Katherine continued, I dont remember tossing my purse or jacket, but I mustve ditched them both somewhere along the way. Noah needs his medicine.
Well check between here and the Reynolds place. The sheriff glanced at his watch. Should have another half hour of daylight to work with.
My cars still over there. Cant move it until I find my keys. She made a move to stand.
Caleb took a step toward her. The real estate between them disappeared in two strides. Youre too weak. Matt can get your car as soon as we find your purse. For now, Ill give the Reynolds a call. Make sure they dont have it towed.
Caleb phoned his neighbor and gave a quick rundown of the situation. He asked if anyone had reported anything or found a purse.
They hadnt.
Caleb finished the call solemnly. There wasnt much to go on, and time ticked away.
I feel like I should be doing something besides sitting here, Katherine said to the sheriff.
Best thing you can do is wait it out. Let my men do their work. Ill put out an AMBER Alert. Sheriff Coleman shook her hand and then walked to the door. In the meantime, sit tight right here in case I have more questions. Let me know if anything else suspicious happens or you remember anything that might be important.
If Caleb heard things right, hed just picked up a houseguest. Couldnt say he was especially disappointed. Youll call as soon as you hear anything, right?
You bet.
Caleb thanked the sheriff and walked him out the door.
Outside, Caleb folded his arms. What do you think?
Coleman scanned his notes. He rocked back on his heels. Not sure. Kids are most often taken by a family member. Dont see many kidnappings. Especially not out here.
Doesnt sound good.
The sheriff dropped his gaze for a second and shook his head.
What are the chances of finding him alive?
The odds are better if he was taken by a relative. Doesnt sound like the case here. Coleman broke eye contact. Thats a whole different ball game.
The words were a sucker punch to Calebs chest.
Id appreciate hearing any news or leads you come across firsthand. Last thing Caleb wanted was for Katherine to learn what had happened to her nephew over the internet or on the news.
Of course. Theres always the possibility he got away and will turn up here. The first twenty-four hours are the most critical.
The thought of a little boy wandering around lost and alone in the dark woods clenched Calebs gut. Whyd they threaten to kill him if she called the police?
They probably want to keep this quiet. To scare her. Who knows? Shes not a celebrity or politician. Why would someone target her? We need to find her phone. In the meantime, have her make a list of enemies. Ask her if shes gotten into a fight with anyone lately. Could someone have a problem with her or her sister? Without her cell, we dont know if anyones trying to contact her to make demands.
Caleb shook Colemans hand before he got in his cruiser and pulled away.
He stood on the porch for a long moment, looking out at the landscape that had kept him from getting too restless for years. He couldnt imagine living anywhere else. This was home. And yet, an uneasy feeling crept over him.
Chapter Three
Matts black pickup roared down the drive. Caleb walked to meet his foreman. Find anything?
Theres nothing around for miles. Whoever did this got away fast.
The whole scenario seemed calculated, ruling out the slight possibility this was a case of mistaken identity. You checked with the McGraths?
Matt nodded. They havent seen or heard anything all day. Gave us the okay to search their property and barn. I sent Jimmy and Greg over to the Reynolds, too. Not a trace. No one saw anything, either. Theres nothing but her word to go on. Worry showed in the tight muscles of his face. I gotta ask. You think its possible she could be making this up?
Caleb ground his back teeth. This is real. She has the bumps and bruises to prove it.
It was a crappy question but needed to be asked. Theres no trail to follow. No other signs shes telling the truth. Could the marks be from something else?
You didnt see her. The terror in her eyes. The
blood. I had to cut her free from the fencing. Dig barbs out of her leg.
Stay with me for a minute. Im just sayin. Wheres the proof she even has a nephew? How do we know all the mechanical stuff upstairs is oiled and the cranks are working with her?
The point was valid. If he hadnt been the one to find her, he might wonder if she was crazy, too. But he had been the one. Her tortured expression might haunt him for the rest of his life. Shed faced the hell in front of her with her chin up. He didnt doubt her. I hear you and I understand your concerns. I do. But youre off base.
How can you be so sure?
I just know.
Matt cocked one eyebrow. Okay...how?
Call it gut instinct.
Then Ill take your word for it. Ill give her a ride wherever she wants to go. He took a step toward the house.
Sheriff wants her to stick around.
Matt hesitated. His doubt about the situation was written all over his face. To his credit, he seemed to know when to hold his tongue. He turned toward the barn. Be careful. You have a tendency to get too involved with creatures that need saving. Ill check on the boys out back.