His gut twisted as he scanned the woods, willing Luke and Lainey to come rushing out. “They ran.”
“Let’s go,” Caleb said as he headed into the trees. The silence was broken only by the crunch of leaves and twigs under their boots. A few rustles under the leaves, a couple of birds flying overhead.
Finn’s emotions were running wild. Were they fast enough? What if… ?
No. Not going there.
They walked a little way in, following the broken branches. Finn’s stomach roiled with each step. He prayed they were unhurt.
“Fan out,” Caleb called out. The men spread out ten feet apart.
How far could they have gone? Did they even come this way? Or had Lainey and Luke been kidnapped, never to be seen again?
The trees gave up no secrets. They continued walking.
Then, “Over here!” Caleb shouted.
Dex and Finn crashed through the brush toward him.
At their feet, nestled in the dirt and leaves, was the NASA cap Finn had given Luke.
Finn picked it up with trembling fingers. A tear slipped down his cheek.
Caleb clapped him on the back. “Let’s get them.”
“Luke! Lainey!” Finn’s voice cracked as he shouted. “It’s Finn. You’re safe. Come out if you can hear me.”
He cocked his ear. Nothing.
Then something rustled.
A small head rose up from behind a fallen tree.
The men raced over.
Finn’s breath caught in his throat.
Luke!
The small boy was covered in cuts and scrapes, his hair full of broken twigs and leaves, and it was almost the best sight he could have imagined.
Luke unfolded himself and leapt into Finn’s arms. “Dad! He took Mom,” he cried. “He took Mom, and he had a gun.”
Then the little boy started sobbing as he clung to Finn.
“I’ve got you, buddy. I’ve got you. We’re gonna get her back.” Finn rubbed his son’s back, holding him close, even as his mind spun with rage.
Whoever took her and scared his son was going to pay. Finn was going to make sure they regretted it.
Finn carried him out of the woods and sat on the back bumper of his truck. Luke was still shaking. Still crying. Finn didn’t let go.
Finally, Luke hiccupped, took a deep breath. He sniffed hard and wiped his nose on his sleeve. “I didn’t know what to do. Mom said to run, so I did.”
“You did exactly what you were supposed to do,” Finn said, brushing leaves from Luke’s hair. “You were so brave.”
Luke nodded. “She called the man who took her Travis.”
Finn’s blood ran cold. “Travis?”
