Page 148 of D for Dead

‘Where’s Sullivan? Is he with you?’

‘He’s back in town and worried sick about you. Once I’ve secured the scene I’ll call him on the radio from the police cruiser; let him know you’re okay.’

‘I don’t know if it’s working. Don’t you have a cell phone?’

‘Not on me.’ He was getting impatient with the questions now. They needed to find Troy before he left the house. ‘Come on, Amy.’

He put his arm around her again, shining the beam of the flashlight down the forest path, and pushed her forward, guiding her back towards the house, gun drawn and ready should he need it. As they reached the clearing where the house stood, the rain fell heavier, the storm now directly overhead. Lightning crackled across the sky, as thunder roared above them.

‘Where’s Officer Boaz?’ Declan demanded, pushing Amy towards the house as he used his gun hand to wipe rainwater from his eyes.

‘He’s in the van.’ She pointed towards the dark vehicle parked in front of the yard, seeming unwilling to move any further forward.

‘Come on.’ Declan caught hold of her elbow, urged her forward, eager to get out of the rain. Damn woman was getting him soaked and he didn’t have a change of clothes.

As they neared the van, a dark figured stepped out of the front door.

Troy?

Seeing him, Amy screamed, and Declan held her close. Another bolt of lightning lit up the sky, illuminating the man’s features.

It was Troy.

He watched the man cross the front yard, heading towards them.

This was it. This was going to be his big moment.

‘It’s okay, I’ve got a weapon. I promise you, Amy, everything is going to be fine.’

As Troy neared, Declan raised his gun.

* * *

Rebecca arrived back at the precinct about ten minutes after Hickok, having spent much of the evening searching for Amy and Vic.

He glanced up, met her eyes as she entered the office and she knew straightaway he hadn’t found anything either. Frustration was kicking in. Amy and Vic had been missing for several hours and with each one that passed the chances of finding them alive grew slimmer. They had always suspected Amy would be a target and should have known to step up her police protection as the killings progressed.

‘So what’s our next move?’ she asked, dropping into her chair. Her eyes were sore, her brain tired and she rested her elbows on the desk, head in hands, and exhaled.

They were running out of places to look, but Rebecca knew they couldn’t give up. Amy and Boaz were counting on them, and so was Jake. He was in Melford, unable to do anything, and she had promised him they would find Amy. She couldn’t let her partner down.

‘Go home and get some rest, Angell. We’ve got everyone out looking for them. You can’t do any more tonight.’

‘I’m not going home while they’re still out there.’

‘You’re dead on your feet and you look like hell.’ Hickok narrowed his eyes in warning when she scowled at him. ‘You’re no good here unless you get some rest.’

Rebecca knew he was right, but couldn’t bring herself to leave. She would never sleep anyway, knowing the clock was ticking.

‘What about you? Are you gonna go get some rest too?’

‘No,’ Hickok admitted.

‘Well if you’re staying, I am too.’

‘Damn stubborn woman.’

Rebecca sighed heavily, frustration kicking in. If they weren’t against the clock, she’d be kicking back at Mahoney’s, nursing a glass of bourbon and trying to figure the puzzle out. Unfortunately, time was not a luxury.