“Nice work,” Beeker said. “Especially, you, Providence. Cool under fire.”
She tossed him a nod.
“I’ll be in touch.” Beeker left them standing alone in the hallway.
Dakota pulled her close. She wrapped her arms around him, never wanting to let him go.
“You did a great job.” He kissed her. “Beeker and I agree over one thing. You are damn cool under fire.” His smile was fraught with tension. She leaned up, kissed his cheek.
“I want this nightmare to be over,” she whispered.
“As soon as they pick up his wife, it will be. Let’s get out of here.”
They left the hospital and headed for his black site. Using night goggles, Providence watched out the back window.
When they turned onto the quiet, residential side road, Dakota pulled over. A car stopped a hundred feet back. “Check this out.” She handed him the goggles.
“They’re turning around,” Dakota said.
“Follow them.”
“Probably took a wrong turn.”
He handed her the goggles and waited another few minutes before he drove forward. It had been a stressful day, so she let it go. But as Dakota turned down the deserted road that dead-ended at his black site, she couldn’t shake the feeling that someone was still on their tail.
27
Lizzie Goes Missing
Providence’s phone rang as the garage to Dakota’s black site opened. “It’s Beeker.” She tapped the speaker button. “Hi, Aaron.”
“Lizzie Maddox isn’t at your parents’.”
Providence shifted her gaze to Dakota. “Are you sure? Maybe she’s not answering the door.”
“I’ve got a warrant. I don’t want to break down the door. Any chance you can swing by and let us in?”
“Absolutely,” she replied. “I’ll be there—”
“We’llbe there in thirty,” Dakota said, then waited for the garage door to close.
“Thanks,” Beeker said. “See you soon.”
Providence hung up. “Dakota, you need to check on Sammy.”
“She’s asleep and well cared for. You and I—we’re partners. I’m not letting you walk into that house without me.”
“Randy’s in jail.”
“But his wife isn’t.”
She clasped his hand. “Thank you.” Using the night goggles, she kept watch as they made their way back to her parents’ house.
When they arrived, the house was dark. With their weapons by their sides, the officers entered the home. Providence flicked on the kitchen lights. Nothing had changed. The place was still a mess.
“I’ll show you where I found the evidence.”
Dakota pulled out his cell phone. “I’m calling a locksmith.”
