Georgia called Jimmy right away to fill him in about the black pickup at JoBeth’s, and that she was sure the Mormons had her. “LeJeune has people checking video for Eden at the train and bus stations, and the Bureau has offered to help us get her back.”
“Well, that puts my day to shame. How’d you do all that in just a few hours?”
“Luck.”
“Hey.” Jimmy paused. “Is there something going on between you and LeJeune I should know about?”
“Of course not.”
“Does that mean there’s nothing going on, or I shouldn’t know about it?”
“He’s become a friend. You know the saying, ‘War makes strange bedfellows.’”
“That’s what I’m afraid of.”
“Except that there’s this Police Chief from Lake Geneva who has my heart. If you see him, by the way, could you tell him to get his ass home for dinner?”
“On it.”
“Maybe we should order Chinese. LeJeune is coming back over later.”
“Tonight? Do you know what a huge job it is to screen all that video? It’ll take them at least three days.”
“He’s got lots of arms and legs over there, and…well…he took a few pictures of me for reference.”
“You see? I knew there was something.”
Georgia wasn’t altogether sure whether he was kidding. “Sweetheart, you have nothing to worry about. But I do.”
“Why?”
“How do I know you’re not going to fall for Eden when you meet her?”
“That’s true.” He laughed. “I hear she’s as gorgeous as this PI I know. See you soon.”
She hung up with a smile. Vanna came into the living room with Charlie. She put him down in his playpen and threw herself on the couch.
“What’s going on, sweetheart?”
Her sister ran her tongue around her lips. “I miss Mom.” Vanna twisted a lock of hair, something she did when she was nervous. “What if they—I don’t know—shoot her, and this time she doesn’t get better?”
Georgia sat down next to her sister and put her arm around her. “I miss her too, Vanna. And I’m worried about her too.”
“You do? I mean, I know you and her don’t always get along, and I get why—”
Georgia smiled. “But she kind of grows on you, right?”
Vanna nodded, tears welling in her eyes, and threw her arms around her sister. “I’m so scared, Georgia. I want her home.”
“I know. But you know what?”
“What?”
“I have a good feeling about this.”
“What do you mean?” Vanna wiped her eyes with the sleeve of her sweater.
“This time, it’s not just us alone. The FBI is going to help us get her back.”
“Do you know where she is?”
“We have a pretty good idea.”
“Where?”
Georgia ran her hand down Vanna’s hair. “It’s better if you don’t know.”
“But the FBI will be able to rescue her?”
“I know they will. LeJeune is putting together a team. He knows what he’s doing, Vanna. And Jimmy will be there too.”
“What about you? Please say you’re not going to go with them. What if something happens to—”
“I know how hard this is for you, sweetheart, and I’m sure it brings back bad memories. But you have to believe that I’ll be fine. And we’ll have Mom back before you know it. It’s going to turn out okay.”
“Do you realize you just said ‘Mom’? Not ‘JoBeth.’”
“You see? Miracles can happen.” Georgia grinned.
Vanna gave her a weak smile in return. Georgia held Vanna, stroking her sister’s hair until they both regained their composure.