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“I reckon she’s changed some since she left her life,” Fin said in that rational way that had Ted wanting to punch him. “I’m not sure he’d recognize her, and with the name change too. It’s a stretch, bud.”
“The name is not a stretch, so if he saw the picture and some similarities, he’d be able to—”
“There’s no point in this, Ted. Stop it now, and let’s focus on getting her back.”
“We have to get her back.”
“Because you love her.”
“Because I love her,” he confirmed.
“Should have known you lot would turn up.” Chief Blake walked back into his office. He’d been coming and going since they arrived.
Miss Sarah’s phone chose that moment to ring. Ted got to his feet and moved closer. Dylan dropped down beside Miss Sarah.
“No one say a word. You put this call on speaker, Miss Sarah, and promise to give him anything he wants. I’m going to communicate with you by writing.”
She nodded, looking nervous.
“Chief Blake, that door needs to stay closed.”
He locked it, pulled down the blind, and then stood in front of it.
“You got this, because you have all of us here at your back. Go on now and answer,” Dylan told her.
Ted felt Fin move to his left and Joe to his right. They stood so he could feel their support, even though he hadn’t asked for it. Luke stood behind Miss Marla, holding her hand.
“Hello,” Miss Sarah said in a strong voice that Ted was proud of.
“Listen carefully, I want eight million dollars, and I want it by 8:00 a.m. tomorrow or Amanda Carter dies.”
“That doesn’t give us much time. How do you expect me to get that money?” Miss Sarah said. “You have to give me longer to get it.”
“Ask Ted Hosking. I know he’s there with you. He’s her man, and he’ll be able to tap his daddy.”
These words were followed by a rusty laugh. Ted hadn’t ever wanted to hurt anyone more.
“I want to speak to my niece,” Miss Sarah said, reading the pad Dylan showed her. “I won’t do anything until I do.”
There was a silence filled with tension then; it felt to Ted like no one breathed or moved. Dylan looked straight at him and made a zipper motion with his fingers across his mouth. Ted nodded. He understood. He’d been there when Emily had talked on the phone, begging them to find her.
“Tell them you’re okay.”
“I’m okay, Aunt Sarah.”
“Mandy!” Miss Sarah broke down and started sobbing.
“Hosking, you there?”
Dylan nodded to Ted to come closer. He ignored the words Dylan had written on the paper.
“I’m here, you piece of shit. You touch her, harm her in any way, and I won’t stop till I catch you.”
“I won’t hurt her if you do as I say, but you don’t speak to me like that again.” Logan Hall sounded more scared than angry to Ted, but he nodded as Dylan glared at him.
“Okay.”
He listened to the instructions, and then just before they cut the call he said, “I’ll find you, Mandy. I love you.” He hoped she heard the words and hoped they weren’t the last he’d ever speak to her. Or this time he didn’t think he’d be able to carry on.
