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His friend nodded sharply. “You have my word. I’ll do everything possible to solve this case. We’ll keep them safe.”
Some of the pressure bearing down on Gavin’s shoulders lightened. He wasn’t in this alone. As a general rule, Ryker didn’t take life too seriously. Quick to laugh, slow to anger, his fun-loving nature made him easy to like. Ryker was also a notorious flirt, which helped in the dating department. But when it came to investigations, he left all humor at the door. Ryker would work day and night until the case was solved.
“Why don’t you see how Claire is doing?” Ryker suggested. “I’m sure she could use a friend right now. I’ll stay here and help with the crime scene technicians.”
Gavin nodded. He was eager to check on Claire and Jacob. The last time he’d seen them, the little boy had been crying his eyes out. Both he and his mother had been terrified. With good reason.
Outside, the air was frigid and scented with pine. Red and blue turret lights on the various law enforcement vehicles strobed. Keith was standing on the walkway between the two houses, talking on the phone. He hung up as Gavin approached. “The mayor keeps calling, asking for updates. The man is driving me crazy, but it’s better for him to bug me than Claire.”
“Surely he wouldn’t call Claire given what just happened.”
Keith rolled his eyes. “You don’t know Patrick Scott. He’d call you at your mother’s funeral if he needed something. Especially if he’s going to be fielding questions from the media.” The chief deputy rested his hands on his duty belt. “Claire’s parents are being interviewed right now, but so far, nothing’s come of it. We’re working our way through a list of everyone who was on the property today. No one noticed anything suspicious.”
That wasn’t surprising. Claire’s cabin was nestled in the woods. It would be simple for someone to slip in and out without being noticed. Gavin blew out a breath. “Let me know if you find out anything.”
Keith nodded. “Will do.”
Gavin continued to the main house and stepped through the front door. He removed his boots in the entryway to avoid dragging mud across the wooden dining room floor. From the kitchen, the murmur of voices filtered out. It was Claire’s parents, along with the deputy interviewing them.
A fire flickered in the hearth. Claire was on the couch, holding Jacob. The little boy’s head rested on his mother’s shoulder. He was sleeping, his eyelashes casting long shadows on his cheeks. She gently rubbed his back. They looked peaceful together. The sight halted Gavin in his tracks. There were things to say, but now wasn’t the time. He started backing out of the room.
“Don’t go.” Claire’s voice was barely a whisper.
He hesitated. Then, on stocking feet, Gavin crossed the carpeted living room. He sat on the coffee table in front of Claire. Her gaze lifted to meet his. The haunted look buried in her eyes reached inside Gavin’s chest and squeezed his heart so tight, it physically hurt.
Claire’s chin trembled. “Jacob fell asleep half an hour ago. I should put him in the bed, but I can’t manage to…” Tears filled her beautiful eyes. “I can’t find the strength to do it.”
Gavin’s throat tightened. “You can hold Jacob all night if you want.”
She clasped his hand. Despite the blazing fire, her fingers were cold. Gavin wrapped them in the cocoon of his palm, hoping to warm them. Tears continued down her cheeks. A war battled within Gavin. A part of him wanted to spring from the seat and hunt down the man who’d attempted to hurt her. The other part of him wanted to gather Claire in his arms and comfort her until she felt strong again.
She swiped at her tears. “I’m a mess.”
“You’re a mother who went through a terrifying incident. You’re allowed to be a mess.” Gavin gently touched Jacob’s back. “Is he okay?”
“Physically, he’s fine. Emotionally and mentally, too, I think. The sound of the gunshot scared him, but he only cried for a few minutes. Jacob’s so young, I don’t think he realized what happened. Or what could’ve happened.” She sucked in a breath and let it out slowly. “Jacob and I will stay together in the guest room. My legs are so shaky, I don’t trust them to hold me up while carrying him to bed. Do you mind taking him?”
A tenderness Gavin wasn’t expecting swept over him. “Of course.”
He gently lifted the small boy into his arms. Jacob’s weight was slight, but significant. A beautiful blessing. His own child—lost when his ex-fiancée, Willow, suffered a miscarriage—would’ve been a few years older than Jacob.
The pregnancy hadn’t been planned. Far from it. In fact, their relationship had been strained. They hadn’t been a good match from the start, and it was embarrassing to admit, but Gavin had drifted away from his Christian values. When Willow became pregnant, he was determined to do the right thing and make it work between them. They got engaged.
Then the miscarriage happened. Willow left him a few weeks before the wedding. She didn’t love him, never had, and losing the baby gave her a way out. The chain of events forced Gavin to re-examine his life. He started attending church again and renewed his relationship with God. It brought him peace and his career gave him purpose.
Love and children weren’t things he thought about. But there were times like now, while holding this precious child, that Gavin ached for something more.
He shoved that thought out of his mind. It was a dangerous path to take. Jacob and Claire needed his protection. Nothing else. And Gavin owed them his very best. He couldn’t keep them safe if his head was muddled with romantic notions.
“In here,” Claire whispered, leading Gavin into a bedroom. A night-light glowed softly in the corner. She pulled back the covers on the double bed.
Gavin gently laid Jacob down. Claire pulled the covers over his small form and ran a hand over his hair before kissing his forehead. The gentle nature of her movements touched Gavin. It was obvious how much Claire loved her son.
She joined him in the hallway, wrapping her arms around her midsection. “I should go back to my house, view the crime scene.”
It was a testament to Claire’s fortitude that she was even thinking about it. Gavin wouldn’t blame her if she never wanted to step foot in her cabin again. “That’s not necessary. Ryker and the crime scene technicians are searching for evidence. Keith is interviewing potential witnesses. They’ve got it under control.”
Her mouth twitched. “It’s not often someone tells me I’m unnecessary.”
