Cord cocked his head to the side. ‘Does that mean you’re going to let the team help? Because, you know, Hal, Joe, Tony, and even Ruby have watched Holly grow from a wobbly toddler playing with tape dispensers and highlighters into the dedicated, determined, strong, independent woman you and Brock raised her to be.’

‘I promise.’

‘Good because I already told them, so it’s in the past and already forgotten.’ At Alyssa’s wide-eyed stare, he shrugged. ‘I was pissed and worried. It came out. I’d apologize, but I’m not sorry. Besides, I want to find out who’s terrorizing your girl, too. What kind of guy would I be if I didn’t look out for the girl who’s been “secretly” crushing out on me for years?’ he joked.

Alyssa chuckled. ‘You’ve got a point there.’

‘Then let’s go talk to the team in so we can put our heads together. On the way, you can tell me what Lynn had to say.’

‘That’ll be a short conversation. Nothing.’

Cord sighed. ‘Well, before I came to check on you, Joe was on the phone with Hedge, so maybe he’ll have some news from the crime scene.’

Chapter Twenty-Nine

Monday, October 7

Shivering, crying, and desperately trying not to give up, Addis slid down the tree trunk, pressing her back into the rough bark. The glowing orange of the sunrise might’ve shown them which direction they were heading, but that was where its assistance ended. Its heat didn’t even offer a reprieve from the biting cold wind.

Yesterday, in the light of day and after having spent the most terror-filled night of their existence lost in the darkness, they’d decided that if they walked in a straight line without making any turns, they’d eventually emerge from this endless array of trails and trees. It had all sounded so simple. Scary, yes, but it was a solid plan, or so they’d thought. Except, at least three times, they had been forced to turn in a new direction. And twice, they’d found themselves back at their place of captivity.

The second time, Emerson had collapsed to her knees, smothering her sobs against the ground. And for a moment in time, Addis had considered giving up, crawling back inside, and hiding inside the niche in the wall. After all, there would be no reason their kidnapper and his accomplice would have to look for them there. And while the shack was far from warm, it couldn’t be colder than it was out in the elements. Not to mention they’d be safer from the wild animals stalking the night, howling out their presence.