Loud barks.
To my right, a wooden fence shudders as several dogs behind it jump and bark. It looks like a discount car parts lot.
When I turn my attention back to the road, it’s too late to see the red light. Slamming on the brakes, I stop right in the middle of the intersection. Lucky for me, there aren’t any other cars nearby.
I just sit resting my head on the steering wheel. She’s out there somewhere, and there’s nothing I can do to protect her.
What is happening to her right now?
Unconsciously, I ease my foot off the brake. That’s when I see it—parked at the gas station.
A silver Land Rover.
CHAPTER 25
The Widow
It’s dark by the time we pull into the driveway. Scott turns off the engine, gets out, and looks back at Maddie and me.
“Wait by the door,” he says. “I’m going to check it out.” He sprints to the front door, slipping inside and leaving it open behind him.
Before I can stop it, another horrific vision rips through my mind. Natalie’s screaming, her face twisted in fear, followed by another terrible image. These have been replaying in my head on and off since the kidnapping.
Nathan and the police are out there looking for her, and I cling to the small kernel of hope flickering in my chest.
Please find our little girl, Nathan.
Maddie hooks an arm under mine. “Come on,” she says gently. “I’ve got you.”
I can’t even keep myself upright on my own.
Momma, please, help me, please… Momma!
I lose my footing and drop to the ground beside the front porch. Then I bend and vomit over the roots of the hibiscus bush.
Maddie crouches beside me, holding my hair back. She doesn’t offer empty reassurances. Her eyes are as swollen as mine. She’s sharing the pain with me.
I can barely breathe through the congestion packed in my nose and throat, and my head is pounding. There are no more tears left, but I’m still crying. Silent sobs that hurt like punches.
Maddie wipes my mouth with a napkin and slips both arms around my waist, helping me toward the front door.
“We’ll get you cleaned up inside.” She pauses on the porch, keeping me close to her side while we wait for Scott’s voice to tell us it’s okay.
There are no stars in the sky tonight, but I can see the moon. A waning crescent moon. What is happening to my little girl? The picture of her in terror returns mercilessly, strangling my mind.
“You're going to be sick again,” Maddie says with her face pinched with worry. She glances at the door. “Sorry, Scott,” she mumbles, and pulls the screen door open.
The moment we step through, there’s a volley of loud shouts and furniture being tossed around, followed by a loud crash and male grunts. It’s coming from the living room.
“Scott?” Maddie’s voice lifts, edged with fear.
She lowers me to the floor and pulls her phone from her pocket as she rushes to the end of the entryway.
“Let me tell you. I know it! I know!” a man shouts. His voice is scratchy and muffled, like he’s yelling through clenched teeth.
More scuffling.
A heavy thump.
