NothingwillstopaCahillcowboyfromprotecting
what’shis

Afterarockymarriageandevenrockierdivorce,SheriffFlintCahillfinallyhassomething
goodinhislifeagain.MaggieThompson’sdown-to-earthcharmandbeautifulsmile
hookedhimfromthestart.Whenshedisappearsonthedaytheyplantostarttheirlives
together,allsignspointtoabduction—andhisex-wife.

Functioningonadrenalineandinstinct,Flintmustcallonhiseveryresourcetobring
Maggiehomebeforeit’stoolate.Hispastandfutureareblurred.Maggie’sonlychanceat
survivingherabductorandaragingwinterstormdependsonanoldvendettathatcould
destroyitall.ButtheCahillsdon’tgiveupeasily,andFlint’slovewillhavetobestrong
enoughtoconqueranything,includingtheunimaginable.

PraiseforNewYorkTimesbestsellingauthorB.J.

Daniels

“Crossingmultiplegenres,DanielssuccessfullycombinesWesternromance,suspenseand

politicalintriguewithease.”

—RTBookReviewsonHardRain

“Theheartwarmingromancegetswrappeduphere,butthebookendswithacliffhanger

thatissuretohavefansanxiousforthenexttitleintheseries.”

—LibraryJournalonLuckyShot

“Forgetslow-simmeringromance:themultiplestorylinesweavinginandoutofBig

Timber,Montana,meanthesecondMontanaHamiltonscontemporary…isalwaysata

rollingboil.”

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“[TheMontanaHamiltons]shoulddefinitelybeonthemustreadlist…Agreat

introductionfornewreaderstothisamazingauthor.”

—FreshFictiononWildHorses

“Trulyamazingcrimestoryforeveryamateursleuth.”

—FreshFictiononMercy

“DanielsistrulyanexpertatWesternromanticsuspense.”

—RTBookReviewsonAtonement

“Willkeepreadersontheedgeoftheirchairsfrombeginningtoend.”

—BooklistonForsaken

“Action-packedandchock-fullofsuspense.”

—UndertheCoversonRedemption

“FansofWesternromanticsuspensewillrelishDaniels’taleofclandestineloveplayedout

inasmalltownontheGreatPlains.”

—BooklistonUnforgiven

Alsoavailablefrom

B.J.Daniels

andHQNBooks

ACahillRanchNovel

Renegade’sPride

Outlaw’sHonor

Cowboy’sLegacy

Cowboy’sReckoning

TheMontanaHamiltons

WildHorses

LoneRider

LuckyShot

HardRain

IntoDust

HonorBound

Beartooth,Montana

Mercy

Atonement

Forsaken

Redemption

Unforgiven

B.J.DANIELS

Cowboy’sLegacy

ThisbookisdedicatedtoDebbieHammondandMargaretHanson,sistersextraordinaire

andamazingquilters.YoutwobrighteneventhegloomiestMontanawinterdays!

Contents

CHAPTERONE

CHAPTERTWO

CHAPTERTHREE

CHAPTERFOUR

CHAPTERFIVE

CHAPTERSIX

CHAPTERSEVEN

CHAPTEREIGHT

CHAPTERNINE

CHAPTERTEN

CHAPTERELEVEN

CHAPTERTWELVE

CHAPTERTHIRTEEN

CHAPTERFOURTEEN

CHAPTERFIFTEEN

CHAPTERSIXTEEN

CHAPTERSEVENTEEN

CHAPTEREIGHTEEN

CHAPTERNINETEEN

CHAPTERTWENTY

CHAPTERTWENTY-ONE

CHAPTERTWENTY-TWO

CHAPTERTWENTY-THREE

CHAPTERTWENTY-FOUR

CHAPTERTWENTY-FIVE

EXCERPTFROMHERO’SRETURNBYB.J.DANIELS

CHAPTERONE

S

HE

WAS

IN

sofastthatshedidn’thaveachancetoscream.Theicycoldwaterstoleher

breathaway.Hereyesflewopenasshehit.Becauseofthewayshefell,shehadnosense
ofupordownforafewmoments.

Panicked,sheflailedinthewateruntilalightflickeredaboveher.Shetriedtoswim

towardit,butsomethingwasholdingherdown.Thehardershefought,themoreitseemed
topushherdeeperanddeeper,thelightfading.

Herlungsburned.Shehadtobreathe.Thedimlightwaveredaboveherthroughthe

ripplingwater.Sheclawedatitasherbreathgaveout.Shecouldseethesurfacejust
inchesaboveher.Air!Sheneededoxygen.Now!

Theripplingwaterdistortedthefacethatsuddenlyappearedaboveher.Themouth

twistedinagrotesquesmile.Shescreamed,onlytohaveherthroatfillwiththeputriddark
water.Shechoked,suckinginevenmorewater.Shewasdrowning,andthepersonwho’d
donethistoherwaswatchingherdieandsmiling.

MaggieThompsonshotuprightinbed,gaspingforairandswingingherarms

franticallytowardthefaintlightcomingthroughthewindow.Panichadherperspiration-
soakednightgownstickingtoherskin.Trembling,sheclutchedthebedcoversasshe
gaspedforbreath.

Thenightmarehadbeensorealthistimethatshethoughtshewasgoingtodrown

beforeshecouldcomeoutofit.Herchestached,herthroatfeelingrawastearsburnedher
eyes.Ithadbeentooreal.Shecouldn’tshakethefeelingthatshe’dalmostdiedthistime.
Nexttime…

Shesnappedonthebedsidelamptochaseawaythedarkshadowshunkeredinthe

cornersoftheroom.IfonlyFlinthadbeenhereinsteadofonanall-nightstakeout.She
neededSheriffFlintCahill’sstrongarmsaroundher.Notthathestayedmostnights.They
hadn’tbeenintimatethatlong.

Often,hehadtoworkorwascalledoutinthemiddleofthenight.He’daskedherto

moveinwithhimmonthsago,butshe’ddeclined.He’daskedherafteroneofhisex-
wife’snastytricks.Maggiehadn’twantedtomakeadecisionlikethatbasedonFlint’sex.

Whilehisexhadn’tdoneanythinginmonthstokeepthemapart,Maggiecouldn’trest

easy.FlintwashopingCelestehadgrowntiredofhertricks.Maggiewasn’tthatnaive.
CelesteDumawasoneofthosewomenwhoplayedoneveryman’sweaknesstogetwhat
shewanted—andshewantednotjusttherich,powerfulmanshe’dleftFlintfor.She
wantedtokeepherexonthestring,aswell.

Maggie’sbreathingslowedalittle.Shepulledthecoversuptoherchin,stillshivering,

butshedidn’tturnoffthelight.Sleepwasoutofthequestionforawhile.Shetoldherself
thatshewasn’tgoingtoletCelestescareher.Shewasn’tgoingtogivethewomanthe
satisfaction.

Unfortunately,itwasjustbravado.Flint’sexwasobsessedwithhim.Obsessedwith

keepingthemapart.Andsincethewomanhadnothingelsetodo…

Astheimagesofthenightmarefaded,sheremindedherselfthatthedreammadeno

sense.Itneverhad.Shewasagoodswimmer.Lovedwater.Hadnevernearlydrowned.
Norhadanyoneevertriedtodrownher.

Shuddering,shethoughtofthefaceshe’dseenthroughtheripplingwater.Not

Celeste’s.MorelikeaHalloweenmask.Adistortedsmilingface,neithermaleorfemale.
Justthememorysentherheartracingagain.

Whatbotheredhermostwasthatdreamkeptreoccurring.Afterthefirsttime,she’d

mentionedittoherfriendBelleDelaney.

“Adrowningdream?”Bellehadaskedwiththearchofhereyebrow.“Doyoufeelthat

inwakinglifeyou’rebeing‘suckedinto’somethingyou’drathernotbeapartof?”

Maggiehadgroanedinwardly.BellehadneverkeptitasecretthatshethoughtMaggie

wasmakingamistakewhenitcametoFlint.Toomuchbaggage,shealwayssaidofthe
sheriff.His“baggage”cameintheshapeofhisspoiled,probablypsychopathic,petite,
green-eyedblondeex.

“Ihavemyownskeletons,”Maggiehadlaughed,althoughshe’dneversharedherpast

—evenwithBelle—beforemovingtoGiltEdge,Montana,andopeningherbeautyshop,
JustHair.Shefeareditwasherownbaggagethatscaredherthemost.

“Ifyou’reholdinganythingback,”Bellehadsaid,eyeingherclosely,“youneedtoletit

out.Menhatesurprisesaftertheytietheknot.”

“GuessIdon’thavetoworryaboutthatbecauseFlinthasn’tsaidanythingabout

marriage.”ButsheknewBellewasright.She’devencomeclosetotellinghimseveral
timesaboutherpast.Somethinghadalwaysstoppedher.Thetruthwas,shefearedifhe
foundoutherreasonsforcomingtoGiltEdgehewouldn’twantheranymore.

“Thedreamisn’taboutFlint,”she’darguedthatdaywithBelle,butshecouldn’tshake

thefeelingthatitwasawarning.

“Well,fromwhatIknowaboutdreams,”Bellehadsaid,“ifinthedreamyousurvive

thedrowning,itmeansthatawakingrelationshipwillultimatelysurvivetheturmoil.At
leastthatisoneinterpretation.ButI’dsaythenightmaredefinitelyindicatesthatyouare
goingintounknownwatersandsomethingismakingyouleeryofwhereyou’reheaded.”
She’dcockedaneyebrowather.“Ifyouhavethedreamagain,I’dsuggestthatyouask
yourselfwhatitisyou’resoafraidof.”

“I’msureit’sjustabouthisex,Celeste,”she’dlied.Orwassheafraidthatshewasn’t

goodenoughforFlint—justashisexhadwarnedher.Justasshefearedinherheart.

***

T

HE

WIND

LAY

overthetalldriedgrassandkickedupdustasSheriffFlintCahillstoodon

thehillside.HeshovedhisStetsondownonhisheadofthickdarkhair,squintinginthe
distanceatthecloudstothewest.Sureasthedevil,itwasgoingtosnowbeforetheday

wasout.

Inthedistance,hecouldseealargestarmadeoutofredandgreenlightsonthesideof

abarn,areminderthatChristmaswascoming.Flintthoughthemightevengetatreethis
year,goupinthemountainsandcutithimself.Hehadn’thadatreeatChristmasinyears.
Notsince…

Atthesoundofapickuphorn,heturned,shieldinghiseyesfromthelowwintersun.He

couldsmellsnowintheair,feelitdeepinhisbones.Thisstormwasgoingtodumpa
goodfootonthem,accordingtothelatestnews.Theyweregoingtohaveawhite
Christmas.

Mostyearshewasn’treadyfortheholidayseasonanymorethanhewasreadyfora

snowthatwouldn’tmeltuntilspring.Butthisyearwasdifferent.Hefeltenergized.This
wastheyearhislifewouldchange.Hethoughtofthesmallvelvetboxinhisjacket
pocket.He’dbeencarryingitaroundformonths.Justthethoughtofitmadehimsmileto
himself.Hewasinloveandhewasfinallygoingtodosomethingaboutit.

Thepickuprumbledtoastopafewyardsfromhim.Hetookadeepbreathofthe

mountainair,andtellinghimselfhewasreadyforwhateverMotherNaturewantedto
throwathim,heheadedforthetruck.

“Areyouallright?”hissisteraskedasheslidintothepassengerseat.Inthecaboutof

thewind,itwasniceandwarm.Herubbedhisbarehandstogether,wishinghehadn’t
forgottenhisglovesearlier.Butwhenhe’dheadedout,he’dhadtoomuchonhismind.He
stilldid.

Lillielookedoutatthedullbrownofthelandscapeandthechain-linkfencethat

surroundedthemissilesilo.“Whatwereyoudoingouthere?”

Hechuckled.“Lookingforaliens.Whatelse?”Thiswasthespotthattheirfatherswore

alienshadn’tjustlandedononenightbackin1967.Nope,accordingtoElyCahill,the
alienshadabductedhim,takenhimaboardtheirspaceshipanddoneexperimentsonhim.
Notthatanyonebelieveditinthecounty.EveryonejustassumedthatElyhadascrew
loose.Ortwo.

Itdidn’thelpthattheirfatherspentmostoftheyearupinthemountainsasarecluse

trappingandpanningforgold.

“Aliens.Funny,”Lilliesaid,makingafaceathim.

Hesmiledoverather.“Actually,Iwasonanall-nightstakeout.Thecattlerustlers

didn’tshowup.”Heshrugged.

Sheglancedaround.“Where’syourpatrolSUV?”

“AxledeepinamuddycreekbacktowardGrassRange.I’llhavetogetitpulledout.

AfterIcalledyou,IstartedwalkingandIendeduphere.WishI’dgrabbedmygloves,
though.”

“You’rescaringme,”shesaid,studyinghimopenly.“You’restartingtoactlikeDad.”

Helaughedatthat,wonderinghowfarfromthetruthitwas.“AtleastIdidn’tseeany

aliensnearthemissilesilo.”

Shegroaned.Beingthebuttofjokesinthecountybecauseoftheirfathergotoldforall

ofthem.

Flintglancedatthefenced-inarea.Therewasnothingvisiblebehindthechainlinkbut

tumbleweeds.Heturnedbacktoher.“Ididn’tpullyouawayfromanythingimportant,I
hope?Sinceyouwerecloseby,Ithoughtyouwouldn’tmindgivingmearide.I’vehad
enoughwalkingforoneday.Orthinking,forthatmatter.”

Sheshookherhead.“What’sgoingon,Flint?”

Helookedoutatthecountrythatrantothemountains.CahillRanch.Hisgrandfather

hadstartedit,hisfatherhadworkeditandnowtwoofhisbrothersranthecattlepartofit
tokeeptheplacegoingwhileheandhissister,Lillie,andbrotherDarbyhadtakenother
paths.Nottomentiontheiroldestbrother,Tucker,who’dstruckoutatseventeenand
hadn’tbeenseenorheardfromsince.

Flinthadbeenscaredafterhismarriageanddivorce.ButMaggiewasnothinglike

Celeste,whowassmall,blonde,green-eyedandcrazy.Maggiewastallwithbigbrown
eyesandlongauburnhair.Hisheartbeatfasteratthethoughtofhersmile,atherlaugh.

“I’mgoingtoaskMaggietomarryme,”Flintsaidandnoddedasifreassuringhimself.

WhenLilliedidn’treply,heglancedoverather.Itwasn’tlikehernottohavesomething

tosay.“Well?”

“Whathastakenyousolong?”

Hesighed.“Well,youknowafterCeleste…”

“Saynomore,”hissistersaid,raisingahandtostophim.“Anyonewouldbegun-shy

afterbeingmarriedtoher.”

“I’mhopingshewon’tbeaproblem.”

Lillielaughed.“Shortofkillingyourex-wife,sheisalwaysgoingtobeaproblem.You

justhavetodecideifyou’regoingtoletherrunyourlife.Orifyou’regoingtoliveit—in
spiteofher.”

Soeasyforhertosay.Hesmiled,though.“You’reright.Anyway,MaggieandIhave

beendatingforawhilenowandtherehaven’tbeenany…incidentsinmonths.”

Lillieshookherhead.“YouknowCelestewastheonewhovandalizedMaggie’sbeauty

shop—justasyouknowshestartedthatfireatMaggie’shouse.”

“Toobadtherewasn’tanyproofsoIcouldhavearrestedher.Butsincetherewasn’tand

noonewashurtanditwasmonthsago…”

“I’dlovetoseeCelestebehindbars,thoughIthinkprisonistoogoodforher.She

belongsintheloonybin.Icanunderstandwhyyouwouldbeworriedaboutwhatshewill
donext.She’spsychopathic.”

Hefearedthatthatmaybewasclosetothecase.“Doyouwanttoseethering?”He

knewshedid,sohefisheditoutofhispocket.He’dbeencarryingitaroundforquitea
whilenow.Gettinguphiscourage?Heknewwhatwasholdinghimback.Celeste.He
couldn’tbesurehowshewouldtakeit—orwhatshemightdo.Hisex-wifeseemed
determinedthatheandMaggieshouldn’tbetogether,eventhoughshewasapparently
happilymarriedtolocalwealthybusinessmanWayneDuma.

Handinghissisterthesmallblackvelvetbox,hewaitedassheslowlyopenedit.

Asmallgaspescapedherlips.“It’sbeautiful.Reallybeautiful.”Sheshothimalook.“I

thoughtsheriffsdidn’tmakemuchmoney?”

“I’vebeensavingforalongwhilenow.Unlikemysister,Iliveprettysimply.”

Shelaughed.“Simply?Prisonershavemoreintheircellsthanyoudo.Youaren’t

thinkingoflivinginthatsmallhouseofyoursafteryou’remarried,areyou?”

“Forawhile.It’snotthatbad.NotallofushavehugenewhouseslikeyouandTrask.”

“Weneedtheroomforallthekidswe’regoingtohave,”shesaid.“Butitiswonderful,

isn’tit?TraskisdeterminedthatIhaveeverythingIeverwanted.”Hergazesoftenedas
thenewlywedthoughtofherhusband.

“Ikeepthinkingofyourwedding.”There’dbeenadoubleweddingwithbothLillieand

hertwin,Darby,gettingmarriedtothelovesoftheirlivesonlymonthsago.“It’sgreatto
seeyouandTrasksohappy.AndDarbyandMariah…Idon’tthinkDarbyisevergoingto
comeoffthatcloudhe’son.”

Lilliesmiled.“I’msohappyforhim.AndI’mhappyforyou.YouknowIreallylike

Maggie.Sodoit.Don’tworryaboutCeleste.Onceyou’remarried,there’snothingshecan
do.”

Hetoldhimselfshewasright,andyetinthebackofhismind,hefearedthathisex-wife

woulddosomethingtoruinit—justasshehaddonetosomeofhisdateswithMaggie.

“Idon’tunderstandCeleste,”LilliewassayingassheshiftedintoDriveandstarted

towardthesmallwesterntownofGiltEdge.“She’stheonewhodumpedyouforWayne
Duma.Sowhatisherproblem?”

“I’mworriedthatsheishavingsecondthoughtsabouthermarriagetoDuma.Ormaybe

she’sboredandhasnothingbettertodothanconcernherselfwithmylife.Maybeshejust
doesn’twantmetobehappy.”

“Orsheisjustplainmalicious,”Lilliesaid.“Ifsheisn’thappy,shedoesn’twantyouto

be,either.”

Ashaftofsunlightcamethroughthecabwindow,warminghimagainstthechillthat

camewitheventalkingaboutCeleste.Heleanedback,contentasLilliedrove.

HewasgoingtoaskMaggietomarryhim.Hewasgoingtodoitthisweekend.He’d

alreadymadeadinnerreservationatthelocalsteakhouse.Hehadtheringinhispocket.
Nowitwasjustamatterofpoppingthequestionandhopingshesaidyes.Ifshedid…

Well,then,thiswasgoingtobethebestChristmasever,hethoughtandsmiled.

CHAPTERTWO

E

VERY

DAY

THAT

Maggiedidn’trunintoFlint’sexinthesmalltownwheretheybothlived

wasagreatday.Infact,ithadbeensolongsinceshe’dseenthewomanthatMaggiewas
beginningtothinkthateitherCelestehadlefttownorbecomeahouseboundrecluse.

Soitwasnosurprisewhenherluckgaveout.Shewasstartingdowntheproduceaisle

attheonlygrocerystoreintownwhenshesmelledthewoman’sperfumeandmadethe
mistakeoflookingup.

Celestemadeabeelineforher.Dressedinanavy-and-whitesuitwithmatching

spectatorshoesandbag,theblondelookedlikesomethingoutofanoldmovie.Thiswas
GiltEdge,wherenoonedressedupexceptforweddingsandfunerals.

Maggie,ofcourse,wasdressedinjeans,aT-shirtandsneakerssinceitwasherdayoff.

Herlongcurlyauburnhairwaspulledupinaponytail.Norwasshewearinganymakeup.
Shehadn’tevenputinherfavoriteearrings,apairofsilverhoopsFlinthadgivenheron
herbirthday.

“Iwasjustpickingupafewthingsonmywayhomefromtheparkplanningcommittee

meeting,”Celestesaid,asifMaggiehadasked.

Herblondhairwascutinaperfectbobthatwasshortenoughitdidn’thidethelarge

diamondsatherears.Sheblinkedherbiggreeneyes,clearlywaitingforMaggieto
respond.

Takenbysurpriseandfeelingasifshe’dbeenambushed,Maggiehadnocomment.She

putthecantaloupeshe’dbeenholdingintohercartandsimplysmiledatCeleste.She’d
beenraisedtonotberude,soitwashardforher,evenwithFlint’sex.

“Well,”Celestesaidinthatbubblywayofhers—atleastaroundMaggie.“Ithoughtfor

sureI’dbehearingyouandFlintweregettingmarried.”Shecockedherheadalittleasshe
staredatMaggie’slefthandrestingontheedgeofthegrocerycart.“ButIdon’tseean
engagementringonyourfinger.”Sheliftedabrowasiftoask,“What’supwiththat?”

“Sorrytodisappointyou,”Maggiesaidandtoldherselftoleaveitatthat.But,of

course,shecouldn’t.“We’retakingthingsslow,forobviousreasons.”

AllthebubbleleftCeleste’sface.“Hisfirstmarriagewasn’tthatbad,nomatterwhathe

says.”

“Iwasactuallyreferringtoyourinabilitytolethimgosohecanbehappy.”

Thewomanlookedtakenaback.“Isthatwhathethinks?”

“It’swhatweboththink.Whyelsewouldyouhavevandalizedmybeautyshoportried

toburndownmyhouse?”

Celesteshookherhead.“Ifthatweretrue,wouldn’tIbebehindbars?Anyway,your

housedidn’tburndown.”

“Nothankstoyou.Luckyyoudidn’tleaveanyevidenceoryou’dbeinjailrightnow.”

Celesteshookherheadasifsad.“AsItoldFlint,Ihaven’tdoneanythingtokeepthe

twoofyouapart.Maybeoneofyouisusingitasanexcuse.Ifyouwantedtobetogether,
Icouldn’tkeepyouapartnomatterwhatIdid.Flintsuredidn’thaveanytroubleasking
metomarryhim.”

ThewomanalwayshadtoremindMaggiethatshe’dhadFlintfirst.Shebithertongue,

afraidofwhatmightcomeout,andwilledCelestetowalkawaybeforeitwastoolate.
But,ofcourse,shedidn’t.

Oneofthewoman’sfinelyhonedbrowslifted.“SoifFlintisdragginghisfeet,itisn’t

becauseofme.Maybehe’srealizedwhatI’vebeentellinghim,thatthetwoofyouare
wrongforeachother,nothingpersonal.Thenagain,Flinthasneverlistenedtoanyadvice
Ievergavehim.Whywouldhenow?”Withthat,Celesteletoutalightlaughandsaid,
“MerryChristmas!”andturnedandleft,herhighheelstappingbrisklyassheroundedthe
corneroftheaisle.

Maggiestood,shakingviolentlywithrage.Whydidsheletthewomangettoherlike

that?BecauseCelestewasdeterminedtokeepherandFlintapart,nomatterwhatshesaid.
Itwasn’tthatlongagothatCelestehadstoppedbythebeautyshopasshewasclosingand
warnedhertoleaveFlintalone.Shemightactinnocent,butshewasfarfromit.

Feelingsicktoherstomach,Maggieleanedagainsthergrocerycartandtappedin

Flint’snumber.Forweeks,she’dbeentheonedraggingherfeet.

“Iwanttomoveinwithyou,”shesaidintothephonewhenheanswerednow.

Helaughed.“Justlikethat?”

“Justlikethat.”

“Well,whatevermadeyouchangeyourmind,Icouldn’tbehappier.When?”

“IthinkI’llbringafewthingsovertoday.”Sheknewifsheputitoff,shemightchange

hermindagain.

“Great.We’restillonforourdateFridaynight,though,right?”

“Absolutely,”shesaid,feelingherselfcalmdownalittle.Flinthadthateffectonher.

Shelovedthismanandhadforsometime.Ifitwasn’tforCelestetheywouldhavebeen
togetherlongbeforethis.

Asshedisconnected,sheremindedherselfthatwhenFlinthadsuggestedtheymovein

togetheritwasrightafteranincidentatherbeautyshop.Maggiehadsaidshewasn’t
goingtoletCelesterunherlifeandbetheimpetusthathadthemlivingtogether.Hadshe
justletCelesteforceherintothis?

Shesighedandlookedintohernearlyemptygrocerycart.Herrefrigeratorwasalmost

asempty.Shereallyneededtoshop,butherheartwasn’tinit.Shewasmovinginwith
Flint.Asmuchasshe’dtried,shecouldn’tworkupanyenthusiasmaboutitbecause…
she’dletCelestegoadherintoit.Thiswasdefinitelynotthewayshewantedher

relationshipwithFlinttogo.

Maggiealmostcalledhimback,butstoppedherselfwhenshesawCelesteattheendof

theaisle.HadthewomanoverheardherphonecalltoFlint?Shegroanedatthethought.
NowifshecalledFlintback,Celestewouldstillthinktheyweremovingintogether,so
thedamagewasalreadydone.AndFlintwouldthinkshe’dlosthermindforchangingit
again.

Maybeshehadlosthermind,shethought,becausesheshouldbehappy.Sherealizeda

partofherwashappy.ShewantedtobewithFlint.ShehadletCelestekeepthemapart
toomanytimes.Movinginwastherightthingtodo.Shetookhertimeshopping,hoping
ifshedraggeditoutlongenough,Celestewouldhaveleftthestore.Shewasn’tupfor
anotherrun-in.

IthadbeenmonthssinceCelestehaddonesomethingtointerfereinherrelationship

withFlint.IfCelestehadoverheardthecall,thennowsheknew.Bettertohearitfrom
Maggiethanfromthelocalgossips.Maybethiswouldallturnoutfine,Maggietold
herselfasshetookherfullcartandheadedforthecheckout.She’dboughtsomething
specialfordinnertonight—atFlint’s.

***

“I’

M

A

LITTLE

worriedaboutFlint,”LilliesaidwhenshefoundherbrotherDarbybehind

thebarattheStagecoachSaloon,thebarandcafétheyownedtogether.

“Thisissomethingnew?Whatdidhedo?ArrestDadagain?”herhandsomebrother

asked,notsoundingworried.

“No,butonlybecauseDadhasbeenupinthemountainssinceourjointwedding,”she

said.“Whichremindsme—whereisMariah?”

“Shewentintotown.Shethinksweneedmorethanonesetofsheets.”

Lillielaughed.“Sheisgoingtodomesticateyouyet.”

Hegrumbledunderhisbreath.“SowhatisupwithFlint?”

“He’sgoingtoaskMaggietomarryhim.”Sheclimbeduponastoolandhepouredher

acola.Havingsharedthewombtogether,sheandDarbyoftencommunicatedwithouta
word.Lillielovedhowclosetheywere,soclosethatthey’dhadadoublewedding.

“Sohe’sfinallygoingtodoit,”Darbysaid.“Goodluckwiththat.”

Shetookasipofhercolaandfrowned.“What?”

“Justthatwordwillgetaround.Isn’theworriedaboutCeleste,givenherformer

reactionstohimandMaggie?Thewomanalwaysdidseem…unhinged.”

“Iknow.Flint’sworried,consideringwhatCelestehasdonetokeepthemapart.Buthe

isn’tgoingtoletherstophim.Whydoesshehavetobelikethat?Itmakesmewanttogo
overtoherhouseand—”

“Punchingherinthemouthprobablywouldn’tbehelpful,butpleasebemyguest.I

suspectshejustcan’tletgoofhim.Shecertainlytookhimonawildridewhenshewas
marriedtohim.Shealwayshastogetherway.Ioftenwonderedifshewouldn’tgoover
theedgeifFlinteverfoundsomeoneelse.MaggieisperfectforFlint.I’mjustgladhe
realizesit.”

“Theydeserveahappy-ever-after.”

“You’resucharomantic,”Darbysaidwithashakeofhishead,buthewassmiling.

“Maybewe’reallworryingfornothing.AsfarasIknow,Celestehasn’tdoneanything
crazyforawhile.”

“No,butMaggieandFlinthaven’tmovedintogether,either.Oncehepopsthequestion

andputsthatbigdiamondonherfinger…”Lillieshruggedandfinishedhercola.“Ihavea
doctor’sappointment.”Sheslidoffherstoolandpattedhertummy,grinning.“Howis
Mariahfeeling?WhenItalkedtohershehadn’thadanymorningsicknessyet.”Lillie
muggedaface.“IwishIcouldsaythat.Toobaditisn’tonlyinthemornings.”

“Sofarsogood,”hesaid,tappingthetopofthewoodenbar.“Ican’tbelieveyoutwo

mightgivebirthjustdaysapart.”

“Days,ha,”Lilliesaid.“I’mgoingintolaborwhenshedoes.Iwantourkidstobeclose.

Wecouldn’thaveplannedthisbetter.”

Heshookhishead.“Knowingyou,youprobablywillgointolaborwhenMariahdoes.

Onceyoumakeupyourmindonsomething…”

“IhopeMaggieletsmehelpwiththewedding,”Lilliewassaying,havingalready

shiftedgears.“Wheredoyouthinkshe’dwanttohaveit?”

Herbrotherthrewuphishands.“I’mnottalkingweddingwithyou.GofindMariah.Or

betteryet,goseewhatHawkandCyruswouldsuggestforthewedding.”Helaughed.
Theirbrotherswererancherbachelorswhohardlydated.They’dhadahardenoughtime
gettingthroughtherecentdoubleweddingandreceptionsincetheyspentmoretimewith
theircowsthanpeople.

“MaybeIwillgovisitHawkandCyrus.DidyouseeHawktalkingtothatoldgirlfriend

ofhisatourreception?Ithinkthereisstillsomethingthere.”

Thefrontdooropenedandtwocouplescamein.Darbylookedrelievedtogetoutof

thatconversationasheheadeddownthebartoservethem.

***

M

AGGIE

DIDN

’

T

SPEND

anymoretimeworryingaboutherdecision.MovinginwithFlint

hadbeenimpulsive,butnowthatshe’dsaidshewould,darnedifshewasn’tgoingtodoit.
Shehurriedhomeandbegantopack.

Shewouldhauloverjustafewthingstobeginwith.She’dtakenFlintbysurpriseon

thephone.Shehopedhewashappyaboutthis.Themoreshethoughtaboutit,themore
shethoughtitreallywasagoodidea.She’dneverletherselfthinkaboutthefuturewith
Flint.Itseemedtoogoodtobetrue.

Now,though,sheletherselfconsiderit.Shehadonedesirethatshe’dneversharedwith

anyone,maybeespeciallyFlint.Shewantedchildrenbeforeherbiologicalclockranout.
SheandFlinthadneverdiscussedit,butmaybetheywouldnow.Hewouldmakesucha
greatfather.

Onceinsidethehousesherented,sheloadedafewthingsintoanovernightbagand

tookthemouttohercar.Sheslowedasshestartedtogobackinsideformore,feelingasif
someonewaswatchingher.Lookingaround,shedidn’tseeanyone.Itwasaquietstreet,
thehousesonlargelotswithpinetreesprovidingprivacy.She’dalwayslikedthatabout
theneighborhoodsinGiltEdge.

Butrightnow,thehairsonthebackofherneckprickled.Someonewaswatchingher.

Thethoughtmadeherfeelfoolish.SheblameditonrunningintoCelesteatthegrocery
storeearlier.Thewomangaveherchills.Totherestofthetownspeople,Celestemight
seemnormal,butMaggieandtheCahillsallsuspectedshecouldbemorethanvindictive.
Shecouldbedangerous.

Backinsidethehouse,shethrewafewmorethingsintoabag,excitedaboutthespecial

mealshe’dmakeforFlinttonight.Itwouldbetheirfirstnighttogetherinhishome.Their
home.Itwouldbeasurprise—justlikehermovinginhadbeen.

Gettingexcitedabouttheideaofthembeingtogetherallthetime,shewenttothe

freezerfortheshrimpshe’dpickedupatthemarket.Itdidn’ttakeherlongtoputallthe
ingredientsshewouldneedintoasmallcooler.Asshedid,shewasmentallymakinglists
inherhead.

Shehadtoletherlandlordknowthatshewasmoving.She’dhavetoseeaboutgetting

sometimeofffromworksoshecouldmoveinproperly.Shedidn’twanttohaveabunch
ofboxessittingaroundFlint’shouse.Itwouldbeanadjustmentforthemboth,butmaybe
especiallyforFlint.

CelesteseemedtothinkthatFlinthadtalkedtoherabouthisfirstmarriage.Butithad

beenjusttheopposite.He’dmadeapointofavoidingthesubject.Whateverproblems
they’dhad,Maggieknewnothingaboutthem.Whichwasgoodbecauseshehadn’t
wantedtotalkaboutherpast,either.Shejusthopedthatshewouldbeabetterwifetohim.

Thefactthatshewaseventhinkingaboutthewomanmadehergritherteeth.But

unfortunately,Celestehadbeenafactorsincethebeginning.Maybenow,though,allthat
wasbehindthem.Shehadtobelievethat.ShelovedFlint.Didn’tloveconquerall?

Asshetooktherestouttothecar,shestillfoundherselflookingaround.Shetriedto

shakethefeelingthatsomeonewaswatchingher,butitwastoostrong.Slidingbehindthe
wheel,shestartedthecarandpulledout.Asshedid,sheglancedinherrearviewmirror.

MaggieknewshewaslookingforCeleste’shugedarkSUV.Therewasonelikeit

parkedwaydowntheblock,butshecouldn’tbesurethatwashers.Closer,shespotteda
brownvanparkedonthestreetacoupleofhousesback.Itwashardtotellwiththesun
glintingoffthewindshield,butitappearedsomeonewassittingbehindthewheel.

Probablyjustarepairmanwaitingforoneofherneighbors,shetoldherself.Shehadto

quitthis.Forsolong,she’dbeenrunningscared.ShelikedtoblameCeleste,butMaggie
suspectedherrealfearwasoflosingFlint.Shelovedhimsomuch.Whatifshemovedin
withhimandherealizedhedidn’tfeelasstronglyabouther?MaybeCelestewasright.
MaybetherewasareasonFlinthadn’taskedhertomarryhim.Maybeheneverwould.

Withacurse,sheshiftedhercarintogear,angrythatshe’dletCelestebackinherhead.

Shehadtostopalwaysthinkingsomethingterriblewasgoingtohappenwhensheand
Flintweretogether.Shehadtobelieveinthetwoofthem.Shealsohadtobelievethatshe
couldovercomeherpast.

Sometimestheirfutureseemedlikeabrassringsuspendedinfrontofher.Allshehadto

dowasgrabit—andnotlookback.Butherlifehadn’tbeeneasy,farfromit.Apartofher
wonderedifshedeservedtobehappy.

Asshedrovedownthestreet,shenoticedalltheChristmasdecorationsintheyards.

Red,greenandwhitelightstwinkledintheafternoonlight.Fromoneyard,ahuge
snowmanwavedtoherinthebreeze.Shesmiledandtriedtorelax.Itwasalmost
Christmas.SheneededtobethinkingaboutwhatshewasgoingtogetFlint.Itwouldbe
theirfirstChristmastogether.Theyshouldgetatreeanddecorateittogether,shethought
asshedrove,hermoodlifting.

Atthestopsign,shecouldn’thelpherself.Sheglancedbackinherrearviewmirror.The

brownvanwastwovehiclesback.

Themomentthelightchanged,shepeeledout,burningrubberasshetookoff.She

thoughtaboutcallingFlint.Andtellinghimwhat?Isawavanonmystreetandnowit’s
behindme?

Inatownthissize,thatwasn’tunusual.ButasshenearedFlint’sstreet,shenoticedthe

time.Maybehe’dgetoffworkearlyknowingshewasgoingtobethere.Maybehe’dbeat
thehousewaitingforher.Itwouldruinherdinnersurprise,butshedidn’tcare.Sometimes
shejustneededhisarmsaroundherandrightnowwasoneofthem.

Thevanwasstillbehindher.Onlyonecarbacknow.Shestillcouldn’tseethedriverfor

theglareofthesettingsun.SheturnedontoFlint’sstreetandglancedinthemirror,afraid
shewouldseethevanturninginbehindher.Instead,itspedonpastanddisappeared
aroundthenextcorner.

ShepulledintoFlint’sdriveandslumpedagainstthewheel.Whatwaswrongwithher?

Shecouldn’tkeepgoinglikethis,makingtroublewheretherewasn’tany.Shethought
aboutherpastrelationshipsandthemistakesthatshe’dmade.Shewasn’tgoingtodothat
withFlint.She’dlearnedherlesson.Wasn’tthatwhyshe’dmovedtoGiltEdge?She’d
wantedtobesomeoneelse.AnyonebuttheMargaretAnnThompsonshe’dbeenborn.

SheshutoffthecarengineandlookedtowardFlint’shouseinthepines.Theplacefit

him.Itwassecludedwiththenearestneighborbackupthestreetandhiddeninthetrees.
Thehousesatonaslighthill,theemptylotbehinditfallingtothenextstreetinathick
groveofpinetrees.

