She gave him a playful glare.
“I’d better go help the boy before we’re both in trouble.”
“That’s probably a good idea.”
“You’re very sexy when you’re stern.”
She gave him an exasperated look. “Hurry up, Tommy!”
“I’m hurrying.”
Chapter Fourteen
Archie appeared in the doorway to Sam’s office. “We got a hit on Ethan’s debit card. Ruiz and her team are on the way as we speak. Patrol is backing them up.”
Finally, Sam thought as she sat up straighter. They might have a break. “Where?”
“At a convenience store on Connecticut Avenue Northwest.”
“Forest Hills,” Sam said absently as she refreshed her memory of the neighborhood near Rock Creek Park. “I’m not telling my sister or the other parents until we know more.”
Malone appeared behind Archie. “You heard about the debit card?”
“Yeah.” Sam wanted to go there so badly that it was all she could do to remain seated and let her colleagues take the lead.
“I’ll let you know if I hear anything else,” Archie said.
“Thanks for keeping me in the loop.”
He nodded and took off for his office on the second floor.
Malone came into Sam’s office. “Can I get you guys something to eat?”
Nick looked to Sam.
She shook her head. “I don’t think I could get it past the massive lump in my throat. But you go ahead,” she said to Nick. “You must be starving.”
“I could eat something. A sandwich maybe?”
“I’ll order for all of us and get something for you, too, Sam. Maybe it’ll look good to you when it’s right in front of you.”
“Thanks, Cap.”
“We all wish there was more we could do.”
“It helps to know that the best of the best are looking for him.”
“I’ll be back,” Malone said as he departed.
Detective Neveah Charles came to the door. “Patrol is reporting they found two young boys running down Connecticut Avenue, wearing no shirts or shoes, with zip ties hanging from their wrists.”
Sam shot to her feet. “Oh my God. Is it them?”
“I’m waiting for an update,” Neveah said. “Stand by.” She turned and left.
Nick came to Sam, put his arms around her and held on tight.
Her heart was racing, her mouth dry and her hands shaking. “Please,” she whispered. “Let it be him.”
