He drove out of the parking lot, his mind going to the missing woman. His team had searched through the night, sending him updates on the area they’d covered. They were probably running off a few hours of sleep between them, and fucking Ward, who’d sent two deputies out there for a couple of hours, couldn’t even a muster a thank you for looking after his town.
Because the guy didn’t care. He couldn’t give a shit about this town or the people in it. He cared about the badge. The position. His fucking ego.
When he pulled into the parking lot outside base, he noticed an extra car. The car looked new and clean and had a barcode sticker on the back window. A rental?
He moved into the building to see Ryan embracing someone. A tall woman with red hair, but still a head shorter than Ryan.
She turned—and Ethan blinked. “Jay?”
“Hey, Squid.”
Ethan crossed the distance between them and pulled Jay into his arms. Jesus, he hadn’t seen her in person in over a year.
When he pulled back, he frowned. “What the hell are you doing here?”
“Um, you invited me.”
“I didn’t think you’d actually come.”
“What else am I going to do with my leave? Besides, I think you need my help.” She lifted a brow. “A woman went missing last night and hasn’t been found? That’s not like you guys.”
“Don’t remind us.” Ryan scowled.
She smiled. “Don’t worry. I’m here now.”
19
Maggie rushed out of Polly’s house and dropped into her car.
She was late. Well, technically not late, but she wasn’t early. And dammit, she’d wanted to get to the town meeting early, or at least before Polly so her friend didn’t choose them front-row seats again.
She sped out of Polly’s driveway and down the street. Thank God the community center was close.
Today was not her day. It had started well, waking up beside Ethan, then she’d been on a roll with her website designer. She’d felt inspired and driven and like she was getting somewhere with this travel business.
But then she’d seen it—a comment on her latest post, from someone named Jade. Her stalker had always chosen a name starting withJ. Jody. Janet. They never had a profile photo. And theyalwayscommented on her looks or her life being aesthetically perfect. This time, the comment had read:Picture perfect, as per usual.
Then the signature green heart.
All she’d posted was herself holding a mug of coffee with the caption, “New beginning.”
And that was when her day had been ruined.
When she reached the community center, she was in such a rush that she didn’t look at her phone before answering the call that came through.
“I know, I’m late. I’m?—”
“Maggie, it’s Lilith.”
She froze, partway to the door. “Why are you calling me?”
“For the same reason I called yesterday. And last week. Because you still have boxes of stuff at my house. And I need to talk to you about something.”
“About what?”
“When are you coming over?”
“I’m busy right now.”
