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Ellie parked in the woods, secured her weapon, then she and Cord grabbed flashlights. Cord had taken back roads to keep from alerting the perps, if they were indeed at this location, so they had to hike in.
He led the way onto the path. An owl hooted in the distance and the hum of the wind stirring filled the air, bringing the scent of rotten moss.
Shadows plagued the woods, reminding Ellie of the time she got lost as a child. Was Lorna Bea out here somewhere? If she escaped her abductor, how would she find her way?
The thought of the child being hurt made her stomach twist. But she pushed her fear away. That little girl needed her to be tough. So did the other missing victims.
“Watch your footing,” Cord said as he pointed out a section of briars and poison ivy. She hiked around it, avoiding stepping into a hole. They maneuvered through the line of trees and around downed limbs, climbing a hill and passing a ravine with a drop-off so steep it made Ellie dizzy to look down.
Cord held her arm to steady as they walked along the ledge. “Careful,” he murmured. “It’s slippery here.”
Ellie inched her way, sticking close to Cord until they were on level ground again. They paused for a moment to catch their breath and Cord aimed his flashlight directly north. “It’s about a half mile that way.”
Ellie breathed out and forged ahead. They fell silent as they hiked, senses honed for sounds of someone who might be keeping watch. As they ascended the hill, Ellie spotted a building in the distance.
It appeared to be deserted, surrounded by overgrown weeds and brush. A tree had fallen on one side against the roof and kudzu climbed the grimy walls.
Cord panned his light across the property. “There’s a van nestled in those trees.”
“Someone is here.” Ellie’s heart started to hammer. She assumed the lead, gripping her weapon at the ready as she maneuvered the terrain. When they reached the clearing, she hunched low, and Cord followed, taking cover behind bushes flanking the sides of the building.
She paused to listen, but the concrete walls buffered any sound. Inching around to a rear door that had probably once been used for services and deliveries, she peeked through a window and saw a dim light inside, followed by some movement.
Dwight Jones, AKA Frank Wahlburg, was inside, creeping down a long, shadowy hallway.
ONE HUNDRED TWENTY
KNIGHTS
Derrick searched for a secret safe or wall leading to another room, some place where the group might have left evidence. But there was nothing behind the photographs and along the walls. He lifted the corner of the rug and checked beneath it, earning curious stares from the patrons inside.
“Excuse me a minute, guys,” he told the chess players as he checked beneath the table. Again, nothing.
“What the hell are you doing?” one of the chess players asked.
“Searching for evidence in a crime investigation.” He lifted his phone to show them the photos of the suspects, but his phone rang before he could question them.
“I think they’re here at the hospital,” Ellie said in a low whisper when he answered. “Frank Wahlburg is inside.”
“Wait for me,” Derrick said. “I’m on my way.”
“I’ll just take a look,” Ellie said. “Scout out how many—”
Suddenly, the line went dead. Derrick’s pulse pounded and he charged up the stairs to get Deputy Landrum.
Dammit, Ellie had been cut off. She might be in trouble.
ONE HUNDRED TWENTY-ONE
THE HOSPITAL
The room was dark and a horrible smell filled the air. Lorna Bea’s stomach roiled. Something squeaked from the corner. A whine sounded in the distance and something rattled.
The man who took her was the one in the black hoodie she’d seen before.
If she ever got out of here, she’d write a story about him. And the girl he took. Only she would not be afraid. She’d have superpowers and turn invisible and slip past him into the woods.
Men’s voices echoed from the other side of the wall, jarring her. It sounded as if they were arguing. Then she heard her father’s deep voice. “You took my daughter.”
