Reunited in Danger Read Online Free Page A

Bittinger and
     his wife, Amy. They’re congregants of Dad’s church, and also board members on Loving
     Arms.”
    Craig shook Logan’s hand. “Detective. You’re on Ben’s case? Do you know what happened?”
    “Someone went through Dad’s place,” she said, explaining before Logan could speak.
     “Roughed him up when he interrupted them, then stole his briefcase. Would you know
     what was in it?”
    Next to her, Logan tensed. Maybe she shouldn’t have asked the question, should have
     left it to Detective Dunnigan. Craig helped with the travel arrangements when pregnant
     girls from out of town came to Baltimore to give their babies up for adoption. He
     might know something about her father’s briefcase. Craig and Amy were here, so why
     not ask now?
    Craig tilted his head. “Sorry, I don’t.”
    “If you think of anything that would have made him or his briefcase a target for robbery,
     give Detective Dunnigan a call. Here, the main number’s on my card.” Logan fished
     out his wallet and handed his cards to both Craig and Amy.
    “Tell Ben everyone at church is praying for him,” Craig said, pocketing Logan’s card.
     “Dave and Charlie will stop by to see him, also.”
    She pressed her lips tight. Her dad should probably have peace and quiet, not visitors.
     But well-meaning friends and congregation members would show, no matter what. The
     community revolved around Ben. She shook Craig’s hand, gave Amy a brief hug, then
     the couple walked back down the hall.
    Logan watched the couple leave. “How well does Ben know them?”
    “Pretty well. They’re part of the community. Craig owns a local diner, and they’re
     both at the church offices a lot.”
    “Who were the others he said might stop by?”
    “Dad’s secretary, Charlie. And Dave, the office manager at the church.”
    “I want to go with you to your dad’s house, see if you can figure out if anything
     else besides his briefcase was stolen. I’m not on the case, but I can walk with you through the house . Let’s meet in the morning.”
    She didn’t need an escort to visit her father’s house, but it would probably sound
     childish to refuse his help. Besides, he was only looking out for her dad. “Okay.
     I want to stay with Dad tonight, anyway.”
    He leaned a hip against the wall. “Why were you asking the Bittingers about what was
     in that briefcase?”
    “I’m guessing he had paperwork about the girl from Los Angeles in it. Do we know who
     or where she is?”
    “I talked to Dunnigan earlier. He had deputies check Ben’s car. They found a paper
     on the passenger seat, the girl’s name was Su Lin. The airline was contacted—she never
     took the flight.”
    She opened her mouth, but he held up a hand. “I can’t divulge any more information
     at this point—probably shouldn’t have told you this much. But I know you’re worried
     about Ben.”
    “I appreciate all this, Logan.”
    He checked his watch. “I have to go.” He cast a quick glance at her dad’s room, then
     looked back at her. “I don’t like this. I haven’t seen his house in person yet, but
     Dunnigan let me see the photos. I don’t think this was a random robbery. Might be
     the thugs were after just one thing, Ben’s briefcase.”
    But why? What could make a pastor’s briefcase so important? And what could possibly
     be important enough to beat up an old man?

Chapter Four
    A sliver of pink-hued morning sunlight arrowed across the hospital room as Keely strode
     in quietly with a cup of coffee in her hand. She’d spent the night in a chair and
     had gone out for a quick walk to get the kinks out, and to find some breakfast. To
     wait for Logan. If her father woke up, she’d go with Logan to check out the house.
     See if she could find anything out of place. But until her dad woke up, she’d stay
     at the hospital.
    When she saw Logan standing next to her dad’s hospital bed, his gaze focused on Ben,
     eyes soft and caring, she came to