Maggiewassurethattheseclusionhadbeenpartofthecharm.Thehouseitselfwas

smallandneat,niceinside,thoughbasic.Shethoughtofwaysshecouldmakeitmore
homey.Makeitmoretheirs,sincehe’dlivedinthishousewithCeleste.Butthathadbeen
alongtimeago,soshewasn’tgoingtoletthatbotherher.

ExcitementfilledherasshegrabbedacoupleofherbagsandheadedforFlint’sback

door.Asshedid,shesawoneoftheneighborsdownthestreetoutathermailbox.The
neighborwaved.Maggiewavedback,feelingasifshe’dfinallycomehome.

Flinthadgivenherakeylasttimetheytalkedaboutmovingintogether.She’dnever

usedit.Butshedoubtedshewouldhavetonow.Healwaysleftthebackdoorunlocked.
Justlikeasheriff,shethoughtwithasmile.Hewasn’tworriedaboutanyonebreakingin.

She’dbeenworriedwhenhe’dtoldher.“WhataboutCeleste?”

“Shetookeverythingshewantedwhensheleft,”he’dsaidwithalaugh.“Trustme,she

hasnoreasontoreturn.”

ButMaggiethoughtonceshewasmovedin,theywoulddefinitelygetthelocks

changedandstartlockingthedoors.

Theafternoonsunwascastinglongshadows.Ithadbeenamildfall.Butthe

weathermanwasforecastingawhiteChristmas.Sheglancedtowardthedarkpinesand
feltashiver.Thatfeelingthatsomeonewaswatchinghermadeherturntolookbackup
theroad.Shesawnoone,butstillcouldn’tshakeoffthefeelingthatshewasn’talone.

Asthedoorswungopen,shestartedtostepin,butstoppedtolookdownintothepines

again.Thebreezestirredthetrees.Theboughsmoanedsoftlyandcastdarkshadowson
theground.

Hurryingnow,shesteppedinside.Shestartedtolockandboltthedoorbehindher,but

shehadmorethingstogetfromthecar.Sheknewshewasbeingsilly.IfFlintcouldsee
hernow,he’dhavesecondthoughtsabouthermovingin.Tossingherpurseonthetableby
thebackdoor,shepulledoutherphoneandsmiled,anxioustohearFlint’svoice.

Thecallwentstraighttovoicemail.Disappointed,shealmosthungup,butatthelast

minute,shedecidedtoleaveamessage.“Hi,it’sme.I’matyourhouse.Ishouldwarn
you.IranintoCelesteearlier.I’mprettysuresheoverheardmetellingyouthatI’d
changedmymindandIwasgoingtomoveinwithyou.Oh,andIgotsomethingfor
our…”Sherealizedthatshe’drunoutoftimeonthemessage.Notthatitmattered.She’d
beenbabblinganyway.

Shedisconnectedandrealizedshe’dalmosttoldhimaboutthedinnershehadplanned

asasurpriseforhimlater.Butthenitwouldn’thavebeenasurprise,huh.

Maggiepocketedherphone.Shewasstillsmilingatthethoughtoftheirfirstnight

togethertherewhensheheardasoundbehindherandspunaround.Hersmilevanishedas
herheartbegantopound.Shetookastepbackasshefumbledforhercellphonewith
tremblingfingers.“Whatareyoudoinghere?”

CHAPTERTHREE

“M

AGGIE

?”F

LINT

CALLED

asheopenedthebackdoortohishouse.He’dbeenthrilled

whenhe’dgottenhermessage.Butjustseeinghercarparkedinthedrivemadeitseemall
themorereal.Hecouldn’twaittoseeher.Hehadnoideawhyshe’dchangedhermind;he
wasjustgladthatshehad,especiallysincehewouldbegivinghertheringthisweekend.

Herdecidingtomoveinonlymadehimallthemoresureaboutaskinghertomarry

him.Itwastime.They’dcomethroughtheworstofit,hetoldhimself,rememberingthe
messageshe’dlefthimaboutrunningintohisex.

FlintcouldimaginehowunpleasantitwasforMaggie.Everytimehecrossedpaths

withCeleste,itruinedhisday.

Henoticedthatthepassenger-sidedoorofhercarwasopenasifshewasstillinthe

processofmovingafewthingsin.Hethoughtaboutcheckingtoseewhatelseneededto
comein,buthewastooanxioustotakeherinhisarms.Afterhercall,he’ddecidedto
comehomeearly.He’dhadtomakeonestopafterhearingthathisfatherhadbeenseen
comingoutofthemountains.Notthathe’dfoundhimathiscabin.Hetoldhimselfhe’d
dealwithElylater.HewastooanxioustoseeMaggie.

Hehadbigplansfortonight,hethoughtwithasmile.Maybehewouldn’tbeableto

waituntilthisweekendtoaskher.

“Maggie?”Hestartedtostepdeeperintohishousewhenhesawtheoverturned

bookcase.Bookswerestrewnacrossthefloor.Thelampthathadbeennexttoitlayonthe
floor,theglobeshattered.“Maggie?”Goosebumpsrippledoverhisskinasthehairon
thebackofhisneckquilled.“Maggie!”

Herushedtowardthekitcheneventhoughthelawmaninhimtoldhimnotto.This

lookedlikeacrimesceneandifitwas…Shewasn’tinthekitchenorthediningroom.He
headedforthestairsatarun,allthetimetellinghimselfhemightbedestroyingimportant
evidence.

Takingthestairsthreeatatime,hereachedthelanding.“Maggie!”Noanswer.The

silenceofthehousehadanominousfeeltoit.“Maggie!”

Shewasn’tinanyofthebedroomsorthebathrooms.Shewasn’tthere,andyetallthe

wayhe’dbeenprayingthat,yes,there’dbeenanaccident,butshewasallright.They
couldbuyanotherlamp.Hecouldcleanupthemess.Everythingwasfine.

Butinhishearthe’dknownthemomenthesawtheoverturnedbookcaseandthebroken

lamp.There’dbeenastruggle—andMaggiehadlost.

Tryingnottopanic,hestoppedonthelandingandcalledhercellphone.Ashewaited

forittoring,hetoldhimselftherewasanexplanation,onecompletelydifferentfromthe
scenarioplayinginhisheadrightthen.

Thesoundofaphoneringingdrewhimbackdownthestairsandintothelivingroom

again.Hesteppedclosertothefallenbookcase,hispulseinoverdrive.There,pokingout

fromunderoneofthebooks,washerphone.Hebentdownandinstinctivelyreachedfor
it,butstoppedhimself.Thescreenwassmearedwithblood.

Half-blindwithfear,hesteppedbackandkeyedin9-1-1.“IneedMarkoveratmy

houserightaway,”hesaidtothedispatcher.Hisundersheriff,MarkRamirez,hadacool
headinemergenciesandrightnowheneededthat.Hehungup,desperatelywantingtoput
outaBOLOonMaggierightaway.Justashewantedtocallintheexpertsfromthe
DivisionofCriminalInvestigationoutofBillings.Allhisinstinctstoldhimthathehadto
findMaggieandfast.

Butevenasalaw-enforcementofficer,hecouldn’tcallinthecavalryuntilheknewfor

certainthatshewasevenmissing.HealsohadtostopthinkinglikeMaggie’sboyfriend.
Heneededtobethelawmanhewas.

Fromwherehestood,hecouldseedropsofbloodonthewoodfloor.Theywerestill

wet.Helookedathiswatch.Whateverhadhappenedherehadn’thappenedverylongago.

Tellinghimselfnottojumptoconclusions,hecalledthehospital.Itwaspossiblethere

hadbeenanaltercationandtheotherpersoninvolvedhadtakenMaggietotheemergency
room.Ittookeverythinginhimtoremaincalmandwaitforthephonetobeanswered.

“Hello,yes,thisisSheriffCahill.IneedtoknowifMaggieThompsonwasadmittedto

theemergencyroom.Yes,I’llwait,”hesaideventhoughhewantedtobeghertohurry.
Heknewthatifhisinstinctswereright,everyminutecounted.

“I’msorry,Sheriff.WehavenorecordofherbeingintheER.Nooneherehasseen

her.”Thehospitalwassmall.GiltEdgehadonlyacoupleofdoctors.“Herfamilydoctoris
heredoingrounds.Hesaidhehasn’tseenher,either.”

“Thankyou.”HequicklydialedJustHair,thesalonthatMaggieowned.Daisy,theonly

otherstylist,hadn’tseenorheardfromher.Neitherhadherbestfriend,Belle.Hewasjust
disconnectingwhenheheardavehiclepullin.

Allhisfearsrushedback.Hisfirstinstinctwasright—justashe’dknowninhisgut.He

hurriedtothefrontdoorratherthanthebackandstopped,thelawmaninhimkickingin
again.Thelockdidn’tappeartohavebeenjimmied.Hehadn’tcheckedthebackdoor,
hadn’ttakenthetimetodoanythingbutsearchthehouseforMaggie.

Usinghisshirtsleeve,hecarefullyopenedthefrontdoor.Thelastthinghewantedtodo

wasdestroyanyfingerprintsthatmighthavegottenleftbehind.Theactionfeltfoolish.
Whoeverhadtakenherhadusedthebackdoor,theonehewassurehe’dleftunlocked.

Notthathedidn’talreadyknowwhohaddonethis.HeknewwhohadMaggie.That

waswhyhewassoterrified.

“Comeinthisway,”hecalledtoMarkastheundersheriffgotoutofhispatrolSUV.

ThemomentMarksawhisface,hiseyeswidenedinalarm.“What’swrong?”

“Thereappearstohavebeenastruggle.Maggie’smissing.”Hisvoicebroke.Hewaved

Markinandpointedtowardthescenenearthebackdoor.“Shewasmovingintoday.Her
cardoorisstillopen.Herpurseisonthetablebythedoor.Shemusthavebeensurprised

bysomeone.”

Markpulledouthisphoneandbeganshootingphotosoftheroomashemoved

cautiouslytowardthefallenbookcase.“IsawMaggie’scarbythebackdoor.You’resure
noonestoppedby,maybetookhertotheemergencyroomforstitches?Maybeshecalled
toaneighbor?”

“Shehasn’tbeenadmittedtothehospital.IcalledwhileIwaswaitingforyou.Norhas

herdoctorseenher.”

Hisundersheriffnoddedashekneltdowntogetaclosershotatsomethingonthefloor.

EvenfromwhereFlintwasstanding,hecouldseethatMarkwasshootingtheblood
splatteredonthefloorandonthespilledbooks.Toomuchbloodandyetnotenoughto
indicatethatshewasmortallywounded.Hetriedtofindhopeinthat.

“Maggie’sfriendsandassociate?”Markaskedcalmly.

“Noonehasseenher.”Flintwassurprisedhowcalmhesounded.Hisheartpoundedso

hardhecouldbarelyhearhimselfthink.Hefeltasifhewasshakingallover.Heknew
betterthantojumptoconclusions,butallhisinstinctstoldhimMaggiehadbeentaken.It
madenosenseandyet…

“Iknowwhohasher,”Flintsaid.“Maggieleftmeamessageearlier.Sheranintomy

ex.ShethoughtthatCelesteoverheardheronthephonetellingmeshewasmovingin
withme.Idon’thavetotellyouthatCelestehasdoneeverythingpossibletokeepus
apart.IfsheisasdeterminedasIthinksheis…”

Theundersheriffnodded.“IcanseewhyyouwouldsuspectCeleste,butlet’swaituntil

wehaveallthefacts,okay?”

AtleastMarkhadn’tsaid,“Trynottopanic.”Thewordswouldhavebeenwastedon

him.Hewaspanickingandwithgoodreason.Thesceneinhislivingroomshoweda
struggle.Maggiehadbeeninjured.Hercellphonesmearedwithbloodindicatedthatshe
hadpossiblytriedtocallforhelp.

“I’mgoingtorunovertotheneighborsandseeiftheysawanything,”Flintsaid.His

closestneighbor,AlmaEllison,livedkitty-cornerfromhimdownthestreet.Shewas
smilingasshecametothedoor.Hequicklyaskedherifshe’dseenMaggie.

“Isawherwhenshearrivedatyourhouse.Issomethingwrong?”

“DidMaggieseemallright?”

“Yes.ShewavedandIwavedback.”

“Didyouseeanyoneelse?”

Almathoughtforamoment.“Youknowhowlittletrafficwegetouthere.Ididnoticea

brownvangoby.Itwasdrivingsoslow,Iknewthedrivermustbelost.Andtherewas
oneofthoselargedarkSUVs.Ican’tsayifeitherofthemstoppedatyourhousesinceI
gotbusyafterthat.IsMaggieallright?”

“Idon’tknow.Ican’tseemtofindher,”hesaid.“Ifyouthinkofanythingelse…”She

promisedshewouldcallhim.

Backatthehouse,hetoldMarkwhatAlmahadsaid.“CelestedrivesalargedarkSUV.”

“I’mgoingtohaveadeputygobyCelesteDuma’shouse,”theundersheriffsaid.

Fromthemomenthe’dwalkedinandseenthemessandcouldn’tfindMaggie,he’d

wantedtoraceovertoCeleste’shouseanddemandtoknowwhatshe’ddonewithMaggie.
“I’llgo.”

Markstoppedhim.“I’msorry,Sheriff,butIcan’tletyoudothat.Withyou,itwouldbe

confrontational.Please,letmehandlethis.Youcalledmebecauseyouknowyouaretoo
emotionallyinvolved.Thisisnowconsideredacrimescene.We’regoingtotreatitas
suchandpraythatwe’rewrong.”

FlintknewMarkwasright.Itwaswhyhe’dcalledhim.He’dbeenafraidofdoing

somethingthatwouldputMaggieinevenmorejeopardy.HelistenedtoMarkonthe
phoneforamomentandthensteppedoutside,needingtheair.

HecouldtellthatMarkwasasworriedashewas.Thequestionwas,wherewasMaggie

now?Hishandwenttothesmallvelvetboxinhispocket.Whyhadhewaitedsolongto
askhertomarryhim?Whatif…?Hecouldn’tbeartolethimselfeventhinkit.Hehadto
believethatshewasstillaliveandthattheywouldfindher,hetoldhimselfashestepped
backinsidethedoor.Markwasstillonthephone.

“TheonlydeputyclosetotownisHarp,”Marksaid,coveringthephonewithhishand

andmakinganit-will-be-all-rightface.Thecountywaslargeandthesheriff’sdepartment
wassmall.Itmeantstretchinglawenforcementtoitslimitssometimes.Itwasonereason
FlintwouldlovetogetridofHarpandgetabetterdeputy.

Flintgroanedsilently.DeputyHarperColewasthelastpersonhewantedtodependon

rightnow.HeknewwhyMarkcouldn’tgohimself.Hewasprotectingthepossiblecrime
scene—andFlint.IftheDCIbecameinvolved,thefirstsuspectwasalwaystheboyfriend.
HelistenedtohimtellHarpwhattodoattheDumahouse.

“Getinside.Bepolite.Trytohavealookaroundandseeifanythingappearsamiss.If

Celesteandherhusbandwillletyousearchtheplacewithoutawarrant,great.Niceifyou
couldcheckhercar.Justlisten,please.”Marksighed.“MaggieThompsonismissing.Yes,
thesheriff’sgirlfriend.Nowlisten.Lookforblood.Ican’tgetintoitrightnow.There
couldhavebeenanaccidentinvolvingCelesteandMaggie.Callmeifthereisany
question.”HeturnedbacktoFlintashedisconnected.“Harpisactuallythebestchoice
rightnow.Noonetakeshimseriously.Ifyou’rerightaboutCeleste,shewon’tbe
concernedaboutHarpshowingupandshouldlethiminwithoutawarrant.Thatwillsave
ustime.”

Flinttriedtobreathealittleeasier.“Great.I’mforcedtodependonthetownhero.”

Marksighed.“Itisgoingtobeallright.”

Afewmonthsago,Harphadmanagedtosavetwopeople’slives.Oneofthoselives

belongedtoFlint’sbrotherDarby.TheotherwasDarby’snowwife,MariahAyersCahill.

Flinthadbeenreadytofirethedeputybeforethatnightandwouldhavemonthsagoif
Harphadn’tbeenthemayor’sson.He’dgivenhimmorechancesbecauseofit.ButFlint
hadreachedhislimit.He’dtoldHarpthatifhemessedupagain…ThenHarphadcome
throughthatnightandwasnowthetownhero.Atleastuntilhemessedupbig-timeagain.

AndthatwaswhyFlintwisheditwasanyonebutHarpgoingovertoCeleste’shouse.

Heknewhisex-wife.Ifshewasbehindthis,shewouldlie.Flintwouldknowifshewas
lying.HedoubtedHarpwould.

Herakedahandthroughhishairasheglancedtowardthefallenbookshelf.Ascrazyas

hethoughthisexwas,heneverreallythoughtshewascapableof…ofwhateverhad
happenedhere.

“Wedon’tknowforsureitwasCeleste,”Marksaid.

Justastheydidn’tknowthatshe’dvandalizedMaggie’ssalonandalmostsetherhouse

onfire?“She’scertainlycapable.ButifshedidsomethingtoMaggie…”Flintcouldn’t
continue.

Marklaidahandonhisshoulder.“Wedon’tevenknowthatthebloodisMaggie’s.One

stepatatime.We’llfindher.”

Henodded,butheknewthestatistics.Thefirstseventy-twohourswerecrucial.Butthat

wasn’tifthemissingpersonwasinjured.HehadnoideahowbadlyMaggiehadbeen
bleeding.Maggiehadn’tbeenmissinglong.Iftheycouldfindhersoon…Otherwise,he
knewhemightneverseeheraliveagain.

“Whyhaven’tweheardfromHarpyet?”Flintdemanded.

“Hehasn’tevenhadtimetogetoverthere.Youneedtostaycalm.Wehavetoworkthis

onestepatatime.IsthereanyoneelsewhomightwanttoharmMaggie?”

“No.”He’dansweredthequestiontooquickly.Markwaslookingathimwithconcern.

“Idon’tknow.Theonlypersonshe’shadrun-inswiththatIknowofwasCeleste.”He
realizedhedidn’tknowifMaggiehadhadotherproblemswithanyone.Maggiewasso
independent.Helovedthatabouther,butnowhewonderedifshewouldhavetoldhimif
she’dhadtroublewithanyoneelse.

Celestewasadifferentstorysinceshewashisex.Maggieseemedtothinkthathecould

dosomethingabouther.Nowhesurewishedhehad.

Theundersherifflookedaroundtheroomforamoment.“Youkeepthedoorslocked

whenyouaren’thome?”

Hehadn’twantedtoadmitit,butheshookhishead.“Also,I’veneverchangedthe

locksfromwhenCelesteandIlivedheretogether.Sheprobablystillhasakey.”

Markgavehimadisapprovinglookbeforeheasked,“I’massumingyoudidn’ttouch

anything?”

Flintheardsomethinginhisvoice.“No—youknowIdidn’t.Youaren’tthinkingabout

kickingmefromthiscase—”

“No,Ican’t.Asyouknow,inthestateofMontana,thesheriffisanelectedoffice.Not

eventhecountycommissionerscanpullyouoffacase.”

“OnlytheDivisionofCriminalInvestigation,”Flintsaid,suddenlyawareofwherehis

undersheriffwasgoingwiththis.

“I’mhopingtoknowwhatwe’redealingwithbeforewecallinaDCIteam,”Mark

said.“Youagree?”

Apartofhimwantedthecriminologistsonthisasquicklyaspossible.Butoncethey

calledintheDCI,theteammightdecidebecauseMaggiewashisgirlfriendthathebeput
onaleaveofabsence.He’dbeoffthecase.Hecouldn’tbearthethought.Silently,he
swore.TheyhadtofindMaggiebeforehewaslockedoutofthisinvestigation.Asitwas,
hishousewasnowacrimescene.

***

D

EPUTY

H

ARPER

C

OLE

cruiseddownthestreettowardtheDumahouse.Hewonderedwhat

thisreallywasabout.MaggieThompsonwasmissing?Therehadtobemoretoitthan
that.Hehadtriedtoask,buttheundersheriffhadcuthimoff.ClearlybothMarkandFlint
stilldidn’thaveanyfaithinhisabilities.Itpissedhimoff.Hewasahero.

Well,atleasteveryonethoughthewas.Everyonebuthispregnantgirlfriend,Vicki.

Whyhadheconfessedeverythingtoherthatmorninginthehospitalafterhe’dalmost
died?He’dbeenfeelingguilty,amazedhewasstillalive,andapparentlyhe’dfelttheneed
toconfesstosomeone.ButVicki?

Nowhewasstuckwithher.Shecouldholditoverhisheadfortherestoftheirlives

becauseifthetruthaboutthatnightevercameout…

Harpshudderedatthethought.Hewouldbethelaughingstockoftowninsteadofa

hero.Worse,he’dbefired.He’dhavetoleavetown.Hemightnevergetanotherjobin
lawenforcementandhe’dgottendamnedattachedtocarryingagunandbeing“theman.”

NowheslowedinfrontoftheDumahouse.Herehewasagain,dealingwithsomething

connectedtothesheriff.MaggieThompsonwasallegedlymissing?Sowhatwashedoing
here?

Heparkedinfrontofthesheriff’sex-wife’shouseandwarnedhimselfnottoscrewthis

up.Readingbetweenthelinesofwhattheundersheriffhadsaid,MarkthoughtCeleste
Dumahaddonesomethingtothesheriff’sgirlfriend.

Smiling,heclimbedout.Helovedthissortofsmall-towndrama,especiallywhenit

involvedthesheriff.ItsurprisedhimFlintwasn’ttheonecomingoverherehimself.Flint
mustbegoingcrazywithworry.WhyelsewouldheletMarkbecallingtheshots?

Hecoveredthebuttofhisgunwithhishandashewalkedtowardthefrontdoor.There

wasnocarparkedinthedrive.Ashepassedawindowinthegarage,hepeeredin.Empty.
Thiswasgoingtobeawasteoftime.Noonewashome.

Ringingthebell,heglancedaroundtheneighborhood.Itwasamuchniceronethan

whereheandVickilived.She’dtalkedhimintomovinginwithher.Anothermistakehe’d

made.Shespentmostofhertimepukinghergutsoutsincegettingpregnant.Shenever
feltlikedoingitanymore.Heworriedthiswaswhatmarriagewasgoingtobelike.

Herangthebellagainandthenknocked.Totalwasteoftime.

Atthesoundofacarengine,heturnedtoseealargedarkSUVpullin.WayneDuma.

Now,herewassomeonewhothoughtawholelotofhimself,Harpthought.Hell,he’d
boughthimselfandhiswifematchingSUVsforoneoftheirweddinganniversaries.How
fullofhimselfwasthat?

Dumawasfrowningasheexitedhisvehicle.Clearlyhedidn’tlikeseeingadeputyon

hisdoorstep.“CanIhelpyou?”themanaskedinthesametoneheprobablyusedwith
solicitorsathisdoor.ItonlypissedHarpoffmore.

“I’mlookingforMrs.Duma.”

“She’snothere.”

“SoIgathered.Canyoutellmewheresheis?”

Waynelookedasifhewaslosingpatience.Harpfeltthesameway.“Whatisthis

about?”

Harpdidn’tanswer.“Ineedtotalktoher.Sheriff’sdepartmentbusiness.”

“She’slefttown.”

“Whendidsheleave?”

“Earlier.Iinsistyoutellmewhatthisisabout.”

“Wheredidshego?”

Dumalookedasifhewantedtodighisheelsin.

“MaggieThompsonismissing.Ineedtospeakwithyourwife.”

Themangroanedandlookedaway.“Notthisfoolishnessagain.”Heturnedbackto

Harp.“Mywifehasgonetoaspa.IfMaggieismissing,ithasnothingtodowithCeleste.”

“Whatspa?”

“Ihavenoidea.”

“Wasshedrivingthereorflying?”

Dumashookhishead.“Ididn’task.”

“I’mgoingtoneedtohavealookaround.I’msurewecangetawarrant—”

“Thatisn’tnecessary,”Dumasaid,steppingpasthimtounlockthedoor.“Help

yourself.”

Harpsteppedinandlookedaround.“Niceplaceyouhavehere.”Hewalkedthroughthe

house.Itappearedahousekeepingservicehadbeenthererecently.Ithadthatsmell.Itdid
nothingtoimprovehismoodsincehe’dneverhadaplacethatsmelledthisgood.

“I’mgoingtotakealookupstairs,”hetoldDuma,whodidn’tbothertoanswer.Hewas

onhisphone.Harplistenedasthemanleftamessageforhiswifetocallhim.

Upstairs,hestuckhisheadineachroom.Theplacewasimmaculate.Hecouldn’tsee

Celestedownonherkneesscrubbingthebathroomfloortomakeitshinelikethat—let
alonetowipeupblood.Richpeople,hethoughtwithasharpbiteofjealousy.

Hefigured,ascleanastheplacewas,itwouldn’tbehardtofindbloodevidence—if

therehadbeenany.Butsofar,hesawnothingtoindicatethattherehadbeenanything
goingonthere.

Attheendofthehall,hepushedopenthedoorintothemasterbedroomandfelthis

pulseshootup.Theroomlookedasifithadexploded.Therewereclotheseverywhere,on
thefloor,onthebed,thrownontheclosetfloor.

HeheardDumabehindhim.Themangaspedandthenswore.

“Canyouexplainthis?”Harpasked.

“ApparentlyCelestehadtroubledecidingwhattotaketothespa.”

“Right.Don’ttouchanythinginthisroom.”Hepulledouthisphone.“Thesheriffis

goingtowanttotalktoyou.”

CHAPTERFOUR

A

T

THE

SAME

TIME

herboyfriendwascallingthesheriff,Vickiwasdoublingoverinpain.

Sheclutchedthesinknexttothetoiletbowl.Eversinceshe’dlostthebaby,she’dhad
terriblecrampsatthattimeofthemonth.KeepingHarpoffofherforthedaysshewas
flowingwashardenough.Butthelying…

Shetoldherselfthatshecouldn’tkeepthissecretanylongerfromDeputyHarperCole,

themanshe’dfalleninlovewith.Everyday,shepromisedherselfthatshewouldtellHarp
thatshe’dlostthebaby.Butwhenhecamehome,shejustcouldn’tbringherselfto
confess.

He’llleaveyoutheminuteyoutellhim.

Afterall,ithadbeentheonlyreasonhe’dmovedinwithher.Shehadn’ttold,thinking

shewouldgetpregnantagain.Butherewasanothermonthandnobaby.Thedoctorhad
saidsheshouldn’thaveanytroublegettingpregnantagain.She’dthoughtthatifit
happenedsoonenough,Harpwouldneverhavetoknowshe’dlostthefirstbaby.Henever
paidanyattentiontohowmanymonthshadgoneby.

He’daskedheroncewhenshewasgoingtostartshowing.“Guessyou’llbelooking

likeyoustoleabasketballsoonenough.Doesthatmeanwearen’tgoingtobeabletodo
it?”

She’dassuredhimthattheycouldhavesex—theonethingthatseemedtomakehim

happy—almosttotheend.“Butonlyifyouaremoregentle.”

Thathadcheeredhimup.Nothingelseaboutlivingtogetherhad.True,shewasn’tmuch

ofacook.Oftenshewasboredandjustwatchedtelevisionallday.Shemissedworkingat
thecafé,butshecouldn’tverywellgobacktherewithoutadmittingthatshe’dhada
miscarriageearlyoninherpregnancy.

Whatwasshegoingtodo?shethoughtasshedoubledoveragainwithacramp.And

howwasshegoingtokeepthisfromHarp?Shecouldn’tpretendtohavethefluevery
monthforfivedays.EvenHarpwouldfigurethatoutafterawhile.

Shehadtogetpregnantagain.Otherwise…

Vickifeltthepillsshe’dtakenbegintoworkonhercramps.Withoutthepain,her

thoughtsclearedsome.SheconsideredwhatHarphadtoldherhadhappenedthenightthat
manhadcomelookingforMariahAyers,nowCahill,andhadalmostkilledbothMariah
andDarby.Harphadadmittedtoherthathewasn’ttheheroeveryonethoughthewas.
He’dliedandshewastheonlyonehe’devertoldaboutit.

Nowwiththesheriff’sgirlfriendmissingandhimbeingputonleave,maybeHarp

reallydidhaveashotatbecomingthenextsheriff.Butonlyifnooneeverknewthetruth
aboutthatnight.

Sheplacedahandoverherstomach.Maybeshedidn’tneedababytokeepHarpafter

all.

***

“I

CAN

ASSURE

youthatCelestehadnothingtodowithMaggieThompsonbeingmissing,”

Dumasaidfromachairintheinterrogationroomatthesheriff’sdepartmentthirtyminutes
later.Hewasabigman,distinguished,grayatthetemples.

“Howcanyoubesoconfidentofthat?”theundersheriffasked.

Flintwatchedthroughtheglasswindowthatactedasamirrorontheotherside.Harp

hadstayedatthehousetomakesurenothingwasdisturbeduntilthestatecrimeteam
arrivedoutofBillings.FlintdesperatelywantedtobetheonequestioningDuma.

“Ineedyoutoletmehandlethis,”Markhadsaid.“Youknowyou’retooemotionally

involved.”

Swearingunderhisbreath,he’dnodded.“You’reright.I’lldowhateveryousuggest.I

trustyou,Mark.”

“You’ddothesamethinginmyshoes.TheDCIwillwanttotalktoyou.Afterthat,

you’llneedtofindsomewheretostaysinceyourhouseisnowacrimescene.”

FlinthadfeltasifhisheartwouldburstwhenMarkhadgottenthecallfromHarp.

“WhatdidHarpfindoverthere?Please,Mark,youhavetotellme.”

“NothingtoindicatethatCelestehadanythingtodowithMaggiegoingmissing.But

she’slefttownandshewasapparentlyupsetbeforesheleft.Flint,Itoldyou—”

HishearthadstartedpoundingthemomentMarkhadansweredhisphoneandsaid,

“BringDumadowntothesheriff’sdepartmentforquestioning.”

Panichadmadehiskneesgoweak.“Celeste?”

“No—WayneDuma.HesaysCelestelefttowntogotoaspa.”

“She’slying.Youhaveto—”

“Flint,he’scomingdowntown.We’llfindoutwhatheknows.”

“Shepickedtodaytoleavetown?Mark—”

“Iknow.WehavetofindMaggie.That’swhatwe’redoing.”

Flinthadnodded,buthishearthadbeenracing.Celestehaddonesomethingwith

Maggie.Thishadbeenbuildingforsometime.

“Iknowyou’reright,Mark,butIneedtoknowwhat’sgoingonorI’llgocrazy.

StartingwithwhatDumahastosay.”

Markhadsuggestedhewatchtheinterrogation.Flinthadagreed,althoughhecouldfeel

theclocktickinglikeatimebombinhischest.Maggiehadbeenmissingforatleast
severalhoursnow.Statistically,thesoonertheyfoundher,thebetterchancetheywould
findheralive.Hefearedshe’dbeentakenonimpulse.Heenvisionedthescenebackathis
house.Thetwowomenarguing,maybegettingintoashovingmatch,andthenMaggie
gettinghurt.

Ifshewasbadlyhurt,thingswouldhavegonedownhillfromthere.Celestewouldbe

scared.She’ddosomethingstupid,likeabductMaggietokeepwhathadhappenedfrom
comingout.Thingswouldonlygetworsefromthere.Celestewouldberunningscared.
Shewouldrealizehowharditwastohidesomeone.Howdesperatewouldsheget,allthe
timenotrealizingthatshewasgettingindeeperanddeeper?

Hestaredthroughtheglass,wantingtoshakethetruthoutofWayneDuma.

“Howdoyouexplaintheconditionyourbedroomwasin?”Markasked.

Dumarubbedthebackofhisneck,lookinguncomfortable.“CelesteandIhadafight

lastnight.Shewasstillupsetthismorning.”

“Whatdidyoufightover?”

“Idon’tevenknow.WithCeleste…”Themanlookedaway.“Wehaven’tbeengetting

alongforsometimenow.Thismorning,afteranotherroughnight,Isuggestedwemight
wanttotakeabreak.”

“Divorce?”

“Ididn’tsaythat,butIthinkthat’sthewayshetookit.Itoldherwewouldtalkaboutit

laterwhenwewerebothcalmer.”

Flintfelthisstomachroil.Celestewouldhavebeenbesideherself,hethought.She

mightnotlikethechoiceshe’dmadeinhookingupwithDuma,butshewouldn’twantto
giveuptheluxury,thenameortheperceivedpowerthatcamewithit.Giventhekindof
moodshemusthavebeenin,anythingcouldhavehappened.

“Iwenttowork,”Dumacontinued.“Iknewshehadsomemeetingshewasgoingto.I

almostdidn’ttakehercalllaterthatmorningwhenmyassistantsaidshewasontheline.I
didn’twanttocontinuetheargument,especiallyatworkandonthephone.”

“Butyoudidtakethecall.”

Henodded.“Shewasstillupset.Shesoundedhysterical.Ihonestlythoughtshemight

dosomethingtoherselfifIdidn’tstayontheline.SoIlethertalk.Shewentonaboutthe
twoofus,thesamestuffI’veheardbefore.Idon’tgiveherenoughattention,thatsortof
thing.”Hesighed.

“DidshementionMaggieThompson?”

Dumalookedawayforamoment.“Shetoldmethatshe’drunintoMaggieatthe

grocerystoreandthatherexandMaggieweremovingintogether.”Heclearedhisvoice.
“Shewascalmerthen,Ithought.Shesaidshewashavingtroubledealingwithit,thatshe
hadsomeunresolvedfeelingsforFlintandthatpartofourproblemwasthatsheblamed
mefortheirdivorce.Ifshehadn’tmetme…

“Butthatshelovedmeandjustneededsometimeaway.Shesaidshewassorryshe’d

putmethroughsomuch.Shesoundedasifshewasacceptingthatherexwasgoingto
findhappinesswithsomeoneelse.Shepromisedthatwhenshecamebackeverything
wouldbemuchbetter.”

MuchbetterbecauseMaggiewouldbeoutofthepicture.Cursing,Flintcouldn’t

believewhathewashearing.Hewantedtoputhisfistthroughtheglass.He’dbeen
marriedtoCeleste.Heknewwhatextremesshewenttowhenshefeltshewasaboutto
losesomethingshewanted.Therewasnotellingwhatshewouldhavedone.

“Didshetellyouwhereshewasgoing?”Markasked.

“No,justthatshewaspackingtogotoaspa.Shesounded…calm.”

AccordingtoHarp,Celestehadbeenanythingbutcalmgiventheshapeofthebedroom

whereshewaspacking,Flintthought.Hadshegonefromthereovertohishousethetwo
ofthemhadsharedandconfrontedMaggie?

Celesteprobablystillhadherkey,notthatshewouldhaveneededitsincesheknewhe

usuallyleftthedoorunlocked.SoshecouldhavebeenwaitingforMaggie.Orworse,he
thoughtwithacurse,shecouldhavejustwalkedinandsurprisedMaggie.

Hementallykickedhimselffornotgettingthelockschanged,fornotlockinghisdoor.

ButthiswasGiltEdge,afterall.Asidefromarashofbreak-insafewmonthsagobysome
teens…ThepointwasthatCelestecouldhavegottentoMaggie—andhad.

Butthen,socouldanyoneelse,hethoughtandshookhishead.Ithadn’tbeenanyone

else.HeknewwhohadMaggie.Hewasstaringattheperson’shusband.

“I’mtellingyouCelestewouldn’thavedoneanythingtoMaggie.Yes,maybeshetried

toscareheroffwithsomestupidvandalism,butkidnapher?”Dumashookhishead.“She
wouldn’tdoanythingso…”

“Crazy?”Markasked.

Dumahunghishead.“Shewasjustangry.Bynow,she’soverit.We’vehadfights

before.”

Hedidn’tsoundconvincedtheywouldpatchthingsup,Flintthought.Thismanhad

seenCeleste’scrazy.Hewasrunningscaredthistimeandprobablyfedup.Flintknewthat
feeling,havingbeentherewithCelestehimself.

“Ithinkmywifehastoomuchtimeonherhandsand…”DumalookedupatMarkasif

pleadingwithhimtoagreethatCelestewouldn’thavehurtMaggie.“Thiswholethingis
so…frustrating.Yes,mywifemightneed…help.I’vetriedtogethertoseesomeone.”He
puthisheadinhishands.“It’sputaterriblestrainonourmarriage.Ishouldbemore
patientwithher,butwhenshecallsmeatworkwiththisfoolishness…”

“DidshementionthatshewasgoingovertoFlint’shousetoseeMaggie?”

Dumaliftedhishead.“No.Itoldyou.Shesaidshewasgoingtoaspa.”

“Butshedidn’tmentionwhatspaorwhereandyoudidn’task?”

“No.Iwasjustrelievedthatshewasgoingawayforawhile.”Helookedguilty,andfor

amoment,Flintalmostfeltsorryforhim.MaybeifDumahadn’thadanaffairwith
Celestewhileshewasstillmarriedtohim,Flintcouldhaveworkedupmorecompassion
fortheman.Instead,hefeltasifDumahadgottenwhathedeserved:onecrazy-ass

womanwhowascapableofdoingjustaboutanything.

ButifCelestehadlostitanddonesomethingtoMaggie…Heclenchedhisfiststighter.

