Kidnapped Read Online Free PDF Page B

steps. He flew off the bus and ran toward her, his school uniform of black jeans and blue shirt looking broken in with dirt and sweat, his feet still in the black gym shoes he loved and had conveniently “forgotten” to change this morning. A frayed backpack strap fluttered behind him, the heavy canvas blue backpack already showing some wear.
    Caroline straightened and he collided with her in one of his super hugs—his hands on her shoulders and his shoes stepping up on hers as she balanced for them both. They had been full hugs when he was younger; now the super hugs were more a teasing greeting so he wouldn’t be embarrassed when his friends saw, but she loved them just the same.
    â€œWe’re going?” Benjamin asked, catching the loop of his backpack to lug it in one hand.
    â€œI’ll drop you off at the clinic so you can ride home with your mom and help her finish packing, then you’ll be on your way to Atlanta.” She smiled at his whoop of joy. “Your daddy will drive in when he finishes a house inspection. I’m going in early so I can get my schoolwork done before the fun starts. I told your mom we should find a movie for tonight.”
    Benjamin walked backward on the sidewalk. “Animated?”
    â€œSure.”
    * * *
    Caroline parked beside her sister’s car at the medical clinic and followed Benjamin inside. Sharon’s office at the back of the clinic was a comfortable place to come and talk; the conversations here were as helpful to Sharon’s patients as what went on in the exam rooms.
    Caroline paused at the side table dominated by a huge bouquet of roses and carefully tipped one of the perfect blooms to smell the rich fragrance. Three dozen bright red roses among a bed of greenery—Mark was spoiling her sister.
    The newspaper on the coffee table was folded back to the movies showing this weekend. Caroline picked it up and scanned their options, glancing up to smile as Sharon came through the door slipping a prescription pad into the pocket of her white lab coat. “Busy day?”
    â€œNever-ending.”
    Caroline set down the newspaper and nodded to the receptionist area. “Ben spotted the new video game in the waiting room. The receptionist promised to keep an eye on him.”
    â€œI’m running a few minutes late, so that’s perfect. Thanks for bringing him over. You have keys to the condo?”
    â€œMark gave me a set.” Caroline opened her purse to double-check.
    Sharon leaned against her desk. “I talked to Luke last night. He said he was joining us this weekend.”
    Caroline’s hand slowed as she searched for her keys. She glanced up. “He’s going to try. Just don’t push, Sharon.” Luke had been distant the last evening they had shared together, not wanting to talk about the work that occupied his thoughts, and she’d learned she didn’t handle being shut out well. They needed time to reconnect, not dodge leading questions from family. “I’ll start dinner when I get to town, something that will stay hot so we can eat when everyone arrives.”
    â€œI promise not to meddle, at least not too much. Drive careful.”
    â€œI will.” Sharon’s phone rang. Caroline waved good-bye and walked through the clinic, relieved to be away, pausing briefly in the waiting room to say farewell to Benjamin. She walked out to her car.
    What was she going to say when she saw Luke? I miss you. The honest words would only hurt him, so something a little less direct. I’m glad you were able to get free. No, it would sound like she was nagging about the hours he worked. It wasn’t like they were engaged; she had no claims on him and his time. Caroline adjusted the rearview mirror. She wanted him to be different than he was, and that wasn’t fair to ask of anyone.
    Caroline followed signs to the highway and headed to Atlanta, relieved she had the drive to think about