Love Inspired Suspense April 2015 #2 by Dana Mentink, Tammy Johnson, Michelle Karl

intend to butt in.”
    â€œYet you did, so I’ll ask you politely now to butt out. Next time, it won’t be a request.” He turned to his deputy. “I’ll go check it out and photograph everything. Keep everyone here until we get initial statements.”
    Mason nodded, and Mick and Keeley walked toward Reggie and John, who stood in stony silence next to Chief Uttley’s police car.
    Keeley gave Mick a sidelong glance. “Uttley’s not a fan of yours.”
    â€œHe’s got plenty of company, then.” Mick stopped a few yards away and turned to her, noting that she seemed only a touch winded by their flight down the stairs. “Keeley, why did you come here, to the newspaper building? Now?”
    â€œI got a text from a man named Fred at
Bird’s Away Magazine
. The email said he needed the picture, ASAP.” She frowned. “Do you think Tucker sent it?”
    â€œLet me see the text.” He copied the number from her phone. The setting sun caught the soft curve of her cheeks, the frown that drew her delicate brows together. He did not see a shadow of hatred in her eyes, behind the pain and fear and he wondered why. “Keeley, until the cops catch him...”
    She shook her head, face suddenly hard. “Don’t say it.”
    â€œJune isn’t safe.”
    He knew those three words were the worst she could hear.
June isn’t safe.
How could it be that any human being could threaten an innocent child? He couldn’t understand it, even though his own family had been torn apart when a child was abducted right under their noses. Children did not deserve to have their lives messed up by adults. His mind flew back in time. He thought about his son’s tiny grave, recalled the feel of a cold headstone under his fingertips, his memory mingled with the scent of carnations, which he could not abide to this day. “I’m sorry,” he said lamely. “To have to say it.”
    Keeley blinked, folded her arms tight across her chest. He readied himself for the angry rant he knew was coming. Instead she began to shudder, eyes closed as if the world was spinning around her. Silent sobs shook her body. He caught her forearms, pulling her to his chest to keep her from falling.
    â€œDeep breaths,” he murmured, tightening his embrace, grazing his mouth against her soft hair.
    â€œI don’t know what’s wrong with me,” she whispered.
    He heard her teeth chattering, and he tightened his embrace, pressing his cheek to the top of her head as if he could infuse what strength he had into her. “Delayed shock,” he said. “It’s okay. You’re entitled.”
    John arrived, stopping so abruptly he skidded on the loose debris. “What is it? Were you hurt after all?” He pushed close to her and Mick let go, taking off his jacket and handing it to John, who snatched it and draped it over Keeley’s shoulders. “We’ll get you to the ER.”
    She breathed hard for a few moments, forcing her features into a state of control. Strong woman, in spite of her slight stature. Reminded him of his sister, Ruby.
    â€œI don’t need the hospital.”
    â€œYes, you do. Please be sensible,” John said firmly, brushing the hair from her face. Mick agreed with John for once, but he wasn’t about to share that sentiment.
    â€œNo,” she said sharply. “I know what’s best for me.”
    John flinched. “I’m sorry.” He looked away, squinting at the sky. “I was overbearing. I just... My mind wants to rewind, to do things over again the right way. If I’d been more forceful about my feelings...”
    The regret in John’s voice repelled Mick. He took a step away. Shame wasn’t something a man trotted out for all the world to see.
    Keeley sighed. “LeeAnn knew how you felt.”
    John shook his head, hand still on her back. “I meant my feelings about