Where Are the Children?: Brooke/Alley FBI Series

By CJ Day

Michelle Brooke became one of Atlanta’s finest surgeons in less than a year. She was a whiz kid with a brain like a computer, a photographic memory, and petite, pretty and unbelievably well liked by all. Compared to her life as a special agent with the Atlanta’s FBI unit, her job was stimulating, rewarding and not nearly as hazardous to her health.

Her husband, Michael Brooke, returned to the FBI unit in Atlanta after a year spent trying to work with his father. He was a special agent, and trying to be anything else didn’t seem to fit. Shelly understood how Mike felt. He managed not to get injured on every assignment, which was something Shelly couldn’t seem to manage. She decided to hang up her guns and pick up the stethoscope. She finished her residency, and she loved her job. It was hard not to miss the excitement and danger of being a special agent, but she couldn’t continue putting her family through the many near-death situations she often faced.

Shell was barely five foot tall. At twenty-six years old, she still looked like a teenager. Shelly had trouble gaining weight and weighed barely ninety pounds, but it was ninety pounds of muscle. She still ran, swam and worked out relentlessly. She was healthy for a change and had not received even a bruise in months. She loved her schedule, and being able to go home to their children at the end of the day told her that she had made the right decision.

It didn’t seem like anything could stop them now. The kids were healthy, Mike was happy, and Shelly decided that being a doctor, a wife and a mama was more than enough. She played the piano and she painted in her leisure time, and they took off to the islands every chance they got.
They had enough bad stuff happen in their short marriage, yet they still managed to survive and stay deeply in love. They had it all. Shell loved Mike more now than the first day at her Aunt Tina’s when the boy became a man in her eyes and she was blindsided. He still had that affect on her. She would stop mid-sentence and stare when he walked across the room. Lord, help her, but the man still made her pant.

One thing that Michelle and Michael didn’t realize was that life wasn’t always fair and that the past can and will come back to haunt you. Life comes back hard and stops both of them in their tracks. Can they go on? Can they survive? What do you do when your life comes to a total stop?

• Language: English
• Publisher: CJ Day
• Release date: Jun 20, 2011
• ISBN: 9781604143959

Book preview

Where Are the Children?

No one takes our children — our hearts — and survives!

CJ Day

Smashwords ebook edition published by Fideli Publishing Inc.

© Copyright 2011, CJ Day

No part of this eBook may be reproduced or shared by any electronic or mechanical means, including but not limited to printing, file sharing, and email, without prior written permission from Fideli Publishing.

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ISBN: 978-1-60414-395-9

Prologue

Michelle Brooke became one of Atlanta’s finest surgeons in less than a year. She was a whiz kid with a brain like a computer, a photographic memory, and petite, pretty and unbelievably well liked by all. Compared to her life as a special agent with the Atlanta’s FBI unit, her job was stimulating, rewarding and not nearly as hazardous to her health.

Her husband, Michael Brooke, returned to the FBI unit in Atlanta after a year spent trying to work with his father. He was a special agent, and trying to be anything else didn’t seem to fit. Shelly understood how Mike felt. He managed not to get injured on every assignment, which was something Shelly couldn’t seem to manage. She decided to hang up her guns and pick up the stethoscope. She finished her residency, and she loved her job. It was hard not to miss the excitement and danger of being a special agent, but she couldn’t continue putting her family through the many near-death situations she often faced.

Shell was barely five foot tall. At twenty-six years old, she still looked like a teenager. Shelly had trouble gaining weight and weighed barely ninety pounds, but it was ninety pounds of muscle. She still ran, swam and worked out relentlessly. She was healthy for a change and had not received even a bruise in months. She loved her schedule, and being able to go home to their children at the end of the day told her that she had made the right decision.

It didn’t seem like anything could stop them now. The kids were healthy, Mike was happy, and Shelly decided that being a doctor, a wife and a mama was more than enough. She played the piano and she painted in her leisure time, and they took off to the islands every chance they got.

They had enough bad stuff happen in their short marriage, yet they still managed to survive and stay deeply in love. They had it all. Shell loved Mike more now than the first day at her Aunt Tina’s when the boy became a man in her eyes and she was blindsided. He still had that affect on her. She would stop mid-sentence and stare when he walked across the room. Lord, help her, but the man still made her pant.

One thing that Michelle and Michael didn’t realize was that life wasn’t always fair and that the past can and will come back to haunt you. Life comes back hard and stops both of them in their tracks. Can they go on? Can they survive? What do you do when your life comes to a total stop?

CHAPTER ONE

Shelly ran to the surgical unit where Dr. Abbot was already prepping to go into surgery and waiting for her. He had asked her to stand in on this one. He had a six-year-old with a brain tumor just above the brain stem. He was worried about the outcome of the surgery, and, because the little boy was his nephew, he was terrified that something might go wrong. He knew that his sister couldn’t survive another blow.

