Both he and Jay turned their heads to see a couple of guys about their age looking less than pleased at the announcement, one of whom worked at Trap.
“What’s their problem?” Jay mumbled under her breath as they both looked forward again.
Ferris glanced at the front row. “Raven, would you like to come up and say anything?”
Ethan felt Connor tense beside him when the woman they’d seen in the bar the other week walked to the front of the crowd.
She was wringing her hands, clearly nervous as she stepped in front of the microphone. “Hi, everyone.”
“Is this a joke?” a guy behind Ethan yelled.
Raven’s face fell.
“The fuck?” Connor scowled, as he turned to glare at the guy.
Ryan set a hand on Connor’s shoulder.
Raven straightened, clearing her throat. “I just want to say that I’m excited to assume this role. Blanche has done a wonderful job at the community center, and I want to honor her work. I also want to bring in a few new activities, particularly aimed at a younger crowd. I’m looking forward to fresh starts and new beginnings.”
There was a scoff in the row behind them. “Yeah, okay.”
Connor turned. “You got a problem?”
“What if I do?”
When Connor straightened, Ethan turned to his friend. “Ignore him.”
“Please don’t hesitate to come to me with any ideas, questions, or concerns,” Raven finished, before quickly stepping away.
Connor followed her movement with his eyes, but Ethan knew he was also distinctly aware of the guys behind them.
Ferris returned to the microphone. “Okay, now on to a less…favorable topic of conversation.”
The guy behind him scoffed again. “What could get less favorable than Raven Price?”
Connor swung around. “Keep going and see what happens.”
Ferris cleared his throat. “Last night, we had another woman go missing in our woods.”
Gasps sounded throughout the center, the faces of locals visibly paling.
“What the hell?” a woman from the front yelled.
“Are none of us safe?” another yelled.
Ryan stood and moved to the front of the room to take the microphone. “I know this isn’t the news we want. And unfortunately, this time she’s a local—Priya Tan.”
More gasps, this time louder. There was also the murmur of voices.
“A person jumped in front of her car while she was driving,” Ryan continued. “Priya swerved and hit a tree. She was dragged out of her car but managed to get free. That’s when she called us.”
“But she’s still missing?” Anika called out.
“Yes. But we’re not giving up. Half our team is out there right now. We’re taking shifts. We’re not stopping. We’re going to figure out where she’s been taken. But until we find the person responsible, it’s important to remember thateverymissing person has been taken from remote areas of this town. They’ve gone missing in the mountains and near the river. And they’re always women.”
More voices, louder now.
“I’m not telling you this to scare you.” Ryan spoke over the crowd. “I’m telling you because knowledge is power. Don’t gointo the forest or down to the river alone. Stay in pairs and groups. Stay in busy areas.”
