When Hope is Missing

  When Hope Is Missing

  18K Small Town Estate

  Christian Cozy Mystery Series

  Book 4

  By

  S.F. Nightingale

  Copyright © 2019

  All Rights Reserved

  Perfect 10 Publications

  All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced or transmitted in any form or by any means, electronic or mechanical, including photocopy, recording, or any information storage or retrieval system, without permission in writing from the publisher.

  This is a work of fiction. The characters, incidents, and locations portrayed in this book and the names herein are fictitious. Any similarity to or identification with the locations, names, characters, or history of any person, product or entity is entirely coincidental and unintentional.

  Any questions, comments, or media inquiries please email: sf@sfnightingalebooks.com

  “While he was speaking, there came from the ruler’s house some who said, “Your daughter is dead. Why trouble the teacher any further?” But overhearing what they said, Jesus said to the ruler of the synagogue, “Do not fear, only believe.” Mark 5: 35-36

  Foreword

  First Chapter

  Second Chapter

  Third Chapter

  Fourth Chapter

  Fifth Chapter

  Sixth Chapter

  Seventh Chapter

  Eighth Chapter

  Ninth Chapter

  Tenth Chapter

  Eleventh Chapter

  Download All Books by S.F. Nightingale

  Final Surprise Bonus

  Who is S.F. Nightingale?

  Some of My Favorite Bible Verses:

  Ever Dreamt of Being an Author?

  Foreword

  Before You Go Any Further, Get This Limited Free Gift!

  Firstly, I’d like to sincerely thank you for taking the time to consider reading my book.

  I’ve put my heart and soul into it, fueling from my passion for writing Christian Cozy Mystery Books.

  I specialize in writing clean, wholesome cozy mysteries that keep you guessing until the very end so if you’re a fan of the genre, I’m sure you’ll really enjoy what lays in the pages ahead…

  To start our relationship off on the right foot, I want to gift you a free book called “The General’s Secret”. It’s the exciting prequel to the bestselling “18K Small Town Estate Series”.

  Get your free copy here:

  http://sfnightingalebooks.com/18k/gift

  *available until download limit is reached

  Thank you and look forward to taking you on a wonderful journey soon,

  First Chapter

  The plane swayed a little bit more than Devin Grant was ready for as it flew into Glaxton, Ontario. During the entire one-hour flight, he thought that perhaps a seven-hour drive from Toronto would have been better. The lake-effect snow was different from the precipitation in Kingsvale, New Hampshire. The snow was accompanied by howling winds and frigid temperatures in Ontario. In New Hampshire, the snow often fell silent as it formed puffs on the cars and mailboxes. Devin touched the cross that hung around his neck more than usual, as he sought comfort from the turbulence. The oddest thing was that his twelve fellow passengers were unfazed by the rocking and swaying. Devin’s bed in Afghanistan had swayed from nearby gunfire when he served as Chaplain in the Army. He had gotten used to that, just as the people around him were used to the plane popping around like corn kernels in hot oil. The landing couldn’t have come soon enough. The plane bumped along and came to a hard stop; any type of stop was appreciated at that point.

  Devin pulled his black, leather carry-on from the bin above. It’s a good thing he packed nothing fragile, or it would be reduced to dust by this point. As Devin descended the portable stairs onto the tarmac of the tiny municipal airport, Ken Spencer appeared out of the darkness and charged towards him. He threw his arms around Devin, and he was trembling.

  Devin pushed him back so he could find out what was going on. “I realize we haven’t seen each other in a few months, but you didn’t have to come out in the cold to greet me. I was fine with hailing a cab as planned. I didn’t want a very pregnant Magda to come out in the snow, but I didn’t want you to drive in these conditions, either,” Devin said. He noticed Ken juggling his keys like they were hot rocks. The pressure he was applying on his eyes and cheekbones were reminiscent of the PTSD that he had been struggling with since Afghanistan. “Does Magda know you came out in this storm?” Before Ken could answer, Devin realized something was very wrong. Ken’s face was stained with tears.