Hey, Brian, I’m sorry that I’m running late. I just escorted the Matthews kid back to the pediatric wing, Shelly told him quickly as she positioned herself next to him to scrub for surgery. How are you doing?

I’m okay, Shell. I appreciate this. The tumor is located in the interior side of the medulla and — He hesitated and leaned his head against the door. I had residents to choose from, but I was hoping Dr. Chung would assist, and he was called away.

You’re really worried about this? Shell turned and looked at the young doctor. Brian Abbot was not a new neurosurgeon. He was one of the top neurosurgeons in his field, and he had even operated on Shelly a few times.

What’s different about this, Brian? I know he’s your nephew. I understand that. Merrick’s head injury wasn’t that long ago, and he did fine. What worries you about this one?

Merrick was Dr. Abbot’s five-year-old son. He had to have a bleed repaired when he managed to get a head injury at the pool six months ago.

Merrick’s different. This little guy has never been healthy. Brenda has been through a lot. Jared is her only child, and his father was killed in Iraq. I don’t know why I’m so strung out about this one. She doesn’t need anything else to go wrong.

He shook his head and looked into the young doctor’s vivid blue eyes of understanding.

Then let’s not let anything go wrong, Brian. Shell smiled at him. Let’s do this, and when he is all better, we’ll have a big pool party to celebrate.

Shell backed through the double doors and stopped to allow the nurse get her suited up.

Brian shook his head and followed her. How can such a young surgeon have so much confidence? Well, he was glad he had her with him on this one. He looked down at the small boy on the operating table. Jared’s dark hair was shaved away, and he was already lying on his stomach and prepped for surgery. Brian watched as Shelly squatted down in front of him.

Hey, Jared, are you still awake? she whispered.

Kind of. Are you Miss Shelly? he whispered back.

Yes, I am. I’m helping Uncle Brian this morning. Is that okay with you? Shell’s eyes twinkled over her mask at the little boy.

Yeah. He said that you were pretty good, Jared yawned.

Well that’s good to know, isn’t it? Go to sleep, Jared, and we’ll see you in recovery, okay?

Shell chuckled when she heard the little guy snore.

I think he’s down, Doc. She quickly had the OR nurse bring up the x rays and the video.

Let’s get this done.

* * * * *

Shell and Brian stood outside of the recovery room, leaning against the wall. The day had gotten long, even though it was only three o’clock. They started surgeries at four o’clock that morning, and none of them had been easy. They were going to check on Jared before making rounds and going home.

Thanks, Shell. That went a lot better than I thought it would. Do you mind getting Brenda while I see if the little guy is waking up?

Brian looked exhausted. This surgery had weighed heavily on his heart. He was pretty fond of his sister’s boy, and Merrick and Jared were best buddies.

I got it. Give me a buzz if you’re ready for her to come back, okay?

Shell grinned as she dumped her hat, mask and booties in the trash and scrubbed her hands again. She hurried out to talk to Brian’s sister.

Brenda? There you are!

Shell stuck her head into one of the little conference rooms. Brian’s wife sat with Brenda, and they both jumped to their feet.

No, please stay seated for a moment. Shell grinned as she accepted the coffee that the receptionist brought her. Thanks, Sue.

How is he, Shelly? Brenda demanded.

He’s doing well. Brian is checking on him now. It looks like we got everything. It was a lot easier than Brian had thought, and it was barely involved. His vital signs stayed perfect, and he did great throughout the surgery.

Shell grinned at them. She loved giving this kind of news.

You got it all? Brenda demanded.

I’m pretty darn sure we did, Sugar! Shell laughed. It really wasn’t that big, and the fact that everything went back to perfectly normal as quickly as we removed it speaks for itself.

Shell felt the buzz on her pager, reached over and picked up the phone.

This is Dr. Brooke. Yes, great! We’ll be right there!

Okay Brenda, if you would like to see your baby for a few minutes, he’s already waking up.

Shell laughed as Brenda hugged her and jumped up to go to recovery. Shell kicked back for a second and looked at Brian’s wife.

He’s going to be okay, she said quietly.

Brian? Mrs. Abbot smiled at her.

Yeah, he will be too. He was just worried with everything Brenda has already gone through. You can’t blame him for that. He’s a brilliant surgeon, and he did a great job on his nephew just like I knew he would.

Shell jumped up.

If you’ll excuse me, I need to make my rounds and finish my paperwork. I’m kind of eager to get home also. Mike’s been out of town all week, and I’m missing my man.

* * * * *

After rounds, Shelly sat in her office finishing the last entries into the computer. One more week of work and they were taking a long weekend in Belize. She could hear Tranquility Cove calling her. Shell glanced at the photos on the walls of her office. What a good-looking family! There were island pictures and photographs of Mike and the children, pictures of Bobbie Jo and her guys, Annie and her family. Shoot, they were all friends and family, and just look at the smiles that families and islands bring. Shell chuckled to herself as she thought about getting Mike over to their little sand bar oasis. He was in so much trouble.

