What did it mean? When had she left it there? Or had she had someone else leave it for her?
Even more so—why would someone leave that in the woods? If it had been Valentina, wouldn’t a hidden compartment in her suitcase be easier?
On the other hand, why would someone else leave it in the woods for her? Unless she was planning to escape and needed the new identity. Maybe they couldn’t get it to her in the house, so they left it out here instead.
She supposed that was a possibility. But even that didn’t make much sense.
She glanced at Caleb as the house came into view in the distance. “What are you going to do?”
She knew he’d already called the sheriff. But Sutherland was still twenty minutes out.
“I’m going to talk to her.” Caleb’s voice sounded hard, and his jaw looked tight.
They reached the house and stepped inside.
She wondered if he’d talk to Naomi first. But he didn’t.
Instead, he took the stairs two at a time.
He hadn’t invited Millie to come along, but she followed behind, Biscuit at her heels. Hamilton had stopped downstairs to get some water.
Adrenaline thrummed through her veins. Millie had known something was off about Valentina. She’dfeltit from the beginning.
But having proof was different.
Having proof made it real.
When they reached Valentina’s room, Caleb stopped and looked at Millie. “Stay back—just in case.”
Just in case? Just in case what?
Did he think Valentina had a gun? That she’d attack?
The thought made her throat tighten.
She stayed near the stairway and waited.
Caleb knocked firmly on the door. “Valentina, we need to talk.”
Silence.
Millie’s pulse quickened.
Maybe Valentina wasn’t inside. Maybe she was downstairs, or outside, or?—
Caleb knocked again, harder this time. “Valentina.”
Again, nothing.
Millie watched as Caleb tested the doorknob.
It was unlocked.
Her heart thudded with anticipation in her ears.
He pushed the door open and scanned the interior.
She waited for a report on what he was seeing.
