“Hang tight. I’m on my way.” Russ ended the call.
“He’s on his way.” She gave Ryan a big smile then looked at the others. “Everything is over, and we’re all safe.”
Nikki still held Jessie, her hand over her ear to keep her from hearing anything. Nikki exhaled deeply, and Jessie pushed free to run to Mia. The child flung herself into Mia’s arms, and she clutched her tight.
“Ouch,” Jessie said. “You don’t have to squish me so hard.”
“Sorry.” Mia loosened her arms. “I’m just so glad you’re all right.”
Mia’s heart swelled. This resilient child would be okay.
So would Mia.Ifshe trusted and let God and Ryan into her life.
* * *
Ryan nodded at his brother as he barreled into the room with a deputy. Cuffs in hand, the deputy took charge of Pope and dragged the scowling man through the door. Ryan wanted to shout a hallelujah that the killer was on his way to jail, but there were other issues to handle here first.
Russ turned to look at Nikki and Eddie. “We called your sister, Nikki. She’s on her way to pick you up. Eddie, I need you to come with me.”
Mia looked at Russ from the spot near the wall where she’d dropped after the altercation. “I’d like to be with him when you question him.”
Russ shook his head. “Sorry. No can do, but Iwillhave a social services rep present.”
“He didn’t do anything wrong.” Mia lifted her chin and relayed that Eddie had played a big part in saving Jessie.
“We’ll expect him back at Wilderness Ways after your questioning.” Ryan planted his feet to let his big brother know he meant business.
“That will be up to social services, but if what Mia says is true, I can’t see why they wouldn’t allow it.” Russ helped a reluctant Eddie to his feet.
“Especially now that Pope’s in custody, and the danger is eliminated,” Mia added. “And he saved your niece from that creep, so you should do everything you can to make sure he’s not in any trouble.”
“I’ll do my best.” Russ locked gazes. “But at this point, it’s Eddie’s word against Pope’s on the murder. If Pope confesses, we can resolve it right away. If not, the kid will likely have to stay in custody until Sierra finishes processing forensics. Of course, we’ll now have Pope’s prints and can compare them to the ones she’s already lifted.”
Mia came to her feet. “Don’t worry, Eddie. I’ll make sure you’re released as soon as possible. You can count on me.”
“I’ll be right beside her,” Ryan said.
Eddie cocked his head, studying them like a high school biology experiment. “I actually believe both of you.”
A big, huge leap in Eddie’s progress, and Mia’s face blossomed. Maybe she was seeing that God had made good from a bad situation. Just as Ryan told her. If only Russ could find a way to get the teen back to the program as soon as possible, Ryan had hopes that they could turn this kid’s life around for good.
Eddie looked at Nikki. “I hope you don’t get into too much trouble.”
“Are you kidding?” Nikki said, tears in her eyes. “My sister’s a real softie.”
Ryan thought she was being overly optimistic, but she could simply be trying to make Eddie feel better. “Any word on Chuck?”
“He’s in surgery to relieve swelling on his brain. It’s still touch and go.”
Mia cringed and clapped a hand over her mouth.
“Keep us updated, okay?”
“Of course.” Russ took Eddie’s elbow. “Come on, kid, let’s get you out of here.”
Jessie bolted across the room and hugged the young man’s waist. “I’ll come see you as soon as you’re back.”
Eddie gave her a fond look. “Thanks, kid.”
