Unwilling to waste a single second, Nathan and I jogged as we carried the gallons of water to the house in one trip.
Jamie’s kitchen had turned into command central.
“Ashley’s here,” John reassured Nathan as we walked in. “The girls are in Emily’s bedroom with the twins.”
I updated them on what we’d found—a big flaming pile of nothing.
“This is all my fault,” Jamie said, his eyes wild with fear and self-loathing. “I didn’t think, just let her leave, and now she’s…”
I understood his grief. I hadn’t stopped blaming myself since I’d read his text.
“We’ll find her,” Jack comforted his brother.
“I’m tracing her phone signal,” Doug said from the kitchen table. “I should have her location in a minute.”
I prayed while Jamie leaned over Doug’s shoulder, willing the screen to yield the results we needed.
John pulled Jamie back. “Give him some room.”
“Found her.”
All heads turned to Doug. No air passed any lips. My heart stood still.
Doug's fingers flew over the keyboard. "She's in an abandoned warehouse."
Every phone pinged.
“I just sent the address.”
I pulled up the address as John gave orders.
“Suit up, we’re going in hot.”
“Yes, sir." We were one voice.
“Jamie, stay here.”
“Hell, no.”
“You’re in no condition to operate.”
“I. Will. Not. Stay. Home.”
The room was eerily silent while Jamie stared down his father. John held the stare for one full breath before conceding. “Fine, but you’re staying at command central.”
We ran to our vehicles and grabbed our gear. Back in the house, we slipped protective vests over our shoulders and rifles around our necks.
We’re coming Madi.
“Robinson, Maxwell, Jay, you ride with Blaszek.”
I handed Nathan my keys. My SUV had more room than his truck. He accepted them with a nod.
“Jamie, Jack, you’re with me. Janerek, Sharpe will ride with you.”
“Sharpe, you have your drone?”
“Yes, sir. Charged and ready to fly,” Doug answered, picking up his laptop. “I’ll let you know if Madi’s location changes.”
