Redemption(96)

I flinched a little. I knew I was going to have to bring Dean into it, but I didn’t care. I just wanted my son back. “Apparently, his name is Antonio Pinzano, Jr. Or that’s who I’ve been told he could be. When I met him yesterday, he told me his name was Charlie. He gave me a card and asked me out. He said he was here on business for a few days. His card said he was a stock broker.”

The officer frowned. “So what makes you think he’s someone else?”

I sighed, knowing I had to say something. “My partner, Jeremy’s father, believes it is Antonio Pinzano Jr. You see, this man hates Jeremy’s father and that’s why I think he took him.”

“And who is Jeremy’s father?”

“His name is Dean Scozzari. He’ll be at my house now, I believe. Look. Shouldn’t we be trying to find him? I can’t stand here all day. I’ll go crazy.”

The officer held out his hand in a calming gesture. “All in good time, ma’am. First of all, we need more details. I will need your full name, address, Jeremy’s full name, date of birth, and what he was wearing. Do you have an up-to-date picture of him?”

I fetched my purse from my shopping bag, took out the latest picture from two months ago, and handed it to him. I told him all the details he needed, including my name now, but I just wanted to take off and find out what the hell was going on.

The officer I spoke with walked over to the other officer, said something to him, then the other officer started talking on his radio.

“I need to get home,” I said as he walked back to me.

“Do you need us to take you?”

I shook my head. “I have my car.”

He didn’t look convinced. “Are you sure you can drive?”

I nodded. “I’ll be fine.”

The officer nodded with a smile. “We’ll follow you home so we can get more details and speak with your partner.”

I nodded and, with shaky legs, started walking back to the car. I fumbled with my keys, finally getting them into the ignition, started it, and drove out of my space. Ever since that night I had to escape Dean, I had been parking it backwards. That was one thing I could be thankful for now because I could get out easily. With a nod to the officers, I drove out of the parking lot and made my way home. The whole time, all I could think about was Jeremy and how scared he must be. Every time it popped into my head, I would sob a bit more. I was a wreck. I really shouldn’t have been driving, but I needed the car just in case I had to drive to get Jeremy. I prayed to God it would be soon.

As I drove into the driveway, Tara emerged, tears streaming down her face, as I got out of the car. “Tyler, I’m here for you, baby.” She stroked my head soothingly and squeezed me tightly to her.

I looked up and Jimmy was in the doorway, looking haggard. I was about to ask him where Dean was when the two officers following me got out of the car.

“Are you Dean Scozzari?”

Jimmy shook his head. “No, I’m a friend of the family. Dean’s not here. He went looking for Jeremy.” He looked over at me for a moment before looking back at the officers.

“That’s a shame. We really need to speak with him. Is there any way of getting him on the phone?”

Jimmy shrugged. “Well, he wants to keep the phone line open just in case the guy who took Jeremy calls.”

The officer stepped forward. “And has he?”

Jimmy shook his head. “Not to my knowledge. I’m sure Dean will call the minute any calls or demands are made.”

The officer shook his head. “I don’t think it’s a good idea for Mr. Scozzari to be acting alone in this. Someone could get hurt.”

Jimmy took a step out of the house. “Jeremy is his son. He’s going to do everything in his power to get him back. You must understand that. Don’t you have kids yourself?”

The officer nodded. “Yes, I do.”

Jimmy gave him a little smile. “Wouldn’t you do everything you could to get your kid back? Would you be content sitting at home and waiting?”

He shook his head. “Of course not, no. I do understand. It’s just not advisable for him to go alone. He needs to leave this up to the police.”

Jimmy barked out a laugh. “You obviously haven’t met Dean. He’s the most stubborn person I know. He also needs to do this.” Jimmy looked over at me. “He wanted you to know that he promises to do everything he can to get him back.”

I nodded with a slight smile. I had no reservations as far as that was concerned. I knew Dean would do everything he could. I just wished it hadn’t come to this in the first place. I was angry with Dean, which I imagine he realized by now. But no matter how angry I was with him, it still didn’t take away the fact that he was putting his own life in danger. I wanted them both back in one piece. It was the pain in the pit of my stomach that was telling me otherwise.