The Texas Ranger's Nanny (Lone Star Lawmen 2)

“No.”

“What about Clint?” He was close to his second cousin.

He sat in the chair at his desk. “I’ll give them both a call right now. The Amber Alert will shock them if they see it first. Thank you for—”

Just then his phone rang again. He wasn’t on for long before he clicked off and jumped to his feet. “I’m heading over to Leroy’s apartment. Kit got the warrant. Don’t worry about your safety. The surveillance team will be watching you on a constant basis. I don’t know when I’ll be back. Take care, Claire.”

She got up and walked him to the front door. “I’m sure you’ll find something that will help.”

“We’ve got to!” he called over his shoulder on the way to his car.

Her heart ached for him. His baby boy was missing. No parent was ever prepared for news like that, but if anyone could solve this case, Vic could. He was Jeremy’s superhero.

Once Vic’s car disappeared from view, she went to her bedroom to check her email. Claire had been on several job interviews already, but didn’t think she would hear back from anyone this soon. But she needed something—anything—to do to keep busy until she heard from Vic.

He’d set up a desk for her in her bedroom, where she could study on her laptop. Since the day he’d hired her, no one could have been more thoughtful and considerate than Vic. The single-floor ranch style house was spacious with four bedrooms, a large kitchen, dining room and a den, where Vic kept an office. A family room off the vaulted living room contained an entertainment center with comfy couches and chairs. She’d fallen in love with the house, but tonight there was no Jeremy inside, and the place felt like a tomb.

Through bleary eyes she checked her inbox for new messages. To her surprise, two of the companies she’d applied to had responded to her. She opened the first one.

Dear Ms. Ames:

We would like you to come in for a second interview for the toxicologist/analytical chemist position at the new reference lab in the Houston–Sugar Land–Baytown area. As explained to you earlier, the lab is seeking a candidate for the day shift with experience in developing methods for urine toxicology drug testing on a wide menu of analytes. We have set up an interview with you on Friday, May 27, at 1:00 p.m. with the head of the new lab. The salary range of $75,000–$110,000 is negotiable based on experience. Please respond ASAP.

She closed it and scrolled down to the email from Landry Scientific in Houston.

Dear Ms. Ames:

A staff member from Landry Scientific will be meeting with you on Thursday, May 26, at 11:00 a.m. for your second interview. The thrust of your work will be to conduct research, analysis, synthesis and experimentation on polymeric substances, for such purposes as product and process development and application, quantitative and qualitative analysis, and improvement of analytical methodologies. We are offering further incentives in terms of paying for additional schooling. The salary of $70,000 is negotiable based on experience and education. Please let us know if the meeting date and time are not convenient for you.

Claire buried her face in her hands. Pleased as she was at receiving this news, with Jeremy missing she couldn’t think about more interviews right now. She could hardly breathe for the pain.

Too distraught to focus on anything, she closed her email and got ready for bed. While Vic was out actively pursuing the criminal who was responsible for Jeremy’s disappearance, she was home, dying inside and unable to help.

Vic expected her to stay here. What if, by some miracle, the lowlife dropped Jeremy off somewhere and he was able to contact her? She had to stay put, but it was going to be the longest, most agonizing night of her life.

* * *

WITH KIT HELPING VIC, they scoured Leroy’s empty apartment for clues, but there was nothing, not even a waste basket. After seeing the warrant, the manager had let them in.

“Does Bennett owe you money?” Vic asked.

“No, sir. He paid me cash up front for two months.”

Vic exchanged glances with his partner. “So you knew he was leaving today?”

“That’s right.”

“Did you require a cleaning deposit?”

“Yes. He covered that, too.”

“You knew he’d been in prison?”

“A lot of guys have served time. He said he had a job at a school as a custodian. As long as they pay me, I don’t care.”

“Did he tell you anything about where he might be going?”

“I asked, but he said it was none of my damn business.”