Suddenly Shell felt a punch in her gut and an ice-cold hand squeeze around her heart.

MAMA HELP US! She could hear Caleb’s scream as though he were standing right next to her in her office.

Caleb, honey, where are you? Shell cried.

Mama, bad men have Catrina, and I’m trying to hide but, ah Mama! They found me! he cried.

Where are you, Caleb? Shell slammed her hands on the desks as she jumped up. CALEB? she cried out loud.

In her mind, she could see a dark hand with a rag over Caleb’s mouth and her little boy collapse.

No! Please, don’t take my children!

Shell quickly called the school. In the background of the Administration Office, Shell heard the commotion.

Dean Highland? Where are my children? Shelly asked in a shaky voice.

Michelle, I need you here right away. The children have been abducted! the lady cried, and, before the policeman took the phone, Michelle was out her door and running.

Shelly? Brian asked as he saw Dr. Brooke run by him. She took the stairs. Brian hurried and took the elevator to try to head her off.

MICHELLE! Brian yelled as he saw her sprinting toward her little red convertible. What’s wrong?

Someone has taken the twins, Brian! Cover me! Call the unit! I’m headed for the school now!

Shell had already jumped into her car and had it started. Brian grabbed his phone and called Matthew Colburn.

Matthew? This is Dr. Abbot. Yes, Sir. Shell just flew out of here, and she said that someone has taken the kids, Brian said with a shaky voice.

He felt instantly guilty. Shell would have already been picking up the twins at the Montessori school if he hadn’t begged her to stay and help with Jared. Oh God!

Brian, make sure that Shell’s schedule has been covered. Mike and Charlie are flying in from Quantico. Is she at the school? Matt asked.

I … I … guess so. She’s peeling out of here on two wheels, Matt. Someone needs to be with her.

Brian stood with the phone to his ear and his other hand running through his hair. Those kids were Mike and Shell’s life. Why was this happening?

Okay, I’m taking the unit there, and I’ll send someone to the house. Thanks, Brian. Just get Shell’s patients covered. She won’t be able to handle this and her schedule too, Matt said sadly.

I’ll check back at the house, Matt. Please help her out.

Brian shut his phone off and ran back into the hospital. At least Shell’s schedule was caught up, and she only had a few surgeries for the first of the week to rearrange.

* * * * *

Matt grabbed his jacket and his gun from the coat rack. He popped a cigar in his mouth and headed out.

Darla and Samantha looked up at the same time and saw Matthew’s face. They jumped, and the rest of the team was on their feet and grabbing equipment within seconds.

Chief, what’s happened? Darla asked.

Caleb and Trina have been abducted. Let’s go. No one stopped to let the shock settle in. They were barking information back and forth and calling pertinent people on the phone. The unit minus Mike and Charlie headed for the Montessori school.

Sam had the Oakridge police on the line, and she got even paler as Maggie and Darla watched her face.

Oh my God! Can you get in?

She listened and then turned to Darla. We need the helicopter, and we have to get to Mike and Shell’s house now!

Darla spun around, and they all headed to the helipad. Sam was on the phone with Matt.

Matt, we have to get to Mike and Shell’s house first. Bring her there, Matt. She huffed as she hopped up into the chopper that Maggie was already gearing up to go.

Juanita and Buddy are dead, Matt. They think Baby and maybe Catlin are in the safe room, but the baby is not responding, and they can’t get in.

Sam was crying and the other girls looked as bad.

Yes, Sir, secondary helicopter will be at the school.

Sam set back as she grabbed the headphones and Maggie lifted off. Darla stared out the window in tears. Juanita had been Mike’s housekeeper for five years. She had cared for the twins from the time they were newborns, and Mike and Shell loved her dearly. They all did. Buddy was Mike’s old Doberman. He was fourteen but was a vicious bodyguard for the twins. He had been kept home today because he was under the weather. Evidently, he gave up his life trying to guard Juanita and Catlin, unless they got Cat too.

Who did this? Maggie asked as she whipped the helicopter around and headed to Oakridge. Sam, check on all of the other children. Make sure they are all okay.

Between Darla and Sam, they found out quickly that all of the children including Sam’s little girl and the adopted children of Maggie and Darla were safe.

It was just the twins, Sam said quietly. Why? Who would go after the twins? she wondered aloud.

* * * * *

They were all startled when they saw that Shelly had gone straight home and not to the school. Her car was in the middle of the yard. She had to have driven faster than any speed limit to get there, but she was just now running into the door.

Maggie sat down.

Matt, this is Maggie. Shell’s here at the house. She’s running in now.

Get in there girls! Matt yelled into the phone. Son of a bitch! Why is this happening?

He swung around and looked at Alan for a second.

I forgot that those guys linked up telepathically. Evidently, Shell knows more than we do.

