“Bell’s gone. She stepped outside, was out of my sight for less than five minutes, and now she’s gone.”

Parker let out a slew of curses. “I’m on my way, but it’s going to take me at least thirty minutes. I’m sending the on-island deputies now, though. Stay put.”

I couldn’t promise him that. I’d do whatever I thought might get me Bell back. “See you soon.” I hung up and pulled the door to the bar open. I went straight for the cabinet that housed the stereo system, cutting the music.

There were yells of complaint and muttered confusion. I didn’t think, I just moved, climbing up onto the bar. “Can I have your attention, please? Has anyone seen Bell? Isabelle Kipton. Has anyone seen her? Blond hair, green eyes, about yay high.” I motioned to my shoulders.

Caelyn hurried up to the bar, Crosby hot on her heels. “What happened? Where’s Bell?”

I looked back out at the crowd. “If everyone could stay put, we’d appreciate it. Police will be here in just a bit to ask you some questions. The next round of drinks will be on us.” I hopped off the bar, meeting Caelyn’s gaze. “I don’t know. She’s gone.” Just saying the words out loud killed something inside me.

Crosby let out a litany of curses. “Where’d you last see her?”

My jaw worked as a burning sensation gathered at the backs of my eyes. “Heading out to the parking lot.” This was all my fault. Bell was gone, and someone could be hurting her right now. None of this would’ve happened if I hadn’t been a stupid idiot and just told her how I felt. That I loved her.

Darlene appeared at Crosby’s side. “Why the hell was she alone?”

Crosby’s hand landed on Darlene’s shoulder. “The why doesn’t matter. We just need to find her now. What did Parker say?”

“To stay put.” The front door swung open, and two deputies strode in. I waved them over. “I told everyone not to leave in case you had questions.”

“Thank you,” the older officer, Deputy Shepard, said. “Deputy Hughes, will you start taking statements?” The younger female officer nodded and headed to the closest table. “Okay, walk me through it.”

I did just that. By the time I was through, Kenna had arrived. She was unnaturally pale but wrapped an arm around a crying Caelyn. Deputy Shepard closed his notebook. “Raines will be here any moment, but it might be worth you guys checking her regular haunts just in case she was upset enough to bail altogether.”