  “Magda is in the hospital. I have to get back there now; I’ll fill you in on the way,” Ken said.

  A shaky Ken and snowy streets weren’t a good combination. “Give me the keys and punch in the address. Let the pleasant voice living inside your dashboard guide the way. Magda wasn’t due for three weeks. Is she okay? Is the baby okay?” Devin had a feeling that the answer to one of his questions was no. He dreaded the answer. As a habit, Devin pressed the cross around his neck.

  “Magda went into labor early. Her regular physician, Dr. Morgan, wasn’t available, so we had Dr. Grassley. I shouldn’t even call Dr. Morgan her regular physician since she hasn’t seen him since October. Dr. Grassley had her on some new supplements that seemed to be working; they were preventing her from going into early and unsafe labor. It went well, and Magda had a beautiful baby girl. I had a daughter, and we called her Hope. We tried getting in touch with you because we needed your prayers, but you were at the retreat in Boston. Now Hope’s gone, Devin, and you have to help me get her back.”

  Devin knew Ken’s grief was raw and he was asking the impossible of Devin. As a pastor, he was often approached to make miracles happen. This seemed to be one of those times, and it was especially difficult because it was his dear friend who was asking. "I can offer counsel, comfort, and prayer to you and Magda. It will be a journey of healing, and I'll be with you every step of the way. Has Magda’s mother been notified? I’m sure she’d be a great comfort at this moment.”

  “We have to find Hope. You’re good when it comes to communicating with authorities. I beg for your help, friend.”

  As Devin Grant drove along the streets which were covered in a hard pack of snow with a light dusting on top, he saw police cruisers gathered around the hospital. Devin quickly reviewed what Ken said, and it was as if a light bulb went off. Ken never used the word died.

  “Hope did not die, am I right?” Devin asked.

  The look on Ken’s face said everything. “I hope not. What – oh, our wires were crossed. Hope was kidnapped from the nursery. She was only supposed to be separated from us for ten minutes. When we realized, it had been 15 minutes, I went to get Hope, and she was gone.”

  “Go inside and get an update from Magda. I have a few phone calls to make, and then I’ll be in.”

  Ken walked over the snow to the hospital entrance and managed not to fall. He had only been in Ontario for eight months, and already he was a pro on the ice.

  Devin fished his phone out from the inside pocket of his parka. It was a minor miracle that it was still operating and not frozen solid. “Samantha Vance, please.” Devin waited for his cousin to answer the call.

  “Hey, Dev. Thought you were in Canada seeking a change of scenery. What’s up?”

  "Hi, Sam. You said I always find myself near the weirdest situations. My luck, or lack thereof, has followed me to Canada. There's been a kidnapping – Ken and Magda's infant daughter was taken from the hospital nursery. I’ve been asked by Ken to help, in an unofficial capacity of course, but I need a contact name.”

  “I’ll look into it, Cus,” Sam said, and disconnected the li
ne.

  Waiting for Sam’s call back, Devin entered the hospital to see how Magda Spencer was holding up. Devin had friends and parishioners who had lost young children or had miscarriages. Their pain was palpable, and he imagined Magda’s to be similar or worse.

  Second Chapter

  Devin stopped at the registration desk and received a visitor sticker that he threw on his gray sweater under his parka. While his hands were in the vicinity, Devin pressed his cross. Please God; mercy for these dear people who have done nothing to deserve such sorrow. He was going to ask how to get to Magda Spencer’s room, but he stood a slim chance of not finding her in a hospital this small.

  “I’m a family friend,” Devin said as he pushed past the two officers standing in front of her door. “Magda. What’s happened to you and Ken is unfathomable, and I’m going to do everything in my power to bring Hope home.”