TheyhadtofindCeleste.Itwastoomuchofacoincidencethatshe’dlefttownnow—at
thesametimeMaggiehadgonemissing.EspeciallynowthatheknewhowupsetCeleste
hadbeen.

MarkwasquestioningDumaaboutotherspasCelestehadgoneto.Markhadgottena

warrant,sotheywerecheckingintoDuma’sbankandcredit-cardstatements.Inthe
meantime,thestatecrimeteamwouldbearrivingandgoingoverFlint’shouseaswellas
theDumas’.Flinthadmixedfeelingsaboutthat.Maybetheywouldfindproofthatwould
helpfindMaggie.Ormaybetheywouldn’tfindanyphysicalevidenceotherthanFlint’s
ownDNAatthesceneandkickhimoffthecase.

“DoesCelesteownagun?”theundersheriffasked.

Flint’searsperkedup.Dumaraisedhishead.Helookedguilty.Flintswore.

“Iboughtheragunwhen…whenshetoldmethatherexwasharassingher,”Duma

said.“Iknownowthatitwasn’ttrue.”Hesighed.“ButIthoughtifitmadeCelestefeel
safer…”

MarkaskedaboutthemakeandmodelandifCelestehadtakenitwithher.Dumaswore

hehadnoideaifCelestehadtakenthegun.

Whotakesaguntoaspa?Flintthought.

“TheDCIteamoutofBillingswillwanttotakealookatyourhouseaftertheyfinish

withthecrimescene,”Marksaid.“Ihopeyou’llcooperate.”

Dumasighed.“IwanttohelpinanywayIcan.”

FlintlistenedasMarkfinishedupwithDuma,whopromisedtocallhimwiththenames

ofthespasthatCelesteusuallywentto.

Hehatedthewaiting.Worse,hatedfeelingsohelpless.Hourshadgoneby.Wherewas

Maggie?Unfortunately,heknewfirsthandhowinvestigationscouldtakeawrongturn,
howlawenforcementcouldspendtoomuchtimesuspectingthewrongperson,how
peoplediedwhilethecopswerebarkingupthewrongtree.Hecouldn’tletthathappen.
OncetheyfoundCeleste—

“Sheriff?”Thedispatcherstuckherheadintothesmallroomadjacenttothe

interrogationroomwherehewasstanding.“Wejustgotacall.Ithinkyou’llwanttotake
it.”

Hishearttookofflikeawildhorseinthewind.“AboutMaggie?”

Thedispatcherlookedembarrassed.“No.I’msorry.ThecallersaiditwasaboutJenna

Holloway.”

***

J

ENNA

H

OLLOWAY

HAD

disappearedfollowinganargumentwithherhusband,Anvil,last

March.Anviladmittedtostrikingheraftershe’dconfessedtohavinganaffairwith
anotherman,butsworeshewasn’thurtwhenshedroveaway.

WhathadsentupredflagswereAnvil’sactionsaftershe’dallegedlyleft.He’d

destroyedasectionofSheetrockwithhisfistandthenhe’dcleanedupthekitchen,
moppingthefloorbeforewashingtheclotheshe’dbeenwearing.

WhenFlinthadarrivedhe’dnoticedthefreshlyscrubbedkitchen,aswellasAnvil’s

bruisedandbloodiedknuckles.Anvilhadn’tbeenabletorepairthesectionofSheetrock
beforehe’dcalledtoreportJennamissing.Buthe’dcertainlycoveredhistrackson
everythingelse.

OvertheweeksthatfollowedwithnowordfromJenna,morefactshademerged.It

seemedthatJennahadmoresecretsthanjustalover.She’dbecomepenpalswithsome
inmatesatMontanaStatePrison,takenupshopliftingandstealingfromthefamilygrocery
budget.She’dalsobegunwearingmakeupandhadboughtherselfsomesexy
undergarments—thingsapparentlyoutofcharacter.

Whenhercarturnedupinagully,FlinthadbecomemoreconvincedthatAnvilhadn’t

justtakenhistemperoutonawall.Thestatecrimeinvestigatorshadbeencalledin,but
they’dfoundnoevidencetoprovethatAnvilhadkilledher.

SincethenFlinthadbeenwaitingforsomeonetostumbleacrosshershallowgrave.The

DCIhadgoneovertheHollowayfarmwithcadaverdogsandfoundnothing.Anvilhad
swornthathedidn’tkillher.Notthatanyoneintownbelievedhim.Butwithfour
mountainrangesaroundthevalleyandmilesandmilesofwildcountry,Jennacouldhave
beenburiedanywhere.

Flintsuspectedthatsomeonehadfinallyfoundherbodywhenhetookthecall.

“Ishouldhavecalledyoumonthsago,”amansaid.

“YouknowsomethingaboutJennaHolloway’sdisappearance?WhoamIspeakingto?”

Silence.Acrankcall?

“KurtReiner.Jenna’sbeenstayingwithme.”

Flinthadtositdown.“JennaHollowayiswithyou?”

“IknowIshouldhavecalled,butshewastooafraidofhimfindingherifItoldanyone

whereshewas.”

“Shewasthatafraidofherhusband?”

“Herhusband?No,man.Itwassomedudewhowasthreateningher.”

Hetriedtogethisheadaroundthis.Jennawasalive?Hadbeenalivesincethenightshe

disappearedbackinMarch?“Wherehasshebeenallthistime?”

“Sheridan,Wyoming.We’vebeenrentingaplacedownhere.”

Flintrubbedahandoverhisface.“I’mconfused.Sowhydidyoudecidetocallme

now?”

“Alittleoveraweekago,shesawthemanwho’dbeenharassingherbackinMontana.

Hewasintown.She’dbeentellingmethatshe’dfeltasifsomeonehadbeenwatching
her.Ifiguredshewasimaginingthingsorgettingtiredofbeingwithme,youknowwhatI
mean?Anyway,thenextnightshefreaked.Shesawhimstandingacrossthestreet,
watchingoursecond-floorapartment.Irandown,butbythetimeIreachedthecorner,he
wasgone,roaringawayinhisvan.Sothenextday—”

“Wait.Avan?”HethoughtofwhatAlmaEllisonhadtoldhim.“Whatcolorvan?”

IttookReineraminutetoanswerafterbeinginterruptedinthemiddleofhisstory.

“Abrownone.So,anyway,acoupledaysagoIcamebacktotheapartmentand…”His

voicebroke.“Shewasgoneandtheplacewasamessasifthere’dbeenafight.Andnow
she’smissing.Reallymissingthistime.”

Abrownvan.Whatwerethechancesitwasthesamevanhisneighborhadseenearlier

todaydrivingbyhishouse?Sheridan,Wyoming,wasaboutsixhoursaway,nobigdeal
forthosewholivedintheselargeWesternstates.Still,itwasastretchtothinkitcould
havebeenthesamevan.

“Youdidn’thappentogettheplatenumberonthatvan,didyou?”

“Naw.Itwasanolder-modelpanelvan.”

“Wyomingplates?”

“No,Idon’tthinkso.”

“Montanaplates?”

“Ireallydidn’tnoticesincethebackofthevanwassodirty.ButnowthatIthinkabout

it,theyweresomedifferentcoloredplate,notWyomingorMontana.That’sallIknow.”

Flintrakedahandthroughhishair.Whydidhethinktheremightbeaconnection?He

knewwhohadtakenMaggieandshedidn’tdriveanoldbrownvan.Shedrovethenewest,
largestblackSUVtheymade.

Still,bothwomenwerefromGiltEdge.JennahadherhairdoneatMaggie’sshopby

theotherstylist,DaisyCaulfield,butthetwohadknowneachother.Hewouldn’tbea
goodlawmanunlesshecheckedthisout.

“Ineedtotalktoyoumoreaboutthis,”Flintsaid.“CanyoucomeuptoGiltEdge?”

“Sorry,butIfinallylandedaprettydecentjob.EvenifIcouldaffordtodriveallthe

wayupthere—”

“Didyoutalktothelocalpolice?”

“Couldn’treallydothatunderthecircumstances,youknow.Ikepthopingshe’dturn

backup.That’swhyIdidn’tcalluntilnow.Ididn’twantanytroublewiththelaw.”Also,
thelocallawprobablywouldn’thavemuchinterestsinceJennahadpulledthis
disappearingactalreadyupinMontana.

“Iprobablyshouldn’tevenhavecalledyou,”Reinersaid.

Flintspokequickly,afraidnowthatthemanmighthangup.“DidJennatellyou

anythingmoreaboutthisman?”

“No.Justsaidhescaredherandwouldn’tleaveheralone.”

FlintthoughtoftheprisonpenpalsJennahadbeenwritingbeforeshe’ddisappearedthe

firsttime.Somethingdefinitelyhadbeengoingonwiththewoman.

“Listen,youdidrightbycallingme.”Hetriedtothinkofwhattodo.Nowaycould

theysendanofficerdownthere.NordidhethinkthelocallawinSheridanwouldbemuch
helponthisone.Andhecouldn’tgohimself.Hehadtostayhereincasetherewasabreak
inMaggie’sdisappearance.

“Tellmewhathoursyouworkandwhereyoulive.I’llsendsomeonetotakeyour

statement.”

“Idon’tknow,man.”

“I’mnotsendingacop.It’saprivateinvestigatorIknow.I’llhavehimcontactyou.

Don’tworry.It’ssomeoneItrustwithmylife—andyoursandJenna’s.”

Reinersighed.Flintcouldtellthathewasregrettingthiscall.“Okay.”

Flintjotteddowntheinformation.“Givemeyourphonenumber.I’llgetrightbackto

you.”HedisconnectedandcalledCurryInvestigationsinBigTimber,Montana.Former
SweetGrassCountysheriffFrankCurryansweredonthesecondring.

CHAPTERFIVE

F

LINT

CAUGHT

F

RANK

andhisbusinesspartner–wife,Nettie,justbeforetheywereleaving

fortheday.Fromhisofficeatthesheriff’sdepartment,hefilledtheminontheJenna
Hollowaycase.He’dmetthembothonastateinvestigationsomeyearsagowhenFrank
wassheriff.Abigman,Franklookedlikeanold-timeylawmanwithagunfighter
mustache.

He’dheardthatFrankhadretiredandopenedhisowninvestigationbusinesswith

Nettie.Headmiredthetwoofthemdoingthatsincetheywerebothintheirsixties.Most
peopletheiragewereheadedfortheirrecliners.

“IgotacallfromamaninSheridan,Wyoming,whosayshe’sbeenlivingwithJenna

HollowaysinceMarch—butthatnowshehasdisappearedagain,”Flinttoldthem.Heheld
thephonetighter.“I’dgocheckthisoutmyself,butJennaisnottheonlyonemissing.The
womanI’vebeenseeing,MaggieThompson,isalsomissing.Myundersheriffisdoing
everythingpossibletofindoutwhathappened.TheDCIhasbeencalledin.”

“Whatcanwedotohelp?”Nettieaskedfromaphoneextensionattheiroffice.

“KurtReinerbelievesJennawastakenbyamaninabrownvanacoupledaysago.A

brownvanwasseenonthesamestreetwhereMaggiedisappearedearliertoday.”

“Youthinkthecasesmightbeconnected,”Franksaid.

“Ithinkit’salongshotatbest.Butbothwomenarefromhere.Ifthismanknows

anythingaboutJennaHollowayandherdisappearance…”Hisvoicebroke.“Ican’tleave
hereincase—”

“Wecangofirstthinginthemorning,”Nettiesaid.“Justsendustheinformation.”

“Ireallyappreciatethis,”Flintsaid.“Truthfully,Idon’tthinkMaggiewastakenby

somemaninabrownvan.Ithinkmyex-wifedidsomethingtoheranditscaresthehell
outofme.Butmyexisallegedlyawayatsomespa,andthisinformationonJenna,who
disappearedlastMarch,justcamein.Whenthemanmentionedabrownvan…”

“Iunderstand.We’llgetbacktoyouassoonaswe’vetalkedtoKurtReiner,”Frank

said.

Heswallowedthelumpinhisthroat,unabletovoicehisgratitude.Hetrustedthis

longtimesheriff,havingheardnothingbutgoodnewsabouthim.NorwasFrank’swife
anyslouchwhenitcametoinvestigating,he’dheard.

“We’llstartwithJenna,”Franksaid.“Thenwe’llseewhereyouareonMaggie’s

disappearance.Weunderstandtimeisoftheessence.Ifyouneedanything…”Hereadoff
theircellphonenumbers.

“Thanks,Frank.IknewIcouldcountonyou.I’veemailedeverythingIhave.Assoon

asIhearfromyouverifyingthatJennawasthewomanlivingwithKurtReiner,I’llgoout
totheHollowayfarmtotalktothehusband.Anvilmighthaveheardfromherandjustnot

calledme.Orhecouldbeinvolved.Atthispoint,it’sallupintheair.”

“WehavethephotoofJennaandtheinformationyoujustemailed.We’llbeintouch.”

***

T

EN

O

’

CLOCK

THE

nextmorning,FranksatdownacrossfromKurtReiner.Reinerwas

dressedinjeans,sneakersthathadseenbetterdaysandaraggedT-shirtwithalogoof
somebandFrankhadneverheardof.Somewherearoundforty-fivewithanecktattooofa
snakeandavarietyofothertattoosonhispaleskinbelowthesleevesoftheT-shirt,
Reinerappearedtobetryingtolookyounger.Hiseyesweresteelbluewiththicklashesin
apockmarkedfacethatwasn’tquitehandsome.

ButtherewassomethingabouthimthatFrankthoughtmightappealtoawomaneither

lookingfortroubleorrunningfromit.Aquietmousywomanwho’dmarriedafarmerten
yearshereldermighthavelookedatReinerandthoughthehadsomethingshe’dmissed
outon.Especiallysinceshe’dapparentlybeendrawntowardthewildersideoflifebefore
herdisappearance.

ThefirstthingFrankhaddonewhenhe’dmetReineratalocalcaféwasshowhimthe

photo.

“Yep,that’sJenna,”themanhadsaid.“Exceptnowshe’sablonde.”

“Youwouldn’thappentohaveaphotoofthetwoofyou,wouldyou?”

Reinernodded.“Ifiguredyou’dwantproof.”Hedugouthiscellphoneandswipedfor

aphoto.ItwasaselfieofhimandJennainabar.Whilenotgreatresolution,therewasno
doubtitwasJenna—evenblonde.

WhatstruckFrankwasthatshelookedyoungerthanshedidinthephotoFlinthad

gottenfromherhusband.HetookaphotoofthepairandtextedittoFlinttolethimknow
thattheyhadapositiveIDwhileNettiemadepoliteconversationtodistractReiner.

“SohowdidyouandJennameet?”Frankaskedafterthethreeofthemwereseatedata

backtableoutoftheway.Reinerhadsuggestedtheplace,wantingtomeetinpublic.
Frankgotthefeelingthathewasworriedahalf-dozencopswouldbewaitingforhim.

NowReinershifteduncomfortablyinhischairandshotalooktowardthedoor.“So

you’reaprivatedick?”

“NettieandIarelicensedprivateinvestigators,yes,”Franksaid.“Nooneisgoingto

arrestyou.”He’dtoldhimthisonthephonebutclearlythemanhadtrustissues.Hecould
tellthatReinerwishedhe’dkepthismouthshutaboutJenna.

“Youcareabouther,”Nettiesaid.“That’swhyyou’rehere.Areyouinlovewithher?”

Reinerblinked,hisexpressionsofteningashelookedatNettie.“Shewassweet,you

know?Thekindofwomanwhotakescareofaman.”

Frankwonderedhowshe’dtakencareofhim,butlethiswifetakethelead.Nettiehada

senseforthesethings.He’dlearnedtotrustherinstinctslongago.

“Youmustmissher.”

Reiner’sblueeyesfilledwithtearsashenodded.Heswallowedconvulsively,his

Adam’sapplegoingupanddownforaminute.“That’swhyIcalled.Ifsome…baddude
hasher…”

“Thenletushelpher,”Nettiesaid.“We’regoingtoneedtoknoweverythingshemight

havetoldyouabouttheman,butlet’sstartwithhowyoutwomet.”

Henodded.“Shewaswritingtomybrother,Bobby.He’sinprisoninDeerLodge.”

Flinthadsaidshe’dbeenwritingtoprisonersatMontanaStatePrison,butwhenshe’d

disappearednoneofthosemenhadbeenreleased,sotheywereclearedassuspects.

“Hetoldmeaboutherandthatsheneededhelp,so…”Reinershrugged.“SoIwroteher

andwemet.Ihadtohelpher,youknow?”

“Butwhenyoumether,therewassomethingaboutherthatstoleyourheart,”Nettie

said.

Reinersmiled.Itwasagoodsmile.Frankcouldseehowawomanlookingforaradical

lifechangecouldhavefallenforthisguy.Hehadacertaincharm.

“Shetoldyouaboutherhusband?”

“Heseemedlikeanokaydude.Ithinkshefeltbadforhurtinghim,butshehadtoget

outoftheresincethisotherdudehadstartedfreakingherout.”

“Therewassomeoneafterher?”Nettieasked.

“Hefollowedherhomeonedayfromtown,shesaid.Shesawhimdrivebythefarm

realslowandthencomerightbackby.Shesaidthatifherhusbandhadn’tcomebackon
histractorwhenhedid…”

“Shesawthemanagain?”Frankasked.

“Hedrovebythenextdayandlaterthatnight.Thenonemorning,hedrovehisvanup

intheyard.Hemusthavethoughtthatherhusbandwasgone.Buthewasn’t.Anvil,
right?”Franknodded.“Hewentoutsidetoseewhatthemanwantedandthedudetook
off.”

“Didsheknowwhohewas?”Frankasked.

Reinershookhishead.“Shesaidshenevergotagoodlookathim.Justhadabad

feeling,youknow?”

“Whyher,doyouthink?”Frankasked.

“Whoknowshowdudeslikethatpicktheirtargets,butshewasterrifiedofhim.”

FrankglancedatNettie.Hecouldtellthatshewasthinkingthesamethinghewas.Why

wouldthewomanbethatterrifiedofsomeonedrivingavanwho’dpossiblyfollowedher
homeonceanddroveintotheyardanothertime?Hecouldunderstandconcern.Hecould
evenunderstandfear.Butterror?Notunlessshehadsomeotherreasontofeartheman
behindthewheelofthatvan.

Whichmeantsheknewhim.Andifhewastheonewho’dabductedher…Well,why

elsewouldhecomelookingforherinWyomingunlesstherewasmoretothestory?Ifthat
wasevenwhathadhappenedtoJenna.Thewomanseemedtohaveahabitof
disappearing.

***

F

LINT

TOOK

A

showeratthesheriff’sofficeandputonthecleanuniformshirtandjeans

thatMarkhadgottenhimfromhishouse.He’dbeenupallnight,dozingonlyalittleinthe
breakroomattheoffice.Hefeltwired,terrifiedonemoment,andconfidentthenextthat
theywouldfindMaggiealive,andsoon.

Inthemeantime,heknewthatifhedidn’twork,he’dgocrazy.WhileMarkcanvassed

theneighborhood,Flintwasholdingdownthefort.Hekeptthinkingthatsomeonewould
callwithnewsaboutMaggie.Bynow,wordwouldhavetraveledaroundthecounty.
Someonehadtospother.

MarkhadcalledtosaythatCelestehadn’tturnedup.Waynehadn’theardfromher,

otherthananemailfromaParadiseValleyspaconfirmingherreservationforlastnight.
Shehadn’tshown,though.Nooneknewwhereshewas,butMarkhadaBOLOouton
her,aswellasMaggie.Someonewasgoingtospotheraswell,Flinttoldhimself.They
wouldfindMaggie.ThenCelestewouldspendtherestofheryearsbehindbarsfor
abductingher.

HejustprayedthatCelestewouldn’tkillher.Markhadcalledearliertotellhimthatit

appearedCelestehadtakenthegunherhusbandhadpurchasedforhersinceithadn’tbeen
foundinthehouse.Ashardashetriedtothinkaboutanythingelse,hecouldfeeltheclock
ticking.

Whenhe’dreceivedthetextedphotoofJennafromFrank,hefeltsick.Allthistime,

JennahadbeenhidingoutinWyomingwithaman?HewonderedhowAnvilwouldtake
thisnews—ifhedidn’talreadyknow.

OnhiswayouttotheHollowayfarm,Flintcouldn’tgetthephotoofJennaandKurt

Reineroffhismind.Jennawassmilinginthesnapshot.Shelookedsodifferentfromthe
photoherhusbandhadgivenhimbackinMarch.Foronething,she’dbleachedherhair
blondandshewasclearlywearingmakeup.Hehopedhewouldn’thavetoshowthis
phototoAnvil.Itwasgoingtobehardenoughonthemanwhenhelearnedthathiswife
hadbeenshackingupwithaloverinWyomingallthistime.Hedidn’tneedtoseehow
happyshelooked.

Hethoughtaboutthefirsttimehe’ddrivenouttotheHollowayfarm.Anvilhadcalled

himtosayhiswifewasmissing.He’dknownlittleaboutthecouple,sincetheystayedto
themselvesandseldomcameintotown.

He’dseenJennainpassingintownwhenshe’dmadethetripinforgroceries,butother

thananodtoeachother,they’dneverevenspoken.Jennahadseemed…painfullyshy.
Now,though,hewonderedifhe’dmisreadnotonlyher,butalsotheentiresituation.

ItwasclearnowthatJennahadplannedherescapefromthefarm.Fromherhusband.

Fromeventhelaw.She’ddoneitsystematically.Flinthadchangedhisviewofhersince
seeingthephotoofherandReiner.Herealizedheneededtoknowawholelotmoreif
therewasanyconnectionbetweenJenna’sandMaggie’sdisappearances.

ThinkingaboutJennakepthismindoffthepanichefeltwhenhethoughtofMaggie.

HetoldhimselfthatonceMarkfoundCeleste…Buthefeltwiredoneminuteand
exhaustedthenext.HekeptprayingthatMaggiewasalive.ThatMarkwouldfindher
beforeitwastoolate.

Whilehetriedtoconcentrateondoinghisjob,thethoughtofMaggiebeingmissing

hungatthebackofhismindlikeaphysicalpainthatneverwentaway.Whenhethought
ofher,hisheartwouldpoundandhe’dfeelsicktohisstomach.Notbeingpartofthe
investigationwasdrivinghimcrazy.

Heknewheshouldbegladthatthere’dbeenabreakintheHollowaycaseforthe

distraction.Otherwisehewouldbepacingtheflooratthesheriff’sdepartment,waitingfor
word.Markhadpromisedtocallthemomenttherewasanynews.

Buthealsoknewthathewastooinvolvedinthisone,eveniftheDCIdidn’tforcehim

totakealeaveofabsence.Ashepulledupintheyard,thefrontdoorofthehouseopened
andAnvilappeared.Worryburrowedthefarmer’sbrows.Anvilheldadishtowelinone
hand,acupintheother.

TherewasatimewhenFlintwouldhavethoughtthemanwasworriedthatJenna’s

bodyhadturnedupandhewasabouttogotoprisonformurder.ButAnvildidn’tlook
worried.Hemerelylookedmildlycurious.Fromthebeginning,thefarmerhadswornthat
hiswifehadrunoffwithanotherman.Asitturnedout,he’dbeenright.

Still,FlintdoubtedAnvilwasreadyforthisnews,hethoughtasheclimbedoutofthe

patrolcarandstartedtowardtheporchsteps.

“Sheriff?”

“I’vegotsomenewsaboutJenna.”Hepulledhiscoataroundhimtowardoffthecold

windcomingoutofthesnowcappedmountains.Lowcloudshungoverthepeakswiththe
promiseofawinterstormbynoon.Christmaswasonlydaysaway,andwithoutadoubt,it
wasgoingtobewhite.JustthethoughtofChristmaswithoutMaggie…Hefelthis
stomachroil.“Mindifwestepinside?”

Anvilshovedthedooropenandmovedasidetoletthesheriffenter.Thefirstthingthat

struckhimwashowcleanthehousewas.Anvilhadn’tjustcleanedupaftertheincident
withhiswife.He’dcontinuedtodoso.Thehouselookedspotless.Flinthadtowonderif
ithadeverbeenthiscleanwhenJennawastakingcareofit.

Also,Anvillookedmorekeptup.Heseemedtobedressedbetter.There’ddefinitely

beenachangeintheman.SomelocalwomenhadnoticeditafterJennadisappeared.The
womenwereconvincedthatAnvilhaddoneawaywithhiswifeandwaslookingfor
anotheronejustbecausehestartedwearingjeansinsteadofoveralls.Atleastthelasthalf
ofthatstillmightbetrue,Flintthought.

“Coffee?”Anvilaskedasheputdownthecuphewasholdingandmovedtothesinkto

carefullyfoldthedishtowelandhangitoverarack.

“Sure,”Flintsaid,studyingtheman’sback.Thenewshehadwasadouble-edged

sword.Hefeareditwoulddrawbloodfromamanwhohadalreadybeenputthroughthe
milloverJenna’sfirstdisappearance.

NotonlyhadAnvilfoundoutdisturbingthingsaboutthewomanhe’dspenttwenty-four

yearswith,butalsohe’dlosther.Theworsepartwasthatmosteveryoneinthecountystill
believedthathe’dkilledher.

***

“W

HEN

J

ENNA

DISAPPEARED

,whatdidshetakewithher?”NettieaskedintheSheridan,

Wyoming,café.

Reinerlookedupatherinsurprise.“Youmeandidshetakeherclothesandstuff?”

“Didshe?”

“No.”Helookedinsulted.“Shewas…abducted.Itoldyou,theapartmentwastornup

asifshe’dstruggled.Iwasatwork.Icamehomeandshewasgone.”

“Noneofherthingsweremissing?”Frankasked.

Themanseemedtoconsiderthat.“Herpursewasgone,someofthemoneyIkeptinthe

apartmentforgroceries.Ifiguredthat’swhereshewasheadedwhenwhoevertookher
showedupattheapartment.”

“Howmuchmoneywasmissing?”Frankasked.

Reinerlookedasifhedidn’twanttoanswer.“Shetookallthatwasinthedrawer.

Maybeacouplehundred.Maybeless.”Helookedsick.“You’rethinkingshebailedon
me,butyou’rewrong.Shewouldn’thavedonethat.Youdon’tknowherlikeIdo.”

FrankwonderedifherhusbandofmorethantwentyyearshadtoldFlintthesamething

whenshe’ddisappearedbackinMarch.Hedoubtedeithermanhadreallyknownthis
woman.

“Sheevertalkaboutherpast?”

“Youmeanlikeherhusband?”

“Morelikeoldboyfriendsbeforeorafterherhusband,”Nettiesaid.

Reinerseemedtothinkforamoment.“Shementionedgrowingupinsomehellholein

NorthDakota.Herparentswerereallystrict.Shesaidsheneversawthemtoucheach
other.Seriously,notahug,akiss,evenholdhands.Shewonderedhowthey’dconceived
her.”

“WherewasthisinNorthDakota?”Frankasked.

“Somewidespotintheroad.”Hefrownedasifthinking.“Radville.That’sright,

becauseshesaiditwasanythingbutrad.Ithoughtthatwasprettyfunny.Shehadthatkind
ofsenseofhumor.”

“Didshesaywhysheleftthere?”Nettieasked.

Heshrugged.“Whowouldn’t?Shemighthavesaidthatherparentsweregladtoseeher

go.Theydidn’twantherdating.Ithinktheywantedhertobecomeanun.Notreally,but
youknowwhatImean.”Helaughed.“Jennaanun?JennawasthehorniestwomanI’d
ever—”Hestopped,hisgazegoingtoNettie.“Sorry.”

“Soshehadasexualappetite?”Nettieasked.

“Boyhowdy.Igotthefeelingshehadn’thadanyinyears,ifyouknowwhatImean.”

Frankthoughthedid.“Shelikeitkinky?”

ReinercoloredandshotNettiealookbeforeturningbacktohim.“Seriously?”

“Nettiecanhandleit,”heassuredtheman.“Jennalikeitrough?”

Lookingembarrassed,Reinerlookedawayandsaid,“Ithinkitwasallthatpent-upstuff

fromfirstherparentsandthenthatstraitlacedoldmanshewasmarriedto.”

Frankhadtosmiletohimself.He’dcalledAnvilHollowayanoldmanandHolloway

wasnearlytenyearsFrank’sjunior.HesawthatNettiewasamusedsinceevenattheir
agestherewasnothingwrongwitheitheroftheirownsexualappetites.

“Whataboutfriends?”Nettieasked.“Surelyshehadafriendbackhomethatshekeptin

contactwith.”

“Dana,”hesaidwithanod.“Apparentlyshedidn’tescapeRadville.Jennafeltbadfor

her,talkedabouthelpingherout,youknow?”

“Likesendinghermoney?”Frankasked.

“Shesenthersome.Ididn’tmind.”Helookeddefensive.“Shedidn’tsendmuch.LikeI

said,Ididn’tmindgivingittoher.”

“Shecallher?”Nettieasked.

Heshrugged.“Afewtimes.ButIdon’tseewhat—”

“We’regoingtoneedJenna’scellphonenumber.”

“Shedidn’thaveone.Sheusedmine.”

“Thenwearegoingtoneeditandyourpasscode,”Franksaid.“Sorry.We’llgetitback

toyouassoonaswe’redonewithit.Icangiveyoumoneyforanewphone.”

Reinerlookedasifhemightleapupandmakearunforit.Butafteramoment,he

reachedintohispocket,broughtoutthephoneandlaiditonthetablewithagesturethat
said,“Ihavenothingtohide.”Nettiewrotedownthepasscode,andturningonthecell,
shekeyeditin.Seeingthatitworked,shepocketedthephone.

“Danahavealastname?”Frankasked.

Reinershrugged.“Ineverhearditmentioned.”

“WhataboutfriendssincethetwoofyouhavebeenlivinghereinWyoming?”Nettie

asked.“Friendsfromworkmaybe?”

Heshookhishead.“Shedidn’thaveajob.Wethoughtitbest,youknow,underthe

circumstances.”

“Whatdidshedoallday?”Frankasked.

“Hang.WatchTV.Shecooked,”hesaid,brightening.“Shewasagreatcook.”He

lookedathiswatch.“Ireallyneedtogettowork.”

“We’llkeepintouch,butifyouhearfromher,callme,”Franksaid,slidinghisbusiness

cardandahundred-dollarbillacrossthetable.“Youdidgoodcallingthesheriff.We’ll
findher.”

Reinerlookedlikeamanbadlybeatenwithregrets.“Right.”

“We’llmailyourphonetoyourapartmentaddress,”Franksaidtotheman’sretreating

backandgotadismissivewave.

“Awasteofpostage,”Nettiesaid.“Youknowhe’stakingoff.Won’tbehearingfrom

himagain.”ShebroughtupthephotoofthemanandJennaonthecellphone.

Franksighed.“Ithinkwegotallwecouldfromhim,”hesaid,watchingthroughthe

windowasReinerdroveawayinanoldcompactcar,thebackbumpercoveredwith
stickers.

TheskywasadullgrayastheysteppedoutofthecaféandwalkedtowardtheirSUV.

Thecoldairsmelledasifitmightstartsnowingatanymoment.

“WeneedtoknowmoreaboutJenna,”Nettiesaidassheclimbedintothepassenger

sideoftheSUV.

“Mythoughtexactly.”Franksmiledoveratherasheslidbehindthewheel.They’d

alwayshadthiswondrousconnection.Shesmiledback.Itstillamazedhimhowmuchhe
lovedthiswomanandhadsincehewasaboy.He’dlosthertoanothermanforawhile,
butgettingherbackwasthesmartestthinghe’deverdone.Shefulfilledhimineveryway.
Havingherasapartnerintheirinvestigativebusinesswasjustthecherryontop.

Sofartheirbusinesswasdoingbetterthanevenhe’dhoped.Whichhethoughtprovedit

wasnevertoolate.Nevertoolateforlove,hethought,lookingatNettie.Nevertoolateto
takeachanceonsomethingyouloveddoing.Andthetwoofthemlovedinvestigating.
Thatwas,hedid.Nettielovedsnoopingintootherpeople’sbusiness,hethoughtwitha
smile.

“Jennaknewwhowasafterher,”NettiesaidafterFrankcalledtheGiltEdgesheriff’s

cell,onlytohavetoleaveamessage.“Thismanissomeonefromherpast.”

“Somebadhistorythere.Youthinkthemanwasblackmailingher?”Frankasked,

lookingoverather.

“CouldexplainthemoneyshewastakingfromhergrocerybudgetbackinMontana.

Mightalsoexplaintheprisonpenpals.”Shenodded.“Actually,I’mbettingshewas
lookingforsomeonetotakecareoftheproblemforher.”

Frankchuckled.“Wherewouldawomangotogethelpwithsomemanshesaidwas

terrorizingher?Prison.Ilikeit.”

“Insteadshegotthebrotherofoneofthemenandeitherdecidedtoleavewithhimor

reallywasabductedbythemanfromherpast.”Nettiechewedatherlowerlipfora
minute.“Doesn’texplainthesexyundergarmentsortheshopliftedmakeupunless…She
couldhavethoughtthatshewasgoingtohavetogiveherpossiblyex-conhiredkiller
something,andshedidn’thavemuchmoney,fromwhatFlinthastoldus.”

“Youthinkshewaslookingforsomeonetokillthemanafterher?”

Nettieshrugged.“Atleastthreatenhim.”

AshestartedtheSUV,hechuckled.HelovedthewayNettiethought.“Thatallmakesa

strangekindoffemalesense.”

“Womenareprettypracticalthinkers.Ifweneedsomething,wetrytofigureouthowto

getit.Womanlywilesareusuallyalastresort.”

“ThenI’dsayJennawasdesperate,wouldn’tyou?”

“Definitely.ItwouldexplainwhyshetookoffwithReiner.Itwouldn’thavetakenher

longtofigureoutthathewasn’ttoughenoughtotakecareofthemanafterher.”

“Sothenwhat?”Franksaid.

“Onceshesawtheoldboyfriend,assumingthat’swhothemaninthebrownvanis,she

realizedReinerwasn’tgoingtotakecareoftheproblemforher.Sowhatwouldshedo?”

“Runagain.”

“Orcallhisbluff.Whatdoyouthinktheoldboyfriendwants?”Nettieasked

thoughtfully.“It’sgottobemorethanmoney.”

“Love?Revenge?”

Nettiehadwrinkledhernoseatthefirstone.“I’mwonderinghowhefoundherin

Wyomingwhenlawenforcementcouldn’tfindherevenwithaBOLOoutonher.”

“You’rethinkingshecontactedhim?”

“OrKurtdid.Jennacouldhavegottentheoldboyfriend’snumberfromherfriendDana.

ShecallsitonKurt’sphone.Heseesanumberhedoesn’trecognizeandcallsit,giving
awayherlocation.Reiner’sdefinitelyfeelingguiltyaboutsomething.It’swhyhecalled
Flint.Butitcouldbebecausehedidn’tprotecther.Oritcouldbebecausehegotscared
anddidn’twanttobeinvolvedinwhateverhappenednext.Iwouldlovetohaveseenhis
facewhenherealizedshe’dtakenallhismoney.Ifeitherofthemcalledtheoldboyfriend,
itcouldbeonthephone—oratleastthebill.”

“Thatwouldbeastrokeofluck,butlet’srememberwe’rejustassumingthismanisan

oldboyfriend,”Franksaid.

Nettiechuckled.“IfReinersawanumberonhisphonehedidn’trecognize,calleditand

amananswered,I’dsaythatwaswhathewouldhaveassumed,aswell.”

“ThinkReinerwouldhavebeenangryenoughtohurther?”Frankasked.

Nettieshookherhead.“Ithinkhereallycaredabouther.He’sthekindofmanwho

wouldtakeherback.”

“Likethehusband.FlintsaidAnvilhadsaidhejustwantedhiswifeback.”

Nettielookedthoughtfulastheydroveoutoftown.“MakesyouwonderwhoJenna

reallyis.Certainlynotthewomanherhusbandthoughthemarried.NortheoneReiner
thoughthewassaving.IhopeIgettomeetthiswoman.”

CHAPTERSIX

A

NVIL

BROUGHT

TWO

cupsovertothetableandmotionedforthesherifftohaveaseat.As

Flintpulledupachair,hesawthattheman’shandswereshakingasheputdownthecups
ofcoffee.HewasremindedthatAnvilhadsaidhewouldtakehiswifebackifshewas
everfound,nomatterwhatshe’ddone.Hewonderedifthatwasstilltrue.IfJennawas
foundagain.

OrifJennawouldgobacktoAnvilaftereverythingthathadhappenedbetweenthem—

includinghimslappingher.

Thefarmerpulledupachair.“Isshe…?”

“She’sbeenlivinginWyoming.”

Anvillookedup.“Wyoming?”Hedidn’tseemthatsurprisedtohearthisnews.But

then,allalong,he’dbelievedthatshewasaliveaftertakingofftomeetsomeman.
Apparently,he’dbeenright.“Notveryfarawayatall.”

“Idon’thaveallthefactsyet,butmyofficewascontactedbyamanwhosaidhe’dbeen

livingwithhersinceshedisappearedfromhereinMarch.”

“Isee.”

“Thethingis,thereasonthemancontactedmewasbecauseJennahasdisappeared

again,”Flintsaid.

