Chapter Twenty-Eight
Throwing his fist in the air, Jaxon shouted, bouncing around the owner’s box like he’d just scored the goal himself. Ford caught him as he rushed back toward the glass when the crowd’s roar got even louder.
“Yes! Kick his fucking ass, Mason! Hit him, White! Harder!” Jaxon threw out his fists as though he was fighting along with the men. Then he tipped his head back, grinning up at Ford. “This is the coolest thing ever, Dad. Thanks for bringing me.”
“You’re welcome, but watch the swearing. We don’t need the GM to have a heart attack.” Ford winced as Silver slapped his shoulder. “What? Tell me that shock on his face doesn’t look like he’s coming close.”
“He’s raised one lady, and is raising another. He’s not used to that language.” Silver hiked up her chin, but she couldn’t hold back her laugh for long. “Honestly, I think he’s still recovering from what Jaxon said he wants to do to the ref.”
Shaking his head, Dean went back to whatever he was discussing with the assistant GM, only pausing to exchange a look with Cort, who came over, dropping a heavy hand on Ford’s shoulder.
“You’re supposed to be a good influence.”
“I am. I made it very clear it is physically impossible for a ref bend over that far.” Ford put his hand over Cort’s, watching his son press his face against the glass, so happy he was shaking with it. “Seriously though, I still can’t believe he’s here. This is…it’s fu—” He stopped himself at Silver’s arched brow. “It’s awesome.”
Silver gave him a tight hug. “You did good, big brother. He’s lucky to have you.”
“Not lucky. He should have had me all along.” Ford swallowed back the guilt he wasn’t sure would ever go away, but got easier to bear every morning when his son climbed out of bed in his own room, adorably grumpy and safe and home. “He’s adjusting well. I was nervous about the first meeting with the caseworker, but he’s a great guy. He said Jaxon already seems much more relaxed.”
“What about the court date?”
“Kyle never responded to the summons. Anthony called a few days ago and says he’s not staying there anymore.” Ford’s jaw hardened as he recalled the message from his father. He wouldn’t challenge Ford’s custody claim, but he wanted to speak to Ford as soon as possible. Probably because Oriana had told him to either back off or she’d reveal the dirt she had on him. “Hey, did Oriana ever tell you what she found out about the old man?”
“No. I think she’s holding onto it in case he ever tries to mess with one of us in the future.” Silver smirked and hugged his arm. “I love how vicious our family is. One of these days, she’s going to destroy him.”
“You, little sister, are bloodthirsty.” He kissed her hair, loving his family, no matter how crazy they all were. “I hope she never has a reason to, but it’s a relief knowing she can.”
The game ended, 7-5, which had Jaxon practically bouncing off the walls. When Silver suggested they go down to meet the players, he was five steps ahead of them. Ford laughed as they got off the elevator on the bottom floor and Jaxon bolted in the wrong direction.
“Hey, it’s this way, buddy!” He waved when Jaxon turned. Started forward as the crowd thickened. Broke into a run when it thinned and Jaxon was gone. “Jaxon? Jaxon!”
People started turning to him. Asking if he needed help. He ignored them, pushing, searching, calling his son’s name again and again. His blood ran cold. Where was he? He’d been right there!
“Ford.” Cort latched onto his wrist. Held tight when he tried to jerk away. “Ford, listen to me. Jaxon isn’t here.”
“What?” Ford spun around, shaking his head as Cort put away the radio he used to coordinate security. “Cort he was there.” Ford pointed, returning to where he’d last seen Jaxon. Maybe he’d gotten distracted by one of the concession stands. The store—he wanted a shirt, that’s all.
Cort grabbed Ford and pinned him against the closest wall. “My man at the door just saw him dragged out by someone who matches Kyle’s description. You have to fucking pull it together.” Cort shook him hard. “Ford, he has our son!”
Bile flooded Ford’s throat. He inhaled slowly, fighting back the terror ready to drown him. Cort was right. He couldn’t help Jaxon like this. He stared up at the man he loved, saw the rage and fear in his eyes, and nodded firmly. “We have to find him. Did you call the cops?”
“Security did as soon as it was called in.” Cort took a step back, then motioned for Ford to follow him. “We need to start looking ourselves. He can’t have gotten far.”
“I’ll get the guys to start looking! If we spread out, we’ll find him, Ford.” Silver called out before rushing off in the opposite direction, Dean close behind her.
The whole team looking would help, but first he had to figure out where Kyle would’ve taken Jaxon. Would he have a plan? It had been a week since Jaxon had been taken out of his reach. Ford should’ve suspected something when Kyle hadn’t tried to contact him. Hadn’t tried to fight back. He’d assumed Kyle was afraid of his past catching up with him, but what if he had nothing left to lose?
Then he thinks he has something to gain. Ford followed Cort outside, gritting his teeth as the crowd swarmed around them. The timing was perfect. Even with cops all over the place, keeping the streets clear, there were too many people to notice a man struggling with a little boy. And how many would assume it was just a kid throwing a fit?
A commotion at the far end of the throng drew his attention. People screamed as the cars swerved, one almost backing into the mass packed on the curb waiting for the light to change. Ford sprinted toward the commotion, Cort at his side, reaching the end of the street just in time to see Jaxon being yanked back from the open window, his lips forming a scream Ford couldn’t hear over the noise.
But he’d seen what his son was trying to call out.
He was calling for him.
“Dad!”
And Ford couldn’t reach him as the car sped away.