“I’ve got plenty of volunteers. Consider it done.” Regina clicked off.

As thunder rattled the window, Gabe glanced out. The rain had turned into a downpour.

Focusing only on each task that needed to be done, Gabe notified the state troopers.

A knot of pain filled his gut. Everything inside him wanted to go out and search for her himself, not sit here inside. Making calls.

However, this was where he was most useful.

If Baumer couldn’t get out of the area, where would he go to ground? Who would know? Followed by Caz, Knox, and Chevy, Gabe walked into the bullpen.

It was crowded with people waiting to help. “Does anyone know where Baumer’s staying? I’d like to speak with his wife. She might have some knowledge of his plans.”

Erica, one of the two women who’d helped search for Niko, raised her hand as if she was in a classroom. “Last night, Earl, MaryEllen, and the children stayed with my mom here in town. I called Mom a few minutes ago. Earl left this morning, but his wife is still there.”

In town. His hopes rose. “Can you take me there?”

“Sure, Chief.”

Five minutes later, Gabe followed Erica and her mother through the small house off Dall Road. Caz—the pro at getting information from people—was beside him. The others waited outside.

“Chief MacNair and Caz.” In the kitchen, Erica pointed to a strained-looking, thin redhead who stood next to the table. “MaryEllen Baumer.”

Erica’s mother had a gentle voice. “MaryEllen, the Chief has some questions about Earl.”

MaryEllen had a baby in her arms and a toddler clinging to her ankle-length black skirt. She looked Caz over, and her nose wrinkled slightly.

Turning to Gabe, she stared at his badge. Not meeting his gaze, she took a step back. “We’ve been kicked out. Lost our home.”

He could hear the part she didn’t say: because of you.

Earl was the type to blame others for his poor choices—and this pitiful woman wasn’t one who’d stand up to her husband.

“Earl is not here, but I don’t think he would want to see you,” she finished.

“I don’t particularly want to see him either. Unfortunately, he put a knife to Mayor Lillian’s throat and kidnapped Audrey Hamilton.” Gabe watched her closely.

All color left her face, and she sank onto a chair at the small table. “No. It wasn’t supposed to be like that.”

Gabe glanced at Caz, waiting for him to take over.

An infinitesimal shake of the head said no. Caz ran a finger down his brown skin and shrugged. True enough, a bigoted person probably wouldn’t confide in a Hispanic.

Dammit.

MaryEllen’s gaze stayed on the floor as she whispered. “I think you should leave.”