Matt quickly assigned a unit to cover the school and to check everything out there. Their helicopter landed, and he motioned to Alan to follow him.

Let’s pick up Mike and Charlie and head back to their house.

Alan was covered with a clammy sweat as he hopped into the passenger side of the helicopter.

Have they checked on the rest of the children? he demanded.

Yeah. All of the other kids are okay. Juanita and Buddy are dead, Alan. Jesus! They killed the nanny and that poor old dog. Damn them!

Matt wiped the tears off his face and lit his cigar. He glared out the windshield.

We have to call Mike, Alan. They should be almost to the airfield by now. He sighed. What a mess!

* * * * *

Shelly ran inside the house. Someone had broken into the security system. That took some real skill. The Brooke residence had state of the art security because the secondary command to their special unit was kept in their basement.

Stop! This is a crime scene! You can’t enter here!

A young police officer tried to stop Shell, and she barely looked at him as he went to the floor. She glared at the next guy.

This is my house and my family! Get the hell out of my way.

Oddly enough, that officer was a little smarter and stepped out of the way.

Shell fell to her knees in front of Juanita. Her throat had been cut, and her eyes were wide and staring.

Oh no, Shell cried as she fell to her knees. Oh God, no!

She tried to survey the scene objectively, but she couldn’t. She loved this woman so much. Why would anyone kill her?

Shell stood up slowly and walked into the office. There lay Buddy. He had been shot three times, but there was blood in his mouth and blood leading away from him. He took a hunk out of someone. Shelly was crying. Buddy was family. She loved him like one of the children.

Sam stood behind Shelly and wrapped her arms around her.

Hold on, Shelly. Just hold on, honey, she whispered.

She felt her friend’s body trembling with grief and fear. She had never seen Shelly so destroyed.

Darla and Maggie ran by them and opened the bookcase. They flew downstairs.

Darla yelled out, Sam, bring Shelly down here. Baby won’t let anyone else in the safe room!

They had Baby up on screen. She was foaming at the mouth, snarling at the monitor, and out of her head with fury. Catlin lay in the corner, motionless.

Shell, we need to get Baby to release so we can check on Catlin. Come on, honey.

Sam picked up Shelly’s small form and carried her downstairs. Shell, just hold on. We need you to help with Baby.

Shelly shook her head for a second and slid down onto her feet. She started punching in the numbers to enter the safe room.

Baby … OUT! she said abruptly.

They all watched the screen, and Baby was still snarling and shaking. She didn’t seem to recognize her beloved master.

I understand, Baby! I need to check Catlin! Baby, you need to listen, honey. Out! Shell repeated.

Finally, Baby backed away from the door and sat in front of the baby girl. Shell released the door and crawled in.

Tina lived down the street from Shelly’s sister, Annie. Sam got both of them on the phone and explained what was happening.

Shell needs her family, Annie. She’s losing it, Sam told her quietly.

Darla and Maggie stood outside the safe room as Sam knelt behind Shelly. Her heart went out to her, but she just didn’t know what to say or do, and Baby was not going to let anyone else near that child.

Shell, can you get Baby to leave the room so that we can check out Catlin? Darla asked gently from behind them.

The cops were at the top of the steps, and Baby’s snarling had scared the crap out of them.

It is okay, Baby. I’m here, Shell said gently and opened her arms to her big red and rust female Doberman. Baby was just doing her job, and her Daddy was upstairs—dead—because he had done his job until the end. Shell’s heart was breaking.

Baby broke her stance and crawled toward Shelly.

Ah, honey, I know. You did great, Shell reassured her.

Baby was whining. Evidently, she knew her Daddy was dead.

Shell crawled over to Catlin and picked her up gently. She held the baby to her chest and was whispering to her as Maggie and Darla entered the room. Baby stood up for a moment, and then she recognized Shell’s old team. She lay back down and crawled back to Shelly.

Baby’s been shot, Darla, Shell said quietly.

She reached over for a med bag and quickly gave the Doberman a shot. She placed a pressure bandage on Baby’s right leg up close to her chest.

Replay the tape, Shell ordered.

Maggie hurried and hit replay. While Shelly rocked the baby, they watched. They were all amazed when Baby picked up Catlin by the back of her shirt and carried her into the safe room and then shut the door. The dog was amazing. They saw the tape outside, and Shell just stared at it for a moment.

It isn’t possible, she whispered.

What, Shell? Maggie asked as she stared at the stilled frame.

I killed Jesus Chavez in Fiji, Shell said quietly.

They all stared. The man in the picture who was kicking the safe room door looked identical to the man that Shell had killed—the man that almost killed her. Darla ran to the computer and got it going, and Sam sat down by Shell.

Shell checked the baby over, and finally she saw little Catlin’s eyelashes flutter. She had been injected with something. The baby was drugged.

We need to get a blood analysis as soon as possible, Shell said.

