Sweet Justice by Christy Reece

control, and wrecked. His heart had been in his throat, but she had been up on her feet before he could get to her. Blood had been running down her leg from a badly scraped knee and she’d had an angry-looking scratch on her chin. Instead of crying, she’d grinned and said, “I reckon I forgot to brake, Uncle Seth.” He’d grabbed her and hugged her hard, afraid it’d be weeks before she’d be willing to try again. Instead, she had insisted on getting back on her bike immediately.
    She had been a tough kid … he hoped to hell she was still tough.
    Aware that Honor had finished with Kelli’s bio, Seth leaned forward and told them what he remembered about his niece. “She is shy around strangers, but with her family or those she feels comfortable with, she’s very outgoing. She’s compassionate and loves animals of all kinds. Has a great sense of humor, doesn’t do well in sports, but is a whiz at computer games.” Realizing he’d shared almost nothing helpful, he added, “I haven’t seen her in a while. Most of these are the things I remember about her when she was younger.”
    The sympathy on Honor’s face had him swallowing hard. He hadn’t realized how emotional he’d felt until he’d started talking.
    “Stone, you have a plan you’re ready to share yet?” McCall asked.
    Moved by Seth’s obvious affection for his niece, Honor cleared her throat and turned back to the group. Focus was always an important element while on a mission … during the next few weeks, it would be even more so. Working this case was going to be hard for Seth. For the plan she was about to recommend, it was going to be hard for her, too.
    “I’d like to send Jared to both Missy Meads’s and Karen Hatcher’s homes and their last known locations. Since those places are only a few hours apart, he should be able to cover both within a few days.”
    Aware that Seth might disagree, she nevertheless turned to Aidan and said, “I’d like for you to go to Houston and interview the Cavanaughs, talk to Kelli’s friends, former teachers, and classmates at Rice, and then head to Iowa and talk with her teachers and classmates there.”
    Reasonably prepared to handle whatever objections Seth might throw at her, she looked at him and said, “You and I will interview Anna Bradford’s and Drenda Greene’s families.”
    Though she saw surprise on his face, all he said was “When do we leave?”
    Noah answered for her: “I’ll have the jet available at nine in the morning.”
    She nodded her thanks to Noah and then looked around the room. “Any questions?”
    All of the men shook their heads. “Good. We’ll meet on the plane at nine.” She shot a look at Noah. “I’d like to talk to you for a few minutes.”
    Noah nodded and stood. “Good luck, everyone, and be safe. If these disappearances are related, whoever is doing this won’t go down without a fight. Be vigilant.”
    Honor deliberately didn’t look behind her as Seth, Aidan, and Jared left the room. Hearing the door click behind her, she allowed herself one small, relieved breath.
    “Everything okay?” McCall asked.
    Honor turned to her boss. It had taken two years and a near-death experience for her to decide to come work for Last Chance Rescue. Known for her professionalism and coolheadedness at the Bureau, she wanted to bring those same qualities to the first op she was leading here.
    “I just wanted to reassure you that my past relationship with Seth won’t interfere with this mission.”
    “If I thought it would, Honor, I never would have assigned it to you.”
    She had known that, but had felt the need to reassure him. Hell, maybe she was just reassuring herself.
    And yet she continued to explain: “I assigned him to work with me. I know Aidan’s and Jared’s abilities and training. I don’t know Seth’s.”
    McCall’s mouth relaxed into a half smile. “Again, Honor, you don’t need to explain your actions or how you make your assignments. I