The Cradle Conspiracy. Christy Barritt

he’d thought he saw a shadow moving there again.

      He waited. Listened. Stood for a better look.

      All was silent—at least it was from where he had positioned himself.

      Devin knew his neighbor was single, but he tried to not talk to anyone unless necessary. He’d moved here a year ago, and Sienna Thompson had moved in six months later. The two had briefly met when she’d come over to introduce herself, but all it had taken was one encounter, and she hadn’t bothered to try and get to know him again.

      And that was fine because Devin wasn’t interested in having a social life—not in the least. He was ready for a clean slate. A new start. By himself.

      But he hadn’t been able to avoid noticing that Sienna seemed like the iconic girl next door.

      The woman was happy. Cheerful. Friendly. Not to mention nice to look at it in a sweet, modest way.

      Except for the past week—the woman had had a baby with her. Out of the blue.

      Why was that? Was the baby a nephew? Had she adopted?

       Devin, you’re just seeing things where there isn’t anything. You’re used to crime being around every corner when it’s not. This neighborhood is safe.

      He ran a hand over his face, trying to clear his thoughts.

      No sooner had he done so than a scream cut through the air.

      Devin’s mind wasn’t playing tricks on him after all. Someone was in trouble.

      He sprinted across the lawn. When he got a better look at Sienna’s house, he sucked in a breath. A window was open and someone hung out.

      Sienna.

      She screamed again, and his heart surged. He had to help. Now.

      “Take him!” she yelled.

      The next thing he knew, Sienna thrust the baby out the window. The boy screamed and kicked—obviously frightened. A shadow moved behind her.

      Devin darted toward her and took the boy from her outstretched arms. He started to reach for Sienna, too, when someone jerked her back inside. More shouting sounded. A scream. A crack.

      His pulse thrummed harder.

      Devin couldn’t simply set this child down and expect him to be safe. His gut twisted as he briefly considered his options. The child or Sienna. He didn’t have time to ponder them too long.

      Both, he decided.

      He darted across the street, suddenly wishing he had been more social. He pounded on the Wilsons’ door. Finally the sixtysomething woman answered, her gaze hazy with sleep. Her eyes widened quickly when she saw Devin.

      “Can I help you?” The retired woman pulled her housecoat tighter.

      He placed the baby in her arms—no time for formalities. “Watch him. Lock your doors. Call the police. Understand?”

      She opened her mouth as if to ask questions, but instead muttered in a shaky voice, “Okay.”

      Devin didn’t have time to expound or be polite. Not now.

      No, he had to move before Sienna ended up with a bullet through her heart.

      He rushed across the street just in time to hear another scream and a man’s voice raging, “Why did you have to do that?”

      He reached the front door and tried the knob. It was locked. Of course.

      Using all his strength, Devin jammed his shoulder into the wood. Nothing happened on the first try. He did it again and again and again until finally the wood cracked. Cracked some more. Cracked enough that he was able to dart into the house and toward the room where he heard Sienna screaming.

      He stopped in his tracks when he saw a gunman standing there. His weapon pressed against Sienna’s head.

      “Make another move, and she dies,” the man growled.

      Sienna cried out, her eyes wide and brimming with a fear so big Devin could see it even in the darkness.

      “You don’t have to do this.” Devin paused, knowing he needed to tread carefully. Wishing he’d had time to grab his gun.

      “Where’s the boy?” the man demanded.

      “He’s somewhere safe.” Devin wasn’t about to give up the child’s location.

      “I’ll only let her go if I get the boy back. Your choice.” The man jerked Sienna closer, gun to her head still. She let out another cry, her terror palpable in the small space.

      “You’re not getting your hands on that child,” Devin said. “And you’re not going to go anywhere with Sienna, either.”

      The gunman chuckled. “You’re not the one calling the shots right now.”

      Sirens sounded in the distance, and the gunman straightened.

      He’d heard them, too. Was rethinking his strategy. Hopefully realizing there was no way out.

      Devin prayed this situation wouldn’t escalate.

      “This isn’t over,” the man muttered.

      With one last glare, the intruder shoved Sienna into Devin’s arms and darted out the window.

      Devin grasped Sienna’s shoulders, pulling her back until he saw her face. “Are you okay?”

      She nodded, though barely. “Colby...”

      “He’s safe. At the neighbors’. Now I need to go after this guy.”

      Sienna didn’t argue.

      Devin slipped around her and darted out the window after the gunman. Before he could reach the man’s fleeing figure, a car pulled up. The man jumped inside.

      And he was gone.

      But not before Devin memorized the license plate.

       TWO

      All Sienna could think about was Colby. She needed to see him for herself. To know that he was okay.

      It didn’t matter that her limbs were a quivering mess. That tears streamed down her cheeks. That she was shaken to her core.

      All that mattered was this child who wasn’t even hers. Colby was her responsibility until Anita returned, and the boy had quickly gained a place in her heart.

      She darted past the displaced dresser. Around the cracked door frame. Through her once comforting, safe home. Chilly summer air hit her as she stepped onto the porch.

      She was halfway across her lawn when someone jerked her to a stop. She lurched her head around and saw Devin standing there.

      Devin.

      Her handsome neighbor who never spoke. Or smiled. Or even waved. He had, however, just saved her life.

      “Are you okay?” He studied her with his gaze, something close to worry lingering in his eyes. His chest rose and fell rapidly with exertion. What had happened?

      “I’m fine,” she gasped, realizing she was breathless herself. “Where’s the intruder? Did you catch him?”

      “He had a car waiting for him. He got away.”

      Her spirits sank so quickly that her stomach ached. That man was still out there. That meant she and Colby were still in danger. “I need to see Colby.”

      “Wait a minute.” Devin didn’t release her arm yet, and his intense gaze remained on her. “Take a few deep breaths.”

      “What? Why?” Had he lost his mind? Sienna needed to see the child she’d been entrusted