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course she does, but sometimes, if she’d had a long nap during the day, I’d let her stay up later and we’d go outside for a little while and look for them. Not very often,” Lexi added hurriedly.
    Ace grinned. “Sounds like fun. Maybe I should try it. What else does she like to do?”
    Lexi blinked again. Big shot FBI guy chasing lightning bugs? A mental picture of his tall body running behind Anna’s tiny one after the elusive nocturnal bug popped in her mind. But instead of seeming ridiculous, the image brought a lump to her throat. Anna needed a father figure in her life. Someone who would love her and treasure her as much as Carl had. Someone like…
    Don’t even think it. Not for a moment! Lexi chided herself sharply. How could you betray Carl with such a thought?
    No one could ever take Carl’s place in either of their lives and she should be ashamed for even contemplating it for one second.
    Sleep deprivation. That’s what was causing such insane thoughts. That and the fact it was time for her anxiety meds. Why else would Ace’s handsome face be occupying so many of her thoughts?
    Lexi shoved the image from her mind. “Anna likes for me to read to her.” She held out the book. It trembled in her hands. “This is her favorite story. I read it to her every night.” She lowered her lashes. “At least I used to until…”
    Ace was beside her in two quick strides. “Lexi, you can’t give up hope.” He lifted her chin with his knuckle. Salty tears trickled down her cheek, past her lips and pooled between his fingers.
    “I–It’s been four days. My baby has been missing for four days.”
    “I know.” The softness of his voice surprised her. It was almost as if he understood. Almost as if he believed her.
    “Why haven’t they called? I don’t understand what they want from me?”
    “I’m sure we’ll know soon.” Ace removed his knuckle from her chin and patted her shoulder. From anyone else it would have seemed like an awkward gesture, but for some reason Lexi took comfort in it. She closed her eyes for a moment. It would be so easy to lean against his strong shoulders. To take strength from his broad form.
    But she couldn’t. Not while he still considered her a suspect.
    Lexi’s eyes flew open. “What if Anna’s hurt? What if she needs me? What if–”
    “Don’t.” Ace squeezed her shoulder. “Don’t torture yourself with what ifs. We don’t know anything yet. And that includes the bad.”
    “I don’t think I can do this much longer,” Lexi whispered. “I miss her so much.”
    Blood pounded in her temples. Dizziness washed over her and her insides felt like a massive cocoon of butterflies had just hatched.
    “You have to. For Anna.” Ace took her hand and held it between his. She could feel moisture collecting in hers as her body broke out into a cold sweat. But, somehow, Ace’s hands, firmly grasping hers, had a calming effect on her. “You’re not alone, Lexi. Your parents are here for you and we have many, many people out looking for Anna. Something’s bound to turn up sooner or later. The whole community wants to help you.”
    Lexi shook her head. Pain shot through her temples with each shake. “They don’t want to help me. Everyone thinks I did it. The community just wants justice. They’re hoping I’ll slip up so they can put me in jail and throw away the key.” Lexi’s hand tightened on the book. “I’ve seen the accusing looks and heard the whispers.”
    “That’s not true. Mandy Whitman’s church is holding vigil for Anna Saturday night. She wants you to come. She wants you to know the church is there for you if you need anything.”
    “I can’t go.” The words burst from her lips in a rush. “I just can’t.”
    “Why not?”
    “I can’t deal with the accusations right now. I didn’t do anything to my daughter and I have no way of proving it. I can’t deal with that and with the fact my daughter is missing too.” Lexi’s voice caught. The