THE PERFECT TEN (Boxed Set)

Airport. I don’t know the code. I can get it, though.”
    Cody talked to the pilot and came back on the line. “He’s already got it dialed in from the navigation system. We’re on our way.”
    Kasey looked confused. “What’s going on?”
    Scott put his arm around her and hugged her close. “Jake’s coming home.”
    She clung to Scott’s arm.
    Von continued: “Cody, the police in Tappahannock are supposed to be picking up Jake right about now. I’m waiting on confirmation. I’ll let them know to meet you at the airport and release him to you. Can I call you back on this number?”
    “Yeah. It should work, but if I don’t hear from you I’ll call back.”
    “I’ll update you with information and timing as I get it.”
    “You got it,” Cody said.
    Von ended the call and handed the phone to Kasey. “We better go back to the station. We’re going to have to fax a release form.”
    “Jake’s really coming home this time? I’m almost afraid to believe it.”
    “Come on.” Scott guided Kasey to the car. She was unsteady, so he swept her up and carried her. He pulled out onto the street with Von right behind him.
     
    * * * *
     
    Von called home as he drove. “Hey, baby.”
    “What’s going on? Did something happen?” Riley asked.
    I’ll fill you in on everything when you get here, but the bottom line is Jake’s coming home.”
    “Tonight? Von, this is amazing.”
    “Yep. Cody Tuggle called from his plane. He was on his way to see Kasey. They’ve rerouted. Now he’s flying to Tappahannock to bring Jake home. We’re going to meet them at the Greensville-Emporia airport.”
    “Not the little airport on the way to Kasey’s new place?”
    “That’s the one.”
    “I didn’t know planes actually landed there. I’m heading that way.”
    “I knew you would. I love you, Riley. Drive careful. I can’t take any more excitement today.”
    “I will. I promise.”
    Von ended the call, then redialed the Tappahannock police to coordinate the transfer at the airport and confirm what forms needed to be filed to make it all happen.
     
    Von and Scott pulled into the station at the same time. Von’s cell phone rang as they walked inside.
    He swept the phone from his hip to his ear, nodding and yessing. “Great...Yes...I’m going to dial you back from a landline.”
    Von grabbed Kasey’s hand. “The Tappahannock police are at the address. They’re going in.” Von ended the call and turned his attention to Scott. “You got a speakerphone in your office?”
    “Come on.” Scott led the way. He spun the desk phone around. Von dialed the number. The phone on the other end rang once. “Hankins.”
    “It’s Perry Von. I’ve got Sheriff Scott Calvin and Jake’s mother, Kasey Phillips, on speakerphone.”
    Kasey hung on to Scott’s forearm and Von’s shoulder as they all leaned over the phone, waiting.
    “Stand by,” Hankins said. Radio communications and the muffled sounds of movement came from the other end of the line before Hankins came back on the line. “We’ve got the boy.”
    Kasey collapsed, sobbing.
    “Is he okay?” Von asked.
    “He looks fine.” Hankins's voice relaxed. “We’ll head to the airport. Get those papers faxed over to us in the meantime.”
    “Already in the works,” Von confirmed. Scott gave him a nod.
    “I’ll call you when we get to the airport,” Hankins said.
    Kasey hugged Scott, then turned and hugged Von.
    Scott and Von high-fived over her head.
    A young clerk stepped into the doorway of Scott’s office. “Pardon me,” she said, holding up the fax. “They said these were urgent.”
    “Excellent.” Scott snatched the papers and filled out the form, then turned to Kasey. “I need you to sign right here.”
    She signed the paper, not that the scribble looked anything like her signature. Her hands trembled so much she could barely hold the pen.
    Scott handed the papers back to the clerk. “Fax these back right now.”
    “I’m on it, sir.” The clerk rushed out of the room.
    Von picked up the handset and dialed Cody’s number. “I just got off the phone with the police. They have Jake. He’s fine.”
    “Hallelujah,” Cody shouted. “Yeah! Let me see how long we have before we land.”
    While Von waited, the clerk came back in and handed Scott a note. Scott read it and handed it to Von.
    Von nodded. “Hey, Cody. I need the tail numbers on the plane for our paperwork.” Von scribbled some numbers on a pad of paper. “About fifteen