Anvilletoutasoftbreathofairthatcouldhavebeenalaugh.“Soyoudon’tknow

wheresheis?”

“No,butIsentaprivateinvestigatordowntheretofindoutwhathecan.I’llknowmore

whenhereportsin.Butunderthecircumstances,IhaveapositiveID,soIwantedtolet
youknow.”

HethoughtaboutthemaninthebrownvanthatKurtReinerhadtoldhimabout.From

Frank’smessageonthephone,heandNettiewereconvincedthatJennahadknownthe
man.

“Also,IwashopingtogetmoreinformationonJenna’spastbeforeyoumetand

married.Didsheevertalkaboutanyoldboyfriends?”

Thefarmershookhishead.“Iknewnothingaboutherpast.”Heclearedhisthroatand

pickeduphiscoffeecuptoholditinbothofhisbigroughhands.

“I’msorry,butIhavetoask.HowwelldidyouknowJennawhenyoumarriedher?”

Anvilstareddownatthebrewforwhatseemedlikeafullminutebeforehesaid,

“Apparentlynotverywell.”

“Whatwashermaidenname?”heasked,pullingouthisnotebookandpen.

“Roberts.”

“Shewasn’tfromhere,right?”

Anvilshookhishead.“ShetoldmeshegrewupinasmalltowninNorthDakota.

Something-ville.I’dneverheardofit.”

Flintlookedonhisphone.“There’saButtzville,butitsaysit’saghosttown.”

Anvilshookhishead.

“Radville?”ItappearedtobetheonlyotherNorthDakotatownwithvilleontheend.

“Thatsoundsright.”

“Soyoudon’tknowifshedatedsomeonebeforeshemetyou?”

Thefarmermethisgaze.“Ifyou’reaskingifshewasavirgin…”Hequicklylooked

away.“There’dbeenatleastoneotherman.Maybemore.Ineverwantedtoknow.”He
shookhisheadagain.

“Doesshehaveanyfamilybackthere?”

“Shesaidherparentsdiedwhenshewasyoung.Shewasraisedbyanold-maidaunt

whodiedbeforeshemovedtoGiltEdge.”

“Didsheeversaywhatbroughtherhere?”

AnviltookasipofhiscoffeeandFlintcouldseethathewasstallingfortime.Hetooka

drinkofhisowncoffeeandwaited.

“I…I…foundherinoneofthosematchmakingnewspapersyoupickupatreststops.”

Themankepthiseyesdowncast.Hisfacewasflushedandheseemedtobehavingtrouble
breathing.“IfI’dknownwhatIwasgettinginto…”Hefinallylookedup.“HowImetmy
wifewassomethingIthoughtIwouldtaketomygrave.”

“I’msorry,”Flintsaid,meaningit.Hewantedtosaythattherewasnothingtobe

ashamedofforfindinglovethatway.ButwhetherornotithadbeenloveonJenna’spart
wasdoubtful.Oneofthelastthingsshe’dtoldAnvilbeforeshe’dwalkedoutofthishouse
wasthatshe’dneverlovedhim.Hewondered,though,ifshe’donlytoldAnvilthatsohe
wouldn’tcomelookingforher.

“Didyouhappentoseeanyonearoundtownoryourfarmwhodrivesabrownvan?”

“Abrownvan?”Thefarmerfrowned.“NotthatIcanrecall.Isthatwhattheman

drives?”

Flintshookhishead.“It’ssomethingelseI’mworkingon.”

Anvilrubbedahandoverhisface.“Howdidshemeetthemanshe’sbeenwith?”

“LikeIsaid,Idon’thaveallthefactsyet.I’llletyouknowwhenI—”

“Don’tbother,”thefarmersaid,shovingbackhischairandgettingtohisfeet.“I’ve

managedjustfinewithouther.I’djustassoonkeepitthatway.”Hewalkedovertothe
sinkandslumpedoverit,hisbacktoFlint.“Whenyoufindheragain,Ijustneedtoknow
wheretosendthedivorcepapers.”

“Ifyouhearfromher—”

“Iwon’t,”Anvilsaid,andFlintlethimselfout.AshewasheadedforhispatrolSUV,he

sawthathehadmissedanothercallfromFrank.Nothing,though,fromMark.Helooked
athiswatch.Maggiehadbeenmissingforalmosttwentyhours.Hefeltascoldandbleak
astheday.Theskyhaddarkenedwiththestorm.Hefeltthebiteofthefreezingdayasthe
firstfewflakesbegantofall.Thewintersnowstormhadhit.Hecouldn’tbeartothinkthat
Maggiemightbeoutinthestorm,freezingcoldand…

Heshookoffthepanicthathadhimrunningscared.HeneededtocallFrankbackbut

hehatedtotieuptheline.MaybeMarkhadfoundoutsomethingaboutMaggie.

***

“I’

M

STARVING

,”N

ETTIE

saidasFrankdroveawayfromthecafé.

“Wewerejustinarestaurant,”herhusbandsaidwithamusement.

“Thatwaswork,andanyway,IcraveMexican.IthoughtIsawarestaurantdownthat

way.”Shepointedtothesouth.

“Ijustcan’timaginewhatanyofthishastodowithMaggieThompson,”Franksaid.

“FromthewayFlintdescribedher,abusinesswoman,shedoesn’thavemuchincommon
withJenna,letalonesomemaninabrownvan.”

“Flintsaidthebrownvanwasalongshot.Thetwocasesmightnotbeconnected,butI

thinkweshouldchasedownJenna’sfriendDanafrombackhome.I’mbettinghernumber
willbeonthisphone.”

NettietookReiner’sphoneoutofherpocket,tappedinthepasscodeandtouchedPhone

andthenRecents.“What’stheareacodeofNorthDakota?”sheasked.“I’mbettingit’s
701.”Shesmiledassheputthephonetoherearandlistenedtoitring.Once.Twice.Inthe
middleofthethirdring,awomananswered.

“Jenna,ohGod,Iwassoworriedaboutyou.WhenIdidn’thearfromyou,Ithoughtfor

surethathe’dfoundyouand—”ShestoppedasifsuddenlyrealizingthatJennahadn’t
spoken,notoneword.“Jenna?”Ahorrifiedsoundcameoutofthewoman’smouth.
“Clark?OhGod.No.”Thecallendedabruptly.

AchillracedupNettie’sspine,makinghershiver.

“What?”Frankaskedinconcern.

“Awomananswered.”Sherepeatedthewoman’swordsverbatim.Itwasagiftfrom

whenshe’dbeentheworstgossipinthecounty.Shenevergotwhatshe’dheardwrong,
though.

“SoifthewomanwhoansweredwasDana,shewasworriedaboutsomemanfinding

Jenna.AmannamedClark?”

“Apparentlyso.”Shescrolledthroughtherestoftherecentcallsonthephone.“IfJenna

calledthemanafterher,possiblyamannamedClark,shemusthavedeletedit.Allthe
othernumbersarelocal.”ShelookedupasFrankpulledintotheparkinglotofthe

Mexicanrestaurantandpocketedthephone.

Flintreturnedtheircallonlyminutesafterthey’dordered.WhileFranksteppedoutof

theroomtofillthesheriffinonwhatthey’dfoundout,Nettiestayedandnibbledonthe
friedtortillasandsalsa.

“Well?”sheaskedwhenherhusbandreturned.

“NowordonMaggie.Hewantsustokeepinvestigating.”

Itwasn’tuntilthey’dbothdevouredlargeplatesofseafoodenchiladasthatNettiesaid,

“I’veneverwantedtogotoRadville,NorthDakota,morethanIdorightatthismoment.I
don’tknowwhathappenedtoMaggieThompson,butJennaHollowayisintrouble.If
she’sstillalive.”

“IwishIdidn’tagree.”

Shepushedherplateasideandpulledouthertablet.“IwanttotalktoherfriendDana.

Butfirst…howoldisJenna?”

“Forty-sevenwhenshedisappearedinMarch,”Franksaid.

“SowhatyearwouldshehavegraduatedfromhighschoolbackinRadville?”

“About1987,”hesaid.“Youthinktheywenttoschooltogether?”

NettietypedClassof1987Radville,NorthDakota,andscrolleddownuntilshe

foundonemarkedClassmates1987.Shefoundtheyearbook,clickedonWho’sin
theBook.Thelistwasalphabeticalbylastname,butitdidn’ttakeherlongsincethere
weren’tthatmanygraduates.NorwastheremanyDanasorJennas,forthatmatter.

***

U

NDERSHERIFF

M

ARK

R

AMIREZ

rubbedahandoverhisfaceandlookedattheclock.The

firsttwenty-fourhourswerecriticalinapossibleabductioncase.Andthatwaswhatthey
weredealingwith,wasn’tit?

NoonehadseenMaggie—notsinceaneighborwavedatherfromdownthestreet

twenty-twohoursago.Thatsameneighborwhenquestionedagainsaidshe’dnoticedthe
older-modelbrownvangobyandthoughtshehearditslowasiftoturn.Shethoughtit
couldhaveturnedintothesheriff’sdrivebutshewasn’tsure.Shehadn’tbeenpaying
attention.

Outsidethewindow,snowwhippedaroundinthewindtoformdriftsintheparkinglot.

TherewasstillnowordonCelesteDuma,either,buttherewasaBOLOoutonherandthe
SUVshewasdriving.

AsmuchasMarkhatedtoadmitit,hewasstartingtoagreewiththesheriffthatCeleste

DumamighthavehadsomethingtodowithMaggie’sabduction.Whyelsehadn’tsheat
leastcalledherhusbandtolethimknowwhereshewas?WayneDumahadleftmessages
forher,butsaidallofhiscallshadbeengoingstraighttovoicemail.Eachhour,Celeste
lookedmoreguilty.

ThestatecrimeteamhaddrivenupfromBillingsandwerenowfinishingupatFlint’s

house.Thepreliminarylabtestshadcomebackonthebloodfoundonthefloorbasedon
DNAsamplesfromMaggie’shouse.NotthatMarkhadn’tsuspecteditwouldbeher
blood.TherewasjustenoughbloodtoknowthatMaggiewasinjured.Sofar,theyweren’t
lookingatthisasahomicide.

AsfarasMarkknew,nootherevidencehadbeenfoundatthesceneindicatingthat

anyoneelsehadbeeninthehouse—exceptthesheriff.Itwashishouse,sothatwasn’t
unusual.

“ThesheriffandMaggiehavehadanoff-and-onrelationship,”Harphadcommented

whenhe’dcomeinattheendofhisshift.“Who’stosayitdidn’tturnviolent?Shewas
goingtomoveinwithhimbeforeandchangedhermind.”He’dshrugged.

Markhadwantedtopunchhim,butthatwasnothingnew.Therewasnolovelost

betweenHarpandFlint,soofcoursehewouldwantthesherifftobeasuspect.“Iheard
you’regettingmarried,”hesaid,changingthesubject.

ThatshutHarpup.“Guessso.”

“Heardyouhaveababyontheway.Knowifit’saboyoragirlyet?”

“Tooearly.”

“Well,congrats.”

“Sure.”Harpputonhiscoatwithasigh.“Whereisthesheriff,anyway?Hecouldbe

outthereburyingherbodyrightnow.”

“Youshouldgethometoyourpregnantgirlfriend,”MarksaidasFlintcamethroughthe

door.Harptippedhishattothesheriffandwentout,closingthedoorbehindhim.

“Ihatetoask,”Flintsaid.

“JustHarpbeingHarp.”Unfortunately,heprobablywasn’ttheonlyoneintown

questioningthesheriff’sinnocence.Peoplelikedtotalk,andwhileFlintwasliked,most
peoplethoughttheworstwhensomethinglikethishappened.

FlintpulledoffhisStetsonandshooksnowoffhiscoatashehungitupalongwithhis

hat.Throughthewindow,hesawthatthesnowwascomingdownhard.Thiswouldmake
findingMaggiemoredifficult—andalsomoreurgentifshewasoutinthisstorm.He
silentlyprayedshewassomewherewarm.

“Anyword?”Flintaskedhopefully.

“We’rewaitingforCelestetocheckinatthespainParadiseValley.Apparently,she

calledthismorningandchangedherreservationtotodaybecauseofthestorm…”Paradise
ValleydownbyLivingstonwasagoodthree-hourdrivewhentheroadswerebare.But
Celestehadleftyesterday.Thatmeanttherewerealreadymorethantwenty-fourhours
thatherwhereaboutscouldn’tbeaccountedfor.

Markknewthatthesheriffthoughtthespareservationwasmerelyaruseandthatthe

womanwaswherevershe’dtakenMaggie.“Hercellphoneisturnedoff,butthat’s

probablybecauseshedoesn’twanttotalktoherhusband.Ileftamessageforher,telling
herweneedtotalktoherimmediatelyandthatitwasurgent.”

Flintmadeadisparagingnoiseandmethisgaze.“You’rebuyingintothis?”

“IputoutaBOLOonherandthevehicleshe’sdriving.That’sallwecandorightnow.

Ifshedoesn’tshowup…”Markclearedhisvoice.Rightnowtheyhadthreemissing
women:Maggie,CelesteandJennaHolloway.“HowdiditgoatHolloway’s?”

IttookFlintamoment.Markcouldseethatitwasnexttoimpossibleforhimtokeep

hismindoffMaggie.“Anvilwasn’thappytohearthathiswifehadrunawaywithanother
manandwasnowmissingagain.IdidreceivemoreinformationonJennaforthePIsI
hired.”

MarkhadbeensurprisedthatthesheriffhadhiredthePIsoutofhisownpocket.“You

didn’tthinkSheridan,Wyoming,lawenforcementcouldhandleit?”

Flintmethisgaze.“NormallyIwouldturnitovertothem,butifshewastakenbya

mandrivingabrownvan…”

Markrubbedahandoverhisfaceagain.HehatedtoseeFlintchasingsomethingas

coincidentalasabrownvan.True,itwasthesmallseeminglyinconsequentialthingsthat
oftensolvedacase,buthefeltthatthesheriffwasclutchingatstraws.Notthattheyhad
muchelsetogoon.

“Celestewasnevergoingtothespa,”Flintsaid,soundingexhausted.“She’staken

Maggie.”

Marksaidnothingbecausetherewasnothinghecouldsay.MaybeFlintwasright.Or

maybehewastooclosetothis.They’dfoundnoevidenceattheDumahousethatMaggie
Thompsonhadeverbeenthere.

“DCIstillatmyhouse?”Flintaskedafteramoment.

Marknoddedandconsideredhowmuchtotellhim.Flintwasstillsheriff.Hewasstill

incharge.Butthatcouldchangeatanymoment.HewaswaitingforacallfromDCIand
hehadabadfeelingwhatthenewswouldbe.“ThebloodwasMaggie’s.Notenoughto
fearthatshewasmortallywounded,”headdedquickly.“Sofartheyhaven’tfoundany
evidenceofathirdpersonatthescene.”

“Thirdperson?”

“Mostoftheprintsareyoursatthehouse.”

Flintgroanedandrakedahandthroughhishairashedroppedintoachairacrossfrom

Mark’sdesk.“IfyoutellmethattheythinkI’masuspect—”

“Youknowhowthisgoes.Ofcoursetheylookattheboyfriendfirst.”

“It’sawasteoftime.”

“They’regoingtowanttoknowwhereyouwereinthehourorsobeforeyoucame

homeandfoundMaggiegone,”Marksaid.

Flintsworeandlookedaway.“IalreadytoldtheofficerfromDCIwhocalledme.Ihad

drivenouttotheranch.Myfathersawsomethingoutthereafewmonthsago.Themilitary
wouldn’tsaywhatwasgoingon,butIfoundtracks.There’dbeenmenaroundthemissile
silowearinghazmatsuits.Iwantedtohavealookaroundtomakesureeverythingwas
okay.Idon’thavetotellyouwhatmyfatherthinksisgoingonoutthere.”

“Moreproblemswithaliens?”Marktriedtolightentheconversation.

“Hedoesn’ttrustthegovernment,either.He’sconvincedthey’rekeepingsomething

fromus.”

Marklaughed.“Imaginethat.”Hesobered.“Didyouseeanyoneoutthere?”

“No.Sono,Idon’thaveanalibi.Ihadturnedoffmyphone.Truthfully,Ifiguredif

CelestehadfoundoutthatMaggiewasmovingin,she’dcall,andIwasn’tupforoneof
hertirades.WhenIturnedmyphonebackon,therewasthecallfromMaggie,soIcame
home.Thisisridiculousandyouknowit.”

“Ido,butyoualsoknowitisgoingtolooksuspicioustoDCI.”Hisphonerang.He

lookedatFlintandthenpickeditup.“Ramirez.”Helistened,hisstomachturningwith
regretashedid.“I’lllethimknow.”

AllthecolorhaddrainedfromFlint’sface.

“It’snotMaggie,”hesaidquickly.“ItwastheDCI,though.Theythinkit’sbestif

you’reoffthecase.”

Flintgottohisfeet.“We’realreadyshortstaffed.Wecan’taffordtoloseanother

lawman,especiallyrightnowwithMaggiemissingandpossiblyoutthereinthis
snowstormsomewherehurtand—”

“Iagree.ButyouknowIhavetodothis.I’llkeepyouinformed.That’sthebestIcan

doandIshouldn’tevenbedoingthat.Flint,we’llfindher.”

“Butwillyoufindherintime?”

“Youneedtogetsomerest.Forthetimebeing,you’llbeonpaidleave.Wherewillyou

bestaying?I’llgetsomeclothingsentoverthere.Anythingelseyouneed?”

“I’llbeattheranch.”ThesheriffputhisStetsonbackonhisheadandreachedforhis

coat,lookinglikeabrokenman.Mark’sheartwentouttohim.He’dworkedwithFlintfor
years.Headmiredtheman,trustedhimwithhislife.HeknewinhisheartthatFlinthadn’t
hurtMaggie.Butwiththesetypesofinvestigations,DCIcalledtheshots.

Andunderthecircumstances,hethoughttheircallwastherightone.BetterforFlintto

stepoffthiscase.

“I’llbeattheranchwithHawkandCyrus,”Flintsaid,hisgazelockingwithMark’s.

“Callmeifthereisanynews.Anyatall.”

“YouknowIwill.”

***

D

EPUTY

H

ARPER

C

OLE

tooknosmallamountofpleasurewhenheheardthatthesheriffhad

beenputonleave.HetoldhimselfthattheDCIwouldn’thavedonethatunlessthey’d
foundsomethingatthecrimescenethathadmadethemsuspicious.

“Whatifhe’sguiltyashell?”HarphadsaidtoVickiwhenhegottoherapartmentafter

hearingaboutitfromthenight-shiftdispatcher.HestillthoughtofthisplaceasVicki’s
apartmenteventhoughhelivedtherenow.IthadbeenVicki’sideaforhimtomoveinto
savemoney.Allshetalkedaboutnowwasbabyclothesandhighchairsandcribs.Itdrove
himcrazy.

“Who’sguiltyashell?”sheaskeddistractedly.

“Thesheriff.He’sbeenputonaleaveofabsence.Ifhe’stheonewhohurthis

girlfriend…”Harpcouldn’thelpsmiling.“IcouldbesheriffsoonerthanIthought.Iwas
goingtorunagainsthiminthenextelectionanyway,butthisisperfect.”

Sheturnedtolookathim,frowning.“Whathappenedtohisgirlfriend?”

Heshrugged.“Nooneknows.Rightnowalloflawenforcementislookingforher—

andCelesteDuma.ThesheriffisconvincedCelestetookher.”

“Whywouldshedothat?”

Sometimesthiswomantriedhispatiencetothepointofbreaking.“BecauseCelesteis

thesheriff’sex-wife.”Vickistilllookedconfused.“You’reburningsomethingonthe
stove.”

Sheturnedaroundandquicklypulledoffthesmokingskillet.Heshookhishead.Vicki

wasnocook.Norwasshemuchofahousekeepernowthatshewaspregnant.Hell,there
seemedtobeonlyonethingshewasgoodat.

Hegotupfromthekitchentabletopresshimselfagainstherbackside.

“Harp,I’mcooking.”

“No,you’renot.You’rejustburningstuff.”Henibbledatthesideofherneck.“Turnoff

thestoveandlet’sgointothebedroom.”

“Ithoughtyouwerehungry?”

“IamandIthinkyouknowwhatI’mhungryfor,”hesaid,pressinghimselfharder

againsther.

Shesighedandhethoughtfondlyofthedayswhenshewouldn’thavehesitated.He

cuppedherbreasts.Therewasmoretherenowthatshewaspregnant.Hetriednottothink
aboutthatashetweakedonenipple,thentheotherbeforehepickedherupoffherfeetand
carriedherthefewstepstothebedroom.

Vickiwasbuiltlikeapreteenandwasn’tmuchheavierthanone.Hetossedheronthe

bedandbegantoundress.

“Justbemoregentlethistime,Harp.Idon’twantyouhurtingthebaby.”

Thebaby.Hegroanedasherippedoffhisuniformshirtanddroppedhisjeanstothe

floorwithouttakingoffhisboots.Grabbingherankles,hepulledhertotheedgeofthe
bed.Gentle,myass.

***

F

LINT

WAS

ON

hiswaytotheranchwhenherealizedhehadn’teatensincebreakfast.He

sawthattherewereonlyacoupleofcarsparkedoutfrontoftheStagecoachSaloonthat
hissisterandbrotherowned.Hedidn’tfeellikebeingsocial,soheparkedonthesideand
enteredthebackdoor.

“Howdy,Sheriff,”BillieDeesangoutwhenshesawhim.“You’reinluck.I’vestillgot

someshrimpgumboleft.Wantmetomakeyouabowl?”

Hesmiledatthecook.BillieDeewasalargeolderTexanwithoneofthosecheerful

personalitiesthatradiatedoutlikeraysofsunshine.“I’dloveabowl.MindifIhaveit
backhereinthekitchen?”

“Notatall,”shesaid.Assheslidthebowlinfrontofhim,hemethergazeandsaw

compassion.Clearlyshe’dheardaboutMaggiebeingmissing.“CanIgetyouabeerwith
that?Orareyouonduty?”

“I’m…offduty.SoI’dloveabeer,butIcangogetit.”Heglancedtowardthefrontof

thebuildingandthesaloon.“Mybrotherworking?”

Shewavedhimbackintohischair.“Letme.Youknowthoseregulars.They’llwantto

talkyourarmoffandyourgumbowillgetcold.Youjustsittight.”Sheleftandcameright
backwithacoldbeer.

“Thankyou.”Itwasmorethanthanksforthebeerandtheybothknewit.Hewasn’tup

toansweringquestions.Hewasn’tuptovisitingatall.

“Itwasslow,soDarbysentMariahupstairstorest.Wegotussomepregnantwomen

runnin’aroundhere,”shesaidasshecamebacktothetablewithasmallbowlofgumbo
ofherownandsatdown.“Alltheytalkaboutisbabies.”Shelaughed.

Flinttookabiteofthegumbo.Itwasgoodandhotwithbothheatandspice.BillieDee

wasdeterminedtomakeTexansoutofallofthem.Helistenedwhilethecooktoldhim
abouthissisterandMariah.

“They’renotevenshowin’yetandthey’rebusybuyingmaternityclothes.Surenotlike

anythingI’veeverseen,”shesaidwithashakeofherhead.“Ithoughttheideawastohide
thatbabybump.Instead,thesetopsletitallhangout.”Shelaughedagain.Itwasawarm
soundthatseemedtofitthewoman,thekitchenandthefood.Hehadn’trealizedhow
hungryhe’dbeenuntilhesawthathisbowlwasempty.

“Youwantsomemore?”BillieDeeasked.

Flintshookhishead.“Thankyousomuchfor…”Hecouldn’tfinishforamoment,his

throatclosing.“…everything.”Heswallowedandpickeduphisbeertodraintheglass.

“You’remostwelcome,”shesaid,gettingtoherfeetandtakingtheirdishes.“You

headinguptotheranch?”sheasked,herbacktohim.

SosheevenknewthathewouldbestayingwithhisbrothersHawkandCyrus.

“Cyruswasinearlier,”shesaidwithalaugh.“Heardtheywerecleaningthehouse.

They’reallexcitedabouthavingaguest.”

“I’mhardlyaguest.”

Sheturnedthentosmileathim.“Takeitasacomplimentthattheycleaned.Soundslike

they’repleasedtohaveyoustayingwiththem.”

Theyweretheonlyones,hethoughtuncharitably.Butitdidn’tsurprisehimthatBillie

Deesawasilverliningineverything.Hewonderedaboutherpast.He’dneverheardher
mentionfamilyorreallyeverwanttotalkaboutherself.HowhadsheendedupinGilt
Edge?

Hegroanedinwardly.HisbrotherDarbywasn’toneforrunningasecuritycheckonhis

employees.Thatwashowhe’dlostmoneywhenhe’dhiredsomeonehe’dthoughtwasthe
perfectemployeewhohadbeenrippinghimoffformonths.

FlintfiguredthathisbrotherandsisterhadluckedouthiringBillieDeeeventhoughhe

suspectedshe’djustshownuponedayandgottenhiredon.Hehatedthelawmaninhim
thatmadehimnotjustcurious,butsuspicious.Oftenpeoplewhodidn’ttalkabouttheir
pasthadsomethingtohide.ThethoughtremindedhimofJennaHolloway.

“ThatwasthebestgumboI’veeverhad,”hesaidtoBillieDeenow,tellinghimselfhe

hadmoretoworryaboutrightnowthanhisbrother’shires.

Thecooklaughed.“I’mbettin’that’sthefirstshrimpgumboyou’veeverhad.”

“Andyou’dwinthatone,”hesaid,smilingather.Montanawasknownforitsbeef.

He’dgrownuponitandvenison.Itwasameat-and-potatoeskindofplace,especiallyin
ruralareaslikeGiltEdge.

“ComebackifHawkandCyrus’scookin’iswhatIsuspectitisgoin’tobe,”shesaid.

“I’llkeepalittlesomethin’hotforyouifyoudon’tmindlistenin’tomegoon.”

HefeltalittleguiltyforevensuspectingthatBillieDeehadapastthatmightbe

worrisomeashethankedheragainandleft.Histhoughtsquicklyboomerangedbackto
Maggieandthatsickacheinhisgutashedrovetowardtheranch.Whereareyou?And
wherethehellwasCeleste?

CHAPTERSEVEN

T

HE

RANCH

HOUSE

wasbigandrambling.Flinthadn’tspentmuchtimetheresincehe

boughthishouseintownrightafterthelaw-enforcementacademyandgettinghiredonas
adeputy.

Butasheparkedandgotout,helookedupatthethree-storyhousewithitshugedeck

offonesideandfeltthememoryofhisidyllicchildhoodwarmhim.He’dlovedgrowing
uphereontheranch.Also,hehadranchinginhisblood.Maybethatwaswhyhisfather
couldneverunderstandwhyhe’dleftitbehindtobecomea“cop.”

Thefrontdoorofthehouseswungopen.“Hey!”Cyruscalleddowntohim.“Wewere

justabouttothrowsomesteaksonthegrill.Comeonup.”

Flinttookthesteps,feelingasifweightshadbeentiedtohislegs.Exhaustionpulledat

him.Forhourshe’dbeenwired,waitingtohearofanynewsaboutMaggie.Worryhad
wornhimdown.Suddenlyjustpickinguponefootaftertheotherseemedtoomuchfor
him.

Cyrushadleftthedooropen.Hecloseditbehindhimandfollowedthesmellof

potatoesbakingintheoventothebackofthehouseandthelargecountrykitchen.His
brotherHawkwassittingattheisland.Cyrushadonanovenmittandwasreachinginto
seeifthepotatoesweredone.

Neitherbrotherlookedliketheyknewwhattosayordo.Whenhe’dcalledtoaskifhe

couldstayattheranch,he’dhadtotellHawkthathe’dbeenputonpaidleavebecause
Maggiehaddisappearedandfoulplaywassuspected.He’dsaidhedidn’twanttotalk
aboutitandHawkhadsimplysaid,Comeonuptothehouse.We’llhavearoomreadyfor
you.

He’dappreciatedthat.Neitherbrotherwasabigtalker.Theybothspentmostoftheir

timeonthebackofahorse,chasingcattleormendingfences.Sohecouldtellthatthey
didn’tknowwhattosaytohimnow.

“Quitethedomesticscenehere,”Flintsaidtobreakthepainedsilence.“Thishowit

lookseverynight?”

Hawklaughed.“Cyrusisshowingoffforyou.Wedon’thaveguestsmuch.Notthat

you’reaguest…”Helookedtohisbrothertobailhimout.

“Imakeameansteak,nomatterwhatHawksays.IfIleftthecookinguptohimwe’d

behavingboxedmacaroniandcheese.”

Flintsmiledatthetwoofthemandfeltsuchasurgeofloveforthemthathiseyes

burnedwithtears.“Ihadabiteatthesaloon.Ifyoutwodon’tmind,Ijustneedtoget
somerest.Whichroom—”

“Topofthestairs,”Cyrussaid,closingtheovenandtakingoffthemitt.“Wemadeup

youroldroom.Ifyouneedanything…”

Heshookhisheadandheadedforthestairs,thankfulthathisbrothershadthegood

sensenottoquizhimrightnow.Allhewantedwastogettohisroomandpassout.But
evenashethoughtit,heknewhewouldn’tbeabletosleep.

WherewasMaggie?Itwasthethoughtthatdrilledintohisskull.Somewhereoutinthis

snowstorm?Cold,hurt,dying?Assheriff,hewastheoneexpectedtosavepeople.Hefelt
asifhe’dletMaggiedown.She’dtoldhimthatshewasafraidofCelesteandhe’dkept
sayinghedidn’tthinkshewasreallydangerous.

Nowhewantedtokickhimself.Heshouldhaveprotectedher.Itwashisjob.Heshould

haveaskedhertomarryhimalongtimeago.Therewassomuchheshouldhavedone—
anddidn’t.

Flinttossedhiscoatonthebedandmovedtothewindow.Lookingoutatthefalling

snow,hethoughtaboutthefirsttimehe’dseenMaggie.He’dbeendrivingdownMain
Streetwhenshe’dcaughthiseye.Shewaswalkingdownthesidewalkonabrightspring
day,herheadhigh,herfaceturneduptothesun,herlongchestnuthairpulledintoa
ponytailthatbobbedasshewalked.Shewassmiling.

Yes,itwasthesmile,thejoyinit,thefeelingitgavehimjustseeingher.

Buthe’dbeeninthemiddleofadivorceafterCelestehadtornhisheartout.He’d

lookedaway,buthe’dneverforgottenthatmomentorthatwoman.

Itwasweekslaterthathe’dfoundouthernamewasMaggieThompsonandthatshe’d

openedabeautyshopintown.

Thatwasallhe’dknownabouther—andhehadn’tlearnedmuchmoreinthetime

they’dbeendating,herealizedwithastart.Hetoldhimselfthathe’drespectedherprivacy
aboutherpast,butnowheregrettednotasking.Hecouldn’thelpbutthinkofAnvil.Like
thefarmer,hadhenotaskedbecausehewasafraidofwhathewouldhavelearned?

Flintalmostlaughedattheabsurdity.Hispastwasn’tjustknownallovertown—ithad

beenwalkingaroundinexpensiveheels,stillmakinghislifemiserable.Howmuchworse
couldMaggie’spastbe?

JustthethoughtofCelestemadehimballhishandsintofists.He’dbeensosurethatshe

wasn’ttrulydangerous.Thatshewouldn’thurtMaggie—justtormenther.He’dbeen
wrongandnowitwasMaggiewhowouldhavetopaytheprice.

Thatwasthethoughtthatstayedwithhimashesteppedtothebedandsatdown.

Exhaustionpulledathim.Hetoldhimselfhe’dneverbeabletosleepashelayback,too
tiredtoeventakeoffhisboots.CelestehadMaggieandassheriffitwashisjobtogether
back.

Onlyhewasn’tsheriff.Worse,hefearedhecouldn’tgetherback.

***

M

AGGIE

WOKE

WITH

astartasshefeltsomethingclosetouchhertemple.Shetriedtoshove

itawayonlytofindherwristswereboundoneachsideofher,aswereherlegswhenshe
triedtomove.

Hereyesflewopen.Shewasimmediatelyblindedbyabrightlight,butshesensed

someonewasleaningoverher.Panicseizedherasshetriedtopullfreeoftherestraint.
WhereamI?Whathappened?

Shemusthavevoicedthewordsbecausesheheardasoftchuckleamomentbeforeshe

felttheneedleprickherarm.Theroomsmelledmustyanddamp.Sheshiveredasshe
foughttomakesenseoutofwhatwashappeningtoher,butherbrainfelttoofoggyand
slow.

Diggingintohermemory,shefoundthelastthingsherememberedwasbeinginFlint’s

houseandrealizingshewasn’talone.Herheartbegantopoundandshefoughther
restraints.

Shepriedhereyesopen,tryingtoseebeyondthebrightlightevenasshefeltthedrug

makehereyelidsdroop.Throughtheslitsshesawshadowsthatseemedtowaver.

Hereyelidsdroopedandshewaspitchedagainintodarkness.

***

M

ARK

GOT

THE

callfromthespathenextmorning.Hehadeverylaw-enforcementagency

acrossthecountryonthelookoutforMaggie,buthe’dheardnothing.NorhadCeleste
shownupatthespalastnightbeforehe’dfinallygivenupandgonehometobed.He’d
leftwordforthemanageratthespatocallhimfirstthinginthemorning.

Nowashepickedup,hetoldhimselfthatthenewswasn’tgoingtobegood.Itwasn’t.

“I’msorry,butMrs.Dumacalledandleftamessage.Shesaidshewasn’tgoingtobe

abletomakeherappointmentwithus.”He’dlearnedearlierthatshe’dorderedthethree-
daytreatmentthatincludedeverythingfromseaweedwrapstohotrockmassages.

Marksworesilently.FlinthadbeenconvincedthatCelestewasbehindthis.Markhad

beenskeptical.Giventhebadbloodbetweenthetwowomen,hecouldn’tseehowit
wouldhavegonedown.Maggiewouldn’thavegottenintoavehiclewithFlint’sexand
Celestewasn’tstrongenoughtoputanunconsciousMaggieintohercarandabducther.
Unlessshe’dhadhelp.

Thatseemedevenmorefar-fetched.CelestebehavedasanupstandingcitizeninGilt

Edge—mostofthetime.Itwasn’tlikeshehungoutwithfriendswhowouldhelpher
abductherex’sgirlfriend.

“DidMrs.Dumasaywhyshewascancelingorwhereshewascallingfrom?”heasked

now.

“Shesaidbecauseofthesnowstorm.Apparentlyshe’dtriedtogetdownherebuthadto

getamotel,unabletodriveanyfartheryesterday.Shedidn’tsaywhereshewascalling
from.Igottheimpressionshewasheadingbackhomeassoonastheroadswere
passable.”

“Ifyoushouldhearfromheragain,pleasegivemeacall,”Marktoldthewoman.He

hungup,thenpickedupthephoneagainandcalledWayneDuma.

“IjustheardfromthespainParadiseValley—”He’dbarelygottenthewordsoutwhen

Dumainterruptedhim.

“Celestejustwalkedinthedoor.Iwasgoingtocallyou.”

Markgroanedtohimself.Dumawasn’tgoingtocalluntilhe’dquizzedhiswife.“I’ll

sendadeputy—”

“Thatwon’tbenecessary.We’llcomedowntothesheriff’soffice.”

***

T

HE

SOUND

OF

hiscellphoneringingdraggedFlintupoutofadarkholefilledwithhellish

nightmares.Hesatup,disorientedandheartpoundingwithafearhecouldn’texplain.It
tookhimamomenttorealizehewasinhisoldbedroom.Itlookedsomuchlikeithad
beforehe’dmovedoutthatforamomenthewastransportedbackintime.Itwasasifthe
pasttwentyyearshadn’thappened.

Thenheremembered.Maggiewasstillmissing.

Hiscellphonerangagain.Heswunghislegsoutofbedand,rubbinghisfacetochase

awaysleep,reachedforhisphonewherehe’dleftitonhischildhooddeskthenight
before.“SheriffCahill,”hesaidintoit,hisvoicefroggy.Heclearedhisthroatasmemory
returned.Hewasonapaidleaveofabsence.“Hello?”

“Flint,”saidafamiliarmalevoice.

Healmostgroaned.WhatthehellwasDeputyHarperColedoingcallinghimatthis

hour?Iftherewasanynews,Markwouldbecalling.

“Harp,thisbetterbegood.”

“Ithoughtyou’dwanttoknow,”thedeputysaidinaconspiratorialhushedtone.

“CelesteDumaisbackintownandonherwaydowntothesheriff’soffice.”

Allremnantsofsleepweregone.Flintgottohisfeetandlookedaroundforhiscoat.

“Doyouknowwhereshe’sbeen?”

“No,butMarkissettinguptheinterrogationroomrightnow.Iguesshedidn’tcallyou.

Iwouldimagineyoucan’tsitinonthisbutIstillthoughtyoushouldknow.”

ItwassolikeHarptosuckupatatimelikethis.“Thanks.”Hedisconnectedand

reachedforhiscoat.Atthebackofhismind,avoicewaswarninghimnottodothis.Ifhe
wentdownthereandbustedin…

ButheknewCeleste.Hewouldbeabletotellifshewaslyingwhennooneelsecould.

