“Someone must have taken her from the church property with promises of a puppy.” Mrs. Patterson wrung her hands and wiped a tear. “Have you seenher?”
“No, neither Jessie or the puppy are here,” Grady said. “But her red bandana is caught on the chain-linkfence.”
More cars screeched around the corner and bounced onto the rutted dirt lane leading to the barn. It was his family joined by theColsons.
Todd circled his hands around his lips and yelled, “Stay back. This is a crime scene. Nobody move. Jessica Patterson ismissing.”
Shock and consternation fell over everyone’s face. Becca ran toward him and grabbed Grady, shaking him. “What did you do? Why couldn’t you wait for the paternitytest?”
“Just because Jessie’s your daughter doesn’t mean you can take her,” Chad steppedforward.
“I didn’t do anything. I came here to check on Linx.” Grady held his handsup.
“Then Linx must have taken her.” Cait sidestepped the sheriff and stood in front of Grady, as if she would protect him. “She left the ranch even before Gradydid.”
“What’s going on here?” Pastor Patterson’s booming voice knocked everyone back. “If you two did anything to hurt my daughter,I’ll…”
He cocked his fist and slammed it into Grady. “Arrest him. He kidnapped mydaughter.”
Bedlam broke loose and everyone shouted to be heard, as Todd snapped the handcuffs over Grady’s wrists and shoved him into the patrolcar.
