Brian came back on the line. “So what do I do?”
“You turn around and drive back to Hartson’s Creek. To the house you went to this morning. I’ll meet you there.”
“Shouldn’t I go to a local police station or something?” Brian asked. “What if they think I’ve abducted him? I’m too pretty for prison.”
“If you go to a police station that’ll take time. Mia needs to see her son.” Cam raked his hand through his hair. “Just drive carefully and within the speed limit. Josh is important to me. I’ll call Mia and the police to explain.”
“Okay. You’re the boss.”
“Yeah, I am. How long will it take you to get back to Hartson’s Creek?”
“About four hours if I put my foot down,” Brian told him.
“Drive carefully, Don’t rush,” Cam told him sharply. “Just take care of him.”
“I’ll treat him like he’s the Vince Lombardi Trophy,” Brian promised. “But please make sure I don’t get arrested.”
Chapter Thirty-One
“Hello?” Mia lifted the phone to her ear. She was standing on the porch with Michael, Sam, and one of the police officers who was staying with her while everybody else searched. “Cam? Are you on the plane?”
“Just about to board. Listen, I just got a call from Brian. You met him earlier, right?”
“Your assistant?” Mia swallowed hard. This morning felt like a lifetime ago. “Yeah, he came around this morning.”
“Well, he stopped for gas and found a stowaway behind the seats. Josh is with him. He’s completely fine, I spoke to him, but he’s worried you’re all upset. Brian is turning around and driving him back to you now. He should be there by late evening.”
Mia’s hands started shaking uncontrollably. The tension in her chest seemed to heighten, a low sob escaping her lips. “He’s okay?” she whispered, her voice wavering. “Josh is okay?”
The officer standing with her turned his head to look at her. “Ma’am?”
She covered the mouthpiece. “He’s been found in the back of my friend’s car. He’s fine.” The officer nodded and passed along the news through her radio. Lifting her hand from the phone, Mia asked Cam, “Can I talk to him?”
“Yeah. I’ll text you Brian’s number. He should have his phone on Blueto
oth. He’s absolutely petrified he’s gonna get arrested for child abduction.”
“Why was Josh in the car?” Adrenaline was rushing through her like a drug. She couldn’t think straight.
Cam cleared his throat. “Apparently, he wanted to see me. He wants you and Michael to stop arguing.”
“Oh god.” Mia covered her eyes with her free hand.
“It’s okay,” Cam said softly. “He’s coming home. And so am I. Just hang in there, and we’ll be with you before you know it. I have to board my flight in a few minutes, and I won’t be able to call you until I land, but if I can buy some WiFi I’ll be on messenger.”
Tears were flowing down Mia’s cheeks. He was okay. Her baby was coming home. “I wish you were here now.”
“So do I, baby, so do I.”
“Will you come straight here from the airport?”
“Wasn’t planning on doing anything else. Can you talk to the police, explain about Brian and Josh? I don’t want to miss my flight. I need to see you all.”
She nodded. “Of course. I’ll tell them now.”
“Thank you.” His voice was soft. “And tell Michael I’ll see him soon. That I’m looking forward to catching up with him.”
“I will.” Her voice was thick. “Cam…”