Claiming the Enemy: Dustin (Porter Brothers Trilogy 3)

“You know, Jessie, now that I think about it, I promised to visit my aunt in the nursing home this Friday. I’ll think about it and get back to you the next available day I have some free time.”

Jessie felt her hopes crumbling around her and was trying to think of a way to get Kailor back on board when she looked out the window and saw the police cars returning. She got even more worried when she saw four state police cars following behind Knox and his deputies’ cars.

“I wonder what in the world is going on,” Bliss said, getting up from her chair to stand at the window.

Jessie saw the children stirring.

“I’m sure we’ll find out when the parents start coming in.” Jessie threw the last of her apple away before helping the children get up from their cots.

Their break over, the women set about their normal routine.

She was helping a small group of children make various shapes with blocks when she looked up and saw Holt and Asher come in. At their furious expressions, she signaled Kailor to take over before walking to them.

Drawing closer, Jessie realized they were even more furious than she had thought. Asher looked like he was about to blow a gasket, and Holt’s rage was bouncing off him in waves.

“What’s wrong?”

Holt glanced over her shoulder at the children before meeting her eyes. “You want to know what’s wrong?” he hissed between clenched teeth.

Becoming worried, she looked back and forth between her brothers.

“I’ll tell you what’s wrong.” Holt was so angry he was clenching and unclenching his hands as he talked. “I heard over the scanner they arrested the person who kidnapped you.”

Jessie’s head swam, feeling as if she was about to faint.

“Who was it?” she managed to get out through trembling lips.

Asher steadied her with a hand. “Dixon Wells.”

Holt caught her when her legs buckled.

That the older man was a deacon at her church felt like a betrayal of everything her pastor had tried to instill in his congregation. Her mind played back to the numerous times she talked to him there. He had been one of the first ones to welcome her. He had even given her a Bible after she attended for over a year. It had her name engraved on it.

Jessie felt Bliss slide her arm around her waist, supporting her. “They found out who it was?”

Holt gave her a sharp nod.

“I don’t understand. I would think you’d both be happy about finding out who it was.”

“I would have been a lot happier if I found out before the cops did,” Holt snarled.

“Oh, I can agree with you there.”

“Bliss … I don’t want my brothers going to jail.”

“I’m sure they’re smart enough not to get caught.”

Jessie shook her head. “I don’t want it on their consciences.”

“You’re wrong there. I wouldn’t have felt bad about one thing I had planned to do to him when I caught him, and if Dustin hadn’t interfered, I would have.”

“Dustin?” Jessie asked sharply. “What did he do?”

“He figured out who it was and told Knox. He’s at the police station now, making a statement. Asher and I are waiting for him to come out so we can show him our appreciation.”

“Dustin knew who it was and told Knox?”

“Yes.”

“God, I have to go see him. Bliss …?”

Bliss gave her a squeeze on her waist. “Go ahead. I’ll call Rain’s sister to come in to help for the rest of the afternoon.”

“Thank you. I don’t know what I’d do without you.”

Jessie ran out of the daycare, uncaring that her brothers were following with their long strides. She was so overjoyed that Dustin hadn’t taken justice into his own hands that she felt like she was running on air.

She skidded to a stop when Knox came out the door as she was about to go in, blocking her from entering.

“Holt and Asher, I’ve already told you twice that you’re not getting inside my office. Take Jessie on home. The state police are moving Dixon to Jamestown.”

“Let me have ten minutes with him before they take him. I’ll give you anything you want.”

“You don’t think I want to let you have him? My hands are tied. Go.”

“I want to see Dustin,” Jessie interrupted before Holt could ask again.

“He just left to pick up Logan from school. If you hurry, you’ll be able to catch him.”

Jessie was already running toward the parking lot before he could finish his sentence.

“Holt, you and Asher better not hurt a hair on his head!” she called out over her shoulder.

Turning the corner of the building, she spotted Dustin unlocking his car door. Jessie could feel her brothers’ angry breaths on the back of her neck.

“Dustin!” Jessie yelled, trying to get his attention before he got inside his car. “Dustin!”

When he saw her running, he started walking toward her, smiling.