Author's Note: I'm back! Thank you for your patience. Sadly, the war in Ukraine continues. Those of you who pray, please pray for Ukraine — pray for protection for her defenders, for the innocent children, for all those who serve as first responders or who distribute humanitarian aid, and especially for an end to this devastating war.

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Glossary (Choctaw – English)

Anki – My father/Daddy

Katimma ish anya? – Where are you?

Svshki – My mother/Mama

Ofi 'beka (baby talk for Ofi yvt abeka) – The dog is sick

Ofi bvnna li! – I want the dog!

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"I didn't know," Haven's owner had said.

Shawna stared down at the newspaper in the old man's trembling hands and saw immediately what he meant. She took the paper, folded it, and set it aside as she considered carefully how to answer. These days, she was a better judge of character than she used to be. This man wasn't going to hurt her or JoJo. He didn't have it in him. "I believe you, Mr. Ortiz." Pulling JoJo into her lap, she sat next to him and laid a hand on his shoulder. "Listen, I recognized JoJo from a report on the news last night and… well… I've already called my friend, Lori. She's the town marshal, and she's on her way here now."

He nodded wordlessly, then sighed. "She'll arrest me."

Her heart went out to him — hadn't she been in his shoes almost a decade ago? Actually, if he was telling the truth, she had been far worse. She'd gone along with Eddie Guinness willingly. Mr. Ortiz apparently didn't have anything to do with the little girl's kidnapping. "I don't know exactly what she'll do, Mr. Ortiz, but I do know Lori. She's fair and she listens and she's good at getting to the truth. If you really didn't know, you have nothing to be afraid of."

He sucked in a deep breath, then let it out slowly. "Thank you." He squeezed her hand, then released it. "I was so surprised yesterday when my daughter came home. I hadn't seen her in five years, since just after her mother died. Hadn't heard her voice. Didn't even know for sure she was still alive. And then suddenly she's at my door with this beautiful little girl and says she's my granddaughter and… well…" He shrugged, a rueful smile tugging at his lips. "I should have suspected something, but I wanted it to be true." He fell silent for a moment. "Honestly, I did suspect something. I could see Ad…" He pursed his lips and shook his head. "I mean JoJo… was scared of her. But I thought it was just because Ramona isn't right in the head. She never has been. So I made up my mind to protect the little one the best I could. I told Haven to protect her, too… and look where it got her." She followed his gaze to the sleeping dog on the exam table. "I can't help wondering what she would have done to me."

"I can't make any promises, Mr. Ortiz…" Shawna patted the man's shoulder, then set JoJo down. Moving to Haven's side, she began checking the dog's vitals. "But I think this old girl has a good chance. She's already responding well."

He accepted her reassurance with a rueful smile and a quick nod, then lowered his head into his hands.

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A police car pulled up alongside Rocky's battered Oldsmobile as a disheartened Johnny was about to slide into the passenger seat. He and Rocky had just canvassed a small grocery store, sharing flyers with JoJo's picture, but no one had seen her. The arrival of the squad car sent a chill through Johnny. But when the window rolled down, Roy poked his head out, a huge grin plastered across his face. "They found her, Junior! Follow us!"

His spirits instantly lifting, Johnny wasted no time. He threw himself into the car and turned to Rocky. "Well, what're ya waiting for? Drive!" He closed his eyes and breathed out a prayer of thanks.

With Rocky on his tail, the officer driving Roy sped through the streets of Ridgefield, then north a few miles on the 5 before exiting on La Center Road. Less than ten minutes later, he pulled into the parking lot of a small veterinary clinic. A police car sat in front of the clinic, the driver's door hanging open while an officer sat behind the wheel, speaking into his radio handset.

Johnny jumped out of the car. Roy had done the same, and he took his friend by the arm. "C'mon, Junior. She's inside… didn't want to leave the 'goggie', so I heard. You know how stubborn she can be."

"Do I ever!" Roy wasn't moving fast enough, so Johnny pulled away and let his long legs carry him to the door and into the clinic. "JoJo?"

