Silent Witness by Diane Burke Page A

she’d be ready. She refused to let this innocent boy fall victim to any more pain.
    * * *
    Charlie told him that Liz had been outside for hours. Once he was certain that Jeremy was asleep for the night, he asked her to keep an ear out if Jeremy woke up, and he went downstairs.
    Knowing only Charlie and Jeremy had eaten, he fixed a couple of sandwiches, some chips and sliced apples and carried them to the porch.
    Liz had lit a half-dozen candles, which illuminated the area enough to see but wasn’t as glaring a light as the porch lamp. It was still enough light to catch the angry expression on her face. He’d barely set a plate beside her and sat down before she attacked.
    “I told you not to bring him here. I can’t believe what you put that child through. That was torture!” Her voice rose and her eyes shimmered with unshed tears. “I don’t know what ever made me think I could trust you.”
    He winced at her barb but understood her reason for it.
    “Liz, Jeremy’s going to be okay.”
    “What? You think if you follow me from room to room saying Jeremy’s going to be okay that suddenly I will just believe it?”
    He took a deep breath. How was he going to make her understand? Ease her pain? Start to listen to the things he needed to say to her? Right now it was brick wall after brick wall.
    “Jeremy’s asleep in his own bed in his own room. Jeremy is okay.”
    She shot him a look of disbelief and disgust. “If Jeremy is asleep, it is because the child collapsed out of sheer exhaustion after everything that happened to him today.”
    He tried another tactic. “Try to eat. I made a sandwich for you. You haven’t eaten all day.” He nudged the plate to the edge of the table.
    She stood up and shot another glare his way. “My relief gets here at eleven. Meanwhile, for your own safety, I suggest you go inside.”
    He looked deep into her eyes and wondered for a split second if he was in more danger from the bad guy or from her.
    “I’m going to walk the perimeter. Don’t be here when I get back.”
    He stared at her retreating back and prayed things would be easier in the morning.
    * * *
    Liz couldn’t believe what a difference a couple of days made. She watched Jeremy and Rerun romp together in the backyard. It was hard to believe that this was the same child who had sobbed and run from room to room searching for his mother only three days ago.
    Jeremy, who was rolling on the ground, poked and prodded Rerun in a lame attempt to keep the dog away. Rerun didn’t seem to mind Jeremy’s pushes and shoves. Instead, the dog used his head and snout to rock the boy back and forth on the lawn.
    Jeremy seemed to be enjoying this game with his new furry friend. The child’s high-pitched giggles filled the air and brought a smile to Liz’s face. She hadn’t heard the boy laugh before and the sound played like a favorite song she wished would never end.
    “I told you that you could trust Rerun. He knows what he’s doing.”
    Liz turned and smiled at Charlie who leaned against the opposite door frame. “Good morning, Charlie.” Liz reached out and accepted the mug of coffee Charlie offered. “Thanks.” She took a sip of the hot liquid and hoped the caffeine would kick her energy level to high gear since right now it felt like she was operating on fumes.
    “Figured you needed it. Sleep-deprived human beings usually do.” Charlie shrugged and grinned. “But maybe you’re not human at all. Three days ago, I pegged you for superwoman status. Setting up an office in the house. Running a police station remotely yet still staying on top of investigations and officers and yet never taking your eyes off of Jeremy…or Adam and I.”
    Heat flooded Liz’s cheeks at the inference, but she just sipped her coffee and remained silent.
    “But maybe instead of superwoman you are really superhuman. You might be an alien hiding out in human skin. What do you say?” Charlie grinned wider, as though pleased with herself,