Brian Abbot ran in.

I have it, Shell. Let’s get a sample and fly her out.

He looked down at his fellow surgeon who had nothing but devastation in her eyes. She finally nodded in agreement.

Brian, we need to bring Baby. She has a bullet in her.

Shell picked up the baby and ran out to the waiting helicopter. Maggie had already fired up the chopper and was ready to take off.

* * * * *

Shell didn’t talk en route. She watched Catlin and Baby constantly. They were met at the hospital with a gurney and loaded the sleeping dog on it. Shell had stopped the bleeding and then knocked Baby out with a tranquilizer until she could get the bullet out.

This isn’t a damn veterinarian hospital, Dr. Brooke! Dr. Abrams roared at Shelly, and she only slowed down for a second.

It is now, Shell growled and kept running.

Brian chuckled as he followed her. Abrams shouldn’t mess with Brooke right now. He might get laid out. The brass loved the small surgeon, but most of them were afraid of her. There was just something weird about her eyes when her temper flared.

Shell took the baby in through the emergency room, and they sectioned off the cubicle next to her for Baby the Doberman. Shell started an IV on Catlin and brushed her dark curls away from her face.

I never thought we would put you through anything worse than where you came from, Cat. I am so sorry, Shell sobbed.

Shelly had carried Catlin inside her flak jacket for eight miles through the Mexican jungle. The baby was only a couple of hours old when Shell’s small unit turned the drug cartel’s major organization into a war zone. It was a miracle that the baby came out without a scratch.

Maggie stood by the small form on the bed, pale and shaken.

I’ll stay with her while they do blood tests, Shell. Go ahead and get the bullet out of Baby.

Shell stared at Maggie and finally nodded. She ran and scrubbed, and then asked for the portable x-ray machine and a sterile surgical pack. Several of the doctors and residents were standing around watching. A couple jumped in to help while the others guarded the door from the administration. The bullet had traveled up into Baby’s chest and lodged near her heart.

* * * * *

Two hours later Mike found his way into the emergency room. He smiled when he saw that someone had brought a thick rug for Baby and she was lying quietly with a blanket over her. Shell was rocking Catlin in a chair by the bed.

Mike fell to his knees beside his wife and baby and put his hand on Shell’s cheek.

Shell, we’ll find them, honey, he told her gently.

He had never seen his wife this crushed, not even when Katie (Shell’s Mama) had been kidnapped.

Please talk to me, Shelly.

Shell looked up at Mike soberly. She had tried to reach her children in her head, but they had to be unconscious. She couldn’t sense the children’s presence.

Do they have any leads? she whispered.

Chavez had a twin, Shell. No one knew of him. He was educated in Germany and lived there with his mother. His name is Joseph. It is his blood and tissue at the scene. We aren’t sure of all of the rest of the players involved. They’re going over all of the tapes and tracking them through the system.

Mike noticed Cat’s eyelashes start to flutter again.

Hey, baby girl, how are you feeling? he asked gently.

He would have loved to hold her at the moment, but he could tell his wife needed her. Besides, Catlin was hanging on for dear life. Mike stood up and picked Shell and the baby up in his arms, then turned and sat back down.

Let me rock my babies, he whispered as he held on to them with tears in his eyes.

He had seen the whole scenario at the house. Juanita had been like a doting aunt to Mike. It broke his heart to see her lying there; and poor old Buddy, going down in the line of duty. He had been his best friend growing up. Mike wiped his eyes and kissed the top of Shell’s head. What she must be going through right now!

Annie came into the room. She knelt by Baby and petted the brave dog. Both Dobermans had done a heck of a job. They found one man out by the pool who bled out. Obviously, Buddy took one bad guy with him, bless his heart.

Annie looked at her little sister. Shell looked so small and broken right now. She wanted to take her home to their old home place. Andrew and the girls were getting Shell’s old room ready. They knew she wouldn’t be able to go back home yet. Their Mama and Daddy, Bobbie and Josh were flying in. They should be there in a few hours to help. From the looks of the young couple clinging to each other and the baby in Shell’s arms, they were going to need all of the help that they could get. Annie was so angry. Shell had done great. The kids were doing fantastic, and now this. Why wouldn’t they just leave her sister alone and let her have a life?

Darla laid a hand on Annie’s shoulder.

Come on out and talk with us, Annie. Everyone is in Shell’s office right now, she whispered.

Annie nodded. She walked over and kissed Mike’s cheek and then Shell’s. She gently ran a hand over Catlin’s small head and sadly walked out. They were all lost in their grief right now. She knew that Shell would snap out of it. She had to because they needed her to find the twins.

* * * * *

Matt was sitting behind Shell’s desk. They had all set up a temporary office until they could relocate to Mike and Shell’s house. They knew that Annie was going to take her back home as soon as Catlin was released.

What did they inject Catlin with? Annie asked as she walked in the door.

