, so blunt would have to work. “If Shauna’s gone to the trouble to frame you for faking a kidnapping, don’t you think they’d plant evidence to implicate you?” He let that info take root. “You’ve got two choices. Turn yourself in and hope it can all be sorted out legally.”

She looked up, eyes wide with fright. “If I’m in jail, no one will be looking for Lauren.”

John didn’t correct her. Everyone had looked for her daughter. To clear Brian, he would do more than just look. He’d find her. “Then hide.”

“How can I hide? I don’t have any money and I can’t go anywhere. Dad’s car is fairly easy to spot.”

“I can help with that.” He stood, glancing to the living room to verify his dad was still asleep. When he turned back, she stood touching distance in front of him. But she didn’t reach out, and neither did he.

“Johnny, I can’t ask you to help more than just buying the car. Your dad needs you.”

“Don’t bother, Alicia. You need my help. More important, the only way to clear Brian is to find your daughter. And I need you to make that happen.”

“Thanks isn’t enough.” She launched herself and hugged him. “What should I do?”

John awkwardly set her away, not trusting himself to hold her close. The next few days were going to be hard enough. “We’ll put your car in the shed, and if they look, I’ll tell them you sold it to me.”

“What’s next?” She removed the key ring from her pocket, clutching it like a lifeline.

“Do you have a smartphone?”

“Yes.”

“Book yourself on the next flight to San Antonio. Don’t browse anything out of state. If the FBI’s not involved yet, we want to keep the search for you in Texas. When you’re done, take the battery out and leave it in Dad’s things. Someplace you’d normally have access when you check on him.”

“You want them to think I’m running. They won’t believe it. They know I wouldn’t go anywhere without Lauren.”

“Did you think you’d be set up for her kidnapping?” He could see she was terrified. Her daughter had been abducted. Even if she was certain of who took her, there was still a deep fear of making a mistake. Doubt that she could be wrong.

It happened to him on every mission. Especially the ones that cost a man’s life. Questioning your decisions would drive you insane. So you couldn’t question. Someone like Alicia needed someone to help make those decisions. As long as he was around to take the blame, she wouldn’t have to question if she did the right thing.

“And what if they release Brian or if asking me questions would help them find where Lauren is?”

“I don’t know if they have enough evidence to hold Brian. They might release him, watch who he contacts, hoping they’re right and that he’ll lead them to the person holding your daughter. But more important, I need you with me to find Lauren.”

“You really think this is the best way? Running?”

“Hiding. Staying under wraps until we gather all the facts and know who’s involved. There are a lot of places to disappear on the ranch tonight. I’ll get you somewhere safer tomorrow.”

“Where?” The word was muffled in defeat as she covered her mouth with slim fingers.

“Adams’s property tonight. Brian and I played there all the time. They won’t think you’re arrogant enough to hide right under their noses.”

“Johnny.” She gently took his arm before he could walk past her. “What happens if they find me?”

He sank into the bluest eyes he could remember. A face that he’d tried his best to let go. She’d never lied to him, always had faith in him. He was the one who’d turned his back on her, not trusting.

“Believe me, they won’t. I know what I’m doing. I’ve hidden in a lot places worse than Aubrey, Texas. No one finds me when I dig in.”

He reached for his cell, dialing the number Mabel had written on the notepad stuck to the fridge. “It’s John. Change of plans—can you pack a bag and come stay with Dad overnight? Thanks.”

“Brian called to warn me. Did he keep you out of the loop on purpose? No one knows you’re here, do they?” Alicia asked once he’d hung up.