“Josh.” Cam blew out a mouthful of air. “Is he okay?”
“I think so. Should I wake him up? I’m not used to kids. Is he gonna kick and bite or something?”
“He’s not a damn dog,” Cam growled. “Just wake him gently.” He stepped back so more people could order ahead of him.
“Okay.” There was some shuffling, then Brian’s low voice. “Hey kid, you okay there?”
Cam heard a higher voice, and his heart about leapt out of his chest. Josh was okay. He put his hand on his ribcage, trying to breathe as the low conversation continued.
“Um, he’s awake,” Brian said through the phone line. “And he’s okay. Apparently, he wants to see you. He told me he got in the car when I was parked outside your house in Hartson’s Creek.”
Cam’s heart was still running a mile a minute. “Can I talk to him?”
“Sure. Hey kid, talk to Cam.” Brian’s voice echoed, as though he was holding out the phone.
“Hello?” Josh’s voice was small. “Cam?”
“Josh, are you all right?”
“Yeah. I want to see you. Are you in Boston?”
“No. I’m on my way to see your mom and Michael. They’re frantic. They have no idea where you are.”
“They’re both so angry. And Mom’s sad. She keeps crying. I wanted to see you and ask you to come back. I don’t like it when they argue.”
Cam breathed out softly. “I am coming back, pal. And I want to see you, too. Stay with Brian, okay? We’ll get you back home and I’ll meet you there. Don’t go anywhere without him.”
“All right.” There was a pause, then Josh added, “Are you mad at me, too?”
“No, bud, I’m not mad at you. I’m so happy you’re okay. But I need to get you home, and I need to let your mom know you’re okay. She’s so upset.”
Josh sobbed. “I’m sorry.”
“It’s okay. Everything’s okay. We’re gonna get you home. Can I talk to Brian again? I’ll see you in a few hours, I promise.”
Brian came back on the line. “So what do I do?”
“You turn around and drive back to Hartson’s Creek. To the house you went to this morning. I’ll meet you there.”
“Shouldn’t I go to a local police station or something?” Brian asked. “What if they think I’ve abducted him? I’m too pretty for prison.”
“If you go to a police station that’ll take time. Mia needs to see her son.” Cam raked his hand through his hair. “Just drive carefully and within the speed limit. Josh is important to me. I’ll call Mia and the police to explain.”
“Okay. You’re the boss.”
“Yeah, I am. How long will it take you to get back to Hartson’s Creek?”
“About four hours if I put my foot down,” Brian told him.
“Drive carefully, Don’t rush,” Cam told him sharply. “Just take care of him.”
“I’ll treat him like he’s the Vince Lombardi Trophy,” Brian promised. “But please make sure I don’t get arrested.”
Chapter Thirty-One
“Hello?” Mia lifted the phone to her ear. She was standing on the porch with Michael, Sam, and one of the police officers who was staying with her while everybody else searched. “Cam? Are you on the plane?”
“Just about to board. Listen, I just got a call from Brian. You met him earlier, right?”
“Your assistant?” Mia swallowed hard. This morning felt like a lifetime ago. “Yeah, he came around this morning.”
“Well, he stopped for gas and found a stowaway behind the seats. Josh is with him. He’s completely fine, I spoke to him, but he’s worried you’re all upset. Brian is turning around and driving him back to you now. He should be there by late evening.”
Mia’s hands started shaking uncontrollably. The tension in her chest seemed to heighten, a low sob escaping her lips. “He’s okay?” she whispered, her voice wavering. “Josh is okay?”
The officer standing with her turned his head to look at her. “Ma’am?”
She covered the mouthpiece. “He’s been found in the back of my friend’s car. He’s fine.” The officer nodded and passed along the news through her radio. Lifting her hand from the phone, Mia asked Cam, “Can I talk to him?”
“Yeah. I’ll text you Brian’s number. He should have his phone on Bluetooth. He’s absolutely petrified he’s gonna get arrested for child abduction.”
“Why was Josh in the car?” Adrenaline was rushing through her like a drug. She couldn’t think straight.
Cam cleared his throat. “Apparently, he wanted to see me. He wants you and Michael to stop arguing.”
“Oh god.” Mia covered her eyes with her free hand.
“It’s okay,” Cam said softly. “He’s coming home. And so am I. Just hang in there, and we’ll be with you before you know it. I have to board my flight in a few minutes, and I won’t be able to call you until I land, but if I can buy some WiFi I’ll be on messenger.”
Tears were flowing down Mia’s cheeks. He was okay. Her baby was coming home. “I wish you were here now.”
“So do I, baby, so do I.”
“Will you come straight here from the airport?”
“Wasn’t planning on doing anything else. Can you talk to the police, explain about Brian and Josh? I don’t want to miss my flight. I need to see you all.”
She nodded. “Of course. I’ll tell them now.”
“Thank you.” His voice was soft. “And tell Michael I’ll see him soon. That I’m looking forward to catching up with him.”
“I will.” Her voice was thick. “Cam…”
“I know. I love you, too.”
That was all she needed to hear for the tears to start flowing. All the fear and tension that had been wrapped up inside her started to escape, wracking her body and making her reach out for Michael’s shoulder to stop herself from falling.
“Don’t cry,” Cam crooned. “It’s okay. Hang in there for a few more hours.” She could hear the echo of an announcement. “I’ll see you real soon.”
She was still crying as he ended the call. Wiping the hot salty trails from her
