The Other Side - J. D. Robb [129]
It took several minutes before he was able to clear his head enough to stumble after Tyler.
Henry Wickham couldn’t keep the gloom from his voice. “Detective Maloney said the police found Mr. Deering’s residence empty. They then went to his place of business and found an ex-convict there, who claimed to be awaiting a package. They’re holding him for questioning. They also found traces of blood on the desk and chair and on the floor around the desk. It will be sent to a lab for testing.”
“Oh, no. My little brother . . . ?” Christina had her hands clamped tightly together, as though holding on by a thread.
“He wasn’t there. Nor was Mark Deering. But the crime unit did find a blanket in the corner of the office that bore blond hairs that may or may not have come from the boy’s head. There were also several torn strips of tape that could have been used to bind and gag him.”
“Oh, Tyler.” Tears spilled over, running down Christina’s cheeks. “That monster.”
“And they found one more thing in the blanket. A pair of small shears, which the boy may have used to cut those strips of tape and free himself.”
Jake nodded. “They were part of the tools I put in that tool belt I made for him.”
Christina lay a hand on Jake’s arm. “Bonnie said he refused to take it off, even for his nap.”
Henry Wickham arched a brow. “If he was snatched while sleeping, the kidnapper wouldn’t have had time to remove it. That belt, and the tools in it, may have just given the boy a fighting chance.”
“But the blood? Is it Tyler’s?” Christina asked the question she most feared. “Do you think he’s still alive?”
“We can’t be certain, Miss Crenshaw. Detective Maloney thinks the ex-con was there to pick up the boy and dispose of him elsewhere. But with both the boy and Deering missing, nothing is certain. The question is, if Deering changed his plans, why didn’t he alert the ex-con?” He paused, wondering how much to tell them. “Detective Maloney thinks Tyler managed to run away, and Deering was forced to give chase. That would explain why the two of them are missing.”
“Where could Tyler run to?” Christina struggled with a rising sense of desperation. “It’s getting dark. He’s never been away from home alone. And he can’t ask for help.”
Jake drew an arm around her shoulders. “Tyler may not be able to speak, but he isn’t helpless. He proved that by messing up Deering’s plans.” He glanced toward Henry Wickham. “What are the police doing?”
“The photo Miss Crenshaw provided is being broadcast on all the networks. Folks are being informed that the boy doesn’t speak, but anyone who sees him should alert the authorities.”
Too agitated to sit, Christina stood and began to pace. “I want to help search for him.”
“That’s always a family’s first instinct. But the best thing you can do is remain here and wait for a call.”
Seeing the tears in the eyes of the two older women, Christina gathered them close. “He’s a brave, clever little boy. If there’s any way to get word to us, he’ll find it.”
She prayed these weren’t just hollow, empty words. Her little brother had to stay safe. Had to. Or what little joy she had left in the world would be forever shattered.
“Oh, Ted, darling. Where can he be?” Drifting across the city, clinging to her husband’s hand, Vanessa scanned the streets below.
They’d begun their search at Mark Deering’s office. From there they’d crisscrossed the city for any sign of their son or of Mark.
“I wish I knew how Tyler’s mind worked. There was a time when I believed him incapable of thought. Now, watching him imitate Jake Ridgeway, I’ve begun to alter my thinking. He may not speak, but he’s bright and clever. And best of all, brave. Brave enough to fight back and escape.”
“We don’t know that.”
“It’s the only thing that makes sense. If he hadn’t run away, he’d already be in the clutches