They used a heavy sedative, Annie. Shell’s flushed her system and even transferred a unit of blood. It’s almost out of her system.

Dr. Abbot stood up and went over to Annie.

I can’t believe this is happening, he said quietly.

Have you found anything?

Tina walked in after looking in on Shelly.

Do you have any idea where they have taken Caleb and Trina?

They don’t know anything yet, Tina. We’ve narrowed down the ‘who and how.’ Now we have to figure out the where. All airports, bus stations, marinas … everything is being searched. Joseph Chavez came in on a private jet. It’s still sitting grounded at Atlanta airport, and the pilot and personnel have been taken into custody, Matt said wearily.

He felt like these kids were related to him. He felt a cold hand squeeze his heart as pure fear surged through his system. No one considered anything like this would happen.

We’ll find them.

Shell had state of the art computer components in her office at the hospital, and they were working nonstop.

When do you think they will take the baby home? Maggie asked.

They all turned to see Mike and Shelly walk in. Catlin looked sleepy, but she had her arms wrapped around Shelly’s neck.

We can head home now, Chief. I was going to get Alan to help load up Baby, Shell said quietly.

Shell, are you okay? Matt asked.

Both kids looked wiped out.

No Matt, I’m not, Shell said flatly. I have another Chavez to kill.

Everyone’s head jerked in Shelly’s direction. Her voice was flat and cold.

Shell, Annie sobbed.

Annie, don’t start, Shell said flatly. Matt, find me a badge because, one way or another, someone is going to die for this.

Shell walked over and picked up her briefcase and her jacket. Over her head, Mike just shook his head. He knew that she was beyond reason and no one needed to try to argue with her now. That could get painful.

Alan, help me get Baby in the Jeep, will you? He turned to Shelly for a second. Shell, Annie has set up your old room for us at the old home place, he said quietly.

Shell turned and stared at him for a second and then slowly nodded her head.

Okay, Annie, let’s go home.

Her face was a mask now, and they couldn’t read what she was feeling. Shell turned and walked out with Annie and Tina hurrying after her.

Mike stopped Annie.

Don’t push her Annie. Shell’s at a breaking point. Let’s just give her some space while we try to get this together. We’ll clear the scene and get the house ready for her to come home as soon as possible. She doesn’t need to see that mess again.

Annie nodded and followed Tina and Shelly out of her classy office. She always carried a baby seat for little AJ, and Catlin was so small she would still fit in it nicely. AJ was younger than Catlin, but he was a lot like Caleb. He was a little bruiser in comparison to Cat’s petite size.

On the way home, Tina and Annie talked lightly about simple things. Annie kept watching her sister in the rear view mirror. Shell’s face wasn’t readable. She already had dark shadows surrounding her eyes. Her surgery schedule had been heavy all week, and, when Annie talked to her last night; Shell had told her that she was exhausted. She had been more than ready for the weekend off and next weekend in the islands. They all had some great plans. They had needed to get away, and everyone had been looking forward to their visit.

Other than an occasional murmur to Catlin, Shell remained quiet. She answered in short monotone sentences to anything they asked. Annie was praying that their parents would be at the house when they got there. Shell was shutting down like she had never done before.

CHAPTER TWO

Maggie’s husband, Moses, picked up Shell’s family and friends at the airport. Tom, Shell’s father, saw the tall muscular man waiting by their Escalade as he taxied into place and shut their commuter plane down. Of course, Katie and Bobbie Jo were already bolting for the door. Josh went back, picked up his young son and grabbed suitcases while Tom joined him. They were all numb. Katie and Bobbie had gone from hysterical to quiet. It was already three o’clock in the morning, and everyone was exhausted.

Hey, Moses, I thought that was you! Thanks for meeting us. Tom held out his hand while Moses grabbed one of the bags.

Hello, Tom. Shell and Mike are at Annie’s place. They’re still going over their residence with a fine tooth comb, Moses relayed to them. Annie wanted you all to stay with her and Tina. Well, y’all know the routine, he grinned.

We’ll split up however Shelly needs us too. How is she doing, Moses? Tom asked.

Josh was listening while he strapped Joshua into the car seat. The poor little guy was like Jell-O right now.

Dr. Abbot finally sedated her. She needs some down time. Tina and Annie promised not to leave Catlin for a second, and Shelly finally consented. She’s not losing it or anything, Tom. In fact, she’s too quiet, Moses said softly.

Katie stood up and looked at him for a moment.

That’s even worse. She hasn’t hit anyone yet? she asked, and Moses had to grin.

Well, I don’t even think she saw that first cop at the scene, Katie, I don’t think that one counts. Moses laughed when Katie rolled her eyes. Yeah, well the fool tried to stop her. No one else was that stupid.

Josh wrapped his arms around his wife. Bobbie had stared out the window from the time she sat down. He knew that she was freaking out inside, worrying about her best friend.

It’s going to be okay, Bobbie. We’ll find them, he whispered into her hair.

