His Heart

By Robin Nadler

Josie is missing.

Bill and Julie are frantic.

Jack and Stephanie are worried this is the start of something worse.

The kids need to be told about the past in order to be protected from harm.

Everything is a mess and nobody knows where the danger is coming from.

Then everything changes.

A silent threat strikes out of nowhere and the entire family is caught off guard.

It is a fight for survival for one member of the family, and this is a battle unlike any they have faced.

Nobody saw it coming.

There was no way to prepare.

What happens next will change the course of everyone’s lives.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Robin Nadler
• Release date: Feb 29, 2016
• ISBN: 9781310370014

Robin Nadler

Robin Nadler is a high school teacher, romance author, animal enthusiast and sarcasm aficionado. When not standing in front of a classroom of teenagers, she is immersed in the lives of the characters she creates. As a fighter of Multiple Sclerosis, Robin continuously pushes the boundaries of what is expected of her and what she knows is always possible. Her goal is to inspire and share a love of humor, romance and passion. For information on her Family by Choice series, as well as her current works in progress, please connect with her on any of the following platforms. Facebook: facebook.com/nadlersnovels Twitter: @buka163090 Instagram: rnadler103 Blog: www.nadlersnovels.com

Book preview

His Heart

Family by Choice

Book 19

By Robin Nadler

Copyright 2016 by Robin Nadler

This is a work of fiction. Names, characters, and plot are all products of the author’s imagination and are used as fiction. Nothing is to be construed as real. Any resemblance to actual events or persons living or dead is entirely coincidental.

Smashwords Edition

For Mooch.

Chapter One:

Chapter Two:

Chapter Three:

Chapter Four:

Chapter Five:

Chapter Six:

Chapter Seven:

Chapter Eight:

Chapter Nine:

Chapter Ten:

Chapter Eleven:

Chapter Twelve:

Chapter Thirteen:

Chapter Fourteen:

Chapter Fifteen:

Chapter Sixteen:

Chapter Seventeen:

Chapter Eighteen:

Chapter Nineteen:

Chapter Twenty:

Chapter Twenty-One:

Chapter Twenty-Two:

Chapter Twenty-Three:

Chapter Twenty-Four:

Chapter Twenty-Five:

Chapter Twenty-Six:

Chapter Twenty-Seven:

Chapter Twenty-Eight:

Chapter Twenty-Nine:

Chapter Thirty:

Chapter Thirty-One:

Chapter Thirty-Two:

Chapter Thirty-Three:

Chapter Thirty-Four:

Chapter Thirty-Five:

Chapter Thirty-Six:

Chapter Thirty-Seven:

Chapter Thirty-Eight:

Chapter Thirty-Nine:

Chapter Forty:

Chapter Forty-One:

Chapter One:

Bill and Julie raced behind Hope and they froze when she led them to Josie’s broken bike. Tommy called Tramp over and he sat with them.

Oh God, Julie said as she sank to the ground. What does this mean? Where is she?

Bill called Evan’s phone and he could barely keep it together.

It’s Mike. What did you find?

Hope led us to Josie’s bike. It’s mangled and she’s not here. I don’t know where else to fucking look! he cried.

Send me a picture of the area surrounding the bike, Mike said.

Okay, he said and snapped a bunch of images and sent them to Mike.

Tommy walked to his sister and helped her back up.

Hey, look at me. We are going to find her, okay? Don’t you dare forget that.

She looked at him and her face held an expression he had never seen.

She’s my little girl, Julie said brokenly.

Tommy nodded and put his arm around her.

I know.

******

David walked into the family room where Stephanie and Brittany sat. He looked at Bee and Naomi and he wiped his eyes. The FBI was in the kitchen with the police.

I’m going to look. She’s my sister.

David, you can’t leave. I know you’re scared, but you need to stay here, Stephanie said. "Uncle Jack is on his way back with Tessa, so let’s just wait for them.

I’m not scared, I need to help. She’s my baby sister and I know I can find her.

Brittany looked at David and she nodded.

I know you want to help, David. I understand that more than anyone, but I also know that when there is a plan like your dad has, it’s non negotiable to listen to him. He and Mike are the very best out there and I will never doubt them. They need you to believe in them and listen to them. They will find Josie.

