The sheriff looked at me.
“Gerald’s escalating.”
“I know.”
“He showed himself on purpose.”
“I know.”
“He wants Sadie scared.”
My hands curled into fists.
“I know.”
Sheriff Cooper stepped closer.
His voice lowered.
“You cannot go after him alone.”
I met his eyes.
“Then find him faster.”
For a moment, nobody spoke.
Then Sheriff Cooper nodded.
Because he understood.
Because he had watched the video as Gerald waved at Sadie from the pasture.
Because he had seen the fear on her face.
“We’ll find him,” he said.
I looked toward the trees.
Dark.
Silent.
Full of places to hide.
“You better.”
Inside the house, Sadie stood.
She came to the window.
Her eyes found mine.
I crossed the yard immediately.
Opened the door.
She looked up at me.
