‘Listen,’ Victoria addressed everyone in a direct, commanding tone, ‘we’ll need to work together, combine my team’s mountain rescue specialty with your team’s criminal tracking knowledge in order to have the best chance of bringing these girls out safely. So, we’ll lead your team insofar as the search aspect goes, and we’ll follow your lead on the best way to extract – what are their names?’

‘Addis and Emerson,’ Cord offered.

‘Right. Addis and Emerson. Is everyone good with this?’

Save for one man who stood there stiffly with arms crossed and lips turned down in a half pout, half sneer, everyone acknowledged their agreement. Alyssa hoped he was one of the ones sticking behind because not only did she not have time to coddle some guy’s bruised ego, she didn’t care a whit about his self-esteem when she was this close to rescuing the girls.

‘We all know what’s at stake here and the inherent danger we may be up against, both man and nature-made, so if everyone’s questions and concerns have been addressed, let’s roll out,’ Alyssa said.

Five minutes later as they caravanned up the mountain trail, the shadow figures created by bouncing headlights sent a shiver ricocheting along Alyssa’s spine, especially when it was accompanied by a high-pitched squeal from an animal she couldn’t name. Please let the girls be here. Please don’t let it be too late; let them still be alive.

Chapter Forty-Six

Wednesday, October 9

While Tony checked Emerson’s injuries in the midst of emerging shadows, Addis kept up a running litany of the things the two of them were going to do when they finally got back home, trying not to choke on the crushing reminder of what she was returning home to. She had a lifetime to find a way to come to terms with the tormenting loss of her parents’ murders.

‘After we fill up on chips and salsa, we’ll spring for some froyo. You can even choose where we go.’

At the mention of food, Em’s eyes drifted back to the sandwich Tony had ordered Addis to dig out of the cooler earlier.

‘Are you ready for another bite?’

‘Yes, please.’

Supporting Em’s neck, Addis fed her a bite and then helped her with the water bottle. While her friend sipped slowly, Addis whispered to Tony. ‘Are you sure she doesn’t have serious head trauma or brain damage or something?’

Not looking up from the gash he was cleaning near Em’s wrist, he said, ‘If she had serious head trauma, she likely wouldn’t be able to communicate at all. She probably has a very minor concussion from hitting her head. But other than that, she’s dehydrated, hungry, and her body’s been through a lot. Just keep feeding her the sandwich and helping her drink.’