David wiped his eyes and Sabrina walked up to him.

Why don’t you sit with me and we can make a list of things that will make Josie happy after she gets home?

David looked at her and she took his hand.

I promise, I’ll help you get through this.

Stephanie wiped her eyes as she watched them and David walked to the table and sat with Bee.

Elizabeth walked in and looked at them.

Evan is still with Mike and he feels like they will be able to help. We just need to wait.

Brittany looked at Naomi who was huddled on the couch and she moved closer to her.

Hey, you okay? I mean I know you’re not, but is there anything else you need to tell me? I don’t want you to hide anything. If you’re feeling badly, let me know.

She wiped her eyes and shook her head.

I’m scared and I’m worried about everything. I’m also still so scared for Jimmy.

Brittany smiled and pulled her close.

How about if you hold onto me and let me try and take some of the fear away.

Naomi snuggled against her and sighed.

I love you.

I love you, too Mini Red.

*******

Jade helped Mike as he tried to look closer at all the pictures Bill sent. He had her scroll through them a bunch of times and he was struggling to see with just one eye, but he refused to stop.

Can you call him again please?

Jade dialed and Bill answered, putting them on speaker.

Sergeant, look around and see if there are any trees that appear to be moving outside of the wind.

Bill looked at the phone.

You think she climbed a tree?

It’s possible. It’s also possible they told her if she made a sound, something bad would happen, so she may see you and not want to say anything for fear you will be hurt.

Julie and Tommy ran to the trees.

Josie? It’s mommy! Baby you can come down, it’s okay. We are all safe. Please say something if you can hear me! she called out.

Jo? It’s Uncle Tommy. We’re all here and we love you. Can you call out to us?

They all were quiet and heard nothing.

Mike squinted at the pictures and Jade enlarged them as best she could. Evan looked with them and saw nothing.

Sergeant, the large Maple tree with the nest in the third branch from the top, do you see it?

Bill looked and Tommy and Julie came back over.

I see it, he said and pointed out the tree.

Okay, about 65 degrees southwest, I think there might be an odd shape to the ground, like maybe a mound of dirt or an opening to something? Mike said.

The adults ran over and saw what Mike meant. It was a freshly dug mound of dirt.

Oh God! Did they bury her? Julie cried as they started digging.

Stop! Mike said. It’s probably a decoy. Look the opposite direction and see if there is anything closed off. Are there any cabins or garbage cans or any kind of shed.

Tommy took Tramp and walked him to the area when suddenly, Hope and Tramp both barked and ran to a small shed none of them had seen. Bill ran after them and pulled open the door to the small shed.

The dogs ran inside and Bill and Julie saw Josie, bound and gagged, unconscious in the corner.

Oh no, please, Julie ran in and Hope and Tramp began licking Josie’s face.

Bill froze when he saw her and Tommy ran to her, pulling the gag out and exhaling as he checked her.

She’s breathing. Her heart rate is strong.

Tommy called an ambulance and Bill picked her up in his arms, walking her out to a clear space and laying her down. He cut the ties off her hands and Julie sat on the ground and held her while Bill pulled the ties off her legs.

Josie? Please open your eyes and look at mommy, Julie sobbed as she held her daughter.

The medics came and Julie wouldn’t let her go. Bill walked to her and gently moved her away so they could take Josie.

Come on. Let’s go with her, he said and almost had to carry Julie to the ambulance with their daughter.

Tommy called Brittany as he raced back to the house. He was talking to her as he got home with the dogs.

Jack met him at the door, having brought Tessa back a little earlier.

She’s alive?

Tommy nodded. He saw Brittany and Stephanie and Liz and he filled them in.

I need to go see what they need. I think they may need you, too, but I don’t know, he said to Brittany as his voice broke.

They were all quiet as his words echoed through them all.

Let’s get the kids and go, Brittany said.

******

They found her? You’re sure? Mike asked Jade and Evan.

Yes. Bill and Julie are on their way with the ambulance, Evan said. Everyone else is on their way, too. I just spoke with Liz who is dropping the dogs off at Tommy’s.

Is she okay? Mike asked softly.

She’s alive and that’s all I know so far, Evan said.

