News Boy - Susan Hawke Page 0,31

arrived to find him waiting on the porch with Neil's cat, something in me hasn't trusted the man."

Jim dipped his head encouragingly. "And you said Neil’s bedroom window was open your first day here, didn’t you? What are you thinking—he slipped in and stole the cat so he could return her like a hero?"

I felt sick. "My mind hadn't gotten so far, believe it or not. I don't know why it didn't when I know better than anyone how twisted people can be." I shook my head. "I don't know. I guess I expect messed-up shit in a war zone but not in suburban San Diego."

Mack walked out. "What's going on?"

Fists clenched, I jerked my head toward Dylan's house. "We think he's at the neighbors. Let's get over there and put an end to this. I don't want Neil to go through one more second of fear if I can help it."

Detective Sanchez sauntered out, smiling as he tapped the badge hooked to his belt. "Only if you take me with you. No offense, but since this is suburban San Diego and not a war zone, you'll need the authority of my badge. Sorry, boys. I can't have vigilante justice on my watch, no matter how much I wish I could."

Torn, Jim glanced between our group and through the open door at Brittany, sitting with the cats. His shoulders slumped as he blew out a breath. “Even though I would love to have one last shot to oorah and kick some ass, I can't leave my princess. You get Neil. I'll stay here and hold down the fort."

I smiled with understanding. "Sit tight, Marine. We all know the Rangers lead the way, right? But do me a favor and don't let the cats out while we're gone. Once we get my boy back, I don't want him to have any more drama to worry about tonight."

Jim's eyes sparkled with delight. "Your boy, huh? I thought it might work out. Go get him, Daddy. Don't worry, I'll make sure the cats stay put."

Thankfully, Detective Sanchez and Mack had already slipped next door, saving Neil from being accidentally outed by a conversation that never should have happened in front of someone outside of our circle of trust. I made a mental note to be more careful in the future as I double-timed it over.

When I joined them on Dylan’s porch, they were huddled in conversation. Detective Sanchez stepped away and lifted his phone. Mack held a finger to his lips and ducked his head toward the door as he whispered. "Rico and I were able to lay eyes on Neil through a gap in the drapes. Rico is calling it in now. We are not waiting for them to get here, though."

I motioned for him to continue. "Tell me the plan." I'd almost asked who the hell Rico was when I realized it must have been Detective Sanchez's first name.

"To make sure the takedown is legal, Rico is going in first. He already deputized me, so this is how it's gonna go. The setup here is almost identical to Neil's house. Dylan is left of the door, over in the kitchen. Rico and I will go there. You'll head right, to where Neil is being held in the living room. While I help Rico take Dylan into custody, your sole mission is getting Neil free and out the door."

I nodded, rubbing my hands together. "Got it. Let's do this."

Detective Sanchez—Rico—pulled his gun. "No shit. Mr. Klein has been through enough without this dickhead piling on."

He motioned for me to get in position on the right, while Mack did the same on the left. Rico rolled his shoulders and huffed a few quick, warrior-style breaths, then turned and knocked the door inward with a slick but powerful donkey kick. Holding out his gun and screaming for Dylan to get on his knees, he rushed in and swung to the left.

Mack followed him, but I didn't pay attention to the rest of their part of the action, veering right. What I saw hit me in the gut. My sweet boy was tied to a damned highchair. Gritting my teeth, I dashed over to free him. Rather than bother with the knots, I carefully cut his bindings with my pocketknife. When I went to move the tray, my stomach bottomed out. His missing underoos were sitting on it.

Shaking my head, I shoved them in my pocket and yanked the tray off. If I’d only listened