Nightwatch by Valerie Hansen Read Free Book Online

spied a small, square rear porch. There were only two steps to climb and she did so very cautiously. Her hand was on the knob, ready to open the door, when she heard a primal scream that reminded her of a nature show about African lions that she’d recently watched on TV. Shivers zigzagged up her spine and lifted the fine hairs at the nape of her neck.
    Easing the door open a crack she peeked inside. Her breath caught. She covered her mouth with her free hand to keep from gasping aloud at the scene before her.
    Natalie Stevens was standing with her back to the exterior door—and to Jill—facing Mitch and the three children he’d come to rescue. They were clustered in another doorway, apparently about to try to make their escape, and Natalie stood between them and freedom.
    Lifting her index finger and laying it across her lips, Jill signaled Mitch. With an almost imperceptiblenod he acknowledged her. She could tell his mind was racing, trying to decide what to do next, and she’d have felt a lot better about it if he hadn’t looked as though he was furious—with her .
    Well, too bad. Jill wasn’t particularly eager to face the other woman’s irrational anger either, but she saw no options. Unless someone distracted Natalie and got her out of the way, Mitch and the children wouldn’t be able to safely pass. If he truly was mad at her for helping, they’d settle that later.
    Jill knew Mitch would have simply pushed his way out if he had been alone. While carrying and guarding the children, however, his hands were literally full. He’d never do anything to endanger them. And the way Natalie was cursing and wildly waving her arms, it looked as if they were running out of time. If someone didn’t act soon, Mitch would find himself—and the children—in the midst of a melee.
    Jill was still trying to decide what to do when she gave the door a gentle push. It not only opened, it squeaked!
    Natalie stopped midtirade. Whirled. Gaped at Jill. Then her jaw snapped closed and her eyes narrowed. “You! Out of my house. Get out of my house!”
    That was Mitch’s cue. With the boys in tow, he bent low over Megan to protect her and made a dash for the door.
    Although Jill stepped aside, he jostled her in passing.
    She recovered her balance, slammed the door behind the last child and followed Mitch’s gruff order to “Come on.”
    They reached the front lawn just as Sheriff Harlan Allgood rolled up, red and blue lights flashing.
    Mitch made straight for the police car and stopped on the opposite side of it. By this time Megan was not only fully awake, she was bawling in fright.
    With open arms, Jill beckoned to Mitch. “Give her to me.”
    Although his expression showed reluctance, he did hand over the squalling toddler. Jill watched him ignore the sheriff long enough to crouch and comfort the frightened little boys.
    â€œIt’ll be okay, guys. I’ll do my best to make sure your aunt doesn’t take you away again,” Mitch said. “I promise.”
    Then he straightened and faced the lawman. “Hi, Harlan. I just went inside and got these kids. And I’d do it again if I had to. I don’t care if Natalie Stevens is their kin, she had no business taking them out of the hospital without permission.” He gestured toward the social worker who was rapidly approaching. “Ask her. She’ll tell you they don’t belong in that house.”
    Just then, a dusty, battered pickup truck slued around the corner and sped recklessly toward the gathering in front of Natalie’s house.
    Jill didn’t recognize the driver. “Who’s that?”
    â€œThad Pearson,” Mitch replied, his scowl deepening. “Looks like he got word through the grapevine. Just what we need. Another relative to argue with.”
    â€œHe’s Rob’s brother, right? I’d never actually met him but I had heard there was a strong