As soon as she gets here, I’ll find out, okay? Jade said, worried about how exhausted he was.

He looked at her and Evan smiled at them.

I’ll go wait for them to get here, he said, knowing they wanted a moment alone.

Evan? Mike called out.

He stopped and walked to Mike.

Thank you for letting me help. It means everything.

Evan shrugged.

They needed the best, so that’s who I got, he said simply and smiled as he walked out.

Jade stroked his cheek and his chin quivered.

Do you think I really helped them? he asked.

She smiled and looked at her daughters who were both napping on the chairs.

You found her for them, Mike. You did that and it’s everything. I’m so proud of you.

He smiled and tried to move, but couldn’t.

I’m so tired, he said weakly and she took his hand in her own.

Then you just rest and I’ll be right here.

It’s good I could help the Sergeant, he said as he stared ahead. I needed to be able to repay him, in some small way before I die.

Jade stood up.

What are you saying? Mike? Hey, look at me, please.

He was out and she let her own tears fall, incredibly worried about Josie and what this took out of Mike.

She also had a nagging feeling that her life was about to get worse.

******

David stood in the hallway with Bee while Stephanie took Tessa to see Jade. Jack paced up and down in the hall and nobody said anything.

She’s okay, right? David said, breaking the silence. Maybe I should go in with them?

Jack looked at him

We need to let the doctors help her first, and then I’m sure you can go in.

I don’t understand why everyone is keeping me away from her. I know I haven’t been the best brother, and I tease her a lot, but I love her and I think she needs me.

Bee wiped her eyes and Jack walked over to David, sitting down with him.

She does need you, he smiled. You know, you and Josie are so much like your mom and Uncle Tommy were before the accident. Julie was always hanging on Tommy and he hated it. She was like a cold he couldn’t shake.

Bee and David smiled and Jack looked at his hands.

We used to find her in your brothers room and he would get so mad. She tried everything she could to get him to play with her, but he wasn’t having any of it. His parents wouldn’t allow him to lock his room, so he used to rig a chair under the handle so she couldn’t get in.

Josie always tries to get in my room. I know she just wants to play, but I need my space. What if I don’t get a chance to be a better brother? Mom told me that Josie was supposed to be a part of triplets and that she might feel a loss from losing her brothers. I didn’t care. I did nothing to help her and maybe if I had, she wouldn’t have been so lonely.

She was a triplet? Bee said surprised.

I didn’t know your mom told you about that, Jack said.

David wiped his eyes.

She told me because I was being a jerk, but I’m still a jerk and I let everyone down.

Jack sighed.

You didn’t. This happened because someone tried to hurt Josie and Tessa. It has nothing to do with you or anyone else but the men who did this. It’s important you understand that or these people will win. What we need to do is support Josie and stop blaming anyone but who is responsible, okay?

David nodded and sighed.

I just want to see her.

Bill walked out and Jack stood up.

David? Let’s go talk, okay? Bill said, his face ashen.

David walked to his dad while Jack sat with Bee.

*******

Jade was sitting with Mike when Stephanie walked in with Tessa.

Hey, Jade smiled and hugged Tessa. I’m so glad you’re okay.

Tessa nodded and smiled at the twins.

Stephanie looked at Jade and shook her head that they didn’t know anything yet about Josie.

I was wondering if maybe you could help me, Tessa said softly.

Of course, Jade smiled. What can I do?

Tessa told her about the baby bird they were able to save and Jade nodded.

Do you think if we put it with Peeps, she would help it?

Do we know what kind of baby bird it is? Do you remember seeing the mom bird?

Um, I think it’s a Robin, but I’m not sure.

Okay. Well, I’m not sure Peeps would know what to do, but more importantly, they eat different kinds of food. Robin’s eat worms and Peeps doesn’t eat food like that. I’m not sure if the kind of food Peeps eats would offer enough nutrients to the baby.

Tessa sniffed and Stephanie put her arm around her.

But, how about if I give you a list of things you can try and maybe you can help the little one on your own?

Tessa perked up.

I would like that.

Okay, so you need to get a shoebox and make a little nest for it. You can use some tissues and some nice leaves or grass. If you can keep the box warm, that would be really good, but not with direct light. Maybe you can put the box on some towels and then put that on a heating pad set low.

