Page 90 of Hidden Resolution

The two officials exchanged a speaking glance.

“Buck,” Zack growled.

“The DNA came back to a woman who was reported missing four months ago. We’re still waiting on that of the boy.”

The silence was heavy as the implication sank in.

The bodies were likely a plant, meaning Erica and Jacob weren’t dead. Or not yet, anyway.

“I can go to the hospital or to the station right now,” Zack said, hopping up.

“Actually, that’s the reason why Byron is here. He’s head of our forensic team. He brought the swab kit.”

“Let me get this straight. You’re saying the woman found in the ruins after the explosion wasnotErica?” Connie asked, seeking the clarification they needed.

“That is correct, Mrs. Sharp,” Bucky confirmed.

“So it is probable she is still alive.” When he nodded, she asked, “If that is the case, maybe my grandson is, too?”

“Yes.”

She started to cry, and Zack jumped up to hold her close. “It’s a good thing, Mom.”

“I know. I just… I have to tell Charlie,” she said.

“No,” Byron said, standing. “We want to keep this under wraps for the moment.”

“But Charlie is Jacob’s grandfather. He has the right to know,” she protested.

“Mrs. Sharp, no one but those in this room can know we suspect the bodies belong to anyone other than Ms. Sutton and your grandson. It could hamper our investigation and alert Christie Bauer we’re on to her deception. Do you understand?” he asked, not unkindly.

“Yes, but we can swear Charlie to secrecy,” she said, patting Zack’s chest and seeking his support.

“He’s right, Mom,” he said slowly. “We need to keep this under wraps until we locate them. If Christie finds out, she might hurt them for real.”

“What about Erica’s parents and Shonda? They’ll be here any second.”

Zack cast a worried glance toward Bucky and the detective.

The smaller the circle, the more likely they were to keep the secret.

“I don’t think we should tell them, Mom,” Mason said.

“Mason! You can’t keep something like this from Erica’s parents or your girlfriend,” his mother said, appearing appalled he’d actually consider such a thing.

“Shonda’s not my girlfriend,” he snapped. “For Christ’s sake, Ma. Stop with that shit already!”

His rage came from nowhere he could discern, but he was sure as shit over the constant assumption about their relationship, or lack thereof. The entire situation was tired.

As his rotten luck would have it, Shonda and the Suttons walked in during his rant. She wasn’t quick enough to mask her hurt, but she did have a ready excuse to leave.

Agitated, he rubbed the spot between his brows, wishing he were anywhere but there.

“Shonda, hold up,” he ordered, trailing her outside.

“I’m fine. We discussed it all yesterday. It’s not like I haven’t known the score from the start. Nothing’s changed,” she said asshe circled her vehicle to get to the driver’s side. “Go take care of your family, Mason.”

“Goddammit!” he swore. “I said,wait!”