Page 179 of The Advocate’s Ultimatum

“Harm. It didn’t have to be, but you involved police, you forced her into a system she no longer understands. You dragged her through courts, interviews, psychiatrists, reporters—”

“She was abducted as a child.”

A long silence followed, then softly, “You don’t know what happened.”

Sabre heard sincerity in Rourke’s voice. He believed himself.

“Hannah survived because somebody protected her,” Rourke said.

Sabre closed her eyes briefly. “No,” she said quietly. “Hannah survived despite what happened to her.”

Another brief silence. “You always did believe the system could save people.”

It didn’t sound like he was mocking her. It was almost sad.

Sabre gripped the phone tighter. “Where is she?”

This time when Rourke answered, the warmth had disappeared completely. “Here’s the deal, Sabre.”

JP tensed.

“If you continue involving law enforcement,” Rourke said calmly, “you will never see Hannah Caldwell again.”

Sabre’s heartbeat suddenly felt loud.

Rourke kept talking. “You come alone, and I’ll let Hannah decide what happens next.”

JP mouthed, No.

Sabre ignored him. “You expect me to trust you?”

“I expect you to decide whether finding her means more to you than arresting me.”

The real choice, an ultimatum.

Rourke lowered his voice. “She’s terrified right now. Not of me.” A pause. “Of you.”

Sabre felt that hit deep and painful, because she feared it might be true.

“She remembers you,” Rourke said. “She asked about you for years.”

JP mumbled under his breath. “Damn him for knowing exactly how to reach her emotionally.”

Sabre forced herself back to the point. “How do I know she’s alive?”

“You’ll get proof tomorrow morning.”

JP shook his head again and mouthed, trap.

“No police. No surveillance. No JP.”

This time JP actually laughed under his breath, but he didn’t look amused.

“You violate that,” Rourke said quietly, “and she disappears permanently.”

Sabre swallowed hard. “Where?”

“Tomorrow.”