So this thing…its something like eight feet by five feet. Right?

She knew she was lousy with measurements. But at least she could hold that concrete information in her mind. At least she had some type of knowledge in this

Is my little pet moving around again?

His voice came from somewhere beyond the darkness. It was the third time he had spoken to her. He had an almost cheerful voice. It made him sound like he might be pretty young, but she couldnt be sure.

She did not respond. Hearing his voice, she slunk back to the farthest corner of that dark place and cowered.

You can talk back to me, if you want, he said. But like I said before…if you scream for help, no one will hear you. And if you try it, Ill hurt you. But in a way thats going to make me feel plenty good. You understand?

Please, she muttered. Please let me out. Ill…Ill do whatever you want.

I dont doubt it, he said dryly. But I cant let you out. Not just yet.

Please…

She couldnt help it. She started crying then. It was just as well, because her captor did not respond to her. She wondered if he was standing out there, enjoying her pleading. Finally, he spoke up again.

Do you understand what I said? he asked again.

She thought she did. She thought she understood perfectly. And there was something in his voice that made her believe him. Sure, it was cheerful but there was something almost childlike in itsomething that made him sound crazy.

And it was that crazy timbre to his voice that made Mercy Fuller feel that she didnt have much timethat he may decide to just go ahead and kill her at any moment.

CHAPTER TEN

Kate had never been much of a drinker. Shed have a glass of wine here and there and whenever she did, she thought of her mother. Her mother had enjoyed a single glass of white wine every night, just after dinner. One glass; no more, no less. Shed have a few more on special occasions like birthdays or anniversaries, but even then, she was very selective.

She thought of her mother as she sat at the small bar that sat just off of Detons only motela sloppy-looking Best Western. She sipped on a glass of wine as DeMarco enjoyed a beer roughly the color of a moonless midnight.

Have you noticed all of the locals banding together? DeMarco asked. All these locals, trying to help with finding this one girl.

I have, Kate said. I overheard two officers talking in the station, about this newly retired man who is heading it up. Hes had people out in the woods, looking for anything that might help.

And God knows Barnes can use all the help he can get. I think hes a good enough leader, but the force itself…