Tessa was nodding and Stephanie was writing things down.

You will need to get some canned cat food and a syringe with no needle. Normally, the mother bird regurgitates food deep into the baby birds throat, but you can mimic that by squirting the cat food into the baby’s beak with the syringe.

Stephanie looked at Tessa.

Are you sure you want to do this?

She nodded and smiled.

Jade grinned.

The bird has a crop that looks like its stomach under its beak that will fill up with food. It’s how you will know if the baby needs to eat more. It will also cry and open its beak when it’s hungry. I will tell you that it’s super hard to hand feed a bird, so even if you do your best, it might not be able to survive.

Tessa nodded.

I know, but these birds were super important to Josie and I want to try and help. I owe her that much.

Stephanie smoothed Tessa’s hair back.

You don’t owe her, sweetie, but we will do what we can to help, okay?

Okay. Thank you, Tessa said and Jade hugged her.

Call me if you have any questions, okay?

I will.

Stephanie left with Tessa and Jade looked at Mike.

I thought you would wake up by now, she said. Mike?

He didn’t move and she felt her panic growing.

She stood up and looked at his hands and thought they appeared swollen. She moved the blanket and his legs also looked swollen.

She pushed the call button and asked for the nurses to come in. She was worried and needed help.

Chapter Two:

Bill walked to an empty conference room with David and they sat down.

Josie is awake, but she isn’t talking at all. Your mom and Aunt felt it would be a good idea if they examined her without the men around, and then we can go back and sit with her, he said, not even hearing himself. It was almost like he was watching the scene happening in front of him.

David looked at his father and nodded.

She isn’t talking? But she never shuts up, he said. I mean that in a nice way. She talks a lot, like mom.

Bill smiled and nodded.

What did they do to her? How did you find her?

Bill held his gaze and sighed.

I don’t know what they did, but she was tied up in a shed. Because of Uncle Mike, we found her and got her out of there. She was asleep, so I don’t know what she remembers.

David wiped his eyes.

She must remember something or she would be talking, right?

Bill took a breath and exhaled.

Yes, but she is probably scared and she needs to be able to feel safe.

I’m sorry, David said. I really let you and mom and mostly Josie, down.

Bill felt his eyes fill with tears.

No you didn’t, David. You are the best brother to Josie and she adores you. You did nothing wrong.

She got hurt and I’m her brother. It’s my main job to protect her and I failed. How do I live with that? What if she hates me? he started to cry. I want to find the men who did this and kill them.

Bill nodded.

I hear you, but first and foremost is being here for your sister. You have protected Josie your whole life and she went on a bike ride with Tessa, something she has done a million times. You did nothing wrong and she and Tessa did nothing wrong. I wish I could tell you bad things don’t happen, but I have enough respect for you to know that you are smart and you see the news. Sometimes very bad things happen to really good people and when it does, we need to do our best to help the good people see the good that is still out there.

David nodded.

What did that officer mean at the house?

Bill felt his heart drop.

About what?

He asked if you took after your dad. He said your dad had unique interests. You never talk about him and I didn’t know what he meant. Why didn’t I ever meet him? Why didn’t you tell me about him? What’s his name? Was he a soldier like you? Did he help you find Josie?

Bill put his face in his hands and began to cry. David was stunned and didn’t know how to react.

Dad? I’m sorry. I didn’t mean to make you sad. I’m sorry, David cried.

Bill pulled his son to him and hugged him tightly.

He simply couldn’t do this now. He just couldn’t.

Let’s go see Josie. We can talk about this later, okay? I promise, but I want to see your mom and Josie.

David nodded and followed him as they walked out.

*******

Brittany sat with Julie and Josie after Tommy walked out to give them a minute. Josie was awake, but she wouldn’t talk to anyone. She didn’t want to take her clothes off and she just cried.

She looked relatively okay, physically. Her arms had some bruising from where she likely struggled with the man who grabbed her. Her legs were also scraped up a bit, likely from the same reason.

The worst was her demeanor. Josie was just like her mother. She always spoke up.

Now she was silent.

It’s just us girls now, Julie said. You don’t need to be scared of anything, Josie. We both love you so much and we just want to help you feel better, okay?

