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“My brothers’ ETA is less than ten minutes. The situation should be handled quickly at that point. Blake and Devin know what they’re doing. It’s family.” He eyed me. “No authorities will be involved.”
Jaxson was no longer asking for permission, but I would have gladly given it.
I nodded as Ian glanced at me.
“Affirmative.” I nodded. “They’ve got Sadie.”
“Who has Sadie? Tim isn’t here,” Elena whispered, covering her mouth.
“His sister, Melanie. Her real name is Tracy.”
Elena looked like she was going to be sick. “Tracy Venson.”
I nodded, taking a deep breath. I had to focus. “We’ll find her.”
My heart thundered inside my chest as I shoved away the terror racing through me.
Forgive me, Sadie. I will find you.
I reached for her phone, entering the code as my mind raced with options. These people liked to play games. They liked to taunt and torment.
What was it he’d always call her?
Little seashell?
And then it clicked. Tim hadn’t been here to set up the mementos in her apartment. That must have been Tracy, and the seashell left in Sadie’s room? That was her, too. Sadie just hadn’t noticed it until a few days later.
“How did I miss the signs?” I banged my fist against the wall as a message popped up on Sadie’s phone.
My little seashell, I hope you understand how surprised your parents were to see me. I look forward to sending you footage of our little welcome party. How’s my sister treating you? Well, I hope. Enjoy the accommodations that I booked for you two. They’ll be your last. ~Tim
“She’s still alive.” I eyed Ian. “But I don’t know for how long. I don’t think Tim realizes she doesn’t have her phone. He’s planned for his sister to take her somewhere.”
Elena’s eyes stayed on mine, and I didn’t want to say the rest aloud. I handed the phone to my brother, and Jaxson came over to look at the screen.
I would not fail Sadie.
We would find her in time.
I walked out front, scanning the room for any clues. Opening the lid on the trash, I saw a half-eaten mozzarella sandwich. Sadie’s favorite. I lifted it from the trash and opened it up, seeing small granules stuck to the tomato. That wasn’t salt.
Tracy had drugged her.
My chest clenched as I rifled through the trash until I finally found a crumpled piece of paper.
Sickness pulsed through me at an unstoppable rate. I knew I was going to be ill any second. I dashed to the sink, spitting into it as I uncrumpled the paper and scanned two words.
Seaside Motel.
“I’ve got a possible lead. Seaside Motel over on Granite Lake.”
“That dump?” Ian asked, coming to my side. “Hasn’t it been closed for a couple of years?”
I nodded. “Perfect place to go unseen. We don’t have time.”
Jaxson typed the place into his phone. “No, we don’t.”
He turned to Elena. “You stay here.”
