The detective smiled and reached out one hand, allowing it to hover over Rachel’s, giving her the choice to accept it or not. Her right hand still encased in her brother’s grip, she lifted her fingers to allow the detective to take hold of her left.

‘Thank you. You’ve been very courageous, both in surviving this ordeal and for sharing it with me now. I know that wasn’t easy, and I promise we’re going to do everything we can to catch everyone involved.’ Then, speaking to both Nick and her, she said, ‘If the staff haven’t talked to you about it yet, you might want to mention having a victim advocate here. They can help.’

Rachel didn’t know what a victim advocate was, but she knew she didn’t want another stranger around that she had to divulge her secrets to.

Chapter Forty-Five

Sunday, May 26

In the waiting room, Holly sat next to Sophie, who sat next to her parents while Jersey’s mom was in the room with her. Her phone dinged, and she grabbed it off the seat and flipped it over so she could read the text. It was from Nick.

Your mom just left the room. How are you holding up?

Holly’s eyes flickered to the silver metal doors separating the waiting area from the patients’ rooms then to the television in the corner. The girls’ rescue had been on the news all day.

I’m holding up as well as can be expected, I guess. You?

As good as can be expected, I guess.

Holly stared at the screen, her fingers poised above the keyboard as she bit her cheek, then she puffed the air out and typed.

How’s your sister? I mean, besides the obvious.

I don’t know how to answer that. How’s your friend?

I don’t know how to answer that.

She waited another minute, but when there was no reply, she set her phone aside, and studied Sophie’s profile. Her cheeks were splotchy, but not from tears, from anger. Holly tugged gently on her friend’s hand, pulling her up. ‘Come on. My mom and Cord are back there, so it’s probably going to be awhile yet. Let’s go grab some drinks and snacks.’

After only a brief hesitation, Sophie climbed to her feet, then swiveled around to check the same metal doors Holly had been searching only a moment ago. Pressing the heels of both hands against her eyes, she nodded, but before following Holly, she leaned down to kiss her mom and dad on the cheek. ‘Do you want us to bring you anything?’

Sophie’s mom smiled sadly up at her daughter. ‘Nothing for me, darling. Thank you.’

‘Are you sure? You need to eat something. When’s the last time you ate?’

Mrs. Quill tipped her head, a sad smile lifting up one corner of her mouth. ‘When’s the last time you did?’

Sophie merely stared, waiting. Her mom sighed. ‘I know, but right now I can’t. I’ll wait for Aunt Natalia to come out, and then we’ll go eat together. I promise. But you two go ahead. You were here until late last night and got here early this morning. You need a break.’