Page 62 of Lion’s Den

Had the Collector captured Julio, or had her student escaped and hidden somewhere? If that were the case, where was he? How far could a five-year-old run?

David glanced at the officer at the door. “They’re with me.” He continued into the waiting room. “Maria, how are you holding up?”

“How do you think she’s holding up?” snapped a young male’s voice.

Sedona flinched. That was Julio’s brother, Eddie. His teenage attitude was out for all to see today. She walked into the room to see the sixteen-year-old with his arm around his mother’s shoulders, glaring at the sheriff.

“Hello, Eddie. I’m sorry to hear Julio is missing.”

“We’ll find him.” Eddie’s hate-filled gaze shifted back to David. “With or without the pigs’ help.”

“I’m glad you don’t have to depend only on you and your mom.” She sat on Maria’s other side and clasped her hand. “Have you heard anything from Julio?”

Maria stared. “Why would I hear anything from him if kidnappers took him?”

“Julio is very resourceful. Even though kidnappers might have taken him, I wouldn’t be surprised to learn he’d escaped and found help.”

Julio’s mother smiled. “You’re right. My son is clever. He wouldn’t give up no matter what he was told.”

“How is Emily doing?”

“She blames herself. She says if she hadn’t let Julio go back to the school for her backpack, none of this would have happened. He would be safe.” Maria sighed. “I can’t tell her she’s wrong.”

This was the opening she needed. “That’s what I wanted to talk to you about. I understand why you might be uncomfortable talking to the police. However, Sheriff Montgomery and his deputies are determined to find Julio no matter how long it takes. To do that, they need your help.”

Eddie snorted. “They need to do their job instead of standing around the hospital, hoping Julio will take care of their problem for them. Tell them to skip the coffee and donut breaks, and they might make quicker progress in the case.”

“That’s unfair, Eddie. Have you ever seen the sheriff or his deputies sitting around and doing nothing while they’re on duty?”

The teen glowered at her for a moment before looking away. “No,” he muttered. “But I can’t be everywhere at once. I might have missed them wolfing down donuts and coffee.”

“First, if any of them wolfed down their coffee, you’d have heard about an emergency room for burns to their throat and mouth. Second, I don’t know why you want to run down the law enforcement officers who are trying to find Julio, but I know firsthand that the sheriff and the deputies won’t rest until they find your brother. Have a little faith in our law enforcement officers, Eddie. If you really want to find your brother, give them your full cooperation.”

The teen remained silent for a beat, then gave a slight nod.

Thank God. Now, if Cam would return before Eddie changed his mind, the Search and Rescue team might have more information, perhaps the starting point they needed so badly.

David crouched in front of Maria. “Do you need anything? A drink or a snack?”

She shook her head. “Nothing. I just couldn’t.”

“What about that herbal tea stuff you always drink? You said it helps you calm down. What about a cup of that?” Eddie asked.

“That’s a great idea,” Spencer said. “Herbal tea is well known for its healing properties. The cafeteria must have some available. I think a bag each of chamomile and mint would help both ladies.”

David reached into his pocket and scanned his phone screen. “I have to go. Cam might have a lead, so I’ll have one of my officers bring the ladies some herbal tea soon.”

“Never mind.” Eddie stood. “I’ll get it.”

“Thanks.” David clapped his shoulder. “I’ll be back in a few minutes. What Cam discovered could give us the start we need to find your brother.”

“We gotta do it fast, Sheriff.” He swallowed hard. “Julio’s just a little kid, not like me.”

David stilled. “No, he’s not like you. Do you know something that might help, Eddie?”

“I know nothing.” He scowled at David, once again a sullen teenager.

“You know what? I think you do. You’re sharp. You notice things.”