Hehadtolookintothewoman’sfaceandknowthetruth.Aknotformedinhischest,
makingithardtobreathe.Hewouldknowifshe’dhurtMaggie,ifshe’ddonesomething
withher.

Andthen…Hedidn’twanttothinkaboutwhathemightdoifshetriedtolieherway

outofthis.OrifsherefusedtotellhimwhereMaggiewasandwhatshe’ddonewithher.
Orifshe’dkilledMaggie.

Heranahandthroughhishairasheheadedforthedoor.Ithadbeenalmostfortyhours

sinceanyonehadseenMaggie.Celestewouldtellhimthetruthifhehadtoshakeitoutof
her.

CHAPTEREIGHT

F

LINT

WENT

IN

thebackwayofthesheriff’sdepartment.Onthedrivein,he’dtoldhimself

tokeephiscool.ButjustthethoughtofseeingCelesteandknowingwhatshe’ddone…

“Staycalm,”heremindedhimselfashewalkeddowntotheinterrogationroomand

stoppedshorttoduckintotheviewingroom.HecouldseeMarksittingdownwithCeleste
andherhusband.Waynelookedasifhehadn’tgottenanysleep.Celestehadputonher
facebeforecomingdown.Justknowingthatshe’dtakenthetimetoapplymakeupwhen
Maggiewasmissingmadehisbloodboil.

Heturnedonthespeakersohecouldhearwhatwasbeingsaid.

“I’mtellingyouIdidn’thaveanythingtodowiththiswoman’sdisappearance,”Celeste

saidindignantly.

Marksaid,“Butyousawheratthegrocerystorethedayshedisappeared.”

“DidI?Isupposeso.Isawalotofpeople.”

“MaggietoldyouthatsheandFlintweremovingintogether,”theundersheriff

informedher.

Celesteraisedaneyebrow.“Whywouldshebothertosharesomethinglikethatwith

me?Icouldn’tcareless.”BesideherWaynegroaned.“Fine,butshedidn’ttellme.I
overheardheronthephonewithFlint.”

“Wheredidyougoafteryouleftthegrocerystore?”

“Itookmygrocerieshomeandputthemawayandthenpackedforthespa.”

MarkshotalookatWayne,whohadhisheaddown.“Yourhusbandsaidyoucalledhim

upset.”

Celestedidn’tlookoveratWayne.“I’msurehe’sexaggerating.Iwasprobablyjust

harriedbecauseI’dcheckedtheweatherandwasn’tsureIcouldreachthespabeforethe
stormhit.”

FlintsawWayneclosehiseyes.

“Harried?”Markasked.“Isthathowyouexplaintheconditionofyourbedroombefore

youleft?”

“Itoldyou,”shesaidwithinfinitepatience,“Iwasinahurry.”

“Butnotsomuchofahurrythatyoudidn’tdrivebyyourex-husband’shouse.”

ThelargedarkSUVthatAlmaEllisonhadseen.Hefistedhishands,hisbreathing

comingfaster.Ifshelied…

“That’snotonyourwayoutoftown,”Markpointedout.“Infact,it’soutofyourway.”

Celestetookhertimeanswering.“YouhavenoproofthatIdrovebyhishouse.”

“Actually,wehaveaneyewitnesswhosawyouheadingdownthestreettowardthe

housewhereMaggiedisappearedfromshortlyafterthat.”Itwasabluff.

“It’smywordagainstyoureyewitness’s,”Celestesaid,liftingherchinindefiance.

“Inanassault,abductionandpossiblemurdercase,Isuspecttheeyewitnesswillbe

enoughtosendyoutoprison,”Marksaid.

“Itoldyou—”

“Letmebreakitdownforyou.Maggiehasdisappeared.Weknowshewasbleedingat

thehouse.Ifyouknowwheresheis,youneedtotelluswhathappened.”Celestetriedto
interrupt,butMarkkepttalkingoverthetopofher.“Here’swhatIsuspecthappened.You
gotintoafight.Itturnedviolent.Youpanicked.Thenwhatdidyoudowithher?Promise
totakehertothehospital?Butwheredidyoutakeherinstead?Ifyouletherdie,it’s
murder.Sotellme,whereisMaggie?Theclockisticking,Celeste.Youdon’twantto
spendtherestofyourlifeinprison.”

“HowmanytimesdoIhavetotellyou?”shescreamedasshegottoherfeet.“Ididn’t

doanythingtothewoman.Yes,Idrovepastthehouse.Idon’tknowwhyIdid,allright?I
justdidandthenIlefttown.Alone.IdrovetowardParadiseValley,buttheroadsgottoo
bad.IpulledoveratthefirstmotelIfound.Youaren’tgoingtopinthisonme.Iknowmy
rights.Iwantalawyer.”

Flintcouldn’ttakeanymore.Celestewaslyingthroughherteeth.Hestalkedoutofthe

viewingroomandburstintotheinterrogation.Hisex-wife’seyeswidenedinalarmwhen
shesawhim.Shebackedupashestalkedtowardheruntilshecollidedwiththewall.

Allthatwarninghimselftobecalmdidnogood.Herushedtoher,demanding,“Where

isMaggie?Whatdidyoudotoher,youcrazy—”

Therestwasablur.HeheardthescrapeofMark’schairasheclamoredtohisfeetover

Celeste’sscream.AllthemonthsofCeleste’stormentingMaggieanddoingeverything
possibletokeepthemapartcameoutinaflashoffury.

“You’regoingtotellmethetruthbeforeit’stoolate!”Hegrabbedherbythethroatand

squeezed.

Hefeltstronghandsonhim,dragginghimback.HecouldhearMarktellinghimto

stop.Alltheyearshe’dbeenalawman,he’dneverlostcontrol.Itirritatedthehelloutof
hissiblingsbecausehewastheonewhostayedcalmnomatterwhat.

Severalmorehandswereonhim.Markhadhiminaheadlockandsomeonebrokehis

holdonhisex-wife.

“IfyouhurtMaggie,sohelpme,I’ll…I’llkillyou,”Flintyelledasthetwodeputies

pulledhimoffher.

Celesteleanedbackagainstthewall,hereyeswidewithfearasshetouchedherthroat

whereFlint’shandshadbeenonlymomentsbefore.Shewasgaspingforbreath.

“Youreallydohateme,don’tyou.”Shewastheonlyoneintheroomwhosounded

calm.

“Gethimoutofhere,”Marksaidtotheotherdeputy,whoquicklyusheredhimoutof

theroom.HeheardMarksay,“Let’salltakeiteasy.”

“Iwantarestrainingorderagainstthatman,”Celestesaid,soundingnotjustcalmnow,

butpleased.“AndIwantassaultchargesfiledagainsthim,”heheardhersaybeforethe
doorclosedbehindhim.

***

M

ARK

SIGHED

AS

thedoorclosedbehindthedeputyandFlint.Howhadthesheriffknown

hewasinterrogatingCeleste?Harp,hethoughtwithacurse.He’dbeentherethismorning
whenCelesteandherhusbandcamein.

“Let’ssitbackdown,”hesaid,worriedwhatwasabouttohappennow.

Celestelookedoveratherhusband.Waynehadn’tmovedduringallthat.Norhadhe

saidaword.Hestillhadhisheaddownasifstudyingthetopoftheinterrogationtable.
“Wayne?Doyouhearme?IwantFlintfired.”Shebegantocryasshetouchedherthroat.
“Iwanthimthrowninjail.Iwanthim…”SheglaredatMark.“Iwanthimbehindbars.I
don’tfeel…safe.”

“Idon’tcondonethesheriff’sbehavior,”theundersheriffsaid.“Butgiventheearlier

stuntsyoupulledonFlint,Icanunderstandhisfrustration.Hebelievesyou’relying.He
believesyouhaveharmedMaggie.Hebelievesyouarewillingtoletherdieratherthan
tellthetruth.”

Celeste’sgazewastear-freeandice-coldwhenshesettleditonhim.“IwishIhadtaken

her.Iwouldn’thavebroughtherback.Itwouldservehimright.”

Wayneliftedhisheadtolookoverather,hisexpressionfilledwithhorror.

Asifrealizinghowdamningherwordswere,Celestequicklybegantocry.Throughher

sobs,shesworeshehadn’ttakenMaggie.

“Thisisn’tthefirsttimeyou’vethreatenedMaggie,”Marksaid.“Ibelievethewords

youwroteonthemirroratthebeautyshopwere‘DieBitch.’Ifyouhadanythingtodo
withMaggiebeinginjuredatherhouseanddisappearing,weneedtofindoutbeforeit’s
toolate.IfMaggieisfoundalivebeforeanythingelsehappenstoher,thingswillgomuch
easieronyou.”

“ItoldyouIdon’tknowanythingaboutthebeauty-shopbreak-inorMaggie

disappearing,”Celestesaidthroughhertears.“JustbecauseIdidn’twantFlintgettingtied
downwiththat…woman—”

“Celeste,”Dumasnapped,raisinghisheadagaintoglareather.“ForGod’ssake,ifyou

didsomethingtothispoorwoman—”

Markcouldseethattheyweren’tgettinganywhere.Hedidn’thaveenoughtolock

Celesteup.Bettertokeepatailonher.MaybeshewouldleadthemtoMaggie.Or,given
theobviousfeelingsshehadforthewoman,maybenot.WhereverMaggiewas,ifCeleste

hadleftherthere,hedidn’tthinkshe’dbegoingbackforher.

“Sinceyouhavenothingtohide,youwon’tmindifweinspectyourvehicle,”Mark

said.“We’llbeabletotellhowmanymilesyouwentsinceMaggiedisappearedandeven
possiblywhereyouwent.”

“You’llneedtogetawarrant,”Celestesnappedassheduginherpurseforatissue.

“Youwon’tneedawarrant,”Waynesaidwithasigh.“Thevehicleisinmyname.You

havemypermissiontokeepitaslongasyoulike.IjusthaditservicedbeforeCelestetook
it,soyoushouldbeabletogettheinformationyouneedeasilyenough.Also,wehavethe
navigationservice.I’llmakesuretheyworkwithyou.”

Celeste’seyesflaredwithangerasWaynerosetohisfeet.“ImeanwhatIsaid,”she

snapped,turningbacktoMark.“IwantFlintarrestedforattackingme.”

“Ididn’tseeanyoneattackyou,”Waynesaid,makingbothMarkandCelesteturnto

lookathim.“Ithinkyou’relyingagain.”

“What?”shedemanded,clearlyinshock.“Hejusthadtobepulledoffofme.Youwere

sittingrighthere.Yousawwhathappened.Youwitnessedit.”

Waynesmiled.“Butit’syourwordagainstmine,Celeste.”

HergazeshottoMark.“Youhadtohavehimpulledoffme.”

Hesaidnothing,waitingtoseehowthisplayedout.

Sheclampedherjawtight,eyesnarrowing.“Iseewhatthetwoofyouaredoing.”Her

facewasamaskofanger.“Imighthavedrivenbyhishouse,butIdidn’ttouchahairon
thatbitch’shead.However,IdohavebruisesonmyneckthatprovethatFlinttriedtokill
me.”

“Howdoweknowitwasn’tlikelasttimewhenyouhurtyourselftomakeitlooklikeI

abusedyou?”Wayneasked,hisvoicedeadlylow.

AllthecolordrainedfromCeleste’sface.

“Iguesswe’redoneherefornow,then,”Marksaid,gettingtohisfeet.“ButIhaveto

askyounottoleavetown,Mrs.Duma.”

Sheshothimawitheringlook.“HowcouldIsinceyou’llhavemySUV?”Celeste

lookedindignantasshemethisgaze.“Everyonealwayswantstoblameme.Butyouhave
tobelieveme.Thistime,Ididn’tdoanything.”

“Thistime,”Dumasaidwithagroan.HelookedatMark.“Ican’tlethertalktoyou

againwithoutalawyerpresent,”hesaidalmostapologeticallytotheundersheriff.Without
lookingatCeleste,hestartedforthedoor.

“Ididn’tdoanything,”Celestesaid,practicallystompingherfeetinfrustration.

“Ifyoucan’ttellthetruth,thenjustkeepyourmouthshut,”Waynesaid.

Marksawherappalledface.TherewouldbehelltopaywhenCelesteandWaynegot

home.Hehopedhedidn’tgetanotherdomesticdisputecallfromthathousetonight.

“Thisisn’tover,”shesnappedandstormedoutafterherhusband.

***

F

LINT

HAD

HIS

headinhishandsandadeputyatthedoortokeephimfromleavinghis

ownoffice.Hecouldn’tbelievewhathe’ddone.Whatscaredhimmostwasthathewould
doitagainifhegotthechance.Celestewaslying.Heknewitgutdeep.

Butstill,heshouldn’thaveburstinthere.Heshouldn’thavegrabbedher.Alltheyears

ofproblemswithherhadsurfacedintheperfectstorm.He’dneverputhishandsona
womanlikethat,neverthoughtheeverwould.ThatCelestehadpushedhimtothatpoint
terrifiedhim.Whatifthelawmenhadn’tbeentheretopullhimoffher?

Hiscellphonerang.Hecheckedit,notinterestedintalkingtoanyonebutMaggie.But

whenhesawitwasFrankcalling,hetookit.

“Iwantedtoupdateyouonwhatwe’vegottensofar,”thePIsaid.

Heonlyhalflistened,evenmoreconvincedthatsomemaninabrownvanhadn’ttaken

Maggie.Herealizedthathe’dmissedsomething.“Wait—didyoujustsayyou’reonyour
waytoRadville,NorthDakota?”

“Nettiehasherheartsetonit,”Frankjoked.“WewanttotalktoJenna’sfriend.Don’t

worry—thisisonthehouse.WethinkthisClarkpersonmightbethemaninthebrown
van.Reinersaidtheplatesonthevanweren’tWyomingorMontana.We’rethinkingthey
couldhavebeenNorthDakota.Iknowit’sastretch.”

“No,that’sgood.ButI’mstillpaying.”HeheardMarkcomingdownthehallway.“I

havetogo.Letmeknowwhereyou’restayinginRadville.Ifyoucan’treachme,callmy
brotherHawk.Imightbeinjailforawhile.”Hedisconnectedastheundersheriffcame
intotheroom.“I’msorry,”Flintsaid,liftinghisheadwhenheheardMarkwalkintothe
room.“Ilostit.Icouldn’thelpit.I’msurethey’refilingcharges.IjusthopeIcanmake
bail.”

Markwalkedaroundtohisdeskandsatdown.Hemotionedforthedeputytoleave

themalone.“Nooneisfilingcharges.”

Flintlookedupathiminsurprisefromthechairwherehesat.

“I’massurprisedasyouarethatyouwon’tbespendingChristmasbehindbars.Thatis

whereyoushouldbe.”

“Idon’tknowwhatpossessedme.”

“Sureyoudo,”Marksaid,leaningbackinhischair.“Iwantedtoshakethetruthoutof

hertoo.You’vehadyearsofherlies.”

Thatsurprisedhim.Ifanyonewasbythebook,itwashisundersheriff.

“Celestewantedyousentstraighttoprison,butherhusbanddefendedyou.Hesaidhe

didn’tseeanything.”

Flintblinked.“Whywouldhedothat?”

“FromwhatIgathered,hestillmighthavesomeresentmenttowardheraftershecalled

9-1-1andsaidherhusbandhadhither.”

Henodded.“ThenlatershejusthappenedtorememberthatWaynewasn’teveninthe

houseandthatshemusthavefallendown.”

“Youthinkshepurposelyinjuredherselftotryto…framehim?”

Flintsighed.“We’retalkingaboutCeleste.Shewilldowhateverittakestogetwhatshe

wants.Ishouldn’thavelostitwithher,butshe’sthemostlying,connivingwomanI’ve
evermet.Iwouldn’tputanythingpasther.”

“IncludingattackingandabductingMaggie.”

Henodded,feelingtheweightofhisbuildinggrief.“It’sbeentoolong.IfMaggie’s

injured…”

“We’refollowingeverylead.I’mhopingCeleste’scarwillgiveussomeideaofwhere

shewent.”

“YouhaveaneyewitnesswhosawherinmyneighborhoodrightbeforeMaggie

disappeared.Maybeifyouarrestedher…”

Markshookhishead.“IfshetookMaggie,shemightleadustoher.Also,Alma

rememberedthatthewomandrivingwasblondeandID’dCeleste.Butshe’sadmitted
drivingpast.Unfortunately,Almacan’tswearthatCelestepulledinatyourhouse.Shedid
slowdown,though,beforeAlmalostsightofherbehindthetrees.”

Flintswore,knowinghewasright.HewasgladthatMarkwasinchargeofthe

investigation.“I’mnotthinkingclearly.Ofcourseyou’reright.”

“That’swhyI’mtemptedtolockyouupforyourowngood,”hisundersheriffsaid.

“Anotherstuntlikeyoujustpulledand—”

“Iknow.Iwoulddothesamethingifitwasyou.IkeepthinkingaboutAnvilHolloway

whenhiswifedisappeared.Ineverappreciatedwhathe’dbeengoingthrough.Allthose
months…”Heshookhishead.“Youhavemycellnumberif—”

“IfwegetanywordofMaggie,youknowI’llcall.But,Flint,ifyougonearCeleste—”

Henodded.“Iwon’t.Ican’t.IhonestlyamnotsurewhatIwoulddoifIfoundoutthat

shehasMaggie.”

“ThatisnotwhatIwantedtohear,”Marksaid.

CHAPTERNINE

M

AGGIE

WOKE

AS

iffromabaddream.Shefeltstickywithperspirationandsicktoher

stomach.Shefoughttoopenhereyesagainstthelethargythatmadeherbodyfeelmadeof
clay.

Hermindfeltasthickashertongue.Shelickedparchedlipsandtriedtoswallow.So

thirsty.Thatwasthethoughtthatpulledhertothesurface.

Hereyescamehalf-opentorevealwhatappearedtobeverticalmetalbars.Shewasin

jail?Sheclosedthemagainasshestruggledtowakeupandmakesenseofwhatshewas
seeing.

Amemoryofbeingtieddownmadeherpulsejump.Sheblinked,recallingthebright

lightinherfaceandsomeoneputtingsomethingonhertemple.

Herhandwenttohertemple.Shefeltabandage.Hereyesflewopenassherealizedshe

wasnolongerbound—butshewasstillaprisoner.Shewassurroundedbythickmetal
bars.

Shestruggledtositup,butfelttooweak.Hergazefocusedonthetwinbedunderher

andthenthebarsaroundthetwin-bedmattress.Thereappearedtobeawayforthebarsto
beloweredononesidelikeababy’scrib,butasshesatup,shesawthatthelatchwasout
ofherreach.Sheglancedupward,lookingforawaytoescape,onlytoseethattherewere
alsobarsacrossthetop.

Herbrainfinallykickedin.Shewasinacage!

Aspaniccoursedthroughherveins,ignitingherpulse,shegrabbedoneofthebarsand

pulledherselftoherfeet.Thebarsfeltachinglycoldinherhands.Thecagehadbeen
madeoutofoldbedframesboundtogether.Grippingthemtightly,sheshooktheoutside
ofthecage.Ithadonlyminimalgive,rattlingjustalittle.Itfelttoosolid.Shewasn’t
gettingoutofthereunlesssomeoneunlockedit.

HowdidIgethere?WhereamI?Whoputmeinhere?Why?

Hermindwhirledasshetookinwhatappearedtobeanormallittlegirl’sbedroom—

exceptforthisgiantbedcageononesideofit.

“Help!”shescreamed.“Help!Someonehelpme!”Shescreameduntilherthroathurt

andshewastoohoarsetoscreamanymore.

Thereeitherwasn’tanyoneoutthereormaybetheycouldn’thearher.Thethought

terrifiedher.Someonehadlefthertostarve?Nowmorethaneversheneededsomething
todrink.Asshethoughtit,shesawthewaterbottleattheendofthebed.Shedropped
downandgrabbedit.Therewasonlyaswallowinthebottomofit.Hadshedrunkthe
rest?Orwasthisallshewasgettingmaybeever?

Shethoughtsheshouldsavealittleofit,butassheliftedittoherlips,shecouldn’tstop

herself.Shedrankitalldownandwishedformore.Thatwaswhenshesawtheplastic

urinaltuckedintheendofthebed.

Whatelsehadshemissed?Shequicklydug,hopingforsomethingtoeat,butfound

nothingelse.Angrily,shethrewtheemptybottletowardthebedroomdoorandthought
abouthurlingtheurinalaswell,butstoppedherself.

Exhaustionandremnantsofthedrugpulledather.Hergazewenttothesheets.She

blinkedasshesawthedesign.Withafrown,shenoticedthatthecomfortermatched.

Whenshewaslittleallshe’dwantedwasaCabbagePatchdoll.ForthreeChristmases

she’daskedSantaforone,butshe’dnevergottenone.Thatwaswhenshe’drealizedthat
therewasnoSanta.Atleastnotforher,agirlwhosemotherhaddiedinchildbirthand
whowasnowbeingraisedbyanelderlyaunt.

Themessagehadseemedtobethatifshewantedsomething,shewouldhavetogetit

herself.

Thathadn’tworkedoutwell,either.She’dtakenaneighborgirl’sdoll.Heraunthad

madeherfeellikeacriminal.Afterthat,sheoftensawherauntwatchingher,expecting
theworst.

Sincethenshe’dhadtofightforeverything,evenherownsurvivalattimes,andthe

weightofthatunfairnesshadneverbeenworsethanitwasatthismoment.Shestared
downatthesheets,realizingthatshehadn’tevenknownasachildthattheymade
CabbagePatchsheets.Notthatherauntwouldhaveeverboughthersomethingso
frivolous.

SuddenlytearsblurredhereyesasMaggiethoughtofhowmuchshe’dmissedouton

thathadnothingtodowithdollsorsheetsoranythingthatcouldhavebeenbought.She
wasthegirlwithoutamother—orafather,forthatmatter.Anodditythatevenheraunt
hadtroubleloving.Andnowheronechancetobeloved,tofindhappinesswithFlint,had
beensnatchedawayfromher.Allthefightgoingoutofher,shelaydownonthebedand
sobbed.

***

H

ARP

SMILED

TO

himselfashedroveawayfromtheoffice.Hisplancouldn’thavegone

better.He’dknownFlintwouldgodowntothesheriff’sofficeandmakeafuss.Whathe
hadn’texpectedwasforthemantocompletelyloseit.

Laughing,herecalledhowshockedeveryonehadbeen.Likehim,theymusthave

thoughtFlinthadaheartofstone.Instead,itturnedoutthatthemanhadmorethanalittle
passioninhim.IfMarkandtheotherdeputyhadn’tpulledhimoffhisex-wife,Flint
wouldbebehindbarsformurder.

Asitwas,somehowhe’dskated.Whyhadn’tchargesbeenfiledagainsthim?Those

Cahills,hethoughtwithdisgust.

ButhewasintoogoodofamoodtothinkaboutthemandhowLadyLuckseemedto

smileonthem.Well,mostofthetime.HeremindedhimselfthatFlint’sgirlfriendwas
gone,maybeevendead.Therewasthat.

HepreferredtothinkaboutthesceneFlinthadmade.Itwouldgetaroundtown,and

whenthenextelectionrolledaround—ifFlintheldittogetherthatlong—HarptheHero
hadagoodchanceofbeingthenextsheriff.

Hissmilewidenedasheconsideredwhathecoulddotomakehischancesbetter.Witha

groan,herealizedtherewassomethinghe’dbeenputtingoff.Thecountymightbemore
apttovoteforamarriedmanwithafamily.Henoddedtohimselfatthethought.Itwas
timetomarryVickibeforethebabycame.

Heimaginedhersurprisewhenhetoldhersheneededtostartplanningtheirwedding.

She’dbeenacting…weirdlately.He’djustthoughtitwasthepregnancy.

Butwhatifitwassomethingmore?Hecursedunderhisbreathasherecalledbaringhis

soultoheratthehospital.Whathadhebeenthinking?Nowshehadhimoverabarrelfor
life.Unless…Hefrowned.Wasitpossibleshedidn’twanthimanymore?Didn’twanthim
tobethefatherofherbaby?

Panicwhirledthroughhimforafewmomentsbeforehelaughedandglancedathimself

intherearviewmirror.HewasHarperCole,oneofthemosteligiblebachelorsintown,
andoncehewassheriff…

Helaughedagainathisownfoolishness.Vickiwasaformerwaitressandnotevena

goodone.Shecouldn’tdoanybetterthanhim.Shehadtoknowthat.Andifshedidn’t,
thenmaybeitwastimeheremindedher.

***

U

NDERSHERIFF

M

ARK

R

AMIREZ

studiedtheinformationobtainedfromCelesteDuma’s

vehicle.Herhusbandhadsaidhe’dhadthecarservicedthedaybeforeshe’dlefttown
allegedlytogotoaspainParadiseValley.

Hecheckedthemileageonthecarthedayitwasserviced,thenthemileagenow.

Celestehaddrivenoversevenhundredmiles.Ittookhimonlyaminutetocheckthe
mileagefromGiltEdgetotheParadiseValleyspa.Onlythreehundredandeightymiles
round-trip—andCelestehadsaidshe’dneverreachedit,buthadstoppedonthewayand
stayedinamotel.

Sohowdidsheexplainthemorethanthreehundredextramilesonhercar?

She’dliedaboutwhereshe’dgone.

Markswore.NowonderFlinthadlostcontrolandtriedtochokeitoutofthewoman.

Celestehadbeenlying—justasthesheriffhadsaid.Butdidherliehavesomethingtodo
withMaggieThompson’sdisappearance?Thatwasthequestionheneededanswered.

HepickedupthephoneandcalledtheDumahouse.Wayneanswered.“We’vechecked

themileageonthecar.Unfortunately,thenavigationsystemhadbeenturnedoff.Butit
appearsthatMrs.Dumadidn’tgowhereshesaidshedid.I’mgoingtoneedtotalktoher
again.”

HeheardWayneswearbeforehesaid,“Isee.”

“I’dlikehertocomebackdowntothesheriff’sdepartment.”

“Andifsherefuses?”

“Giventheotherthingsweknowshe’sdonetoMaggie,I’llaskJudgeMcDonaldto

signawarrantforherarrest.”

***

F

LINT

FELT

LOST

ashestoppedatthesaloon.He’dbeendrivingaroundforhours,checking

everyoldbarn,everyoldbuilding,everyplacehe’deverbeenwithCelestethatmight
makeagoodplacetohideaperson—orabody.

Hisworkwassuchapartofhimthatwithoutit,hedidn’tknowwhattodowith

himself.Everywherehelooked,hesawChristmasdecorations.Notthatmanyhoursago
he’dbeenplanninghisandMaggie’sfirstChristmastogetherasanengagedcouple.

Astimepassedwithnowordofher,hecouldn’tbearthethoughtoftheholidays

withouther.He’dbeenraisedtopulluphisbootsandtacklewhateverlifethrewathim.
Celestehaddoneherbesttodestroyhim,buthe’dsurvivedherandthoughtthathecould
withstandjustaboutanythingafterthat.

Butthis…HeconsideredmeetingFrankandNettieinNorthDakota.Notthatthey

neededhim.They’dfoundJennaHolloway’sbestchildhoodfriend.Nowhejusthadto
waitandseewhattheylearned.Anyway,hewasonpaidleave.Hewasn’tsupposedtobe
workinganycases.

Thewaiting,though,waskillinghim.Hefeltasifhewascomingapartattheseams.

Andtheonethinghecouldn’tdowasgonearCeleste.He’dgottenoffeasythelasttime.
Hewouldn’tcountonitagainandhewouldbeofnousetoMaggiebehindbars.Buthe
wasofnousetoherrightnow.

“Youlookterrible,”hissister,Lillie,saidwhenhewalkedin.

“Thanks.”

“Seriously,isthereanythingwecando?”hisbrotherDarbyasked.HawkandCyrushad

madethesameoffer.

Heshookhisheadashepulledupastoolatthebar.“Thanks,really,butthereisnothing

anyofuscando.MarkisdoingeverythinghecantofindMaggie.Allwecandoiswait.”

Lilliesatdownbesidehimandputherarmaroundhim.“We’regoingtofindher.”

Henodded,notsurehebelievedthat.Toomuchtimehadpassed.

“Youwantabeerorsomethingstronger?”Darbyasked.

“Justacola.”

“Whataboutsomethingtoeat?I’msureBillieDee—”

“Thanks,Lillie,butI’mnothungry.”Silencefilledthesaloon.Helookedaround,

surprisedtheplacewasempty.Hehadn’tevennoticedwhenhe’dwalkedin.“Whereis
everyone?”

“ProbablyChristmasshopping,”Darbysaid.“Itwillpickuplater.”

“I’mworriedaboutMaggie,butI’mjustasworriedaboutyou,”hissistersaid.She

exchangedalookwithhertwinbrother.“Weheardwhathappenedatthesheriff’s
department.”

He’dknownwordwouldtravelfast,especiallyifHarphadanythingtodowithit.“I

lostcontrol.It’snotlikeme.”

“Nokidding,”Lilliesaid.

“Whocouldblameyouunderthecircumstances,”Darbysaid.“YoureallythinkCeleste

tookMaggie?”

“Iknowshe’slyingaboutsomething.Maybetheanswerwillbeinhercar.Ifshetook

Maggiesomewhere,wemightbeabletofindherbeforeit’stoolate.”

“Whatdoyoumean,ifCelestetookher?”Lillieasked.“Ofcourseshedid.Lookatall

theotherthingsshe’sdonetoher.”

“Thereisnoproofthatshedidanyofthosethings,”Flintsaidwithasigh.“She’sbeen

carefulsofarandmadesureshedidn’tleavebehindanyevidence.Maybewe’llgetlucky.
Maybesheslippedupthistime.”

“Ihavetogo,”Lilliesaidasherphonebuzzed.“Doctorappointment.”Shepattedher

stomach.“Pleasetakecareofyourself,”shesaidandhuggedhimsotightlythathethought
hemightburstintotears.

Andallthistime,he’dthoughthewasholdingupsowell.

“Lillie’sright.IthastobeCeleste,”Darbysaid.“Whoelsewouldwanttoharm

Maggie?”

Thequestionplayedinhishead.Yes,who?Thatwasjustit—hehadnoidea.Whyhad

heneverpushedMaggieformoreinformationaboutherpast?Becauseithadbeenclear
shedidn’twanttoshareit.Somethingbadhadhappened.Heknewthatmuch.Andithad
involvedaman.

Flintfeltaprickleofdoubtrunoverthebackofhisneckashetookasipofthecola

Darbysetinfrontofhim.Whatifhewaswrong?WhatifCelestewastellingthetruthfor
onceinherlife?Whatifshehadn’ttakenMaggie?

HeheardasoundandturnedtofindMariahhadcomeinandstoppedinthemiddleof

theroom.Hehadn’theardherenterthesaloon.Darbyhadsaidshewasupstairsresting.
Hesawherexpression.“Mariah?”

Shehadonehandoverherstomach,fingerssplayedout.Theotherwasoverhermouth.

Hereyeswereclosed,buttearswereleakingfrombeneathhereyelids.

“Mariah?”Shewasscaringhim.Hesaidhernamesoftlyasheslidoffhisstooland

steppedtowardher,butstillsheflinched.

Darby,seeingthatshewasinsomesortofpain,rushedtoher.“Whatisit?Mariah?Isit

thebaby?”

Sheshookherhead,herdarkeyesslowlyopening.TheyfocusedonFlint.Hesawher

swallow.“Maggie…”Hervoicebroke.

Hefelthisbloodturntoice.Heheardhissister’svoiceinhishead.Hergrandmother

wasafortune-teller.Mariahsaysshedoesn’thavethesight.ButIthinkshe’safraidofit
andpretendsshedoesn’tknowthings.Isn’titcool?Wehaveapsychicinourfamily.

Itwashardforhimtoevensaythewords.“Mariah,ifyouknowsomething…”Flint

sawherstarttoshakeherhead.“Orevensensesomething,please.Anythingwillhelp.”

Shetookadeepbreathandletitout.Shelookedtoherhusband.Darbynoddedand

tookherhandinbothofhis.“Ican’tevenbesureit’sMaggie.ButwhenIsawyousitting
there,Ifelt…something.”

“Please.”Allhispaincameoutinthatoneword.

“Ifit’sher,she’salive.Herheadhurts.”Sheclosedhereyesagainforamoment.“She’s

somewheredampanddark.”Shefrowned.“Notaboveground.Maybeabasement?
She’s…aloneand…scared.It’squietthere.Notraffic.”Mariahshookherhead.“That’sall
IfeelandI’mnotsureyoucantrustit.ButIhadthisstrongsenseof…achingloveand
regret.”

“Thankyou,”Flintsaid,hisvoicebarelyawhisper.He’dneverbelievedinanyofthis.

Heknewotherpolicedepartmentsoftencalledinpsychics.Butrightnowhedesperately
wantedtobelievethatMariahwasrightandMaggiewasalive.Theyjusthadtofindher.

Hiscellphonerang.Hequicklycheckedit.Mark.Hisheartbegantopoundashetook

thecall.LetMaggiebefoundaliveandwell.LetwhatMariahsaidbetrue.“Cahill.”His
voicebroke.

“I’mbringingCelestebackinforquestioning.Donotshowup.”

“Iwon’t.Whatdidyoufind?”

HelistenedasMarkfilledhiminonwhatthey’dobtainedfromherSUV.“Shewent

sevenhundredmiles,soshe’slyingaboutdrivingtowardParadiseValley,”Marksaid.
“That’sonlyalittleoverathree-hundred-and-eightyround-tripandshenevermadeitthat
far,accordingtoher.Anyideawhereshemighthavegone?”

Hispulsedrummedinhisears.Celestehadliedaboutwhereshe’dgone.Shehadtaken

Maggie,justashe’dthought.“Didyoufindhergun?”

Markseemedtohesitate.“Wefounditinthecar.”

Somaybehewasrightanditwaspremeditated.HehopedCelesteburnedinhellfor

this.“Ihavenoideawhereshemighthavegone.”HethoughtofwhatMariahhadsaid.
“Butmysister-in-law…”Hehesitated.“ShesensedsomethingaboutMaggie.Shesays
she’ssomewheredampanddarkbelowground.Somewherequiet.Somewherelikea
grave.WhenyouaskCeleste,she’sgoingtolie.”

“Iknow.Butifshedoes,I’mgoingtoarresther.”

CHAPTERTEN

S

EVEN

HUNDRED

MILES

?Flintdrovebacktotheranch,staringoutatthefallingsnowand

imaginingCelestebehindthewheelofherbigSUV.Shecouldn’thavegonethatfar
withoutstoppingforgasatleastacoupleoftimes.Therewouldbearecord,butthat
wouldtaketimetotrackdown.Unlesssheusedcash.

Ifshe’dhadthatmuchcash,thenitwouldmeanallofthishadbeenpremeditated.He

triedtogethisheadaroundit.HadshebeenfollowingMaggieforweeks?Possibly.
Maybetherun-inatthemarkethadbeenplanned.Thatthoughtshookhim.Heand
Maggiehadthoughtthathisexhadbackedoffandallthistimeshe’dbeenstalking
Maggie?

OriginallyhehadthoughtMaggie’sabductionhadtohavebeenspur-of-the-moment.

CelestehadbeenupsetaboutMaggiemovinginwithhim.She’ddrivenbyhishouse,seen
Maggie’scar,pulledin.Shehadn’tplannedtohurtMaggie.

ButshehadtakenthegunWaynesaidhe’dboughther.Soshecouldhavebeenarmed

whenshewentintothehouse.Thetwohadargued—thatmuchwasobvious.Butthen
what?HadshepulledthegunonMaggie?WasthatwhyMaggiehadgottenintoher
vehicleandleftwithher?

HestillbelievedthatCelestehadpanickedandhadnochoicebuttoforceMaggietogo

withher.HecouldhearMaggietellinghimthatheunderestimatedjusthowvindictive
Celestecouldbe.He’dtriedtogiveherthebenefitofthedoubt.Nowonderforawhile
Maggiehadthoughthestillfeltsomethingforhisex.Hejustdidn’twanttobelievethat
he’dmarriedsuchawoman.

Sevenhundredmiles.Hekeptcomingbacktothat.HowfarwouldCelestehavebeen

abletoget?GiltEdgewaspracticallythecenterofthestate.Ifheweretomarkoffthree
hundredandfiftymilesradius…Hegrabbedanoldatlasfromdownstairsandmadea
circlearoundGiltEdgewithapen.IfCelestewentthreehundredandfiftymilesoneway
fromGiltEdge,itwouldtakehertoCanada,NorthDakota,cleartoWyomingand…He
slowedashewascirclingthroughWesternMontanaandquicklycheckedthemileageon
theatlaschart.

Heletoutacurse.FlatheadLakewasthreehundredandthirtymilesfromGiltEdge.

Hadn’theheardthatCelesteandWaynehadalakehouseonFlathead?Alakehousewith
abasement?

***

D

EPUTY

H

ARPER

C

OLE

couldn’tbelievewhatafoolhewas.Hewasdrivingdownthemain

dragheadedfortheshittyapartmentheandVickishared,whenithithim.Hecouldn’tjust
askVickitomarryhim.Heneededaring.

