Redemption Read Free

sure?”
    “Partners only complicate matters.” Enrique and his perfect smile flashed in Jamie’s mind. That was a complication she definitely didn’t need. “And besides, this is too personal for you. Don’t worry about me. I’ll be fine.”
    “I guess, but I like having my buddies at the department for backup. I hate thinking about you being out there all alone.”
    “Then don’t think about it.”
    “Think about what?”
    A teenaged girl walked in through the sliding glass door that led to the deck. She wore a baggy T-shirt and jean shorts. From the odor that wafted in with her, she’d obviously been out with the horses.
    “Think about how bad you smell.” Zink gave her a playful nudge with her elbow.
    “Are you kidding?” The girl took a dramatic deep breath. “Horses, hay, and manure! What could smell better?”
    “I can think of a few things.” Jamie hid her smile. At that age, she’d thought the same thing about horses.
    “Don’t you like horses?”
    “Actually when I was younger I loved horses, but I haven’t been on one in years.” She wrinkled her nose. “Probably because of the smell.”
    “It’s not that bad. But you’re right. I can think of a few things that smell a little nicer. “The girl giggled.
    Zink smiled. “Rose, this is Jamie. The woman I told you about. She’s going to find Michael and Andrew.”
    “Wow. I hope you can. That would be wonderful. I can’t wait to meet Andrew.” Her smile was genuine.
    “And this beautiful girl is my houseguest. Rose and her mother are staying with me for the time being.”
    Rose’s eyes filled with tears. “Zink’s helping us. My mom has cancer and…” She looked at Zink. “Before we came to stay with Zink we were staying in this horrible place. It smelled worse than I do. Speaking of which, I gotta get ready for work. See you later.” She waved as she walked down the hall.
    “It’s so nice of you to let them stay here.” Jamie looked at Zink. “How’s her mom doing?”
    “The cancer’s winning. Rose puts on a brave face, but...you can imagine. She’s way too young to be losing her mother.”
    “Actually, I can imagine. Patti and I were seventeen when we lost our parents. It was horrible. That’s why it’s wonderful Rose has you for a friend.”
    “I’m still believing her mother will be healed. In fact, she’s going to a holistic physician. The doctors may have said there was nothing more they could do, but she’s not giving up. She loves her daughter and wants to be here for her.”
    This was one more reason Jamie wanted to help Zink. If she was willing to go the extra mile for other people, then someone should do the same for her. Suzanne Zinkleman brought this teenager and her ailing mother into her home and cared for them in the midst of her own tragedy.
    “Good for her. Only God knows the outcome. Still, it can’t be easy for you having them in the house.”
    “It’s good for me. It feels like I have a family again.”
    “Everyone needs a family whether by birth or by choice.”
    “Rose is a great kid. Besides school, she works at Maria’s flower shop and insists on paying rent. I’m saving it for when she goes to college.”
    Jamie went silent before she changed the subject. “Ok, let’s start with the basics. What’s your ex-husband’s name?”
    “Michael Zinkleman.”
    “And your son’s?”
    “Andrew. His birthday is September second. He’ll be four this September. He’s probably grown so much since…since the last time I saw him.” Zink got a faraway look in her eyes, and then focused on Jamie.
    “I’m sorry.”
    “I’ve had a lot of time to get used to it.”
    “I know this is going to be tough, but I need you to tell me about the events leading up to your son’s kidnapping.” She held up a tape recorder. “I’m going to record this if you don’t mind.”
    “I don’t mind, but why do you want to?”
    “I’ll listen to this so many times that I’ll start believing I