‘Katelyn, do you need a few minutes?’ Alyssa asked.

The young girl shook her head. ‘The girl tossed my backpack into the tree. And then I woke in the cell with the others surrounding me.’ A fresh round of tears fell down her face. ‘They were already trying to protect me.’

Pride for these girls filled Alyssa’s heart and gave her hope that, someday, they might actually be okay again. ‘Can you describe the girl who approached you?’

Confusion clouded Katelyn’s eyes. ‘I think I’d seen her hanging out in the park before. She had shoulder-length hair and was taller than me. I’m four-eleven.’

After several more minutes, Alyssa showed Katelyn the same pictures she had of Yarmini and Salazar, but unlike the others, she recognized neither.

Alyssa thanked Katelyn and turned to go when Mary stopped them. ‘Detectives, do you mind if I speak to you for a moment out in the hall?’ At her daughter’s panicked look, she said, ‘I’ll be just a moment, sweetheart, and Dad will still be right here. Okay?’

Hesitantly, Katelyn tipped her head forward in agreement.

Out in the corridor, Mary gripped both Alyssa’s and Cord’s hands. ‘Jason and I can’t thank you enough for finding our girl. Kate said you saved her before they could—’ Her voice wobbled, and then releasing a steady breath, she said, ‘Stephanie’s mother is planning on bringing her by today. Despite how close they are, it worries me a little.’

Remembering how Trevor had played such an important role in Isaac’s healing, Alyssa said, ‘I think it could be good for both of them.’

Mary nodded and turned to go back in the room. Her hand gripping the doorknob, she whispered her plea, ‘Please, detectives, hurry and find the rest of the monsters who did this to my baby.’ And then she was gone.

Quietly, Alyssa and Cord left the patient wing and headed to the waiting room where she spotted Holly, Sophie, and Leigh Ann exiting the elevators. As soon as her daughter spotted her, Holly rushed over.

Alyssa caught her and wrapped her in a hug. ‘Jersey asked for the three of you just before we left her room. But before you go see her, I need to prepare you for what to expect. She and the others have been through quite an ordeal, so of course, she’s emotionally fragile. But it’s her physical state that might take you aback. She’s been badly beaten, and she doesn’t resemble the Jersey of a week ago. Don’t pretend it’s not there but try not to overreact. Right now, what she needs is for you all to be strong for her.’

‘Thanks, Mom.’

When Holly leaned down for another hug, Alyssa said, ‘I love you,’ squeezing tighter when her daughter whispered the words back.

Chapter Forty-Seven

Sunday, May 26

Leigh Ann shuffled behind Sophie and Holly, her shoes scratching along the floor and causing goosebumps to pop up all over Holly’s skin. Feet from Jersey’s room, and just when Holly thought her head would explode if she had to hear that sound another second, Leigh Ann stopped.