Bobbie just turned and stared at him for a moment.

I hope so, Josh. I can’t even imagine how Shelly feels right now, she admitted.

She’s going to kill someone, Tom said from the front seat.

Yes, that’s already been said, Moses agreed quietly. Shell is not taking this lightly, Tom. Evidently, Caleb linked up with his Mama. Trina had been taken already, and he was hiding; but they found him. Shell said that they had to have chloroformed him with a rag because a rag went over his face, and then he was gone.

Oh man, Bobbie moaned.

Katie looked back at Bobbie and nodded. No one had any idea how Shelly would react to something like this. She quit the Bureau because of her family. Now her past had come back to take her babies away.

* * * * *

Shelly?

Corey, Shell’s nine-year-old niece tiptoed into the room.

Aunt Shelly?

She touched her hair, and suddenly Shell had a tight grip on her wrist.

Ouch! I deserved that. Aunt Shelly it’s me, Corey, she whispered again.

Shell relaxed her grip and sat up cautiously. She realized that she had been sedated because her head felt weird.

Where’s Catlin? Shell asked.

Mama is rocking her, Shelly. She is okay. Baby is sleeping, and she feels better too. Aunt Shell, can Carey and I lie down with you?

Corey’s face looked pale in the moonlight that was streaming through the window. Shell looked past her and saw her twin sister standing beside her. They had both been crying.

Sure. Climb in, guys. Shell smiled weakly at them. How long have I been out?

You’ve only been asleep for a couple of hours, Aunt Shelly. We thought that maybe between all of us we could find Caleb and Trina in our sleep, Carey sobbed.

Shell smiled at her nieces and wrapped her arms around them.

That sounds like a great idea, she whispered.

They all lay back on the pillows, and the twins rolled toward their aunt. She was still their super hero, even now when she had decided to fight diseases and injuries instead of bad guys.

Have you heard from them? Corey whispered.

I heard from Caleb at first, Corey. Now I think they might have them heavily sedated because I can’t seem to connect with them, Shell admitted.

That’s why we haven’t been able to contact them? Carey asked. She had been so afraid that they were dead.

I think so, honey. They won’t keep them out for long.

Shell tried to convince herself of this as well.

We’ll keep trying. Close your eyes and try to sleep. Maybe they will come to us in our dreams, Shell said quietly.

She could feel the children relax, and she hoped that they could go back to sleep. Corey and Carey could also connect telepathically just like their twins could. It was kind of frightening when Shelly had been an agent, but it had been nice since things had calmed down. Now it might be the only way to find her babies. Shell kept seeing their faces every time she closed her eyes. How could this be happening?

* * * * *

Katie and Bobbie tiptoed into the room when they got to Annie’s place. Katie sobbed when she saw her two granddaughters asleep with Shell’s arms around them. They had snuck in to stay with Shelly when no one was looking. Mike and Andy stood behind them.

We’ll take them back to their room, Mom, Andy whispered and went over to pick up one of his daughters.

The girls didn’t even wake up as the guys carried them out.

Annie went over to lay Catlin next to her Mama. The baby crawled up and lay a hand on Shell’s chest and went back to sleep.

Ah, she still does that, Annie whispered.

Shell’s eyelashes fluttered, and then she opened her eyes.

Mama, when did you get here? she asked confused, and then she realized that the family must have flown in.

Don’t get up, Shell. Rest for a little longer, honey.

Katie leaned over and kissed her cheek.

You look so tired.

Katie couldn’t tell her what she really looked like. Shell looked physically ill. She looked great a week ago — healthy. Now look at her!

I think I will sleep a little bit longer, Mama. Lie down here next to me, Shell whispered and patted the bed.

Katie did lie down next to her. She would do whatever it took to keep Shelly calm right now.

You too, Bobbie and Annie. Let’s rest a little longer.

Shell didn’t tell them why. She wanted to get back to the dream. She forced herself back to sleep and to relax, and then she slipped right back to where she had been.

* * * * *

Mama, are you back? Caleb said in a drowsy voice.

I’m right here, Caleb. Talk to me, Shell said.

T is still out, Mama. She hasn’t even winked! Caleb said in a worried voice.

She’s smaller than you, Bubba. You have to check her out for me. Can you do that? Shell asked.

I’ll try, Mama, Caleb whimpered. She is pale, but it is like she is sleeping really hard. She is breathing deeply and her skin is warm.

That’s good, Caleb. You’re going to grow up and be a doctor, aren’t you? Shell tried to keep it light. Caleb, can you feel for a heart beat right inside Trina’s armpit? she asked.

Okay. It’s there, and it is strong and even, he whispered.

Good job, Caleb! Shell grinned. Now can you look around and tell me what you see … everything that you see, Caleb? she prompted.