Josie didn’t say anything and Brittany moved to sit on the bed.

Jo? If I give you some paper, do you think you can write down the answers to some questions?

Josie met her gaze and nodded.

Good, that’s good, Brittany smiled and grabbed some paper. She handed Josie a pen and Julie moved a little, but Josie grabbed onto her.

I’m not moving, baby, she said softly. I’m here.

Brittany looked at Josie and smiled.

Can you write down what you’re most afraid of right now?

Josie wrote one word.

Tessa.

Tessa is fine, Jo. She is here with her mom and dad.

Josie shook her head.

They said she was dead because I fought back, she wrote. I killed her.

She turned and buried her head in Julie’s chest and cried.

Brittany looked at them.

Hold on, she walked out of the room and saw Tommy.

Where is Tessa? We need her here right now.

Tommy nodded and went to the lobby. He saw Stephanie and Jack and the girls.

I’m glad you’re here. Josie needs to see Tessa, he said.

Tessa stood up and nodded.

Okay, she said and Stephanie went with her.

They walked into the room and Tessa walked to the bed. Julie smiled and rubbed Josie’s back.

Look, baby, she’s here, she said.

Josie sat back and relief colored her face.

Oh my gosh! I didn’t kill you? she cried out and jumped to hug Tessa.

Tessa hugged her and Julie sat up more, her own tears falling as Josie finally spoke.

No, I got away but I should have stayed. I’m sorry you were hurt, Tessa cried. I should have stayed.

You were so brave, Tessie. You got help and I told them you did but then they showed me your bike and said they would kill you if I said one word. I didn’t know if they meant I couldn’t say anything at all, so I just didn’t talk. I didn’t understand the directions, really, but mommy and daddy always say to listen, so I did my best.

Julie smiled and Josie finally looked at her.

I’m okay now mommy. I thought I killed Tessa but I’m okay now, she hugged Julie and Stephanie and Brittany smiled as the girls sat with each other.

Oh no! They killed the babies! They made me watch while they dumped the nest. I told them you loved the birds and they killed them! Josie covered her mouth.

Tessa took Josie’s hand.

Daddy and I saved one and Aunt Jade told us how to help. I think we should help it together. It can be our hero bird and when it gets big enough, we can let it fly away.

Josie put her head on Tessa’s shoulder as they sat side by side.

I would really like that. I’m sorry about the birds. They were really sweet.

Tessa smiled.

I know, but now we have to move forward. I think we are going to be okay.

Stephanie wiped her eyes as Bill and David walked in and Tessa got up to walk to her mom.

Daddy! David! Hi! Josie said and raced to hug them both.

Bill was stunned and he picked her up and held her tightly as she wrapped her arms around his neck and hugged him as she cried.

Julie got up and hugged her son as he wiped his eyes.

Are you okay baby girl? Bill asked as he put her down.

I’m good because everyone I love is okay. I was a little scared, but I told you I wanted to be a soldier and they are always brave. You taught me to fight back and never let the bad guys see you’re afraid. I just thought of you and I knew I would be okay. I just got upset when they told me they had Tessa. I didn’t know what to do then, so I let them take me, but they didn’t win, daddy. We are all okay now.

Bill hugged her again and kissed her forehead.

You are the bravest of them all Josie. You were named after the bravest Soldier I know and I think you will grow up to do anything you want.

Julie walked to him and stood there when Josie looked at David.

Were you upset I was gone? she asked.

He nodded.

Yeah, because I didn’t know who else to tease, he grinned.

She laughed and he walked to her.

I’m really glad you’re okay. I’m sorry this happened.

I know, but since my bike is a mess, I’ll have to use yours.

What? No way, you’ll girly it all up, he said.

Josie grinned.

Just kidding.

They all laughed and Brittany walked over to them.

Can I have a doctor come in and check you over now? I think once he does, you can all go home.

Josie nodded.

Okay, but I’d like it to be Uncle Tommy, if that’s okay?

I think he would be honored, Brittany smiled and walked out with Stephanie and Tessa.

Tommy was pacing in the lobby with Jack and Bee when they came out.

She’s fine, Stephanie said.

"She thought they killed me so she was sad, but she saw I’m okay and