“It’stimeyoustartedtakingresponsibilityforyourfuture,”hesaidtohimself,

mimickinghisfather’ssternvoiceasheswungintothelocalpawnshopparkinglot.

Justthethoughtofhisfather,themayor,madehimgrindhisteeth.

“Whatareyougoingtodoaboutthiswomanyou’ve…impregnated?”themayorhad

demandedthelasttimethey’dspoken.

“Youmakeitsoundsoromantic,”he’dquipped.

Hisfatherhadrolledhiseyesinresponse.

“Idon’tknowyet.MaybeI’llmarryher.”

“Youprobablycoulddoworse.”

Nice,hethoughtnow.Well,he’dshowhisoldman.Hewouldstepup.He’dshowthe

wholetown.Almostdyinghadmadehimanewman.Thatandeveryoneinthecounty
thinkinghewasahero.

Theideaofbeingafamilymanappealedtohimmorethanheeverthoughtitwould.He

nowsawitasafreshstart.PeoplewouldforgetabouttheoldHarperCole—notthathe
sawanythingwrongwithhim.

Butifhehopedtobesheriff,hehadtolookgood.Hefeltashiverofexcitement

becausehe’dfinallymadeuphismind.Hecouldseehisfuture,thewifeandchildathis
sideashewassworninassheriff.Thisbabycouldbethebestthingthathadever
happenedtohim.HarpCole,afamilyman.

Hesmiledtohimselfashepushedthroughthepawnshopdoor.“Ineedanengagement

ring,”hesaidtoLarryWagner,theowner.

Larryraisedabrowbeforeheletoutabarkofalaugh.“Whatwouldyouneedthat

for?”HeandLarryhadgonetoschooltogether.ThatwasbackwhenLarry’sfatherhad
runtheshop—andrunHarpoutacoupleoftimes,accusinghimofstealing.

“I’mgettingmarried,”Harpsaiddefensively.“Ithappens.”

“Nottoyou.”

Heshrugged.LarryhadgottenmarriedrightoutofhighschooltoShirleyDale.Harp

hadnevertoldLarrythathe’dbeenwithheronlyweeksbeforesheandLarryhadeloped.
Everyonefiguredshehadabunintheovenandtheywereright.He’dalwayswonderedif
LarryJr.didn’tlookmorelikehimthanLarrySr.Buthe’dbeensmartenoughtokeephis
mouthshut.

“Sowhatyagot?”heasked,steppinguptothecounter.“Idon’thavealotofmoney.”

“Imaginethat,”Larrysaidashepulledoutatrayofdiamondrings.

Harpconsideredhisoptions.Almostallofthemhadeithersmalldiamondsorbigger

fakediamonds.Vickiwouldknowitwasn’trealifhegaveherabigone.Also,givenhow
smallherhandswere,oneofthesmaller,cheaperringswouldlookbiggerandbetter.

“Shehasreallysmallhands,”hesaidashestudiedtherings.

“Soyou’remarryingthatwaitressdownatSue’sDiner.”

“Vicki.Yep,she’sasweetheart.”

“I’llbet.Howfaralongisshe?”Larryaskedwithachuckle.

“Iresentthat,”Harpsnapped.

“Settledown.Ithappenstothebestofus.”Hepulledaringfromthetray.“Thisisa

smallsize.Doesthatlooklikeitwillfither?”

Hehadnoidea.“That’sthesmallestyouhave?”heasked,checkingoutthepricetaped

toit.

“Icangiveyou10percentoff.Foroldtimes’sake.”Larrymethisgazeinsuchaway

thathefeltalittleuncomfortable.“We’realmostlikefamily.”WasitpossiblethatShirley
hadtoldhimaboutthem?

“Okay.Youtakeacheck?”heasked,reachingforhischeckbookinhishippocket.

“Maybeyoucouldthrowinalittleboxforit?”

Larrymadearudesound.“Youhaven’tchanged.Oneoftherichestkidsintownand

oneofthecheapest.”

Thedepictionofhimcameasashock.Wasthatwhateveryonehadthought?

“Mygrandfatherhasmoney.Ineversawanyofitandneitherdidmymother.The

Mayor—”ashecalledhisfather“—hasdoneokay,butitisn’tlikehe’severcutmeany
slack.HesaidheearnedhismoneyandIshoulddothesame.”

“Really?”Larrylookedsurprised.“Youlivedinthatbighouse—”

“Mygrandfatherboughtitformyparentsasaweddingpresent.TheMayorsaysitcosts

anarmandalegjusttoheatit,butmymotherlovesit.”

“Well,atleastthemayorboughtyouniceclothes,”Larrycontinuedasifhehadn’t

spoken.

“Thatwasmymother’sdoing.Shedidn’twantmetosufferjustbecausemyfatherisa

miserlyoldbastard.”

Larrysaid,“Huh.GuessthatexplainswhyIalwayshadtobuythebeerattheparties.

AndIthoughtyouwerejustcheap.”

Harpwatchedhimworkthepriceofftheringandbithistongue.He’djustsharedadark

familysecrethismotherhadworkedhardtohideandthiswasthejerk’sreaction?

“How’sShirley?”heasked,thinkingmaybeitwastimetoshareLarry’sdarkfamily

secretwithhim.

Larryfinallygotthetapeofftheringandnowheldituptothelightforamoment

beforehisgazeshiftedtoHarp.“Fine.”

Thistimetherewasnodoubtaboutthelook.Noreasontoupdatetheman.Larry

alreadyknew.Oratleastsuspected.Thetensionseemedtosuckalltheairoutoftheshop.
HewasremindedofthenightLarrykickedtheshitoutofafootballplayerfroma
neighboringtown.He’dalmostkilledtheguybeforethey’dpulledhimoff.Larryhada

hairtriggerandseemedtoliketodrawblood.Harpwouldbeadamnedfooltopokethis
rabidbear.

“Gladtoheareverything’sfine,”Harpmanagedtosayintothedeathlysilence.“Sohow

muchdoImakethecheckoutfor?”

Larrygavehimanumber,andthendugunderthecounterandpulledoutaredbox

coveredinplastic.“Thisworkforyou?”

“Great,”hesaidashefilledoutthecheck,hishandsshakingalittle.Hejustwantedthis

transactionoverwith.HehandedLarrythecheckandLarryhandedhimthelittleredbox.
“Nicedoingbusinesswithyou.”Larrysaidnothing.

HepoppedtheboxopenlikehewouldwhenheaskedVickitomarryhim.Thediamond

caughtthelightandsparkled.Hecouldjustimagineherfacewhenhegaveittoher.His
earlierexcitementreturned.“It’sperfect.”

“Congrats,”Larrysaid,soundingasifhedidn’tmeanit.

“Thanks.”Hecheckedtheman’sexpression.Larryhadjustmadeanicesalebuthe

didn’tlookashappyasheshouldhavebeen.

Harpputtheboxinhispocketandstartedoutofthestore.Atthedoor,healmostturned

andsaidsomethingsmart.Butfortunately,goodsensefollowedhimouttohiscruiser.

Asheslidbehindthewheel,helookeduptoseeLarrywatchinghimfromthefront

window.Itwasn’tover,hethought.IfShirleyhadconfessed…

Hestartedthecruiser,remindinghimselfwhohewas.DeputyHarperCole,soontobe

sheriff.Notamanyouwantedtomesswith.Larrymightbetougherthanoldbuffalomeat,
butHarpcarriedagun.

HesmiledandflippedLarrythebirdashedroveaway.Hehadn’tforgottenthathe’d

almostdiedafewmonthsago,notbecausehewasanyone’shero,butbecauseofhisown
arrogantstupidity.

Buthetoldhimselfthathe’dputthepastbehindhim.Hewasachangedmanwitha

brightfuture.ScrewLarryWagner.

***

M

ARK

SAT

DOWN

athisdeskandpushedthestackofmailtotheside.Exhaustionpulledat

him.Hehadn’tgottenbutafewhours’sleepsinceMaggiehaddisappeared.Herubbedthe
backofhisneckandtoldhimselfhewasdoingeverythingpossibletofindher,butitfelt
asifhewasswimmingthroughquicksand.

“CelesteDumaishere,”thedispatchersaidoverhisintercom.

Hesighed,notsurehewasuptoanotherboutwiththatwoman.ButifCelestehadtaken

Maggie…“Takeherandherlawyerintotheinterrogationroom.I’llberightthere.”

Whenhefoundherwaiting,hewassurprisedtoseethatshe’dcomealone.Nohusband.

Nolawyer.“Arewewaitingforyourattorney?”heasked.

Sheshookherhead.“Hegetspaidtoomuchtositandlistentoyourinaneaccusations.

Anyway,Ihavenothingtohide.”

Markdidn’tbelievethatforamoment.Hesmiled,shockedbyherarrogance.She

thoughtshewasabovethelaw.Flintwasnowonpaidleave.Wasthatwhatshe’dwanted
allalong?Tohurthim?

Heturnedonthevideocamera,gavethedateandtime,andintroducedhimselfand

CelesteDuma.

“Isthatreallynecessary?”sheasked,noddingtowardthedevice.

Hewantedtolaughsincejustmomentsbeforeshe’dtakenouthercompacttocheckher

hairandmakeup.Ittookallhispatiencenottosaysomethingsmartaboutit.Hejust
hopedthiswasn’tahugewasteoftime.TherewasstillnowordonMaggie.

Markfeltasifhecouldbedoingmoreanywherebutinthisroomwiththiswoman.He

doubtedCelestecouldtellthetruthifshehadaguntoherhead.Ifthiswomanhadtaken
Maggie,thenMaggiewasasgoodasdead.HehadamantailingCeleste,soheknewthat
shehadn’tbeenanywherebutheresincereturninghome.Ifshe’dtakenMaggie,thenlike
she’dsaid,shewouldn’tbereturningher.Norwouldshebereturningtowherevershe’d
takenhertogiveherfoodandwater.

“I’mcurious,”Marksaid.“WhydoyouhateMaggieThompsonsomuch?”

Celestegavehimawrysmile.“MylawyersaidIdon’thavetotellyouanything.”Her

chinwentupinnakeddefiance.

“Thenwhatareyoudoinghereandwithoutyourlawyer?Youreallymusthateher.

Ratherthanhelpusfindher,you’redoingeverythingpossibletohurther.”

“Howcanyousaythat?”shedemanded.

“IfyoureallyhadnothingtodowithMaggie’sdisappearance,thenwhyareyouwasting

ourtimeandresourcestofindoutwhereyou’vebeensinceshedisappeared?Isallthisjust
becauseyoucan’tstandthethoughtofyourex-husbandbeinghappy?”

“Maggiewouldn’thavemadehimhappy.”

“Interestingthatyou’retalkingaboutherinthepasttense.”

Celesteshruggedandlookedatthecamera.Forthefirsttime,sheseemednervous.“I

justmeant…ifsomeonetookher,thenshe’sprobablydead.”Hergazereturnedtohim.
“Isn’tthattherule?Ifyoudon’tfindherinthefirsttwenty-fourhours,she’sprobably
dead?”

Heshudderedinwardlyatherlackofempathy.“I’mnotsurethat’sarule,butyes,it’s

importantthatwefindMaggieasquicklyaspossible.”Hewastiredofplayinggameswith
thiswoman.Itwastimetotaketheglovesoff.“Look,ifthisisaboutruiningFlint’slife,
haven’tyoualreadydoneaprettygoodjobofthat?”

Shelookedaghast.“Helovedme.Whatwehadtogetherwas—”

“Wassospecialthatyoulefthimforanotherman.Sothat’sit.Youjustdon’twanthim

toloveanyoneelse.”

“Hedoesn’tloveherthewayhedoesme.”

Heraisedabrow.“Youthinkhestilllovesyou?”

“Imeantthewayhelovedme.”

“Howcanyoubesosurehedoesn’tloveMaggiemore?”

Shegavehimahorrifiedlook,thenlaughed.“That’sridiculous.She’s…she’sanobody,

abeautician.”

“Thenwhyareyousointimidatedbyher?”

Celesteshifteduncomfortablyinherchair.“I’mnot.Ijustknowthatshe’sallwrongfor

him.Idon’twanthimtomakethebiggestmistakeofhislife.”

“I’mprettysurehealreadydidthat.”

Shelookedlikeshemighterupt.

Hequicklycutofftheexplosion.“Whydoyouthinkyouhavetherighttotellhimwhat

todoornotdo?”

“BecauseIstillcare.”

“Maybe,butifyoudid,you’dgivehimyourblessingandyou’dhelpusfindMaggie.”

“Ialreadytoldyou—”

“Tellmewhereyouwentafteryoudrovebyyourex-husband’shouseandsaw

Maggie.”

“Ididn’tseeher.Isawhercar.Isawthatshewasmovingin.”

“Andyoustoppedtoconfronther.”

Shemethisgaze.“No.Isteppedonthegasandspedoutoftown.”

Hesworeandslammedahanddownonthetablebetweenthem,makingherjump.

“Wheredidyougo?Thetruththistime.Youhatedher.Itwaskillingyoutohavethetwo
ofthemmoveintogether.Youweremadandyouhadalreadywarnedherandshehadn’t
listened.Youdecidedtostopher.”

Celestemethisgaze.Whathesawmadehimfeeldirty.Therewassomuchmalicein

thoseeyes.“IwasangryandhurtandIhatedher.ButIknewthatifIstopped…”She
pulledhergazeawayandbitdownonherlowerlipforamoment.“Iwasafraiditwould
getugly,soIkeptgoing.IdrovetowardParadiseValley.”

“That’sthesamelieyou’vebeentellingme.It’sthreehundredandeightymilesround-

triptothespa,whichyouneverreached.YoudroveoversevenhundredmilesinthatSUV.
Nowstoplyingtome.”

“Imighthavetakensomebackroads.Idon’tknow.Ijustdrove.”

“I’vehaditwithyouandyourlies.Forwhateverreason,youcan’tletgoofyourex-

husbandandyouhaveprovedwhatlengthsyouwillgotoinanattempttokeephimand
Maggieapart.Whatyouwroteonhermirroratherbeautyshopprettymuchsaysitall.
‘DieBitch.’Wealreadyknowhowyoufeltabouthersinceyou’retheonewholeftthe
messageforher.”

“Yes,Iwantedhergone,butyouhavenoproofthatI—”

“Youcouldn’tstandthethoughtofhermovingin,soyoukilledher.Whyelsewon’t

youtellmewhereyouwent?Youhavesomethingtohideandweallknowit.”Markgotto
hisfeet.He’dlostallpatiencewiththiswomanandsaidasmuch.“CelesteDuma,youare
underarrestfortheabductionandassaultofMargaret‘Maggie’Thompson,aswellas
obstructionofjustice.Getonyourfeet.”

“No!”shecried.“Youcan’tdothis.”

“Actually,Ican,”hesaidandbegantoreadherherrights.

***

R

ADVILLE

,N

ORTH

D

AKOTA

,sathunkereddowninthemiddleofwindsweptprairiemiles

fromanywhere.AtumbleweedcartwheeledinfrontofthepickupasFrankandNettie
reachedthecity-limitssign.

AsFrankslowed,Nettiereadtherustedsign.Someonehadscratchedouttheoriginal

numberofresidents,changingitfrom211to209.Butshefigureditwaslessthanthat,
givenhowfadedtheletteringwas.

AneonlightflashedVacancyatwhatappearedtobetheonlymotelintown.Itwasone

ofthosesingle-levelU-shapedmotorcourtsthathadseenbetterdays.

Frankdrovepasttowhatappearedtobethecenteroftown,passingaconveniencestore

ofsortswithtwosad-lookinggaspumpsoutside.Beyonditshesawacasinosignflashing
attheMintBar.Thathadtobethemostpopularbarnamesincethey’dpassedfourother
onesontheirwaytoRadville.

Theydrovebyanoldservicegarage,nowdeserted,thenanoldtheater,longboarded

up,beforeshespottedacaféinthemiddleofablockofemptybuildings.Inthedistance,
shesawwhatlookedlikeaschool.AsFrankapproachedit,shenoticedthewindowswere
decoratedwithartworkmadebyyoungchildren.Thecoloringswerefadedandtherewasa
padlockandchainonthewidedoubledoors.

“Ithinkthatcity-limitssignwasalie,”Nettiesaid.“Nowaydo209peoplelivehere.”

“Maybeweshouldgetaroomfirst,freshenupbeforewegoseeDanaStevens,”hesaid.

“Idoubtthere’sgoingtobearunonmotelrooms.Ijusthaveafeelingthatweshouldn’t

putthisoff.YouknowthetownclerkcalledDanatheminutewehungupaftergettingher
address.”

“Idoubtshe’sgoingtoskiptown,butI’dgowithoneofyourfeelingsanyday.IthinkI

passedherstreet.Second,right?”

“Yes.It’sinthethirdblock.”

HelaughedasheturneddownSecond.“There’snothingpastthethirdblock.”Ahead

shecouldseeablueclapboardhousesittingattheedgeoftown.“Wannabetthat’sit?
There’reenoughtoysoutfrontthatitcouldbeadaycare.”

“Thetoysdon’tlooklikethey’vebeenusedforawhile,”Nettienoted,seeingtherust,

theflattiresonthebikes,thedirtthathadblownintothecrackedplasticsled.AsFrank
parked,shesawacurtainmove,thenfallmotionless.“Sheknowswe’rehere.Let’sseeif
sheanswersthedoor,”Nettiesaidasshegotout.

Thewomanwhoeventuallycametothedoorwassmallandpalewithlifelessbrown

hairandchippedblue-paintednails.Danaworebaggyjeansandasweatshirtwithfaded
letteringonit.“Yes?”

“We’rehereaboutJenna,”Nettiesaid.

Fearwidenedthewoman’sbrowneyes.Shelookedlikeawomaninherlateforties

who’dhadanythingbutaneasylife.“Issheallright?”

“Wedon’tknow.That’swhywe’retryingtofindherbeforesomeoneelsedoes,”Frank

said.

Nettiesawunderstandingdawnonherface.“Canwepleasecomein?”

Danahesitated,butforonlyamoment.Sheopenedthedoorwiderandusheredthem

intoahousethathadseenthewearandtearofthechildrenwho’donceplayedwiththose
toysoutintheyard.Fromthephotosonthewalls,itappearedthatshe’dhadherchildren
earlyinlifeandtheywerenowallgrownandgone.Nettiewonderedwherethey’dended
up.Probablyscatteredtothewindsinceshecouldn’tseemuchopportunityinRadvillefor
them.

“I’mNettieCurry,andthisismyhusband,Frank.We’reinvestigators,”shesaidasshe

tookaseat.

“Youmeanlikedetectives?”

“Privatedetectives,”FranksaidandshowedhisID.

Danabarelyglancedatitasshesatdownontheedgeofachairacrossfromthemand

fidgetedwiththehemofhersweatshirt.“Idon’tknowwhereJennais.”

“Whenwasthelasttimeyoutalkedtoher?”Nettieasked.

“Lastweek.”Shelookedevenmorenervous.

“Didshetellyouthenwhatwasgoingon?”Frankasked.

“Idon’tknowwhatyoumean.”

“Ithinkyoudo.WhoisClark?”heasked.

Danastarted,eyeswidening,butshesaidnothing.

Nettietriedadifferentapproach.“Dana,we’reafraidJennaisintroubleandweknow

you’reworriedabouthertoo.That’swhyweneedyourhelp.”

Thewomanroseandmovedtothewindowtopeerout.Shelookedscared.Nettie

rememberedhearingaseriesoflocksbeingreleasedbeforethewomanhadopenedthe
doortothem.WhateverhadJennaafraidapparentlyhadthiswomanjustasfearful.

“You’retheonewhocalledyesterday,aren’tyou?”Danaasked,turningbacktothem.

“Howdidyougetherphone?”

“Fromafriendofhers.”

“Themanshewaslivingwith,”Danasaid.

“He’sworriedabouthertoo.YouneedtotellusaboutClark.Whoishe?”

Thewomanhuggedherself,herexpressiondarkening.“He’smyolderbrother.”

“WhyisheafterJenna?”Nettieasked.

Danasetherjaw.

“Doyouwanttohelpherornot?”Frankasked.“Jennatookoffthefirsttimebecause

shewasafraidofhim.Nowshe’sdisappearedagain.”

“Exceptthistimewethinkshemighthavedecidedtoendthis,”Nettiesaid.“Didshe

tellyouwhatsheplannedtodo?Thatshewasgoingtotellhimwhereshewas?”

Danalookedhorrifiedatthethought.“No,shewouldn’tdothatunless…”

“Unless?”Nettieasked.

Theyoungwomanglancedoutthewindow.Sheseemedevenmoreafraidnow.“The

onlywayshewouldhavecontactedhimwasifhe…”Sheswallowedandshookherhead.

Nettieleanedforwardandloweredhervoiceconspiratorially.“Weknowyou’vebeen

keepinghersecret.Somethingyoupromisednevertotell.ButJennaneedsyourhelpnow
morethanever.Whyisyourbrotherafterher?”

CHAPTERELEVEN

V

ICKI

HAD

TO

tellHarpthetruth.Shedidn’tneedababytogethimtomarryher.Heloved

her.Whyelsewouldhehavesharedsuchdamaginginformationwithherthatdayinthe
hospital?

Atthesoundofhispatrolcarpullingupoutside,shefeltherheartbegintorace.Whatif

hewasangrywithherandblamedherforlosingthebaby?Whatifhewasgladthebaby
wasgonebecausenowhewouldn’thavetomarryher?

Suddenlyshewasn’tsosurethatanyonewouldbelieveherifshetoldthemwhatHarp

hadconfessedthatday.Suddenlyshewasn’tsosureofanything.

Shecouldhearhisfootfallsonthestairs.She’dbeensosurethiswastherightthingto

do.Now,though,shewasscared.

Hiskeyturnedinthelock,thedooropenedandsheknewshehadtodecide.Now!

Ashecamethroughthedoor,shesawhisexpressionandfeltherheartdroplikearock.

Heknew.Somehowhe’dfoundoutthatshe’dlostthebaby.Thatshe’dbeenlying.Why
elsewashegrinningatherlikethat?Shecouldn’tmove.Couldn’tbreathe.Hestalked
towardher,grabbedherandspunheraround.

“Harp,Icanexplain,”shesaid,justwantingtogetthisoverwith.Butshewasgetting

dizzy,herheadswimming.Whyhadn’tshetoldhimmonthsagothatshe’dmiscarried?

Hewaslaughingandshecouldfeelacurrentrunningthroughhim.“Explainwhat?”he

askedashesetherdownonherfeetagain.

“IfeellikeI’mgoingtothrowup,”shesaid,meaningit.

“Oh,sorry.Iforgot.Thebaby.”

Shelookedintohisface,expectingtoseesarcasm.

“Youallright?”heaskedwhenshedidn’tmakearunforthebathroom.

Herheadwasstillspinning,butherearliernauseahadpassed.Wasitpossiblehedidn’t

know?Hertonguewasgluedtotheroofofhermouth.Confess,shescreamedinsideher
head.Justgetitoverwith.

“Sitdown.Youlookgreenaroundthegills,”hesaid,takingherarmsinhisbighands

andgentlysettlingherontheedgeofthecouch.“I’vegotasurprise.”

Shehatedsurprisessinceshe’dyettogetagoodone.Worse,hewasnervous,making

herevenmorejittery.

Harpswallowed,rubbedhishandsdownthethighsofhisjeansandtookabreath.Helet

itoutslowlyashedroppedtooneknee.

Shestaredinshockashereachedintohispocketandpulledoutasmallredbox.This

washissurprise?Shewantedtoscream.Shecouldn’tmarryhimwiththisliebetween

them.

Vickilookedintohishandsomefaceandherheartbroke.

“Willyoumarryme?”heasked,hisvoicebreakingashepoppedopentheboxtoreveal

theprettiestlittlediamondengagementringshe’deverseen.

***

I

T

DIDN

’

T

TAKE

FlintlongtofindthelocationoftheDumalakehouse.Afterall,hewas

stillsheriff.Hepulledouthiscellphone,thenreconsideredcallingMarkafterreminding
himselfthathewasonpaidleave.HeknewwhatMarkwouldsay.Thatwasifhedidn’t
trytostophim.

MarkwouldwanttocallsomeoneinFlatheadtocheckoutthelakehouse.Flintdidn’t

trustanyonetodothisbuthimself.Ifhefoundanything,hewouldcallMark.

Theproblemwasthatthedepartmentwasshortstaffedundernormalcircumstances.

Withhimonleave,itwouldonlyputmorepressureonmanpower.Addtothatthewinter
stormstillputtingdownsnow…

Again,Flintremindedhimselfthathewasonpaidleave.He’dbeenpulledoffMaggie’s

casebecausehewasasuspect.Nottomention,hewastooclosetoit.He’dprovedthat
earlierwhenhe’dattackedCeleste.Hestillcouldn’tbelievehewasn’tbehindbars.
Investigatingonhisownwasafoolthingtodo.

Foryearshe’dalwaysgonebythebook.Hewasastraight-arrowguywhodidn’t

believeincuttingcorners.Butnowthewomanhelovedhadbeentaken.Italmostscared
himtothinkwhatextremeshemightgoto.Buthehadnochoice.HehadtofindMaggie.
Wherevershewas,heworriedthatshewascoldandafraid,hurtandpossiblydying.He
shovedthatthoughtaway,refusingtoimagineherinsomehorriblebasementsomewhere.

NotthatthebasementattheDumalakehousewouldbehorrible.Unlesstherewasno

heat.

Hepocketedhisphone,knowingthatMarkwouldtrytotalkhimoutofthisor,worse,

trytostophim.He’dgo,he’dcheckoutthelakehouseandthen…Andhowexactlyare
yougettingin?

Flintwasn’tgoingtoworryaboutthatnow.Hehadalongdriveaheadofhim.He’d

alwaysgonewithhisgutinstinctpartneredwithsoundevidence,andithadneverlethim
down.

Butthistime,hecouldn’tcountonit.Thiswasthewomanheplannedtospendtherest

ofhislifewith.HehadtofindMaggie,andtheonethinghefeltsouldeepwasthatthe
clockwastickingdown.

***

M

AGGIE

WOKE

TO

findapaperbagbesideher.Thesmellalonehadhersittingupand

reachingforthecontents.Shewasstarvedandcouldn’trememberthelasttimeshe’d
eaten.

Sheatetheburgerandfriesasifshehadn’teateninweeks.Maybeshehadn’t.She’d

lostalltrackoftimeandhadnoideahowlongshe’dbeenheresincemostofthetime
she’dbeendrugged.

Herstomachgroanedandforamomentshethoughtshemightbesicktoherstomach.

Sheclosedhereyes,wishingshehadn’tdevouredthemealsoquickly.Afterafew
minutes,itseemedthefoodwouldstaydown.Shewasrelievedsinceshedidn’tknow
whenshewouldgetfedagain.

Notjustthat.Sheneededtogetherstrengthbackifsheeverhopedtogetoutofhere.

Thatthoughtsurprisedhersinceapartofherknewtherewaslittlechanceofthat
happening.Whoeverhadtakenherhadbeenplanningthisforsometime.

Shepulledherselfupandtriedthebarsagain,hopingthatshewouldfindthemnotas

sturdyasshehadbefore.Buttheywerejustasstrong,justassecure.Shemovedaround
herprison,lookingforaweaknesssomewhereinthedesign.Thebarsdefinitelyrattled
moreonthesidewheretheyopened.

Maggiestoppedrattlingthecagearoundherassheheardasoundbeyondherroom.At

firstshecouldn’tdistinguishwhatitwas.Itsoundedlikeawomancrying.

Shewasn’ttheonlywomanbeingheldhere?Everyhorrorstoryshe’dheardabout

womencaptivesbeingheldforyearsagainsttheirwillscametoherinarush.Terrorfilled
her.

Theeffectsofthedrugstillmadeherlethargicandmuddledherthinking.Shehadno

ideawhereshewasorevenwhohadtakenher.Shefeltasifshe’dbeendruggedfordays,
buttherewasnowaytotelltimehere.

Asshetookinherprison,shenoticedthatthewallswereconcrete.Nowindows.

Reachingthroughthebarsofhercage,shetouchedtheconcretewall.Itwasice-cold.
Drawingbackherhand,withahorriblestart,sherealizedwhy.Shewasunderground.

Herlegsfeltlikerubber.Shesanktothemattress,droppingtoherkneesassheclungto

thebars.Asshefeltafull-blownpanicattackcomingon,shesatbackandtriedtocalm
herself.Shehadtriedscreamingandcryingandpleading.She’dsuspectedthatshewasn’t
alone,wherevershewas,butshehadn’tseenanyone.Howwasthatpossiblesinceclearly
someonehadcomeintoleaveherfood,waterandtodrugher?Shelookedatthehalf-
emptybottleofwateratherfeetandrecalledthechalkytasteofitasshefelthereyelids
alreadygrowingheavy.

Fearsentherpulsepounding.Shetriedtostaycalm,butitwasimpossible.Whohad

donethistoher?TherewasonlyonepersonwhowantedherawayfromFlintsobadlythat
shewoulddosomethingthiscrazy.Celeste.

Justthethoughtofthewomanmadeherangry.Herpulseslowedsome.Shecaughther

breath.Ifshehadanychanceofgettingoutofthere,shehadtothink.Panickingwouldget
hernowhere.PanickingwasexactlywhatCelestewouldwant.

Andyetshecouldfeelthedrugworkingthroughhersystem.Shedroppedtothebed

evenasshetriedtofightthedrug,triedtothink.Whyabedthatlookedlikeachild’s?

Whyacagethat,whenshethoughtaboutit,lookedlikeanadultcrib?MaybeCelestewas
crazierthanevenshethought.

Shefeltrisingpanicagainandpusheditbackdown.EventuallyCelestewouldshow

herself.

“Iknowwhoyouare!”sheyelled.“Showyourface,youcoward!”Shelistenedand

thoughtsheheardthesoundoffootfallsoverhead.Bracingherself,shepreparedtoface
herabductor,butthedrugwastoopowerful.Shelayoveronthebedandwasasleepwhen
herdooropenedagain.

***

C

ELESTE

JERKED

FREE

oftheundersheriff’sgripashetriedtogethertoherfeet.“I’lltell

you.Butyouaren’tgoingtolikeit.”

Hewouldbetonthat.Celestewasbeginningtolookastiredashefeltasshedropped

backintoherchairandmethisgazehead-on.“Youwantthetruth,right?”

Marksighed,andwithoutsittingbackdown,hecrossedhisarmsandleanedagainstthe

wall,waiting.“I’mallears.”

“ItwasjustlikeIsaid.IdrovepastFlint’shouse,actuallythehousethatIonceshared

withhim.Isawhercar.Ievensawherdiggingaroundinthebackofhercarandcoming
outwithabag.Shewasmovingin.”Hervoicebroke.“Yes,Ihatedher.Ididn’twanther
withFlint.Thetruthis…I’venevergottenoverFlint.”

TheadmissionseemedhardtomakeandyetMarkwasn’tgoingtobetakeninbythis

woman.Celestewasonehellofanactressandaconsummateliar.Hewaited,wondering
whatshewasupto.

“IthinkImadeahugemistake.”Tearswelledinhereyes.“IknowI’mtheonewholeft

him,”shesaidquickly.“ButIneeded…more,andWayne…”Sheduckedherheadasif
embarrassed.Hethoughtsheshouldhavebeen.

“Youmeanmoney.”

“Money.Things.Status,”shesnapped.“Ihatedbeingasheriff’swife.IthoughtonceI

hadthosethingsI’dbehappy.”

“Butyou’renot.”

Sheshookherheadwithoutlookingup.“I’mmiserableandIcan’tbearthethoughtof

Flintmovingon.EspeciallywithMaggie.”

“WhyespeciallywithMaggie?”

Silence.Theninasmallvoice,Celestesaid,“BecauseIcantellthathe’sinlovewith

her.”

Markfelthisheartbegintorace.“Soyoustoppedwhenyousawhermovingin.”

Celestelickedherlipsandlookedupathimwiththosebigluminousgreeneyes,andhe

thought,ohhell,hereitcomes.She’sfinallygoingtoconfess.Hecouldn’twaittogether

behindbarsinoneoftheirorangejumpsuits.Thiswoman—

“Iwantedtostop,butlikeIsaid,Iknewitwouldgobadly.Justthink,though,ifIhad,

maybeIcouldhavesavedher.”

Markletoutabarkofalaugh.“YoucouldhavesavedMaggie?”

Shenarrowedhereyesathim.“Yes,becauseasIwasdrivingpast,Isawamancome

outofthepinesandheadtowardthebackdoor.”

“Andyoudidn’tthinkthiswasanimportanttidbitofinformationtotellusbefore

now?”Hewantedtoshakethewomanuntilherteethrattled.HowhadFlintputupwith
heraslongashehad?

“No,Ididn’tthinkitwasimportantbecauseIrecognizedhim.I’dseenhimwithher

before.Hewasanoldboyfriendwhowastryingtogetherback.Ithoughtifhewasthis
persistent,maybehe’dsucceededthistime.”

“Whywouldn’tyouhavetoldusthisrightaway?”Markdemanded.

“Iwantedtogivethemtimetogether.”

Heshookhishead,fightingtocontrolhistemper.“Doyouhaveanyideawhatyou’ve

donekeepingthisfromus?We’velostvaluablehoursonthiscasebecauseofyou.”

Celesteflippedherhairbackandlookedimpatient.“Howdoyouknowevennowthat

Maggiedidn’trunawaywithhim?”

Markshookhishead.“Becauseshewasinjuredinastruggle.”

“Theycouldhavemadeup,”shearguedstubbornly.

“Wait—whatdoyoumean,maybehesucceededingettingherbackthistime?”

“BecauselikeIsaid,I’dseenhimwithherbefore.”

Hegaveheradisbelievinglook.“Where?”

“InBillings.Aboutthreeweeksago.Itwasatthisseedybaronthewrongsideofthe

tracks.”

Didhebelievethisstory?“Ifitwasthatseedy,whatwereyoudoingthere?”

“Iwaswithfriends,abacheloretteparty.Wewerehittingalltheseawfulbars…”She

musthaveseenthathedidn’tcareaboutthat.“Maggiewassittingatthebarwiththisman.
Itwasclearthattheykneweachotherwell,ifyouknowwhatImean.”

“No,Idon’t.Howisitthatshedidn’tseeyou?”

“ItwasincrediblydarkinthereandIwassittingwithfriendsinafarcornerandthey

wereatthebar.Also,Maggiewasn’tlookingaround.Sheandthemanhadtheirheads
together,tryingtokeeptheirvoicesdown,butanyonecouldtelltheywerearguing.Atone
point,hegrabbedherandkissedherhard.Sheslappedhimandheslappedherback.Itgot
uglierandthebartendertoldthemtoleave.Themanrefused,sothebartendercalledthe
cops.Maggietalkedthemanintoleavingbeforethecopscame.Theywentoutsidetothe

parkinglot.”

“Youfollowedthem?”

“No.Thebartenderwenttothedoorandhelditopentowatch.Iguesstomakesurethat

themandidn’thurtherbeforethecopsarrived.Icouldseethemstillarguing.Itwasclear
thattherewashistorybetweenthem.”

“Didyouhearwhattheywerearguingabout?”heasked,stillquestioningwhetherhe

believedthis.

“Hewantedherback.Thathe’dchanged,thathedidn’twanttolivewithouther,that

sortofthing.Shewassayingshecouldn’t,thatshe’dmovedon,thatheneededtoleave
heralone.Butitwasobviousthattheykneweachotherfrombefore.”

“BeforeMaggiecametoGiltEdge?”

Celesteshrugged.“That’smyguesssinceI’veneverseenthemanbefore.”

“You’resureshedidn’tseeyou?”

“Shehadherhandsfullwithheroldboyfriend.”

“AndyounevertoldFlint?”Hehadahardertimebelievingshewouldn’thavegone

straighttoFlintwithwhatshe’dseen.

“Ithoughtaboutit,”sheadmitted.“ButIdon’thavethebesttrackrecordwithhim.”

“Orwiththetruth.”

Shemuggedafaceathim.“Ithoughtmaybethismanmightwinherback,soIkept

quiet.ButIwaspreparedtotellifMaggieandFlintmovedintogether.”

“DidMaggieleavewiththemanatthebar?”

“Iwaswatchingthroughtheopendoor.Sheleftinherowncar.Themanwasfurious

overwhateverwasgoingonbetweenthem.Ididn’tseewhathewasdrivingjustthen.But
hespunoutwhenhedroveawaybecauseIheardgravelpeltingthesideofthebarright
beforeIcouldhearasireninthedistance.Sohe’dprobablyheardittoo.”

“Butyousawwhathewasdrivinglater?”

“Afterweheardhistiresthrowinggravel,IlookedoutandIsawanolder-modelvango

by.”

Markblinked.“Whatcolor?”

“Brown.”

***

N

ETTIE

LISTENED

AS

thestorycameoutinstartsandstops.AterrifiedDanaTerwilliger

Stevenskneadedherhandsasshetalked,hergazeoftengoingtothewindowasifshe
thoughtherbrothermightappearatanytime.

“Youhavetounderstand.Clarkalwayshad…problems.”Shelookedaway,shameand

guiltmarringherfeatures.“Mymothertriedtoprotecthim,refusingtobelievetherewas
anythingwrongwithhim.”

