Finding Sky (A Nicki Valentine Mystery Book 1) by Susan O'Brien Read Free Book Online Page A

help in finding pregnant teen” had arrived the day before.
      
    King County police are requesting the public’s help in locating Beth Myers, 18, who was reported as a runaway by her family. She is 5 feet 6 inches tall, 160 pounds, with brown hair and green eyes. At 38 weeks pregnant, she is in need of immediate medical care. Beth lives in East King County and is known to have friends in Western King. She was last seen at home wearing blue jean shorts and a green tank top. If you have any information about her whereabouts, please call the number below.
      
    Beth’s photo was attached. I highlighted the message and forwarded it to Andy, since Kenna didn’t use email. The phone rang almost immediately and indicated their number.
    “I got that email. Thanks,” Andy said.
    “You’re welcome.”
    “The police have it covered, don’t you think?”
    I wasn’t sure what to say. “I don’t know.”
    “I appreciate everything you’re doing.” He lowered his voice. “Although I really wish you’d tell Kenna to be careful. We don’t want to get in trouble with First Steps and lose our chance for future adoptions. You know?”
    I saw his point. But I also knew Kenna was committed to Beth—the same way Beth had seemed committed to them.
    “I’m sorry. I don’t want to be in the middle,” I said. “I promise to talk with Kenna before I do anything else. And Andy, I’m really sorry about this situation. I know it’s awful for both of you.”
    “Thanks. Hold on. Let me get Kenna.”
    He yelled for her twice and she picked up with a yawn.
    “Morning,” I said. “Awake?”
    “I have to be. Class.” She yawned again.
    I updated her on the morning news, email, and conversation with Andy. She was relieved about everything and understanding about Andy.
    “He just wants what’s best for both of us. As much as I want to be a mom, he wants to be a dad.”
    I felt a surge of sympathy for him. Any guy who truly wants to be a dad, a good dad, gets a gold star in my book.
    “Did you tell him about last night?” I asked.
    “Not yet. That’s next.”
    “He’s going to be upset. I’m glad I didn’t say anything.”
    “Good grief. Me too. Don’t worry. I’ll talk to him.” She moved on. “So the email mentioned ‘friends in Western King?’ Do you think that’s me and Andy?”
    “I don’t know. I wonder if the police are going to talk to you. Or if you should call them.”
    “Maybe First Steps gave them our names. If the police call us, it’s okay. But I don’t want to call them and upset First Steps, Beth, or her family—not to mention Andy—since everyone thinks I’m wrong.”
    She sounded sure, so I changed tactics.
    “Do you think I should visit the hospital? I could sit in the waiting room and see who visits Marcus.”
    She paused. “I guess that’s a good idea. Won’t it be hard to tell?”
    “I think it’s worth a shot.” I sucked in my breath at my choice of words. “I mean a try.”
    Kenna filled me in on her plans for the day, which included teaching low-impact, step, and body sculpting classes, plus helping with membership sales. She apologized for leaving me alone with the search.
    “The manager would panic if I left him hanging right now. Everyone rearranged their schedules to pitch in when I’m...I mean if I’m on maternity leave.” She groaned. “If I could quit, I would, just to help find Beth.”
    “I know.”
    “Honestly, though, you wouldn’t want me around. I’ve never felt like this. I have to distract myself, or I’ll cry nonstop. Your kids would be scared of me.”
    “Maybe you should call the counselor at First Steps, or someone else, just to talk. You can’t live like this for long.”
    She was quiet. “Do you think I’m crazy?” she finally asked.
    “No way. I just think you need relief.”
    “The only way I’ll get it is if someone finds Beth.”
    So much for talking her out of anything. Sorry, Andy.

      
    By the time Jack woke up, Sophie had a