By chance as he looked around for his daughter, Johnny glimpsed a nameplate on the counter. Shawna Reisig, DVM. "No way," he murmured. "Not possible."

Roy was standing beside him now. Johnny pointed at the nameplate. They didn't get a chance to discuss it though, because a young blonde woman in a police uniform came toward them from the hall behind the counter. "John Gage?"

Johnny thumped his chest. "That's me. JoJo's here?"

"I'm Town Marshall Lori Neff. Yes, she's here… come on back. I understand your wife will arrive soon." She gestured to the end of the hall. "JoJo's right through that door."

His heart practically in his throat, Johnny hurried past her. He'd been on so many calls to find lost or kidnapped children, and they rarely ended well. He wasn't going to relax until he saw for himself that she was OK.

Inside, he found JoJo in a deputy's arms, happily petting a big German Shepherd who was up on a lab table, connected to an IV line. "JoJo Bean!" Eyes moist with tears, he reached out and pulled the little girl into his arms.

"Anki!" she crowed, her eyes dancing. She grabbed his face with her hands and pressed her lips against his in a big sloppy kiss. A wave of relief went through Johnny, and he suddenly wasn't sure his legs would hold him up. Thankfully, Roy was there to push him down into a chair.

He didn't even realize he was crying until JoJo wiped tears from his cheek. "Anki sad?" Her sweet voice reached into his heart and squeezed even more tears out of him. Someone's hand offered a tissue and he accepted it gratefully.

He shook his head and kissed his daughter's little face. "These are happy tears, JoJo Bean. I'm so happy to see you."

The toddler tilted her head and knitted her brow together. Apparently, the idea of happy tears was altogether foreign to her. But then she rested her head against his chest and snuggled in close. Johnny closed his eyes and reveled in the moment.

"Johnny?" Roy's elbow in his side got his attention. "I think the marshal wants to talk with you." Roy nodded toward the doorway, then reached to tickle JoJo's tummy. "How about it, JoJo? Come tell your Uncle Roy all about the doggie while your papa talks with Marshal Neff?"

JoJo nodded and reached for Roy, happily accepting the transfer to his lap. Johnny got up to join the marshal in the hall.

"Marshal Neff, I can't tell you enough… thank you."

She waved her hand toward another door. "I'm not the one you need to thank, Mr. Gage. Shawna Reisig recognized JoJo from the news story and called me." She gripped Johnny's arm. "I know this must be a real shock for you, Mr. Gage — I've heard all about your first encounter with Shawna, and I know about your exchange of letters over the years. She wasn't sure you'd want to see her. Mr. Ortiz is with her. He's the kidnapper's father — I've talked with him, and I'm satisfied he wasn't involved in the crime. He believed the child was his granddaughter, and when he realized the threat his daughter presented, he positioned himself as her protector. If you're willing, they're waiting for you in Shawna's office."

Johnny closed his eyes and sucked in a deep breath. He didn't have many memories of when he'd met Shawna. Though he'd long ago forgiven her for her part in his abduction almost a decade ago, he had been concerned that seeing her in person might trigger unpleasant memories, so he'd limited their interaction to a long and enjoyable correspondence. But now she had been instrumental in bringing his little girl back to him. How could he refuse to see her? He opened his eyes and nodded. "Sure. I'll talk with them."

The Marshal led him to the office door and knocked, then turned the doorknob and peeked in. "Shawna? Mr. Ortiz? Mr. Gage is here." She stood aside and let Johnny enter.

Johnny only hesitated for a second. Then he let his long stride carry him across the small office. He wrapped his arms around Shawna and gave her a hug, then stood back, his hands resting on her shoulders. "Thank you." Then he turned to Mr. Ortiz. "And thank you, sir. The marshal says you protected my little girl."

"JoJo!" Nita's voice in the hallway drew Johnny's attention. "Katimma ish anya?" She rushed past the office door.

Johnny gave a crooked smile and nodded in Nita's direction. "Please don't go anywhere — my wife will want to thank you herself." He stepped back into the hallway in time to see the Marshal direct Nita to the exam room where Roy was waiting with JoJo.