“Whatwaswrongwithhim?”Frankasked.

“Hewas…different.Hewouldlieandmakeupstories.Ifhedidn’tgethisway,he

wouldbefuriousandmean.Helikedtohurtthings,hurtpeople.”

“Didheeverhurtyou?”Nettieaskedandsawtheanswerinthewaythewoman’sgaze

shiftedaway.“Didyoutellyourmother?”

Danaletoutalaugh.“Likeshebelievedme.ClarksaidIwasjusttryingtogethimin

trouble.ShesaidhewasspecialandthatIneededtobenicetohim.ShethoughtIwas
jealousandmaybeIwas.Motherlovedhimmore.”Sheshookherhead.

“DidhehurtJenna?”Frankasked.

Dana’sheadcameup.Tearsfilledhereyes.“Itriedtoprotecther,butIcouldn’t.He

becameobsessedwithher.Hesaidshewashisandalwayswouldbe.Hemadeupstories
ofhowtheirlifewouldbe.Itwascrazy.Hefollowedher,wentintoarageifshetalkedto
anyone,especiallyaboyatschool.”

“HowoldwereyouandJennawhenthishappened?”Nettieasked.

“Thirteen.Buthe’dbeencrazyabouthersinceshewaslittle.Hesaidshewashislittle

babydoll.He…hewasalwaystouchingher.Ithoughthewouldn’thurther,but…”Her
voicebroke.

“Didherapeher?”Nettieasked.

Dananodded,headdownasshestaredatherhandsinherlap.“Iwasatschool.Ihad

detention.Jennaforgotandstoppedbythehouse.Mymother…leftthemalone.”

“DidJennatellanyone?”sheasked,knowingtheanswer.

“No.Butshortlyafterthat,Clarkgotintotroublewiththelawandwassentaway.”

NettiesawarevengefulsatisfactioninDana’sexpressionthattoldherClark’srun-in

withthelawhadn’tbeenbadluck.He’dbeensetupbyhissister.She’dputupwithhim
abusingher,butwhenhe’dhurtherbestfriend…

“SowhyisheafterJennanow?”Nettieasked.

Danachewedatacuticleforamomentbeforesheanswered.“He’sbeenlockedupfor

years.Whenhe’dgetout,he’dlookforher,butgetintroubleandgetsentbackup.When
hewasreleasedthelasttime,hecamebackherelookingforherandIcouldtellthathe’d
gottenevenworse.Hehadthisideathatshewashiswifeand…”Sheshuddered.“He
wentcrazywhenhecouldn’tfindherandgotlockedupagainforawhile.”

“Buthe’sbackout,”Franksaid.

“There’smoretothestory,isn’tthere?”Nettiesaid.

Nodding,Danasaid,“I’mafraidthathe’sheardsomehow.”

“Heardwhat?”Frankaskedwhenshedidn’tcontinue.

Danaswallowed.“ThatJennahadababyninemonthsafter…Thatshe’dhadhisbaby

allthoseyearsagoandkeptitfromhim.Keptitfromeveryone.”

CHAPTERTWELVE

H

ARP

HAD

PICTURED

thesceneallthewaytotheapartment.Vickiwouldbesurprised.

Delighted.Shewouldprobablyshriek,coverhermouthwithherhands,cry.Hewouldslip
theringonherfinger.Itwouldfitperfectly,provingthattheybelongedtogether.

Shewouldthenthrowherselfintohisarmsandtheywouldmakelovelikethey’dnever

madelovebefore.

Thatwaswhyhewassotakenabackwhenshesimplystaredatthering.Hethought

maybeitwastoomuchofashockforherwithherhormonesragingandall.Sohepulled
outthering,grabbedherhandandslippeditonherfinger.

Theringwaswaytoobig.Itslidaroundherslimfinger,thesmalldiamond

disappearingfromview.Hetriedtofixit,amazedhowcoldherhandwas,butshepulledit
back,tookonelookathimandcried,“No!”Sheturnedandranintothebathroom,locking
itbehindher.

Harpstaredafterherasheheardhercryinginthere.Whathadjusthappened?

HerealizedhewasstillholdingthestupidcheapboxLarryhadputtheringin.Heflung

itatthebathroomdoor,furiouswithVickiforruiningtheperfectpicturehehadinhis
mindofthismoment.Thiswaswhattheyweregoingtotelltheirchild?

Stormingovertothebathroomdoor,hepoundedonit.

Frominsidecamethesob-choked“Goaway!”

“Haveyoulostyourmind?”hedemanded.“Ijustaskedyoutomarryme.”

“Iknow.”Morebawling.

Hereallydidn’tneedthis.Haulingback,heslammedhisfistintothedoor.Itwasa

hollowcore,sothefirstlayerofwoodsplintered.Frominsidethebathroom,Vicki
screamed.Hewantedtoscreamtooashepulledhisfistout.Hisknuckleswerebleeding
andseveralofhisfingershurtlikehell.He’dbrokensomethingforsure.

“Lookwhatyoumademedo!”heyelled,thenkickedthedoor.Itshudderedbuthis

boottoeonlymadeadentinthedoor.

“Stop,”Vickicried.“You’regoingtoruinthedoor.”

“Ruinthedoor?YouthinkIcareaboutthedamneddoor?”heyelledback.

Someonepoundedonthewallfromtheotherapartmentandsaidtheyhadcalledthe

sheriff’sdepartment.

“Iamthesheriff’sdepartment,youdumb—”Therestwaslostinthesoundofsirens.

***

M

ARK

TRIED

NOT

tolethissurpriseshow.“Whatbarwasit?”

Celestedidn’trememberbutdescribedwhereshethoughtitwasonthesouthsideof

Billings.

MarkstaredatCelesteasshefinished.“Whywouldn’tyouhavetoldusaboutthiswhen

Maggiewentmissing?”

“Ithoughtaboutit,butlikeItoldyou,IwantedtogiveMaggietimetogetawaysinceI

thinksheleftwithhim.”

“Icouldholdyouincontemptforthis.”

“NordidIthinkyouwouldbelieveme.”Shenarrowedhereyes.“You’renotevensure

youbelievemenow.Anyway,itwasclearthatthemanwascrazyabouther.Whycan’t
youbelievethathesimplytalkedherintogoingwithhim?”

“Orforcedher.Youdidn’tstickaroundlongenoughtoseehimleave?”

“Ididn’thaveto.AsIwasdrivingonaroundthecorner,IlookedbackandIsawhim

comeout,sohewasn’tintherelong.”

“Maggiewasn’twithhim?”

“No,buthecouldhavebeengoingtogethisvehicle.”

Markcouldn’tbelievethis.“Thismancouldbetheonewhohurther.Don’tyouget

that?Tellmewhathelookedlike,”hesaid,sittingbackdownashepulledouthis
notebookandpen.

“Big,blond,light-coloredeyes,tattoosalloverhisarms.”

“Yousaidyouthoughthedroveabrownvan.Didyouseehimgetintoitandleave?”

Sheshookherhead.“ButItookthatroadbehindFlint’shouse.Isawthevanparkedin

thepines.Itwaspullingout.Ifiguredhe’deitherfailedtoconvincehertocomebackto
himorthathewasdrivingaroundtopickherupatthehouse.IthoughtI’djustwaitand
letitallshakeout.”Sheshrugged.“I’mstillbettingMaggieiswithhimrightnow.”

Markrubbedhishandoverhisface.Exhaustionpulledathim.Didhereallybelieve

anythingoutofthiswoman’smouth?“Youstillhaven’ttoldmewhereyouwentafter
that.”

Shelookedsurprisedthathewasn’tgoingtoletitdrop.“Itoldyouabouttheman—”

“Eitheryouexplainthemissinghoursandoversevenhundredmilesonyourvehicleor

—”

“Iwaswithsomeone.”Hergazemethis.“Aman.”

“Whatman?”heaskedwithanimpatientsighandwaitedforanotherstory.

Sheshrugged.“Ihonestlydon’tknowhisname.It’strue.HewasjustsomemanImet

inabar.”

“Whatbar?”Hecouldn’thelpsoundingskeptical.Hecouldn’tevenbesurethatthe

storyshe’dtoldhimaboutthemaninthebarinBillingswithMaggiewasthetruth.

Shenamedabar.Hewroteitdown.“Where?”

“Bigfork.”

Helookedup.“WhatwereyoudoingoverintheFlathead?”

“AfterIgotupsetaboutFlintand…andMaggiemovingintogether,Ilefttown.Ididn’t

getveryfarwhenIrealizedIdidn’tfeellikegoingtoaspa.SoIdecidedtodriveoverto
ourhouseonthelake.”

“Didyoumakeit?”heasked,hopingforsomethinghecouldprovewastrue.

“No.IendedupspendingtimewiththismanuntilIgotthemessagesfromWayne…and

Iturnedaround,drovebackassoonasIcould,butwiththestorm…”

“Wheredidyouspendthenight?”

“Intheman’strailer.”

“Isupposeyouwouldn’tknowhowtofindhimorthetrailer.”

“Itwaslate,dark,andIwas…wasdrunk.”Sheraisedhereyesuntilshewaslooking

rightintohis.“YoucanunderstandwhyIdidn’twantanyonetoknow.”

Markstudiedher.He’dalwaysthoughthewasgoodatcatchingalie,butCelestewasin

aclassofherown.HewantedtobelievetheBillingsstoryaboutthemaninthebrown
van,butWaynecouldhavetoldheraboutthevanthatwasseeninFlint’sneighborhood
sincehe’dbeenquestionedaboutwhatcoloredvansheownedwithhismanybusinesses.

“I’mgoingtoletyougofornow,”hefinallysaid.“ButifIfindoutthatanyofthisisa

lie…”

“It’snot.Iswear.”

Helookedather,wonderinghowmanytimesshe’dswornsomethingwasthetruthas

sheliedthroughherteeth.

Butwhatifthistimeshewastellingthetruth?IfCelestehadn’ttakenMaggie,then

maybeanex-boyfriendhad.

AfterCelesteleft,Markwalkedbacktohisoffice.HowmuchdidFlintknowabout

MaggieThompson’spast?Itwastimehefoundout.

***

I

T

WAS

LATE

bythetimeFlintreachedtheFlatheadValley.Thelake,thelargestfreshwater

lakewestoftheMississippi,shimmeredinthemoonlight.Heforgothowbeautifulitwas
here.ThatheandCelestehadcomehereontheiranniversaryonlymadethistripmore
painful.Itwastheperfectplaceforhisextohidethewomanhenowloved.

Therewaslittletrafficthistimeofthenightashedrovethenarrowroadthatskirtedthe

eastsideofthelakeandthesteepMissionMountainRange.SignsofferingFlathead
cherriescaughtinhisheadlightsashedrovethewindingroad.Thecherrystandswereall
closedthistimeofyear.Infact,muchoftheplacelookedclosedforthewinter.He
doubtedWayneandCelesteusedtheirlakehousemorethanafewweeksinthesummer—
ifthat.

Hewasguessingthatithadbeensomethingshe’daskedWaynefor.Justanotherwayto

turntheknifeinFlint’sback.Whenthey’dcomehereontheirhoneymoon,Celestehad
saidherdreamwastoownaplaceonthelake—knowingtheywouldneverbeableto
affordoneonhissheriff’ssalary.

Everyonceinawhileashedrove,hewouldcatchsightofChristmaslightsinoneof

thelakehousesbelowthehighway.Thedecorationsmadehishearthurt.Hecouldn’tbear
tothinkaboutChristmasthisyearifitwaswithoutMaggie.

Hisnavigationsysteminhispickuptoldhimhewasalmostthere.Justanotherquarter

mile.Heslowed,watchingfortheturn.Itstillcameupalmosttooquickly.Hewasglad
therewasn’tanyothertrafficashehithisbrakesandpulledoff.

Theroadthroughthepinesdroppedradicallytowardthelake.Hedroveslowly,his

navigationsystemtellinghimthathe’darrivedathisdestination.Heturneditoff,his
nervesalreadyonedge.Hisheadlightscutthroughthedarknessofthenightandthepine
treesashetoldhimselfWayneprobablyhadinstalledsomekindofsecuritysystem.There
couldevenbeacaretaker.Oratleastacloseneighborwhowouldreportseeingsomeone
atthehouse.

Butashereachedtheendoftheroad,hesawthattherewerenocloseneighbors.The

housesatonapoint.Hecouldn’tseeanotherlightnearby.Allhecouldseewasthelakein
themoonlightandrememberonenightonhishoneymoonofwalkingalongtheshore
thinkingthathewastheluckiestmanintheworld.

Hecutthetruck’sengineandwasinstantlysurroundedbythedarknessofthetrees.

Onlyalittlemoonlightfingereditswayin.Heopenedhispickupdoorasquietlyas
possibleandsteppedout,closingitsoftly.He’dbroughtsometoolstobreakin,buthe
decidedtohavealookaroundbeforehedugoutmorethanacrowbar.

Theboardwalkfromtheparkingpadtothehousewasbathedinmoonlight.Abreeze

cameupoffthewater,puttingachillinthewinterair.Therewerepatchesofsnowaround,
butnothinglikeGiltEdgethistimeoftheyear.

Ashereachedthebackdoor,henoticedthattheboardwalkwentonaroundthefrontof

thehouse.Hetookit,eventhoughitexposedhim.Thehousewasn’taslargeand
ostentatiousashe’dexpected.Infact,itlookedlikesomethinghewouldhaveboughtifhe
couldhaveaffordedit.Thedeckoutfrontwaswideandhungouttotheedgeofthewater.
Hecouldimaginetheviewfromthereinthesummer.

Hewalkedtherestofthewayaroundthehouse,tryingdoorsashewent.Allofthem

werelocked,justashe’dsuspectedtheywouldbe.Hetriedseeinginsidebutthedrapes
weredrawn.Behindthehouse,hespottedashed.

Withcrowbarinhand,heheadedfortheshed,allthetimeprayinghewouldn’tfind

Maggie’sbodyinside.Thedoorwaspadlocked.Heusedthecrowbar,anditdidn’ttake
himlongtobreakin.

Asheopenedthedoor,heturnedonhisflashlight,andtakingashudderingbreath,he

shoneitinside.Theshedwasfilledwiththeusuallakeaccoutrements,lawnchairs,floats,

waterskis,leafblowerandbarbecue.Nobody.

Flinttookabreathandwaitedforhisheartratetoreturntonormalbeforeheturned

towardthehouse.Onhiswalkover,he’ddecidedwhichdoorwouldbeeasiesttobreakin
through,butashenearedit,hechangedhismind,andwiththecrowbarhesmasheda
smallwindownexttothedoorandreachedinandunlockedit.

Itwascoldinsidethehouse.Hecouldseehisbreathashemovedquicklyfromroomto

room.Fromtheoutsidehehadseenthattherewasonlyapartialbasement.Hefoundthe
doortoit,turnedonthelightandstoppedtolistenbeforedescendingthesteps.

Thebasementwassmallerthanitappearedfromtheoutsideofthehouse—onlyenough

roomforthefurnace,hot-waterheaterandalittlestorage.Maggiewasn’tbeinghelddown
here.

Upstairsagain,helookedaroundbeforetakingthestairstothesecondfloor.Hefounda

sittingroom,severalmorebedrooms.Hewasabouttogiveup,tellinghimselfthatthistrip
hadbeenawasteoftime,whenhecametoadoorthatwaslocked.

Locked?Whywouldaroombelocked?Heglancedbehindhim,thinkingofallthe

expensivestuffhe’dseenaroundthehouseforanythieftopickup.Sowhylockthisone
room?

“Maggie?”Hisvoicecameoutacroak.“Maggie?”Hernamehadsuchalonely,lost

soundintheemptydarkhousethathecouldn’tbeartosayitagain.

Hestoppedtolisten,pressinghisearagainstthedoor,butcouldhearnothingoverthe

poundingofhisheart.Hetriedtheknobagainandthen,usingthecrowbar,broketheknob
andpushedopenthedoor.Coldmustyairrushedbackathimasheshonehisflashlight
intowhatwasclearlyachild’sroom,andhefelthisheartdrop.

***

M

ARK

HAD

ENOUGH

todowithoutdealingwiththis.“Adomesticdispute?”

Harpdidn’tlookup.Hewascradlinghisswollen,bruisedandbloodyhandinhislap.“I

askedhertomarryme.”

“Andshesaidno?”

“Shedidn’tsayanythingatfirst.Thensheyellednoandlockedherselfinthebathroom.

Iwastryingtotalktoher—”

“Withyourfist?”Theundersheriffshookhishead.“We’realreadyshortmanpowerand

nowthis?Howbadisyourhand?”

“Ithinksomething’sbroken.”

Markswore.“Great.Gototheemergencyroom.AllIneedrightnowisadeputyon

medicalleave.”Butasheconsideredwhichdeputyitwas,hethoughtmaybeitwasforthe
best.Harpwastrouble,heroornohero.

“I’llstillbeabletowork,”Harpsaidashelumberedtohisfeet.

“Howdoyoufigurethat?Canyoupullyourgunandshootit?Iftheycastyourhand,

youmightnotevenbeabletodrivelegally.Letmeknowwhatthedoctorsays.Nowget
outofhereandbedamnedhappythatyoudidn’tgetthroughthatdoorandlayahandon
your…possiblefiancéeoryou’dbebehindbarsrightnow.”

“Youmeanthewaythesheriffisbehindbars?”Harpmutteredunderhisbreath.

Markbitdownonhistongue.Hedidn’twanttogetintoitwithHarp.Hehadn’tslept

andwitheachpassinghourwasmoreworriedthattheywouldn’tfindMaggiealive.
“Don’tpushit,Harp.You’lllose.”Fortunately,Harphadthegoodsensetokeepgoing.

AfterHarpleft,Markreachedforthemaildistractedly.Hewasstillbowledoverby

whatCelesteDumahadtoldhim—andstillwasn’tsurehebelievedawordofit.He
rememberedthathe’dbeenabouttocallFlintwhenDeputyHarperColehadcomein.

Hetriedhisnumber.Itwentstraighttovoicemail.Hefrowned,suddenlyworried.Flint

hadbeenadamantaboutbeingkeptintheloop.Heleftamessageforthesherifftocall
himassoonaspossible.

Ashestartedtopushthemailasideagain,henoticedoneenvelopeinparticularthat

jumpedoutathim.Therewasnoreturnaddress.Nopostagestamp.Hisnamewasprinted
onitandthewordPERSONALincaps.

Hehadafeelingaboutit.Feelingalittlefoolish,hepulledapairoflatexglovesfrom

hisdeskandreachedfortheletteropener.Carefullyhetoreitopen,turnedtheletterouton
hisdeskandswore.

***

F

LINT

STARED

AT

thelittle-yellow-chickswallpaper,thecribwithitstinyquiltthrownover

oneside,thebassinetagainstonewallandthewhiterockerwithabookshelfbesideitand
adozenchildren’sbooksalllinedup.Everythingwasbrand-new.

Theroomsmelledmoremustythantherestofthehouse.Hestaredatit,seeingwhatit

meant.Hecouldfeelthedisappointmentlikeanacheinthisroom.HadCelestebeen
pregnant?Hadshelostthebaby?Orwasthisjustwishfulthinking?No,hethought.This
wasn’taroomabouthope.Thiswasaroomforachildshe’dalreadycometolove.Achild
shemusthavebeencarrying.

Hehadn’tknown.Somehowhethoughtheshouldhave.Soifshe’dlostthebaby…Had

shealsolostallhopeofhavinganotherone?Butwhynotpackallofthisup?Whykeepa
reminderofwhatcouldhavebeen?

FlintfeltphysicalpainatthethoughtofCelestecomingintothisroom,leaningoverthe

cribrailingtopickupthestuffedteddybear,togrieve.

Hisphonerang,makinghimjump.Hequicklyclosedthedoorandtriedtoshakeoffthe

compassionhefeltforawomanhe’drecentlywantedtokill.

“Cahill,”hesaidintothephonewithoutcheckingthecallerID.

“Whereareyou?”hisundersheriffasked.

Ittookhimaminutetofindhisvoice.“IsitMaggie?”

“No,wehaven’tfoundher,butIneedtoseeyou.Canyoucomedowntotheoffice?”

“I’mnotintown.”Hedidn’twanttoadmitwherehewas.He’dfeltnoguiltfor

breakingawindowtogetintotheDumahousetolookforMaggie.Butseeingthatroom
feltlikeaviolation.

“Flint?”

“I’mfine.Tellmewhat’shappened.”

“Wehaveanothersuspect.WhatdoyouknowaboutMaggie’spastrelationships?”

Hesworeunderhisbreath.“Nothing.Shedidn’t…Thatis,Iknowtherewasamanand

itwasn’tgood.Areyousayinganoldboyfriendmighthavetakenher?”

“Hemighthavebeenatthehousethatday.Healsomighthavebeendrivingabrown

van.”

Flintclosedhiseyesandleanedbackagainstthewall.Thelakehousesuddenlyfelt

verycold,thedarknessheavywithadensityhehadn’tfeltbefore.Hepushedoffthewall
andstartedwalkingtowardthedoor,needingtogetoutofthere,needingtogethome.

“Ihavenoideawhohemightbe,”hesaidasheexitedthehouseandheadedforhis

pickup.

“Well,wehavealeadwe’refollowingupon,butthere’smore.”

Flintheardthehesitationintheundersheriff’svoice.Itwassomethinghehadn’twanted

togetintoonthephone.Itmadehimstopjustfeetshortofhispickup.Hisbloodrancold,
thenightclosinginonhim.“What?”

“IjustreceivedaransomdemandforfiftythousanddollarsforMaggie’sreturn.”

CHAPTERTHIRTEEN

T

HE

BAD

NEWS

wasthatseveralbonesinHarp’shandwerebrokenandMarkwasn’tgoing

tolethimbeonduty.He’dscrewedupagainandwasfuriouswithhimself.Nosurprise,
theundersheriffhadn’ttakenitwell.Addtothatthepainandhavinghishandinacast
clearuptohiselbow.Ontopofthat,he’dhadtostayinamotel,sincewhenhe’dcalled
Mark,theundersheriffhadtoldhimnottogobacktoVickilastnight.

Soevenwiththepainpills,he’dhadaroughnightwithlittlesleep.Hekeptgoingover

itinhishead,tryingtofigureoutwhythewomanhadactedthewayshehad.Itmadeno
sense.Shewastheonewho’dbeentalkingmarriage,babies,allthatfemalecrapthatmade
hisstomachroil.

Andwhenhe’dfinallydecidedtobitethebullet,thatwasthewayshereacted?Asfaras

heknew,shewasstilllockedinthebathroom.

Lastnighthe’ddefinitelythoughtaboutignoringMark’sorderandgoingovertoher

apartmentanddemandingtoknowwhatthehellwaswrongwithher.Buthesuspectedit
wouldendupinafight.Ifthefriggin’neighborscalledthesheriff’sdepartmentagain…

He’dthoughtaboutcallingVicki,butMarkhadalsowarnedhimnottodothat,either.

Sleeponit.Trustme,it’sthebestthingyoucando.Everythingismuchclearerinthe
morning.

Harphadhopedthatwastrue.Butthismorning,hehadotherthingsonhismind.He’d

hadplentyoftimeintheemergencyroomofthehospitaltothinkabouthisfuture.He’d
screwedup.Again.Buthe’dbeenthinkingtheremightbeawaytofixit.

He’dfindMaggieThompson.

Thesheriff’sdepartmentwasamadhousewithDCI.Hewalkedinasifheknewwhat

wasgoingon.Hehadn’trealizedhowoutoftheloophewasuntilheheardtheFBImight
becalledinbecausearansomnotehadbeenreceived.

Hefoundhisinsidesourceonherbreak.“What’sgoingon?”heaskedashetookachair

nexttoher.GailAndersonwasinherlatefiftiesandthenightdispatcher.Shelikedto
bowl,drinkbeerandcarrytales,sothetwoofthemhadalwaysgottenalong.

Shefilledhimin,justasheknewshewould,keepinghervoicedownandtheirheads

together.

“Whatareyoudoinghere?”theundersheriffasked,suddenlystickinghisheadinthe

break-roomdoorway.

“Iwasgoingcrazyjustsittingaround,”Harpsaid.“Isn’ttheresomethingIcando

here?”

Markshookhishead.“You’lljustbeintheway.Gohome.”Withthat,heleft.

“Yougetarawdealaroundhere,”Gailsaid.

“Ijustneedtoprovemyselftothem,”hesaid.“Whatdoyouthinkhappenedto

Maggie?”

“I’dgowiththeformerboyfriend,thoughthesheriff’sexisdefinitelyapieceofwork.

Oneortheotherhasher.Butthequestionis,wherewouldyouhidesomeone?Wehavea
tailontheex-wife,soifshetookMaggie,shecan’tgotakeherfoodorwater.Ofcourse,
shecouldhaveanaccomplice.Awomanlikethatcanprobablytalkamanintodoingjust
aboutanything.”

“Ormaybesheactedalone.IgetthefeelingfromwhatI’veheardthatshe’djustas

soonseeMaggiedeadanyway.Soifshewasn’tplanningongoingbacktowherevershe
hidMaggie…shewouldn’tbeworriedaboutgettingcaught.”

Gailagreed.“She’sthekindofwomanwhowouldeatheryoung.”

Harpgavealittlelaugh,thinkingabouthisownkid.Hewasn’tsurehavingitwithVicki

wasthebestidea.Shedidn’tseemreal…stable.

“Didtheygetaplatenumberonthatbrownvanthatwasseenintheneighborhood,the

onetheynowthinktheex-boyfriendwasdriving?”

Sheshookherheadasshewaddedupherlunchsackandstoodtotossitinthetrash.

“Whataboutthebarwherethetwowereseentogether?”

“Allegedlyseentogether,”Gailsaidandchuckled.“Bud’sBarandCasino.Itsounds

nicerthanitis,Iheard.”

Rightnow,acoldbeersoundedgood,andsincehehadtimetokill,whynotdriveto

Billings?

***

O

N

THE

DRIVE

backtoGiltEdge,FlintwentovereverythingMaggiehadevertoldhim

aboutherpast.Heknewlittle.He’dalwaysthoughttherewassomemanwhoshe’dgotten
awayfrom,butshe’dneversaiditinsomanywords.Ithadbeenmoreofafeeling.Now
heblamedhimselffornotasking,butatthesametime,heknewshehadn’twantedhimto
know.

Thisoldboyfriend?Howdangerouswashe?IfhehadMaggie…

Hestillwasn’tconvincedthatCelestehadn’ttakenher.ButMarkseemedtohave

changedhismind.Flintthoughtthatwasfoolish.UnlessCelestehadcomeupwithan
alibi.Butaransomnote?ThatdidnotsoundlikeCeleste.Unlessshewastryingtocover
hertracks.

“It’sgottobeahoax,”Flintsaidtohimself.“Justsomeonethinkingtheycancashinon

this.”He’ddrivenmostofthenight,pullingoveratatruckstoptogetsomethingtoeat
andsomecoffee.Heknewhewastootiredtomakeanysenseoutofthis,especiallywhen
heknewsolittle.

ThesunwasupandclimbingashereachedGiltEdge.Heswungbythesheriff’soffice,

notsurprisedtofindMarkbehindhisdesk.TheundersherifflookedasexhaustedasFlint

felt.

Markmotionedhimintoachair.“Wherehaveyoubeen?”

ThetwoofthemkneweachotherwellenoughthatMarkwouldn’tbelievehe’djustleft

townfortheheckofit.Also,hewasn’tgoingtokeepanythingfromtheundersheriff.

“IwentovertotheDumas’lakehouse.IthoughtMaggie…”

Markswore.“You’redeterminedtogetthrowninjail.”

Flintshookhishead,rememberingthebaby’sroom.“Shewasn’tthere.Iwouldhave

toldyou,butitwassomethingIneededtodomyself.”

Marksighed.“ItalkedtoCelesteagain.Shewasheadedforthelakehousebut

apparentlyendedupgettingdrunkandgoinghomewithamanatthebaroutsideof
Bigfork,andyes,heralibichecksout.Thebartenderremembersherandknowstheman
shewenthomewith.Shewaswithhimuntilshereturnedtotown.”

Heshookhishead.“Itsoundslikeaplannedalibitome.Itstilldoesn’tmeanthatshe

didn’thaveMaggiewithherandstashedhersomewhere.”

“We’vehadatailonhereversinceshereturned,”Marksaid.“Shehasn’tleftthehouse

excepttocomedownheretothesheriff’sdepartmentforquestioning.”

FlintfelthisheartdropatthethoughtofCelestehidingMaggiesomewhereandjust

leavinghertheretodie.“Shemusthavesomeoneworkingwithher.”

“Iconsideredthat,”Marksaidnoncommittally.

“YouknowhowCelesteis.Shecouldeasilyhavemetsomemanandgottenhimtodo

herbidding.”Marklookedevenmoreskeptical.“Shewouldhavetoldhimitwasa
practicaljokeorwhatever.Maybesheofferedhimmoney.Youhavetounderstand,there
isn’tmuchthiswomanwouldn’tdotogetwhatshewants,andshewantsMaggieoutof
mylife.”

Marknodded.“Thenyouaregoingtolovehearingthis.Threeweeksago,Celestesays

shesawMaggiewithamanatabarinBillings.Thetwo,accordingtoher,seemedtohave
ahistoryandwerearguing,themantryingtogethertocomebacktohim.Celestethought
hemighthavedrivenabrownvan.”

Flintshookhishead.“Youaren’tbuyingintothis,areyou?She’sjusttryingtosaveher

ownneck.”

“Maybe,butwe’relookingintoit.”

“Wait.AreyouthinkingthesamethingIam?IfCelestetrackeddownthisman,she

mighthavegottenhimtohelpher.”

“Itcrossedmymindafterwhatyoujustsaid,”Markagreed.

Celestewasaknownliar.Hecouldn’tbelieveanythingshesaidandneithershouldhis

undersheriff.“Wait.Whenwasthisallegedmeetinginthebar?”heaskedafterMark
finishedtellinghimeverythingCelestehadsaidaboutthisoldboyfriendofMaggie’s.

“Thiscouldallbealie.”

“Threeweeksago.”

Helookedoutthewindow,thinkinghowmuchhehatedthistimeofyear.Itwasstill

snowing,andafterseveraldaysofit,hefeltasifitmightneverstop.Dayslikethismade
himwanttomovetoArizona.Hecravedthesun,neededthatwarmthrightnowbecause
hefeltchilledtothebone.

Threeweeksago.Thewordsplayedinhishead.Atfirsthethoughthecouldprovethat

Celestewaslying,thatMaggiecouldn’thavegonetoBillings.Thishadtobejustanother
Celestestory.

Butthenheremembered.ThreeweeksagoMaggiehadgonetoaproductshowin

Billings.ButCelestecouldhavefoundthatout.Celestecouldhave…Heswallowed.
Celestecouldhavecomeupwiththiswholestory.Butthelawmaninhimwasreminded
oftheneighborwho’dseenthebrownvangopast.AnotherlittledetailCelestecouldhave
addedforgoodmeasure.

FlintthoughtbacktothreeweeksagowhenMaggiehadreturnedfromBillingsforwhat

shesaidwasasalonproductmeeting.

Sothreeweeksagothey’dbeendating,buthewouldn’tsaythey’dbeenallthatclose.

Weeksbeforethat,Maggie’ssalonhadbeenbrokenintoandsomeonehadstartedafireon
thebackporchofherhouse.Celeste,butunfortunately,hehadnoproofofthat.

He’dseenMaggiebeforeshe’dleftforBillingsandaftershe’dcomehome.Shehadn’t

keptthetripfromhim.Somethingaboutsalonproducts.Oratleastshe’dmadeitsound
likethat.Andmaybethatwaswhatithadbeen.Maybeshehadn’tlied.Maybeshe’drun
intothemanwhiledownthere.Ormaybeshe’dbeenplanningtomeethimthewhole
time.

Hehadn’tquestionedheraboutthetrip.Becausehe’dtrustedher.Beforethismoment,

hewouldhavesaidMaggiewasthelastpersononthisearthwhowouldlietohim.

Nowheshookhisheadathownaivehe’dbeen.He’dseenachangeinherbeforeshe

wentandwhenshe’dcomeback.There’dbeenadistance.Buthe’dblameditonthe
thingsthey’dbeenthroughwithhisex,whenmaybethewholetime,ithadbeentheold
boyfriend.

Maggiewouldn’thavelikedkeepingitfromhim.Otherthanthat,shewouldn’thave

anythingelsetohide,heassuredhimself.Itwasn’tlikeshehadbeenconsideringgoing
backtotheman.

Orhadshe?WasitpossiblethatafterCelestesawhimatthehouse,Maggiehadleft

withtheman?

Heshookhishead.FromwhatCelestehadreportedthatshe’doverheardofthe

conversation,themanhadbeentryingtogetherbackandMaggiewasn’thavingit.

“Ifhewastryingtogetherback…”Flintsaidandstopped.Maggiehaddefinitely

arguedwithsomeoneandgottenhurt.“Youthinkheabductedher?”

“Possibly.”

“Shewouldn’thaveleftwithhim.”HesawMark’sexpressionandheknewthat,like

him,hewasthinkingofJennaHolloway.Awomancouldsometimesleavewiththeworse
manforher.

“IfCelesteandthismanjoinedforces…”Hecouldseethathappening,Celesteoffering

tohelptheman,tellinghimthatMaggiewasn’tseriousaboutsomesheriffinsome
PodunkMontanatown.“Wherewouldhehavetakenher?Billings?Isthatwherehewas
living?OrsomewhereclosertoGiltEdge?”

“That’swhatwearelookinginto,”Marksaid.“Onceweknowwhohe…”

Flintnodded.“Celesteswearsshedoesn’tknow?Whatdidthemanlooklike?”He

listenedtothedescription.Asfarasheknew,he’dneverseentheman.Ifthemaneven
existed.Silentlyhecursedhisex-wife.Sheliedaboutsomuch.Thiscouldbealie,as
well.Anotherdead-endleadthatwouldkeepthemfromfindingMaggie.

“Haveyoubeenabletoverifythisincidentatthebar?”

Marknodded.“Italkedtothebartender,amannamedBrianBateman.It’sthekindof

barwherethishappensmoreoftenthannot,butherememberedbecauseofCelesteand
herfriends.Hedidn’twantanybloodshedwiththeminthebar.Hecouldtellthatthey
weren’ttheusualclientele.”

“Hadheseenthemanbefore?”

“Yes,saidhecomesinafterworksometimesbutwasneveraproblembeforethat.The

bartender’sdescriptionmatchedCeleste’s.Also,hisdescriptionofMaggiematched.”

Flintputhisheadinhishandsforamoment.“IfthismanhasMaggie,andCeleste

orchestratedthiswholething…”

“Youhavetorememberthathewasreportedlytryingtogetherback.Sothereisagood

chancehewon’thurther—ifhehasher.”

Flintwonderedaboutthat.

“Shenevermentionedthisman?”Markasked.

“No,”hemumbledintohishands,thenliftedhishead.“That’snottrue.Ithinkhewas

thereasonshecametoGiltEdge.Inordertogetawayfromhim.”

Marknodded.“Itcouldbethesameman,butwedon’tknowthat.”Theundersheriff

sighed.“Thenthereisthis.”Hehandedhimthebaggedransomnote.

Thesheriffreadittwiceandlookedathiswatch,havinglosttrackoftime.

“HowsoondoIhavetocomeupwiththemoney?”Therewasnowayhecouldraise

thatmuchmoneyonhisown.

“I’mwaitingforthekidnappertocontactmeagain.”

“ItcouldbetothrowusoffwhoreallyhasMaggie,”Flintsaid.

“Maybe.Orthispersonmighthaveher.Isuspect,likeyousaid,itcouldbesomeone

whodoesn’tknowwhereMaggieis,tryingtocashin.”

“Evenso,Ican’traisefiftythousanddollars,notunlessIgotthefamilytoputupthe

ranch.Ican’taskthemtodothat.”

“Weneedtoaskforproofoflifefirst.”

Proofoflife.Hebittheinsideofhischeektofightthepain.Hewantedtoarguethata

kidnapperdidn’thaveMaggie.ThatCelesteandthisoldboyfriendofMaggie’shad
thrownintogethertodothis.Buthecouldn’t.

Itwasallsuppositionwithnoproof.Hewasstillalawman.Thetruthwashehadno

ideawhereMaggiewasorwhohadtakenherorevenifshewasstillalive.

CHAPTERFOURTEEN

B

UD

’

S

B

AR

WAS

prettymuchwhatHarphadexpected.He’dbeensmartenoughtobuy

himselfachangeofclotheswhenhegottoBillings.Thatseemedeasierthangoingbackto
theapartmentandVicki.Hedidn’tknowwhathewascominghometoanymore.

Nowheworejeans,bootsandacheckedshirt.He’ddrivenhistruckdownsincehis

patrolcarwasnowatthesheriff’sofficeuntilhecouldgobacktowork.Thiswasn’tthe
kindofbarhewantedtowalkintoinuniformanyway.

Itwasdarkandsmelledofstalebeer.Heletthedoorclosebehindhimandwaiteda

momenttolethiseyesadjusttothedimlight.Theplacewassmall—justbigenoughfor
thelargeU-shapedbaratitscenterandahalf-dozenpokermachinesagainstonewalland
sometablesandchairsagainsttheotherwall.

