Guarding His Children

Chapter Fourteen

Brittany sat on the bed in the room she shared with Kendyl & Keeley staring at the floor. She knew Jason was right. If she didn't try to mend her relationship with her father, she would never be totally free of the past. If she could forgive Jason, then she should try with her dad.

She retrieved her cell phone, but when she went to call him, her hand trembled, and memories deluged her. She'd never been able to live up to her father's expectations.

She paced the room, trying to plan what she would say. Suddenly she realized she couldn't do this over the phone. If she was going to try to repair their relationship beyond the yearly phone call at Christmas, then it had to be in person.

Serenity fell over her as though the decision she'd come to was what God wanted. She wanted to end her self-imposed exile, and she realized her father would never make the first move. He was too proud.

The chime of the doorbell reverberated through the house. She hurried to the foyer, hoping that it was Detective Brown with good news.

Jason peered through the peephole before opening the door and letting the detective inside. As the balding man entered, Jason threw a look over his shoulder at Brittany.  His expression reflected concern and touched her heart.

"Let's go in the living room," Jason said.

She sat on the couch with Jason next to her. "Did you get anything from the traffic cam?" she asked the detective. "Were you able to track down the two cars?"

"A woman with her four year old was in one car while an older gentleman denied going downtown. His car is usually parked at the side of his house since he hasn't been able to drive for several months due to an illness."

"Was it there when you arrived?" Jason asked, his body tense.

"Yes, but the photo plainly indicated it emerged from the parking garage. The license tag numbers match. I showed Mr. Roberts the still picture I had. He has no idea what happened."

"Who had access to the car keys?" The police were close. She could feel it—or was that wishful thinking?

"His caregiver, a young woman named Nora, and his nephew, Judd Roberts. According to Mr. Roberts, Nora has been with him all morning."

"Then what about the nephew?" Jason balled his hands into fists. "He's got to be the driver."

"He may be, but he wasn't there, and Mr. Roberts didn't know where he was. He was staying at his uncle's house but has been gone for the past few days. I ran Judd Roberts' name through the system. I discovered he was recently released from prison. He served ten years for armed robbery and assault. I contacted his parole officer, and he's supposed to check in with him tomorrow."

Jason's forehead scrunched. "I know that name somehow."

"So do I." Brittany wracked her brain trying to recall where. "How old is Judd Roberts?"

Detective Brown consulted his notes. "Thirty."

Jason snapped his fingers. "I know who he is."