Delaney needed to distract her. “She’s a beautiful little girl.”
“I know that.”
“Of course you do. Of course you know. Like any good mother, you love your daughter.”
“I…I do.” Maybe she hadn’t expected anyone to believe that of her.
Delaney had no idea what was going on in Violet’s head, but she guessed understanding and compassion were her best options.
“Is she all right?”
“She’s…fine. She’s just not used to me yet.”
“It’ll take time.”
“Yes. You’re right.” Violet blew out a breath. “That’s all she needs, a little more time.”
“Where do you plan to take her?”
The gun rose again. “You’re trying to trick me! You think I’m stupid!”
“You’re not stupid, Violet. You pulled this off, didn’t you?”
“Yeah. I almost did it a couple months ago. Got all the way in the house before the alarm went off. I had to figure out how to get past it. I put a camera in the bushes so I could see someone plugging the code in.”
“Wow.” Delaney didn’t want to let on that she’d already known that. Noah had assumed Hayes had been involved in the kidnapping, but Violet made it sound as if she’d acted alone.
“You’re not gonna stop me.”
“You’re right, of course.” Delaney tried very hard to keep panic out of her voice. “I’m just sad for Noah and Jasper. They’re looking for her too. They’re worried.”
“Jasper? He’s here?” Was that a note of hope in her voice?
That was information Delaney could use. She had to figure out how to play it, how to keep Violet talking. Maybe find out where Charlotte was. The child had to be nearby.
“Jasper came back to see his daughter,” Delaney said carefully. “He’s been frantic, searching everywhere for her.”
Violet’s silhouette shifted, the gun wavering slightly. “He never cared before. Not about me. Not about her.”
“People change. You did, right? Change?”
“What do you know about me?”
“Nothing, really.” Delaney needed to be more careful with her words. “Jasper’s been out of his mind with worry.”
“Right.” Violet’s laugh was brittle. “The party boy suddenly cares about his kid.”
A faint sound came from somewhere beyond the trees—a soft cry that made Delaney’s heart leap.
“Where is Charlotte?” Delaney kept her voice gentle. “Is she okay? She doesn’t like the dark.”
“I know that,” Violet snapped, then softened. “I would never leave her alone in the dark.”
“Of course you wouldn’t,” Delaney agreed. “You’re her mother.”
Violet’s breathing changed, became less frantic. The gun lowered again. “I’m trying,” she whispered. “Nobody will give me a chance. She’s my kid. Mine.”
The crying came again, louder this time. Delaney strained to pinpoint the direction, but it felt nearly impossible in the shadowed forest.
