Page 63 of Lion’s Den

A careless shrug from Eddie. “Maybe.”

“So, what did you notice that seemed wrong?”

“Those dudes at the school who took Miss Hart.”

“What about them?”

“I’ve seen them before around the school.”

Sedona gasped. “When?”

“For the past two weeks.”

“What were they doing?”

“Just hanging around the elementary school, watching people.”

“Did you interact with them? Did they talk to you or threaten you?”

He shook his head. “They just stared at me. It was creepy, man.”

“Oh, Eddie,” Maria murmured. “Why didn’t you report it? You could have prevented them from taking Julio or Miss Hart.”

David held up his hand to stop Eddie from saying something he would regret. The teenager was fired up and ready to blast anyone within reach. “We don’t know that, Mrs. Ramirez. Let’s find him first, then we’ll figure out the rest.” He looked at Spencer. “Everyone stays here until I return. If anyone slips past the officer at the door, stop them. Understood?”

Spencer’s eyebrows rose. “Yes, sir.”

The sheriff gave a slight nod and left the waiting room.

“I don’t know about you, Maria, but I can really use that cup of tea.” Sedona squeezed her hand. “I’d feel better if you stayed here, Eddie. Spencer can use help to protect us. Are you much of a tea drinker, Maria?”

Sedona sent one of the other Montgomery brothers a message, asking for two herbal teas. While they waited for an officer to deliver their drinks, she did her best to keep Maria’s mind off her missing son.

Ten minutes later, Levi Montgomery walked into the waiting room with a carrier filled with drinks in his hands. “Gather around, folks. Never let it be said that the Sheriff’s Department doesn’t know how to treat its people and citizens right.” He freed one cup and handed it to Maria. “For you, Maria. Special order.”

After freeing anther cup, he handed that one to Sedona. “This tea is special ordered as well. David contacted Cam for suggestions since there were a million choices. Those were his words, not mine. Anyway, Cam seemed to know which one you’d want. That was a relief to the sheriff, let me tell you.” Levi motioned to the cup. “At least take one sip so I can report back what you thought of it.”

“That’s a good idea. He pays attention to detail, though, so I’m sure it will be fine.”

“Try it, please.” Levi waited.

Knowing the Montgomery brothers as well as she did, she knew he would wait all day if necessary. The brothers took stubborn to a new level. Sedona sipped the drink.

Her eyes widened. “Oh, wow. This is wonderful.”

He beamed. “Good. According to Cam, it’s a blend of mint and cocoa.”

“It’s perfect.”

“He’ll be glad to hear that.” Levi freed another cup and handed it to Spencer. “You look like a guy who can handle the strongest coffee on the planet. Am I right?”

The medic chuckled. “You’ve got it, my friend.”

Levi held out his hand. “Levi Montgomery, deputy sheriff, Morgan County.”

“Spencer Alford.”

“How are you connected to Cam?”