Johnny's long legs carried him quickly to his wife, who was taking JoJo in her arms and covering her face with kisses.

"Svshki! Ofi 'beka!" JoJo hugged and kissed her mama, then squirmed to get closer to the dog. "Ofi, Svshki! Ofi bvnna li!"

Johnny chuckled. Stubborn JoJo, indeed! After the stress of the last twenty-four hours, laughter felt good. It was contagious, too. Roy joined in and then Nita and soon even little JoJo was giggling.

In the end, they managed to get JoJo out of Shawna's clinic without taking the dog Haven with them. Johnny had insisted on paying for the animal's treatment. Shawna tried saying it was on the house, but he felt she needed compensation and he wanted to do something for Manuel Ortiz. The sloppy kiss JoJo planted on the man's cheek before they left said it all — he had earned the little girl's love and trust, and Johnny would never forget it.

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Drums. Tex heard them plainly, even though his conscious mind knew that no one was actually playing them. The soft rhythm carried a clear message. Tex sank backward and opened his eyes to watch the flames dance. His gaze followed the column of white smoke skyward, and he nodded. "Amen. Gracias, Dios." He didn't yet know how his prayers had been answered, but he had faith in the God who hears.

Billy was dozing on the ground a few feet away. Tex smiled as he gently nudged the younger man with his boot. Billy could stay up all night fighting a fire, but he was not accustomed to all-night prayer vigils. "Wake up, mijo. It's time to head back… after we douse the fire, of course. We will have news by the time we get there."

Billy was fully awake in an instant. He jumped to his feet with an apology for falling asleep. Together, the pair extinguished the bonfire. Once it was out to the firefighter's satisfaction, Tex whistled for their horses, and they mounted for the ride back down to the ranch.

They were about to head into the stable when Anna came flying down the porch steps, Svans and Tasembo at her heels. Her smile was enough to tell Tex the good news, but he was still glad to hear it spoken. "She's all right! They found her! Johnny's on the phone right now!"

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"We've got her, Jo. She's OK."

Jo closed her eyes and breathed a prayer of thanksgiving. She felt her tight muscles loosen slightly, but she was still sore. Little Jamie had gone from inconsolable to sullen, but at least he wasn't shrieking any more. Once again, Sarah Kate had proven herself a blessing — she'd managed to calm the little boy down and get his attention on some stuffed animals Nancy Halverson had fetched from her grown son's old toys. Now he was sound asleep with an old, threadbare monkey clutched to his chest.

"I'm so glad, Roy. When do you think you'll be back?" More than anything, she just wanted to put this weekend in Seattle behind them and head home. They were scheduled on a flight tomorrow afternoon, and she hoped there wouldn't be any reason to postpone.

"Johnny and Nita are already heading up with Detective Seward. They're taking JoJo to the hospital in Seattle for observation, just to be sure. I'll ride back with Rocky. We should be there in a couple hours." Roy was quiet for a moment before adding, "I love you, Jo."

She could hear the slight tremble in his voice. "You're having flashbacks, aren't you?"

"Yeah," he admitted after a brief silence. "Now that the search is over, it's hitting hard. I'll… I'll tell you more when I get back."

Jo wished she could wrap her arms around her husband. She'd been fighting the memories all day, too, but at least she'd had DJ and Jamie and Sarah Kate to distract her. They both needed to get home to L.A. and let the sight of their daughter, alive and well years after her kidnapping, drive away the ghosts.

"OK." Sinking into a chair at the kitchen table, Jo forced her tone to remain bright, cheerful, strong. Roy didn't need to worry about her too. But she had the phone handset pressed so tight against her ear it was starting to hurt. She didn't want to say goodbye, but he had to get off the phone to come back to her. "Go on, honey… get back as quick as you can. I love you too."

She set the receiver back in the cradle and leaned back in her chair, her eyes closing as she took several deep calming breaths. When she opened her eyes again, Nancy was setting a cup of coffee on the table in front of her. She then offered cream and sugar, and Jo stirred in some of both. "Thanks. They found JoJo and she's OK."

