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“As do I,” he agreed, shaking my hand. “There’s not much left to do other than place the child in your custody once you’re ready. The hospital donated a diaper bag, formula, diapers, wipes, and bottles. Quite generous.”
“That’s wonderful. I’m sure his new guardian isn’t prepared for a baby yet. It’s going to shock her when I show up.”
“Usually does, I’m afraid. Tragic ending for the mother.” Sheriff Tucker shook his head, glancing toward the infant in the nursery crib. “I’m still pursuing leads and working with law enforcement throughout Nye and the surrounding counties.”
“I appreciate all the effort to catch these ruthless criminals. There’s been far too many disappearances and deaths related to the Black Market Railroad. This little boy lost his mother. Traffickers like Resnikov are a menace.”
“I completely agree.” He sighed heavily, scrubbing a hand over his face. “Be careful. I can’t be certain that Resnikov won’t come looking for his kin.”
The thought had occurred to me too. “I know, but I won’t have the baby long. I’m taking Yeva to his guardian as soon as I leave. The transition should be made as swiftly as possible.”
“Agreed.” His head swung in my direction as he leveled me with a concerned stare. “I’d like to have one of my officers stop by your hotel while you’re in town.”
“A protection detail?”
“I think it’s wise.”
“I don’t know,” I answered slowly. Would Zane notice? Probably. It wasn’t a bad idea. What if Resnikov and the rest of those assholes decided my involvement meant that I was a loose end? I couldn’t risk Zane’s safety.
“I’d sleep better if I knew you weren’t alone.”
“My son is with me,” I revealed. “He’s only fifteen. If anything happened to him,” I choked off, swallowing hard.
“No one will hurt your son because we’ll be watching. Here,” he gestured, whipping out a card from his wallet. “Take this. Call me if you suspect anything isn’t right. I’d rather be wrong and show up than the alternative. Any time of day or night. Don’t hesitate. These men are the worst of the worst. It’s better to err on the side of caution.”
He didn’t have to tell me twice. Unfortunately, in the line of work I was in, I knew this firsthand. A lot of unsavory characters lost children that ended up in the system. Some of them turned their lives around, using the circumstances as a wake-up call. Some never changed.
“Thank you. I will.”
“You mind if I double-check your ID and credentials? I need to follow procedure.”
“Of course.” I opened my purse and provided all the necessary documentation, including the paperwork for Yeva that confirmed the identity of his new guardian.
“Appreciate it. You’re all set.”
“No problem.”
“Go on in.” He ticked his head toward the nursery. “They’re expecting you.”
“See you around, Sheriff Tucker.”
“I’m sure I will, Ms. Baker.”
