Sworn to Protect by DiAnn Mills Page A

She realized the shock of learning about Nadine’s drug problem could have pushed him over the edge, but it didn’t justify beating a man. She wished she had free time during her shift to visit Barbara at the accounting firm, but that luxury was not for Border Patrol agents.
    She punched in Barbara’s cell phone number. “I’m worried sick about Jacob and Nadine,” Danika said. “Not just them, but all of you.”
    “I should have called you Sunday, and here it is Friday. The problems keep escalating.”
    Solutions for Nadine must not have been found. Now they also faced Jacob’s problems at work. Home life for Barbara must tug on all her emotion strings.
    “What can I do to help? The last time we talked, you were going to try to find someone for Nadine to talk with.”
    “That’s minor compared to what has happened.” Barbara’s tone was flat, almost scary. Normally she bubbled with enthusiasm about life and all the happenings going on with her family—even while she lived in denial of Jacob’s bullying.
    “I’m confused. Maybe you could explain.”
    “Naddie ran away.”
    Fear seized Danika. Not since Toby’s death had she sensed her world falling apart like this. “When? What do the police say?”
    “Sometime Sunday night. The police haven’t turned up a thing. It’s as though she’s disappeared.”
    “Oh, honey, you should have called. I’d have been right there.”
    “I wanted to tell you, wanted to every day, but Jacob . . .”
    “I understand. No wonder he cracked at work.”
    Barbara gasped. “What do you mean? What happened at the station?” Hysteria crept into her voice. “He’s been home since Tuesday afternoon. Said he was sick, and he’s been vomiting. Hasn’t been to the doctor that I know of, but we aren’t really communicating.”
    “I’m not the one to tell you about the incident. Maybe you should call the station.”
    Sobs broke through the phone, and Danika blinked back her tears. This precious family had more burdens than they could bear. Her thoughts focused on the other children. Were they grieving and confused like Nadine? Children ultimately suffered the most in family turmoil. They needed sane outlets, just like adults.
    “Have you or Jacob contacted a priest?”
    “Jacob said he was too embarrassed, but I’ve talked to our priest twice this week.”
    Embarrassed? Full of pride more accurately described him. “So he’s still blaming you?”
    “I know it’s not my fault she ran away, just like I know he’s hurting. Both my Jacob and my little Naddie are in so much pain.”
    “Is there any place I can look for her?”
    “Oh, Danika, you are so sweet.” Barbara’s voice broke with a sob. “I’ve talked to her friends and their parents, and no one has heard from her.”
    “What about the other children?”
    “Scared. Upset tummies. Kaitlyn sleeps to avoid what is going on, while Jake isn’t sleeping. Amber refuses to eat.”
    “I’m here for all of you,” Danika said. “Oh, that sounds so lame. I want to do something.”
    “I know I can always depend on you, and I’ll do better to keep you posted. Right now I need your prayers. One more thing. Jacob said not to tell you about Naddie’s disappearance because your prayers didn’t count—because you’re not Catholic. I don’t believe that, never have. And I should have spoken up for you at the time. He never got over Toby’s . . . leaving the Catholic church.” Barbara continued to ramble. The dear woman craved peace.
    “Barbara,” Danika interrupted. “It’s all right. We can discuss our faith when your family settles down a bit. Let it be enough to say God hears the prayers of the believer, and He doesn’t ask which church we attend.” How long had it been since she’d practiced words of encouragement to a Christian sister?
    “Thank you. I’ll call tomorrow. Maybe Nadine will be home or call me by then.” Barbara hung up, leaving Danika lost in a whirlwind of near panic and