Jesse hadn’t been able to find anything linking Carlos to the dead fucking mouse incident. Nothing. Just like the night Bonnie had been shoved against the building, he had an alibi, but this time he’d been with his wife. The same wife who’d sent that god-awful text to Bonnie.
Shit, he hated that family.
Bonnie: No. This feels different. I’m probably being silly. There are a lot of big emotions in the shelter today. You still want me to come to The Pit after work?
Zane: Come anytime.
Bonnie: I’ve only got a couple of hours to go. I’ll see you soon.
Nothing felt soon enough. He wanted eyes on her all the time, and he didn’t care if that was normal or not.
He stepped inside The Tea House, spotting Jesse at a table to the side of the room. He sat with his brother, Becket, andbest friend, Holden. When the guys saw him, they waved. Zane dipped his head before stepping up to the counter.
Mrs. Gerald hung up the phone and faced him, brows tugged together. “Hi, Zane.”
“Is everything okay?”
“Um. I’m not sure. That was one of my girls. She was supposed to come in for the last couple hours of the day to do the close, but on her way here, she found a man on the side of the road. He was unconscious and naked.”
The fuck? “Like, someone beat him up and took his clothes?”
“That’s what it sounded like.”
“Jesse’s over there if you want to talk to him.”
“She’s called the sheriff’s station, but yes, I might mention it to Jesse too.” Another worker called the shop owner over. “Sorry. I’ll be back in a moment.”
Who the hell would beat someone up and take their clothes? Especially in this town.
He looked over at Jesse to see the three guys already heading his way.
“Hey. Everything okay?” Jesse asked.
“Mrs. Gerald just got a report that some guy was beaten up and his clothes were taken.”
Jesse’s head reared back. “Just now?”
“Apparently.”
“Here in Amber Ridge?” Becket asked.
“Yeah.”
Jesse pulled his cell from his pocket just as it started ringing. “It’s the station. Maybe that’s what they’re calling about.” He put the phone to his ear. “Sheriff Hayes speaking.” His eyes flared. “What?” There was a small pause. “How many?” Another pause, then Jesse cursed. “We need to call in everyone currently off duty, then I want everyone out on patrol in pairs, keeping an eye out for escapees.”
Zane’s pulse sped up. “Escapees?”
“There was a prisoner transfer from Montana State Prison. Contact was lost with the transport officers, and the van was just found in the mountains, here in Amber Ridge.” Jesse met his gaze. “Both transport officers are dead and the van’s empty.”
Zane flinched like someone had hit him.
“How many inmates?” Becket asked through gritted teeth.
“Nine.”
“Do you know any of the inmates’ names?” Zane asked quietly.
Jesse shook his head. “No. I’ve got to get to the station.”