There are three guys. Two are Hispanic and one guy has a funny accent — German, I think. We are in a boat. Mama, I think we are in Florida. I don’t know. I woke up when they were driving into the Marina in an Escalade like Maggie’s. The boathouse said Sawyer’s Point. We’re still at the marina, and the guys have been arguing about the Bahamas or something like that. Another guy said Virgin Islands. Mama, can you find us before we go to sea? His little voice sounded so tired.

I’ll see what I can do. Caleb, try to pretend that you are asleep and keep a close watch on your sister. Remember that you can still reach me if you try real hard, you know like you did at the school, Shelly prompted him.

Are you going now, Mama? Caleb sounded scared.

No, Caleb, I’m coming. I will find you, okay? Try not to draw any attention to yourself because I can’t reach you when they knock you out with drugs.

She knew he was scared. Shoot, she was scared.

Caleb, do you trust me?

Yes, Mama, he cried.

I’m coming, Baby, Shell whispered and blew him a kiss. He finally smiled.

I’ll be tough, Mama. Come and get us.

He faded from her dream, and Shell woke standing on the bed.

The other ladies rolled off the bed. Shell ran to the shower and was in and out of it so fast they were barely standing.

Move it! We have to go! Shell yelled as she found clothes and threw them on.

Everyone went into motion and was in different stages of dress by the time Mike made it to their room.

Shell, what is it? he demanded.

Find Sawyer’s Point Marina! Shell yelled.

Caleb? he asked, and Shell nodded. Mike was running down the steps, and Shell wasn’t far behind him. She turned and ran back up, picked up Catlin, and ran back down.

I guess we’re going after the twins, Bobbie said, still groggy. Glad we’re still packed.

Everyone was en route to the airport within the hour. The race was on, and Shelly was hoping they would get to the marina before the kidnappers left.

* * * * *

Shelly handed Catlin a sip cup.

Cat, sip on this when you feel pressure in your ears, okay? It won’t last long.

The baby accepted the cup, staring at her Mama.

It will be okay, honey. We’re going to go look for Caleb and Trina.

Shell leaned down and kissed her and watched as her Mama pulled the baby into her arms. Annie and Andy were staying behind to handle everything with Tina. They kept Baby with the girls’ old golden lab, Brandy. Shell wanted her to stay as calm as possible. Her injury had been extensive.

Annie is on the radio, Shell. Mike handed the headphones over to Shelly while she climbed up into the cockpit.

What is it, Annie? Shell asked.

Do you know where Sawyer’s Point is, Shelly? Annie asked quickly.

Yeah, it’s just above Hilton Head. They haven’t left Georgia yet, Shell told her.

Okay. The twins have connected with Caleb, but they can’t reach Trina. Caleb says she is still out. Annie’s voice was strained.

What else? Shell asked.

Caleb says that they are stocking the boat. Annie choked on the sob in her throat. Shell, hurry!

We are hurrying, Annie. Have Brian check on Baby in the morning, and please help Juanita’s family with all of the arrangements. Okay? Shell stared out the window for a second. Buddy is going to have to go on ice. He deserves an honorable burial.

Shell wiped her face sadly. God, she loved that dog.

It will be done, Shell. Take care of yourself, and if Catlin gets too much, let us know, and we’ll come and get her. They have security over all of our houses.

Annie hated to let her go.

Okay, Annie. We’ll let you know as soon as we know anything. Shell handed the headphones back to Mike. I’m sitting in the back if you and Daddy have this, okay?

Yeah, Shell. JC and Jeb are flying the seaplanes up. Jeb was already on his way back home, so he should be close to the marina now. There’s a private airport not far from the marina. They’ll have a car waiting for us, Mike told her.

He was surprised that his wife was so together. Her eyes were like steel at the moment, though. Even with her head straight, Shell was wading in to do some damage. Since he felt the same way, he didn’t blame her.

Shell climbed in the back, and Matt reached over the seat and handed her the badge that he had kept in his desk drawer for a year. He had wisely kept her out on medical leave and hadn’t turned in her resignation. He was planning on it—eventually. Something told him not to every time he started to push the paperwork through. He was having a hard time parting with one of his best agents. He honestly didn’t think something like this would happen to bring her back, though. He would rather she hadn’t come back at all than to go through this. That was saying something for Matt. He was crazy about his littlest agent. She was the best agent that he had ever had. Mike and Charlie were close, and the rest of the team was getting good, but no one had Shell’s premonitions and skills.

This is my old badge? Shell looked at the case and the number on the badge. Then she looked back at Matt. You old softy, she grinned. How long were you going to hold onto this thing, Chief?

As long as it took. I didn’t want this to happen though, Shell. I would have eventually sent the paperwork in.

Matt looked so busted at that moment that everyone had to laugh.

Thanks, Matt. I did miss you guys, but being a doctor has its benefits.

Shell grinned at him as she walked back down the aisle. They all watched as she loaded up with weapons. When she grabbed a parachute, Katie jumped up.

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