  "No prayers are going to bring Hope back. I prayed for nine months, and it did absolutely no good. Something this horrible was not supposed to happen to Ken and me. We’re good Christians!” Magda tossed the cup of water that was on the bed tray, across the room. Magda was not herself, and Devin realized her hormones were raging. “I should apologize for acting this way, but I have the right because no person should have to go through this excruciating pain. The nurse gave me something to calm me down, and it should be kicking in soon.” Magda’s calm countenance was nowhere to be seen. “On top of it all, I'm afraid the grief may trigger Ken's PTSD, and that will complicate things even more."

  "Ken mentioned your regular doctor wasn't available. Who was your attending? Was it someone you had seen at Glaxton Community Hospital before?”

  Before Magda could answer, Ken felt a tap on his shoulder. “Is there a reason you’re asking Mrs. Spencer questions about the incident?” a woman in uniform asked.

  “I’m a family friend and Pastor at their church back in New Hampshire.”

  “Neither of those things qualify you to work on this case. It’s out of your jurisdiction, Pastor. You can offer prayers and, boy, do they need those.”

  "I do not intend to step on anyone's toes. Consider me an interested party, and, if the press gets involved, I'll be the family spokesperson."

  “I’ll keep it in mind. Just be sure to give the professionals their space. I’m Detective Poppy Stewart. Call me Poppy, because we’re not formal here in Glaxton.”

  The muffled sound of Devin’s phone went off, and he hoped it was Sam. “Hey.”

  “I’ve got a name, but I’m not too familiar with him or her. Detective Stewart,” Sam said.

  “Poppy Stewart?”

  Sam was silent for a moment. “Cute as a button with auburn hair and a spray of freckles?”

  “I guess. She’s standing right here,” Devin replied, not too sure where Sam was going with this.

  At Sam’s request, he handed the phone to Poppy. There were squeals, and a few inside jokes were shared. Poppy laughed, and he assumed Sam did too. Poppy handed Devin back his phone. Sam had hung up.

  “You’re Sam Vance’s cousin. We went to UNH together when I was Poppy Mooseburger. Glad you’re here for the Spencers. Didn’t mean to act all police detective on you. Sam’s good people, so I’m sure you are, too.”

  With the local police his newfound friends, Devin went back in to ask Magda what she knew. She was exhausted from giving birth, but adrenaline was rushing through her veins at the same time. She was desperate to find baby Hope.

  “Back to where we were before. Who delivered Hope?” Devin asked from a chair next to her bed.

  “Dr. Grassley. He’s a legend at GCH, and he delivered Hope with no problems. She was early but healthy at 7lbs. 4 oz. He retired last year but still retains privileges at the hospital and keeps his license current. His granddaughter Kara is an N.A. here, and his daughter Nora was a nurse for years. I guess I’m trying to say that they’re a good family with deep roots in Glaxton.”

  “I’ll see if Dr. Grassley saw anything out of order or anyone he hadn’t seen before. You rest, Magda, and I’ll be back in the morning with any information I uncover. Have you seen Ken?”

  “He’s in the chapel. It’s small; blink, and you’ll miss it,” Magda said

  Devin stopped at the nurse's station before hitting the chapel. GCH wasn't like any hospital Devin had ever seen. It was smaller than the local high school in Kingsvale and had the atmosphere of an assisted living facility. No one was at the nurse's station, and files were piled behind the desk unattended. Devin wasn't a medical professional, but he knew privacy and security were high priorities in medical facilities. Anyone could gain access. It was something Devin would have to check out.

  “Reverend Grant,” a familiar voice called out. “It’s Elena, Magda’s mom.”

  Devin and Elena embraced warmly. "I'm here for you and the entire family if you need me. I'm sure you're on your way to see Magda. I'm going to pray with Ken in the chapel. After that, there are some things I'm going to investigate. I have a connection in the local police force, so I'll be able to keep you informed on the latest."

  “I’d appreciate it, Revered Grant…”

  Devin put out his hand. “Please. I think by now we should be on a first name basis. Call me Devin.”

  Elena smiled. "As I was saying, Devin, I appreciate your help. You managed to clear my name in the murder of Uncle Milton. I know you are from the clergy and not the police, but you have a knack for investigative work."

  “I have help.” Devin looked up at the heavens and smiled.

