Christmas Bodyguard Read Online Free Page A

when Bryan started doing the same thing, she’d struggled to retain a sense of herself.
    â€œEver since your mother died, Walt has gotten worse.”
    â€œI don’t need my father. I don’t need anyone.”
    â€œEveryone needs someone. God didn’t make us to go through life alone.” After taking a bite of his food, he washed it down with some coffee.
    She wasn’t really alone. She had Joshua and, more important, the Lord, because Joshua had led her to Him. Another thing she was grateful to her uncle for. “I’m starved. I missed your cooking when I was gone,” she said, wanting to change the subject of conversation. Her father was in her past. She only looked forward now.
    â€œI get the hint.”
    She savored her sandwich. The past ten weeks on assignment protecting a woman who was always on some weird diet had caused her to drop five pounds—five she didn’t need to lose. She was glad her usual clients were children.
    She’d nearly finished her lunch when her cell rang. Bosco barked at the sound, sitting nearby and staring at her bag. Leaping to her feet, she retrieved her phone and answered it.
    â€œThis is Slade. I’m heading to Dawson Academy because I received another threat to Abbey at the office. A call onmy private line. The school just phoned to tell me that they can’t locate Abbey. It’s lunchtime, and the students are scattered all over campus outside. I know she could be there somewhere, but I called Captain Dickerson to update him on the situation. He’s sending someone to meet me at the school.” Worry drenched his every word.
    The beat of her heart slowed to a thud. “I’m not far away. I’ll be there in fifteen minutes.”
    As she slipped the cell into her pocket, she picked up her purse and started toward the front of the house.
    â€œWhat’s wrong?” Joshua followed with her dog at his heels.
    â€œAbbey’s missing at school.”
    â€œI’d better come, too.”
    At the door she pivoted and petted Bosco goodbye. “No, get to the ranch and make it safe. I’m hoping it’s nothing. It’s lunchtime and a beautiful day. When I went to school, we spread out all over campus for lunch. I gather from what Slade said that Dawson Academy is the same way.” She began to turn away but paused. “Oh, and will you pack a bag for me? Once we locate Abbey, I’ll be glued to her like she’s my new best friend.”
    â€œWill do.”
    Elizabeth hurried toward her car. Lord, don’t let anything happen to Slade’s daughter. Please protect her.
    Â 
    Slade pulled up to the school behind a patrol car and hopped out. He jogged to catch up with the two officers heading up the steps to the front entrance.
    At the double doors into the school he said, “I’m Abbey Caulder’s father, Slade Caulder. Thanks for coming.”
    â€œThe captain filled us in on what has been going on with the threats,” the older police officer said. “I’m Sergeant Gibson.”
    Slade entered the school behind the sergeant with the other policeman taking up the rear. After explaining who he was to the security guard and getting a laminated visitor badge, Slade quickly made his way toward the office to the right. The first thing he noticed when he came into the room was all the activity. The principal, Mr. Hartley, was on his cell, a frown on his face, nodding.
    Slade headed for the man, whose expression indicated that Abbey hadn’t been found yet. Slade’s heart pounded so hard he felt breathless. When the man clicked off, he asked, “Have you found Abbey?” Fear caused a raspy edge in his voice.
    The principal glanced at the officers, then directed his attention to Slade. “No. The security guards and some of the teachers are searching the grounds and having the students come inside early. They should be heading to their next class. The teachers