"Thank God." Nancy took a sip of her own coffee — she took it black. "This must have brought up rough memories for you and Roy both. Swede told me about what happened with your daughter and Johnny."

Jo sipped her coffee and nodded. She added another lump of sugar. "It's worse for Roy, I think. Thanks to his work, he's seen so many cases that didn't end as well. Whenever a child is affected, it hits him hard."

"Jo, don't diminish what you're feeling." Nancy reached across the table to put a hand on hers. "You're doing exactly what I did all those years when Swede was a fireman and after he became a paramedic — I pushed aside my own fears and struggles and made myself be strong for him so that he wouldn't have to worry about me." She shrugged up a shoulder and sipped her coffee again. "It's what we do. But you're not doing yourself any favors that way." She shook her head. "Trust me, I almost had a nervous breakdown before I figured it out. Listen, I'll keep an eye on the kids. If Jamie wakes up, Sarah Kate can entertain him. You go take a nap or run yourself a hot bath or go for a walk — whatever helps you most. And when Roy gets back, let him know you're fighting the same demons he is — you'll fight better together."

Jo finished her coffee with a sigh. "Thanks, Nancy. I know you're right. Roy and I have even talked about it before, but old habits die hard." She took Nancy's empty cup along with her own, over Nancy's protests. "Give it here. You didn't expect to take on a bunch of guests this weekend, and you shouldn't have to clean up after us. It'll just take me a minute to wash them, and then I'll go take that hot bath you suggested." She smiled. "You are a godsend, Nancy Halverson. And I hope Swede knows it."

"Of course, he does!" Nancy laughed. "I tell him all the time!"

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Tonya Diehl had just settled in at her desk after a late lunch when the phone rang. "Child Services, this is Tonya Diehl. How may I help you?"

"Mrs. Diehl," came a raspy voice on the other end of the line. "This is Stephen J. Wentworth, attorney at law. I represent Marcus Hamilton. I understand that you and I have a mutual interest in his case."

Hamilton. That was the alternate surname Sarah Kate had given for her father, the name the child had used to enroll herself in school. Was Sarah Kate the mutual interest the lawyer referred to? She hesitated before responding. She wasn't about to give her full trust to a faceless voice over the telephone. "Well, Mr. Wentworth, that all depends. I don't really know much about Marcus Hamilton. Can you fill me in?"

Wentworth chuckled. "Not ready to tip your hand, eh? Well, I don't blame you. In fact, I appreciate your discretion. I'm arriving in Seattle this evening. I understand that Peter Benedict is arriving on Tuesday to take charge of our mutual interest. On behalf of my client, I'd like to prevent that from happening. Can we meet tomorrow morning around eight or nine and I'll tell you everything you need to know?"

Wentworth laughed. "Not ready to tip your hand, eh? Well, I don't blame you. In fact, I appreciate your discretion. I'm arriving in Seattle this evening. I understand that Benedict is arriving on Tuesday to take charge of our mutual interest. On behalf of my client, I'd like to prevent that from happening. Can we meet tomorrow morning around eight or nine and I'll tell you everything you need to know?"

Tomorrow was Sunday. Normally, Tonya would be arriving at church with her two daughters at eight thirty sharp, but her instincts were screaming at her that this meeting was extremely important. She would arrange a ride for the girls… or maybe even a sleep-over with their friend Becky. "Tomorrow morning, 8:30, at my office. My colleague Mike Anderson will join us." That last was for her own protection, just in case Mr. Wentworth wasn't who he claimed to be. Mike worked Security for the Child Services building, and Tonya had been dating him for about six months now. She gave Mr. Wentworth the address.

"8:30. I'll be there. Thank you, Mrs. Diehl. Goodbye." The phone clicked and the call ended.

Tonya hung up, then picked up Sarah Kate's file again. "Well, well, well," she said softly as she paged through it. "Let's hope Stephen J. Wentworth will have the answers we're looking for."