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Chapter 23

It melted away when he saw Jarrett.

Without a word, he leapt from his seat, vaulting across the distance to throw his arms around Jarrett’s neck. Jarrett hugged him back automatically, smiling when Eli’s muffled, “I thought you were a goner,” warmed his skin.

“You’re the one who saved the day,” he replied. The cop’s curious stare prompted him to push Eli to arm’s length. “All I did was stall until the cavalry arrived.”

“Who’s this?” Meggison asked from behind him.

The other cop answered before either of them could speak. “Elias Locke. He’s the one who made the 911 call.”

“Why weren’t you taken hostage?”

Eli flushed. “I was hiding in the closet. They didn’t know I was here.”

“I have that number in my wallet, officer.” Jarrett gestured toward the bedroom. “Can I go get it?”

“Yes.” When Eli moved to follow, Meggison barked at him, “No. You stay here.”