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“We don’t know where they are, or what they’re up against,” Sam speaks, his tone grave, and far more serious than I like. “We’re doing everything we can to find her. Our concern is Scott took her in retaliation.”
Zeb wraps his arm around me, pulling me close. His warmth and comfort provide a small bit of relief from the news about Barbi. I can’t believe she’s missing.
“What did Scott say?” I lay my head against Zeb’s shoulder as tears fall from my eyes.
“He didn’t make it.” Zeb’s tone remains flat.
“Didn’t make it?” I know what Zeb means, but it’s too much to process.
“We’re questioning Alder, but he’s not talking.” Sam’s grim tone speaks to far more than the dean not talking.
“I don’t understand.” But I know all too well what they’re trying to tell me.
“We’re working the problem,” Sam provides reassurance. “Doing everything we can. We will find your friend. The FBI’s involved.” Sam looks on with a grim expression of sympathy etched on his face before saying anything else.
“The FBI? How does that help?” I look between Sam and CJ, not understanding, but Sam explains.
“More resources. Agents trained in behavioral analysis,” Sam answers.
“Kaye, we have every reason to believe you’re not Scott and Dean Alder’s first victim.”
“First?” I clutch my belly and try to process what they’re telling me.
“We believe they’ve been working together for years,” Sam says. “And we identified several potential victims.”
“Several?” The hits keep coming. “But you’re going to find Barbi?” I look to Zeb, begging. “Right?”
“We won’t stop until we find her.” Zeb wraps his arms around me, providing the strength I need. “But if you could answer a few questions, it would really help.”
The others in the room fall silent for a moment, but then the questions begin.
I spend hours answering their questions until they’ve wrung everything out of me. Finally, I’m released and head home with Zeb, Brady, and Booker.
More time passes on the flight back to Guardian HQ. Hours where I snuggle against Zeb.
By the time we reach Guardian HQ, I’m beyond exhausted. My body aches from my time held captive by Scott and Dean Alder, but physical exhaustion is nothing compared to the psychological trauma I endured.
I’m completely unprepared for the wave of emotions that wash over me as we drive through the gates of Guardian HQ. It’s a sense of profound relief.
Zeb seems to understand. He comforts me as I hyperventilate and come apart in his arms.
Thoughts of Scott and Dean Alder fill my mind. Their cruelty and the way they treated me like I was an animal.
I don’t understand why they took me when neither one of them touched me while I was their prisoner. I suppose I should be grateful for that. I also don’t understand why they argued all the time.
Was it about Barbi? Me?
Did I hear anything that might be helpful?
That answer is a sadNo.
“Almost there.” Zeb squeezes me as we pull up outside the temporary quarters Guardian HRS loaned me.
To my surprise, Carmen and Rosalie wait outside.
“Did you text them?” I look up at Zeb with fatigue and a smile.
“Thought you could use your friends.”
