Ward slammed his hands on the desk. “So if you’re not helpful, get out.”
Ethan moved forward, but instead of yelling, he kept his voice low. “We’re not going anywhere. We’ve told you that, and the sooner you get on board, the easier it will be for everyone.”
“Then I guess it’ll never get easier.” Ward looked at Ryan. “And next time, you call my office at thestartof an emergency situation, or I’ll have you all arrested for obstruction of justice and reckless endangerment.”
Ryan scowled, shaking his head before storming out.
Ethan followed him, while Ferris continued talking to Ward.
By the time Ryan reached his truck, he was nearly shaking with rage. And yeah, Ethan felt it too.
“You okay?” Ethan asked.
“No. That guy?—”
“Is a pain in our asses. I know.”
“He’s an asshole. And he’s putting everyone in this town at risk by wearing that badge.”
“I agree.”
Both his and Ryan’s phones vibrated with a text.
Joel: Ryan and Ethan, you guys close? We haven’t found the woman, but we have an extra set of hands here to help search.
Ethan: Who?
Joel: Come and see for yourself.
Ethan shoved his cell back into his pocket. “What the hell are they talking about?”
“Let’s go and find out.” Ryan climbed into his truck and left the parking lot.
Before Ethan pulled out though, a text came through on his cell. It was an automatic message from Ferris.
Ferris: Reminder to all residents of Deep River—town meeting tonight at six p.m.
The town meeting had been planned weeks ago to announce the new community center manager. But Ferris would no doubt also discuss the new missing woman.
Three. There were now three missing women, but Priya was the first local.
His jaw clenched as he texted Maggie.
Ethan: How’d the meeting go?
Maggie: Still going. We’re three iced lemonades and two honey scones deep. How’d your meeting with Ward go?
Ethan: You don’t want to know.
Maggie: Ouch. I’m sorry.
Ethan: Me too. Do me a favor. Stay in busy areas today.
Maggie: I will. You stay safe too.
Ethan: Always.
Maggie was the only good thing to come out of the last twenty-four hours.