  Third Chapter

  “I’m not going to be here long because I want to be by Magda’s side in case there’s news. Praying with you in the chapel helped screw my head on straight. I was slipping back to my past in Afghanistan, and you helped me back to the present, where I’m needed,” Ken said. He was helping Devin get situated in his downtown Glaxton condo. The center of town was two blocks long and made Kingsvale seem like a booming metropolis.

  “You weren’t far off. Magda asked that I check on you, and I’m glad I did. After prayer and refocus, you seem strong enough to handle what’s going on.” Devin set his bag on the couch where he was planning to sleep. Ken offered the pullout in the nursery but sleeping in Hope’s room made him uneasy. “You said Magda went into labor early?”

  “Yes, that’s why Dr. Morgan wasn’t available. He’s in Toronto every other week for a day or two. We were thankful Dr. Grassley was ready to go,” Ken said as he zipped up an overnight bag for himself. “Cat’s name is Fiona. Food and beer are in the frig, and takeout menus are on the countertop. Wi-fi is my company number from the Army with two underscores. Sorry, this isn’t the getaway you imagined.”

  “No worries. Go take care of your wife.”

  The baby’s weight was high for being four weeks early. Devin recalled being told by his mother that he was 7 lbs. 8 ounces, which was considered large at the time. Devin pulled out his laptop and looked up normal, healthy baby weights. He scanned the numbers, and his recollection was right. It was something he’d have to speak with a nurse about to get clarification. He didn’t know enough about medicine to be sure he was going down the correct path.

  ***

  After a fitful night sleep, Devin showered and headed to GCH. He drove Ken’s car, which wasn’t as stable as his 4x4, but it would do. On the way to the hospital, Devin spotted a church and praised God. It was comforting to know there was a place he could check-in. God was never far, but he liked the feeling of a brick and mortar house of God.

  The hospital was as quiet as it had been the night before. He heard the beeping and whirring of machines and his footfalls on the white linoleum floor

  “Hello, Darlene. You don’t know me; I read your name badge. I’m Reverend Devin Grant, and I have a few questions for you. I’m a family friend of the Spencers.”

  Darlene placed her palm on her forehead. “I have nothing else to say. I was off-duty the evening the Spencer baby was taken.”

  "I'm not with th
e police, and I don't have questions about that night per se. My questions are general ones about the weight of a baby at birth," Devin asked as he popped a complimentary mint in his mouth.

  “That’s a relief; ask away.” Darlene was no more than 25 and appeared eager to help.

  “Magda’s baby wasn’t due for three weeks and came out weighing over seven pounds. Is that normal?”

  "That would be unlike any child I've seen. It's not impossible but unlikely, and, if a baby that size pre-term were born at GCH, there would have been talking. Not exactly juicy gossip, but it's all we've got in Glaxton," Darlene joked.

  “Could her due date have been miscalculated?”

  “It probably was. Oh, no; is there a question of paternity based on the due date? Are you the father, Reverend?” Darlene asked.

  “No, no, no. These questions pertain to the kidnapping only.” Devin’s face grew hot, and he knew he was turning red. “Magda and Ken are dear friends. I officiated their wedding. If you were off duty that night, who was the nurse in the delivery room?”

  “It was an emergency, so I think Dr. Grassley was flying solo. Of course, his granddaughter Kara is a nurse’s assistant so she may have been helping. She's not allowed to lay her hands on the patients, but this is GCH, and we allow a lot of rules to slide.”

  “I’ll say. A live infant was allowed to be taken from the nursery. Was there a nurse on-call that night?” Devin asked.

  “No. Nora gave me the night off.”

  Devin shook his head. “Nora who retired years ago?”

  "That's the one. Nora still handles the scheduling because we have a hard time bringing qualified staff to Glaxton. Can I help you with anything else, Reverend?" Darlene asked before placing a pretzel in her mouth. Devin knew that eating on the job was a no-no for on staff medical personnel.

  “No Darlene, I’m good for now.”