Page 159 of Noel Secrets

It was probably time to leave this town and start over. She wasn’t certain what she’d do, but she knew one thing: wherever they went, whatever they did, she wanted Clay to be a part of her future.

He carried the tree into the corner, and they strung the lights around it. Then Clay pulled up a chair, stood on it, and hung them around the ceiling. It looked nice for what it was.

Clay had one more surprise. He pulled a swig of mistletoe from his pocket and held it over her head.

She laughed then nodded her agreement at his silent request for a traditional kiss.

As his lips pressed against hers, she melted under his embrace. “Merry Christmas, darlin.” He touched her face again. “I love you, Darby. I’ve fallen completely in love with you.”

She held her breath at the impact of his words. It might be too much too soon, but she wasn’t overwhelmed to hear them. Her heart soared at his confession because she shared the feeling. “I love you too, Clay.”

Chapter Fifteen

Darby braved the Christmas shoppers and went in search of replacement gifts for David while Clay returned to the police station to finish up paperwork regarding Rushton and her case. She also wanted to get something for Clay, although she wasn’t sure what he liked. She looked forward to learning his likes and dislikes and introducing him to David.

Tomorrow was Christmas Eve, so the multipurpose store was crowded. She picked up a new football and some Legos for David as well as an art kit, thankful that they had items still available at this late date. It wasn’t much, but it would do until they figured out their future and where they’d live.

Darby scoured the men’s section and held up a nice button-down shirt, wondering if Clay would like it. She replaced it on the rack and continuing to look. Someone bumped into her from behind, nearly knocked her down, then kept on walking without so much as a “sorry.”

“Well excuse me,” she muttered under her breath as the man wearing a hoodie disappeared into the sea of other last-minute shoppers.

She kept looking, finally settling on a nice flannel shirt and a pair of gloves for Clay.

As she was making her way to the checkout, her phone rang. She dug it from her purse only to see there was no call.

But she could still hear it ringing. Something vibrated against her hip, and she realized the noise came from her jacket pocket. She reached in and pulled out another, smaller phone. It wasn’t hers but had somehow ended up in her pocket.

The phone stopped ringing but a text message popped up along with an image David on the floor, his face streaked with tears and fear lining his eyes. He was holding a newspaper.

Shock rolled through her at the image and she quickly read the message.

Answer the phone when it rings.

It rang again. Her hands shook as she pressed it to her ear.

“We have your son,” a distorted voice on the other end told her. “Do exactly as we say, and he won’t be hurt.”

She didn’t recognize the voice and the caller had blocked the number. “Who is this?”

Instead of answering, the voice continued giving demands. “Tell no one about this. Toss your other cell phone into the trash then go and buy the biggest suitcase you can find. Take it to your car. We’ll call back with further instructions. Call the police and he’s dead. Call your boyfriend and he’s dead. Do as we say and he’ll be returned to you.”

“Please don’t hurt my son,” Darby begged the voice.

“Do as we say. You are being watched,” the voice claimed.

The call ended.

Her knees weakened and she clutched the shopping cart to steady her. She couldn’t fall apart now. She had to be strong for David. Darby scanned the aisles but saw no one no one watching her. Then she remembered the man who’d bumped into her earlier. That must have been when he’d dropped this phonein her pocket. She seen nothing but the back of him with his hoodie up. Without it, he could be anyone in the store, waiting and watching her. She took out her phone to call Clay, then she remembered what the voice said. She couldn’t risk David’s life by disobeying their directions.

She abandoned her shopping cart. A trash can sat at the end of an aisle, so she grabbed her personal cell, tossed it into the can, then headed for the luggage section of the store. She picked out the largest suitcase she could find and hurried back up front to pay, agonizing during each minute she had to stand in line. David was in trouble and she was going to do whatever she had to do to get him back.

After she paid, she hurried to her rental, tossed the suitcase into the backseat, and slid behind the wheel. The burner phone rang before she’d even closed the door—further proof she was being watched.

“Hello.” Her voice was shaky with fear, but she did her best to hold it together. “I did what you asked. Now what?”

“Go to the bank and withdraw all the money from your inheritance. Place it into the suitcase. You’ll be given instructions where to take it once that’s done. Remember, we’re watching you.”

She dropped the phone as the call ended and pressed her hand against her mouth. So this was about that blasted inheritance money again? She would gladly hand it over in exchange for David’s life. She didn’t know who was behind this, since her uncle was in jail, but someone must be working on his behalf. That didn’t matter anymore. She would do whatever it took to bring David home.