Bud’slookedlikearoughplacethathadseenbetterdays.Thefloortileswereofan

indiscriminatecolorandwornthin.Ashesteppedinandfoundanemptybarstool,he
notedthevinylseatswerecrackedandtorn,andhadlongsincelosttheircushioning
ability.

Heorderedadraftandlookedaround.Therewerepeopleinfrontofallbutoneofthe

pokermachines.Hecouldonlyseethebacksoftheirheadsandtheglowoftheirfacesin
thescreens.Noneofthemfittheboyfriend’sdescriptionhe’dgottenfromhisfriendGail
attheoffice.

Thebartenderwasabigthirtysomethingguywithdarkhairwholookedlikehelifted

weights.AfterHarporderedadraft,themanshovedadraftinfrontofhimandtookhis
moneywithoutaword.Forthistimeoftheafternoon,Harpwasalittlesurprisedtosee
howmanypeoplewerebellieduptothebar.

Severalofthemenontheothersideofthebarwerearguing.Thebartendermadea

beelineforthem.Harpcouldn’thearwhathesaidtothem,buttheyquietedrightdown.

Gailhadtoldhimthatthebartenderwho’dbeenondutythenightMaggiehadbeen

therewasnamedBrianBateman.Heheardoneofthepatronssay,“Bri,wecouldusea
couplemoredownhere.”

BriasinBrian?Harphadjusttakenasipofhisbeerwhenthedoortothebaropened,

throwinginashaftofbrightsunlightfromoutside.Likeeveryoneelse,heturnedandwas
momentarilyblinded.

Themanwhoenteredwasbigandblond.

Harpshotalookatthebartender,whohadalsoturnedtowardthedoor.Onelookat

Bri’sexpressionandheknewthatthemanwho’djustenteredwasMaggieThompson’s
oldboyfriend.Asthemanwalkedpasttotakeafreshlyvacatedseattwostoolsdown,
Harpnoticedhehadtaronhisbootsandjeans.Brianwentovertogettheman’sorder
withthesamediffidencehe’dshownHarp.

Butafterhe’dplacedabeerandashotinfrontoftheman,heheadedtotheback.Harp

sawthebartenderonthephoneandhadaprettygoodideawhohewascalling.

Unfortunately,thebig,blondmanalsonoticed.

“Ifyoujustcalledthecopsonmeagain…”themansaidasheshovedtohisfeet.He

pickeduphishalf-emptybeerandhurleditatthebartender’shead.

Harpwishednowthathe’dbroughthisstungun.Heslippedoffhisbarstool,thinking

hewasgoingtohavetoimprovise.Theboyfriendwasmuchbiggerthanhe’dexpected.
Astheblondmanheadedforthedoor,Harppickeduphisbarstoolandswungit,catching
themanintheback.

Themanwasbigandtough.Hespunaround,lookingforafight.Thingswouldhave

gottenuglyifthebartenderhadn’tleapedoverthebartogivethemanatapwiththe
baseballbathekeptbehindthebar.

Theblondwentdownlikeatonofrocksandwasoutcold.

“I’mwiththesheriff’sdepartmentupinGiltEdge,”Harpsaid.“I’massumingthat’s

whoyoujustcalled?”

Brinodded.

“Mindcallingthembackandtellingthemit’scovered?”

Whilethebartendermadethecall,Harpcheckedtheman’swallet.Hisname,according

tohisMontanadriver’slicense,wasGaryLong,forty-two.Theaddresswasonetherein
Billings.Otherthanacoupleofcreditcards,thewalletheldatwentyandsomeones,
alongwithapaystubfromaroofingcompany.

“CouldIgetacoupleofyoufellastohelpmetakehimouttomyrig?”Harpasked.

***

F

LINT

DROVE

TO

theStagecoachSaloonasifinafog.Fromthemomenthe’dwalkedinto

hishouseandseentheoverturnedbookcase,he’dbeenoutofhismindwithworry.Itwas
almostatthecrucialseventy-two-hourspoint.Afterthat,acasewasconsideredcoldand
chancesofgettingthevictimbackalivehaddroppedconsiderably.

Theworryhadwornonhimnightanddayuntilnowhefeltlikeazombie.Hewasn’t

evensurehewasthinkingclearly.

Earlier,he’dfeltsomestrangehopethatMaggiewasokay,butthathopewasquickly

fading.Hadhelosthismind?He’dactuallybeenrelievedthatCelesteandsomeold
abusiveboyfriendofMaggie’scouldhavetakenher?He’dbeenafraidwhenhe’dheard
thatCelestehadn’tbeenanywheresincereturning.Allhe’dthoughtaboutwaswhowas
takingcareofMaggie,whowasfeedingher,whowasmakingsureshewaswarmanddry
andnotoutinthewinterstorm?

ButifthisformerabusiveboyfriendhadMaggie,ifhewastheoneshe’dcometoGilt

Edgetoescapefromandnowthemanhadher…

Hefeltsicktohisstomach.Worse,hecouldn’tbesurethatsomeunknownperson

hadn’tkidnappedMaggieforfiftythousanddollars.Allheknewwasthathehadtodo
whateverittooktogetherback—evenifitmeantaskinghisfamilyforhelp.

Asheenteredthebarandcafé,hefelthisheartbreaking.He’dpridedhimselfonbeing

abletohandlehisproblemshimself,probablybecausehehatedaskingforhelp.

“Anynews?”Lillieaskedassherantohimandthrewherarmsaroundhim.

“Nothingyet.”

Asshepulledback,Darbyjoinedthemtoputanarmaroundhisshoulders.“Woulda

drinkhelp?”

Hewasalreadychokedup.Theirsympathywaskillinghim.“Itcan’thurtatthispoint.”

Theyallmovedtothebar.LilliepulledupastoolnexttohimwhileDarbywentbehind
thebartogetthemsomethingtodrink.

“Wegotaransomdemand,”hesaidafteramoment,hisvoicebreaking.

Darbyfrozebehindthebar.“Howmuch?”

“Fiftythousanddollars.”

Flintsawhissiblingsexchangealook.

“We’llraiseit.Howmuchtimedowehave?”Lillieasked.

Heshookhishead,findinghimselfclosetotears.Hisfamily.Hecouldn’thaveloved

themmorethanhedidatthatmoment.“Thekidnapperwillgetbacktous.Iguess.Mark
justgottheonelettermakingthedemand.”

Darbysworeunderhisbreath.“WeneedtocallHawkandCyrus.We’llhavetoputup

theranchbutitbelongstoallofus.”

“Ican’taskyoutodothat,”Flintsaid,butneitherLillienorDarbyseemedtobe

listening.

Lilliewasonthephonetotheirbrothers.“They’rebothontheirway,”shesaidasshe

disconnected.“It’sgoingtobeallright,”shesaid,puttingahandonFlint’s.

Henodded,butinhishearthefeareditwasalreadytoolateforMaggie.

***

“W

HERE

AM

I?”GaryLongsaidtwentyminuteslaterwhenheregainedconsciousness

insidehishouseafterHarphadgottentheaddressofftheman’sdriver’slicense.“Whatthe
hell’sgoingon?”hedemandedashefoundhimselfduct-tapedtoadollythatHarphad
foundinLong’sgarageandwheeledintothekitchen.Ithadn’tbeeneasybindingtheman
withonlyhisonegoodhand.Gettinghimoutofthepickup,though,hadonlybeena
matterofpullingupnexttothegarage,openingthedoorandshovinghimoutinthesnow.
He’dthenrolledhimunceremoniouslyontothedolly,tapedhimandstoodhimup.

“WhereisMaggieThompson?”

“Isthatwhatthisisabout?”Themansnortedandtriedtogetlooseonlytofindthathis

ankleswerealsoboundtothedolly.“Why?Haveyoulosther?”

Harpcaughthimbeforehetippedthecontraptionoverandfellface-firsttothefloor.

“Youwereseenatherhouse.TellmeaboutyouandMaggie.”

Garyshookhishead.“Kissmyrosyred—”

“Look,IcanturnyouovertothesheriffinGiltEdgeoryoucantellmewhatyour

connectionistoMaggie.OrwecantalkaboutthemethIfoundinyourbedroom.”

Themanswore.“IfMaggiesaysIdidanythingtoher,she’saliar.”

“Soyoutwodated?”heasked.

Garylaughed.“Dated?Isthatwhatshetoldyou?”Heshookhishead.“Weshackedup

forawhile.That’sallitwas.”

“Thenwhywereyoutryingtogetherback?”

Amusclejumpedintheman’sjaw.Hestruggledtogetloosebeforefinallygivingup.

“What’sittoyou,anyway?”

“I’masheriff’sdeputy.YouwereseenwithheratBud’sandthenlatergoingintoher

houseinGiltEdge.”

“Ohyeah?Sowhat?Anyway,itwasn’therhouse.Itwassomecowboyshewasmoving

inwith.”

“Shetoldyouthat?”

“MaybeIfiguredoutafewthingsonmyown.”

“Soyou’vebeenfollowingher.”

Garysaidnothing.“Whathappenedwhenshesawyouatherboyfriend’shouse?”Harp

asked.

“Whatdoyouthinkhappened?”

“Ithinkyouhurther.”

Garyshookhisheadashelookedaway.“Isthatwhatshetoldyou?”

Thatwasthesecondtimehe’dsaidsomethingtothateffect.Harpwasbeginningto

wonderiftheyhadthewrongman.Whenhe’dgottenGaryouttohispickup,he’dtaken
theman’skey,expectingittogowithabrownvan.

ButtherewasnobrownvanintheparkinglotatBud’s.Instead,theonlyvehiclekeyon

Gary’sringwentwithasmall,older-modeltwo-wheel-drivepickup.Harphadalso
searchedtheman’shouseandfoundnosignofMaggie.

Butwhathehadfoundwasmethinoneofthedrawersinthebedroomthatheknewhe

coulduseasleverage.

“Maggiedidn’ttellusanything.She’smissing.”

Thatgottheman’sattention.“Missing?”

“Ifyouknowanythingaboutwhathappenedtoher—oraboutthemethIfoundinyour

bedroom…”

Garygroaned.“Okay,Isawherthatdayatthecowboy’shouse.Isurprisedher.The

housewasopen,okay?Ididn’tbreakin.Shewasn’thappytoseeme.Weargued.Imight
havepushedher.”

“Andshemighthavefallenandsmackedherheadontheedgeofthebookcase?”

“Look,whenIleftshewasfine.Shewaspissedandthreateningtocallthecopsifshe

eversawmeagain,butthatwasit.”

“Whatdidyoudothen?”Harpasked.

“ItoldherIwasdone.Moveinwithhercowboy.Ididn’tcare.AndIleft.”

“Thatwasthelastyousawher?”

“Yeah,Iwantedherback.Iloveher,allright?Ithoughtmaybewedeservedasecond

chance…I’vechanged.”

Harpdoubtedthat,buthesaidnothing.

“Shemadeitperfectlyclearthatshe’smovedon.Sothatwasthat.Itoldherthatthe

cowboycanhaveher.Nowshe’smissing?IswearIknownothingaboutthat.Shewasfine
otherthanalittlebloodonhertemple,butotherwisewasfinewhenIleft.”

Harpgotthefeelingthathewastellingthetruth.“Didyouseeanyoneasyouwere

leaving?”

Garyshookhishead.

“Youdidn’tnoticeanothervehicleparkednearby?”

Hestartedtoshakehisheadagain,butstopped.“Isawanoldbrownvanparkedinthe

treesbehindthehouse.Ifanyonewasdrivingit,Ididn’tseethem.”

***

F

RANK

TURNED

ONTO

theroadtotheRobertsNorthDakotafarm,feelingascuriousas

NettiewasaboutmeetingJenna’sparents.Intheafternoonlight,theplacesatonawind-
scouredplotdevoidoftreesorevensnow.Oldfarmequipmentrustedinanearbyfield
andawindmillclangedasitturnedslowlyinthebreeze.HeandNettieclimbedout.

TherewerenoChristmaslightsordecorationstobeseen.Ifnotforthefadedcurtainsat

thewindowsandthepickupparkedoutfront,hewouldhavethoughtthefarmabandoned.

“Thisplacegivesmethecreeps,”shesaidastheystartedtowardtheporchsteps.

“Youcanstoprightthere!”astridentfemalevoiceannounced.“Whateveryou’re

selling,wearen’tinterested.”

Franklookeduptoseeathin,weatheredelderlywomaninafadedhousedressstanding

ontheporch,holdingashotgun.HestoppedwalkingandsodidNettie.Thewoman
lookedasifsheknewhowtousethefirearm.

“Mrs.EdithRoberts?”Nettieasked.

“LikeIsaid—”

“We’rehereaboutJenna.”

Theshotgunwaveredinherskinnyarmsforamoment.“Don’tknowanyonebythat

name.”Hervoicebroke,though,asshesaidit.

“We’reafraidyourdaughterisintrouble,”Nettiepersisted.“We’rehopingyoucanhelp

usfindher.”

“Thatdoesn’tcomeasmuchofasurprise.Youthelaw?”

“Privateinvestigators,”Franksaid.

Thewomanlickedherthinlips.“LikeIsaid—”

“WeknowJennaisyourdaughter.Wealsoknowthatshegavebirthtoababythirty-

threeyearsago,”Franksaid.“We’reafraidthatthefatherofthatbabynowhasJennaand
planstohurther.”

“ClarkTerwilliger?”EdithRobertssaidthenamelikeacurse,loweringtheshotgunto

onehandasshereachedfortheporchpillarwithherfreehandforsupport.Hergazewent
tothehorizon.“Leswillbebacksoon.Ifhecatchesyouonhisproperty—”

“Wecanmakethisfast,”Nettiesaid.“Please,letuscomein.”

Thewomanhesitated.Herbrowneyeslookedaswashed-outastheland.“Themoment

wehearhistractorcominguptheroad…”Seeminglyweakfromthenews,shestepped
awayfromthepillar.Theshotgunthumpedagainstherstick-thinlegsassheledtheway
inside.

Theyfollowedherintoalivingroomwithawornsaggingcouch,twothreadbare

reclinersandanancienttelevision.Therewerereligioussayingsonthewallsandpictures
ofJesus.

“Weneedtoknowwhathappenedtoyourgrandchild,”Nettiesaid.

“Idon’thaveagrandchild,”Edithsnappedasshestoodtheshotgunbythedoorand

motionedforthemtositdown.Shestayedstandingbythewall,herarmscrossedoverher
flatchest.Frankcouldseethatthewomanhadherearsnervouslypeeledforthesoundof
thetractor.HewonderedwhatwouldhappenifLesRobertsfoundthemthereaskingabout
Jenna.

“WhathappenedtothechildthatJennagavebirthto?”Frankasked.

“Itdied.”

“Idon’tthinksoandneitherdoesClarkTerwilliger.Weheardhe’sbeenlookingforthe

baby.”

“Iwouldn’tknownothin’aboutthat.Amidwifetookcareofit.”

“Hereatthehouse?”Nettieasked.

Edithshookherhead.“Overatmysister’sinTurtleLake.Ididn’twanttoknow.Ijust

wanteditdone.God’swillthatitdied.Jennacamehomeandweputitbehindusbestwe
could.”

FrankdoubtedLesRobertshadputitbehindhim,especiallygivenwhatDanahadtold

themaboutJenna’sparents.“HowlongbeforeJennalefthereafterthat?”

Thewomanseemedupsetbythequestionandmaybealittleguilty.“Runoffat

sixteen.”

“Haveyouseenhersince?”

Edithlookedawayforamoment.“Calledonceafewmonthslater.Neededmoney.

Les…”

“Youdidn’tsendhermoney,”Nettiesaid.“Didshesaywhereshewascallingfrom?”

“Didn’task.That’sthelastweheardfromher.”

“Thenyoudidn’tknowshe’dgottenmarriedtoafarmerinMontana?”

Edithlookedalmostpleasedtohearthat,butthensaid,“Yousayshe’sintroublenow,

though.”

“Thefatherofthebaby,ClarkTerwilliger,isapparentlyafterherandmighthave

alreadyfoundher.”

Thewomanshudderedatthenameasifitwasonenotspokenunderthisroof.“Don’t

knowhowIcanhelp.LikeIsaid—”

“WhywouldClarkthinkthebabysurvived?”Frankdemanded.

“HowwouldIknowwhatamanlikethatthinks?”

“Mrs.Roberts,”Nettiesaid.“Ifthechildsurvived—”

Sheshookherhead.“You’rewastin’yourtime.”

“Letusatleasttalktoyoursister,”Nettiepleaded.“Whatishername?”

“Edna.EdnaBurns,butsheisgoin’totellyouthesamethingIdid.”

Buttherewouldbeabirthcertificate—andadeathcertificate,ifshe’dreallydied,

Frankthought.

Atthesoundofamotorengine,hesawEdithtense.“Youhavetogetoutofhere.”Fear

madeherrigid.

They’dbeensittingontheedgeofthecouchandnowrosequickly.“Hereismycard,”

Franksaid.“Ifyouthinkofanythingelsethatmighthelpus…”

Shetookthecardandshoveditdeepintothepocketofherdressassheturnedand

hurriedtothedoor.

Theybothsteppedoutintotheblindinglight.Frankblinked.Hecouldseeatractor

comingacrosstheflatsurfaceofstubblefield,stillagoodhalfmileaway.HeandNettie

hurrieddowntheporchstepsandintotheSUV.HeglancedatEdithstandingboard-
straightontheporch,herfaceamaskoffear.

“Hewon’thurtyou,willhe?”Nettieaskedasshewhirreddownherwindow.

“Go!Please!I’llbefine.”

Frankstartedtheengineanddrovedowntheroad.Thetractorpassedinthefieldnextto

them.Frombeneathbushywhitebrowsandadarkstainedbaseballcap,LesRoberts
gloweredatthemasheslowedthetractor.Andthentheywerepasthim.

Heglancedintherearviewmirrorastheelderlymanpulleduptothehouseand

climbedoffthetractorbeforeheadingtowardtheporch,wherehiswifewaswaiting.

“IfeellikeIneedashower,”Nettiesaid.“Youthinkshe’sallright?”

Hesawherglanceback.“Ourstayingwouldhavemadeitworse.Isuspectshe’shad

plentyofexperiencedealingwithhim.”

Hiswifeshuddered.“Ican’timaginebeingthatterrifiedofaman.”

Frankreachedoverandtookherhand.“Youwouldhavekilledhiminhissleepyears

ago.”

Shesqueezedhishand,andwhenheglancedoverather,hesawtearsinhereyes.“I

hatetothinktherearestillwomenwholivelikethat.PoorJenna,growingupinthat
house,letalonecomingbacktoitafter…”Shelookedaway,wipingathertears.

***

E

XHAUSTED

AFTER

HIS

meetingwiththefamily,Flinthadgonebacktotheranch.Heknew

heneededsleep.Upstairsinhisroom,helaydownonthebedandstaredattheceiling.
Hismindwhirled.Maggie,whereareyou?Wasshealsosomewherelyingonabed,
staringupataceiling?Hejusthopedshewasallright.

Hethoughtoftheex-boyfriend.Markwouldhaveanamesoon.TheBillingscops

wouldpayhimavisit.IfhehadMaggie…HethoughtofwhatMariahhadsaid.Maybea
basement.Maybesoonhewouldgetthecallthatshe’dbeenfoundaliveandwellandwas
onherwayhome.Home.

Flintthoughtofhishouse,ofthetwoofthemlivingthere.Hethoughtagainofthe

Christmastreeheplannedtogetfromthemountains.Hehadenvisionedthetwoofthem
decoratingittogether,holidaymusicinthebackground,acracklingblazeinthefireplace.
Hecouldalmostsmellabeefroastcookingintheoven.

AndthenaterriblethoughtwouldhithimthatMaggiewasnevercomingbackbecause

Maggiewasdead.Hetriedtopushawaythedarkthoughts,buttheyloomedoverhim,
followinghimaboutlikeablackcloud.Hecouldfeelhisheartpounding.Hestaredoutat
thefallingsnow,wonderingwhenitwasevergoingtostop.

Closinghiseyes,hetriedtogetbacktheChristmasscene,butitrefusedtocome.

Determinednottolethismindgodownanotherdarkhole,heinsteadrecalledtheirfirst
kiss.

Theyhadbothbeensowaryaboutfallinginlove.They’dbothwantedtotakeitslow.

Oratleasthehad.Maggiehadagreed.Sothey’dspentmanyhoursgettingtoknoweach
other.

Thosewerethemostwonderfuldays,hethoughtnow.Theyhadgoneonpicnicsand

hikes.They’dswuminthecreek,takenbikeridesandriddenhorses.They’dbeenlike
kidsandhe’dfelthimselffallinghardforher.

Theirfirstkisswasafteroneofthosehorsebackrides.They’driddenupintothe

mountainsaftersaddlingupattheranch.IthadbeenabeautifulMontanasummerday,the
skyablindingbluewithoutacloudtobeseen.Theairhadsmelledoffreshwaterand
flowersandpines.Everythingwasgreenandalive.

They’dgottenofftheirhorsestowalkdowntothecreek’sedge.Whenhecouldn’tstand

itanylongerhe’dgrabbedherandkissedherwithapassionthatneitherofthemhad
expected.

He’dwantedherrightthen,butthekisshadscaredhim.He’dhadpassionwithCeleste

—thewild,untamedtypethatranlikearacebetweenloveandhate.Hedidn’twantthat
again.Andatthetime,he’dthoughtthatwastheonlykindtherewas.

Monthslater,afterseveralattemptsthatwereblockedbyCelesteandhisjob,they’d

finallymadelove.Itwassweetandslow.Atleastatfirst.Thenitwasfilledwithpassion
andloveandtenderness.He’drealizedthatwasthewayitwassupposedtobe.

Justthinkingaboutthatnightmadehimache.Ifhe’dhadanydoubtsabouthimand

Maggie,they’dendedthatnight.Helovedherandshelovedhim.He’dfoundhimself
wantingallthethingshehadyearnedforwhenhe’dmarriedthefirsttime:ahome,
children,alifefilledwithjoyandlove.

WithMaggie,hereallybelievedthattheycouldhaveitall.Andyethe’ddraggedhis

feetbecauseofCeleste,becauseofthatdisastrousmarriage,becauseofthosebroken
dreams.

Hereachedoverandpickedupthesmallvelvetboxwiththeengagementringinit.If

onlyhe’daskedherbefore…Heopenedthebox.Thediamondflashedbrightlyasif
mockinghim.Hecloseditandputtheboxintothetopdrawerofthenightstand,fearingit
mightstaythereforever.

Whyhadn’theaskedaboutoldboyfriends?Ifhehad,hemighthaveaname,andMark

wouldknownowandhavefoundtheman.MaybehavefoundMaggie.IfMaggiewas
withtheman…Wasn’tthatbetterthansomestrangerwhowantedMaggieforsomeother
godforsakenreason?

Heclosedhiseyes,hisheadaching.Ashelaythere,hetoldhimselfhewouldneverbe

abletogettosleep.

Whenhisphonerang,hejerkedawake.

CHAPTERFIFTEEN

M

AGGIE

HELD

HER

breathaswhatseemedlikehourslater,sheheardfootfalls.Asthey

stoppedontheothersideofherdoor,sheopenedhereyes.

Shefoughttheremainingeffectsofthedrugsasshestaredatthedoorknob.Itslowly

turnedandthedoorbegantoopen.Hergazeshotupandsheflinchedinhorror.She’d
beensosureshewasgoingtoseeCeleste’sfacethatsherearedbackatthesightofaman
she’dneverseenbefore.

Hewasbigandeasilyfilledthedoorwaywiththekindofmusclesandtattoosthat

shoutedformerprisoninmate.Hewasstrangelyhandsome,almostboyish,withshort
blondhairandbigbrowneyesfringedwithdarklashes.Hesteppedintotheroomcarrying
ashoppingbag.Itwasn’tuntilhedrewclosethatsherealizedhewasolderthanshe’dfirst
thought,closertohismidfiftiesthanforties.

“Iseeyou’reawake,”hesaid,smilingather.

“Youhavetoletmego.You’vemadeamistake.Idon’tknowwhoyouare,butI

shouldn’tbehere.”Hervoicesoundedstrangeeventoherears.“Please,letmego.”The
wordscameoutonasob.

“Don’tbesilly,”themansaid.“Thisiswhereyoulivenow.”

No!Shethoughtofnewsstoriesaboutabductedwomenwho’dspentyearsbeinglocked

upinshacksbehindsomecrazy’shouseortrappedinabasement.Shelookedpasthimand
sawthathe’dleftthedoorstandingopen.

“Help!Help!Someonehelpme!”shescreamed.

Hemovedsoswiftlythatsheonlycaughthisimageoutofthecornerofhereyeashe

reachedthroughthebars.Shedidn’tstopscreaminguntilshefelttheslap.Itknockedthe
airoutofher.Shefellback,bangingintothemetalbedrail.Herheadswam.

“Iwon’thearanymoreofthat,”hescolded.“Nowyoubehave,younglady,orIwill

turnyouovermyknee.Youhavethisbeautifulroomalltoyourself.Youshouldbemore
thankful.Idon’twanttohavetospankyou,butIwillifyoumakeme.”

Shestaredathim,hiswordsfillingherwithhorror.Spankher?Hewastalkingtoheras

ifshewasachild.Hiswordsechoedinherhead,makingherheartracewithterror.Thisis
whereyoulive.

“Ibroughtyousomethingprettytowear,”hesaidashedugintheshoppingbag.“But

promisemeyou’llkeepyourdressnice.Ifyoudo,thenyoucancomeintothekitchenand
eatwithus.”

Us?Sheagainlookedtowardthedoor,rememberingthatshe’dthoughtshe’dhearda

womancryingbefore.Howmanyotherpeoplewerehereinthishouse?Wasitahouse,
though?Wasitabasementapartment?Itdidn’tfeellikeit.Itfeltasifsomeonehadtried
tomakeitlooklikearealhouse.Tofoolher?Tofooltheothers?Iftherereallywere

others.

“Promise?”heasked.

Allshecoulddowasnod,hercheekstillstingingfromwherehe’dhither.

Hereachedthroughthebarswithanitemofclothing.Shethoughtaboutgrabbinghis

arm,jerkingitthroughthebarsand…andthenwhat?Evenifshebrokehisarm,she
couldn’tseehowthatwouldgetheroutofthecage.

Shetooktheclothinghehandedher,allthetimehermindracing.Whatdidthisman

wantfromher?“Pleaseletmego.”Itcameoutalmostawhimper.

“I’mwarningyou.Unlessyouwanttogotobedwithoutanydinner…”Herstomach

growledinanswerandhelaughed.“That’swhatIthought.Nowgetdressed.Justcall
whenyou’reready,andifyoubehavelikethesweetgirlIknowyouare,thenyoucansit
atthetable.”

Shecouldgetoutofthiscage?Itwastheonlywayshewouldeverstandachanceof

escaping.“Iwill,”shesaidinasmall,timidvoicethatseemedtopleasehim.

Themomentheleftshelookeddownattheitemsofclothinghe’dbroughtherandfelta

shuddermovethroughher.Thedresswassomethingforasix-year-oldbutinhersizeand
theshoesweresaddleoxfords.Hadanyonewornthoseinthepastfiftyyears?

“Isthereaproblem?”heaskedfromthedoorway,startlingher.

Sheshookherhead.

“That’smygirl.”Hesmiled.“Daddydoesn’twanttohurtyou.”

Daddy?Maggiefoughtthetearsthatburnedhereyes.Sheswallowedandnodded

becauseshewastooscaredtospeak.Toohorrified.

Shewaiteduntilhelefttheroomagainbeforeshetookoffherjeansandshirtandputon

thedress.Itwaspinkandwhitewithpinkbowsandclearlysecondhand.Itlooked
ridiculousonher.Thesockshe’dbroughtherwerewhitewithpinklacearoundthetop.
Shesatdownandpulledthemonwithtremblingfingers,terrifiedofwhatwouldhappen
next.She’djustfinishedlacinguptheshoes,whichwerealsousedbutinhersize,when
shesensedhiminthedoorwayagain.

“Goodgirl.Readyforyoursurprise?”

***

H

ARP

KNEW

HE

’

D

brokeneverylawinthebookbytakingGaryLongthewayhehad.

Except,hehadn’tactedasasheriff’sdeputy.He’dmerelytakenthemanhome,
immobilizedhimforawhilesohecouldgetthetruthoutofhim.Helikedtothinkofitas
acitizen’sarrest.

Moretothepoint,GaryLongwouldn’tbefilinganychargesagainsthim,givenwhat

he’dfoundinthebedroom.

Itwaseasytorationalizewhathe’ddone.IfthemanhadkidnappedMaggie,itwould

probablybehardtogetaconvictionandhe’dbeinhotwateragain.

Butifhe’dsavedMaggie,hereallydoubtedthesheriffwouldhavecared.Asitwas,he

hadfoundsomecrucialevidence.Thathadtoaccountforsomething.

HetookGaryLong’sstatementaboutwhathappenedthedayMaggiedisappeared,

warnedhimnottoleavetownand,aftercuttinghimloose,headedbacktoGiltEdge.Gary
wouldn’tcallthecopsonhimforhis“unusual”styleofinterrogation.

Hehadbeenfeelinggoodashedrovenorth,hisheadlightscuttingthroughthedarkness.

Turningonhisradio,he’drockedout.HehadevenlookedforwardtoseeingVicki.With
luck,shewouldbeupforsex.He’dbegentle.Hehadtothinkaboutthebabynow.

HarphadbeenaboutfifteenmilesoutsideoftownwhenapickupwithGiltEdgecounty

plateswentpastontheothersideoftheroad.Ithadlookedvaguelyfamiliar,whichwas
whyhe’dglancedinhisrearviewmirrorasittoreby.Withsomeconcern,he’dseenthe
driverhithisbrakes,pulloffandswingbackontothehighwayheadedinhisdirection.

He’dwatchedwithgrowingapprehensionasthepickuphadcomeroaringupbehind

himafewminuteslater.Hehadn’tbeenabletoseethedriverbehindthewheel,notwith
thepickup’sheadlightsonhighbeams.

Thejackasshadstayedrightonhimallthewayintotown.Itwasn’tuntilthey’dreached

thetownlimitsthatthefoolhadroaredupbesidehim.Harphadglancedoverasthetruck
hadcomealongsidehim.Behindthewheel,Larry,thepawnguy,hadflippedhimthebird
andthenhadtakenoff.

Harphadfelthisheartracing.Hishandshadshakenashe’ddriventherestoftheway

totheapartment.Wasthatabouttheotherdayatthepawnshop?Hehadcursedhimselffor
flippingLarryoff.Ithadbeenchildish.Orwasitaboutyearsago?He’dhadabadfeeling
fromthelookonLarry’sfacethatitwentdeeperthanasimplehandgestureafewdays
ago.HeshouldhaveknownthatShirleycouldn’tkeephermouthshut.

He’dthoughtthat,beingthelaw,itwouldkeepLarryfromdoinganythingstupid.But

heshouldhaveknownthataguylikeLarryWagnerwouldn’thaveanyrespectfora
badge.HehatedtothinkwhatwouldhappenifhemetLarryWagnerinadarkalley.

Insteadofgoinghomelastnight,he’dgonetoamotel,tooshakentoeventhinkabout

dealingwithVicki.Thismorning,he’dputLarryoutofhisthoughtsandgonestraightto
thesheriff’sdepartment.

***

A

FTER

HE

MADE

thecallthathadawakenedthesheriff,MarkwaiteduntilFlintarrived

beforeheusheredhimintohisoffice,whereDeputyColewaswaiting.Hestillcouldn’t
believewhatHarphaddone.Ifhe’dhadhiswayhewouldhavefiredhimonthespot.But
hewasleavingthattothesheriff.

Harptoldhisstory,nodoubtleavingoutpartsofitthatwouldmakehimlookeven

worse.Assoonashefinished,MarkcouldtellFlintwasasincensedbythedeputytaking
thingsintohisownhandswhileonmedicalleave.

“Italkedtothebartenderthismorning,”Marksaid.“YouhitLongwithabarstool.”

Harpnodded.“He’sabigdudeandhewouldhavegottenawayifIhadn’t.Butthe

bartendertappedhimwithabaseballbat.That’sreallywhattookhimdown.”

Theundersheriffshookhishead.

“ButIgotimportantinformationoutofhimasaprivatecitizen—notasasheriff’s

deputybecauseIwasonmedicalleave.Comeon—youknowwehavetofindMaggie
Thompsonasquicklyaspossible.IfIhadn’tdonewhatIdid,howlongwouldithave
takentocleartheex-boyfriendandnarrowdownthesearch?”

Flintgroaned.He’dalwaysgonebythebook,butMarkcouldseethatthesheriffjust

wantedMaggieback—whateverittook.“HowdoweevenknowthatGaryLongdidn’tlie
toyou?”

“Hewastellingthetruth.Hedidn’tknowMaggiehaddisappeared.Butheadmittedto

havingaconfrontationwithheraboutthreeweeksagoatBud’sBar—andagainatyour
house.Headmitstopushingher,butheswearsshewasfinewhenheleft.”

“Andhesaystherewasabrownvanparkedinthewoodsbehindmyhouse?”thesheriff

said.“Youdidn’tfeedhimthatinformationaccidentally?”

Harpshookhisheadwithimpatience.“I’mnotafool.”

Thatwasdebatable,Markthoughtasherubbedahandoverhisface.“I’mgoingtohave

GaryLongpickedupandquestionedbytheBillingspolice.Iwon’tmentionthemethyou
foundinhishouse.Ifhewasn’tsmartenoughtogetridofit…We’llseewhattheygetout
ofhim.”

Harpshrugged.“Whatever.Butthepersonwe’relookingfordrivesabrownvan,right?

Itisn’tGaryLong.”

Markgotonhiscomputerforaminute.“TheonlyvehicleIcanfindregisteredtoLong

isa1979Fordtwo-wheel-drivesmallpickup.”

“That’sright,”Harpsaid.“Whitewhereitisn’trustedout.”

“AndLonghasnoideawhomighthavebeendrivingthevan?”

“Nope,”thedeputysaid.“HeknewMaggiewasdatingacowboy,”hesaid,flickinghis

gazeatFlintbeforeturningbacktoMark.“AndheknewwhereMaggielived.Headmits
hewasthere,followedherfromherhousetoFlint’sandhadgoneintotrytotalkherinto
comingbacktohim.Theyargued.Hepushedher…”Hewavedtothedocumenthe’d
submittedthismorning.“It’sallthere.”

Marklookedoveratthesheriff.“I’llhaveBillingslawenforcementchecktoseeif

LonghasbeenatworksinceMaggiewastaken.Yousayhe’saroofer?”heaskedHarp.

“Whenhecameintothebar,Inoticedthetaronhisbootsandjeans,”Harpsaid.“He’d

comestraightfromwork.Also,Ifoundapaystubinhiswallet.”

Flintrakedahandthroughhishair.Helookedasifhehadn’thadagoodnight’ssleep

sinceMaggiedisappearedalmostfourdaysago.Healsolookedlikehewantedtofire
Harp.MarkwasgladtoseeFlintwasstillactinglikealawmaninsteadofavigilante.

“Youdorealizethatwe’dhaveplayedhellgettingaconvictionbecauseofthewayyou

handledthis?”Flintdemandedofthedeputy.

Harpattemptedtolookchastised.“Iclearedhimasasuspect.Yousaidtheclockwas

ticking.Ihadtotakethingsintomyownhands.”

“We’lltalkaboutthiswhenMaggieisfound,”Marksaid.“Also,somuchforthetheory

thatCelesteandLonghadthrownintogether.”

“Iwouldn’tbethatquicktoclearCeleste,”Flintsaid.

Theundersheriffshookhishead.“Idon’tknow,Flint.CelesteandLongbothtoldthe

samestoryaboutthebrownvan.Wehaveeveryonelookingforit.Oncewefindthe
van…”

“Butasmanypeoplehavereportedlyseenthisbrownvan,howcomeoneofthem

didn’tgetaplatenumber?Evenone?”

“Thistimeofyearmostcarsaredirtyfromthewinterroads—includingthelicense

plates.Itwouldn’tsurprisemethatthedrivermadesureitwasn’teasilynoticed.”

***

M

AGGIE

FELT

HER

heartratesoar.“Surprise?”Shehatedthewayhervoicecracked.

Wakingupundergroundinacagehadbeenenoughofasurprise.Shecouldn’tbearto
thinkaboutwhatthemanhadplannedforher.

“Didn’tItellyou?Yourmommyisjoiningusfordinner.Shehasn’tbeenherselfbutI

knowshe’slookingforwardtoseeingherlittlegirl.”

“My…mommy?”sherepeated,feelingasifshe’dfallendownarabbithole.Thishadto

stop.She’ddoneeverythingthemanhadaskedhertodo.Shehadtotrytogetthroughto
him,evenifitmeantbeingslappedagain.

“Mymotherisdead.Shediedinchildbirth.MyfatherwaskilledintheGulfWar.Iwas

raisedbyanaunt.”

Hesmiledatherasifshewasachild.“Youlooklikeher.Iwonderedwhoyou’dtaken

after.ButIcantellbyyourstubbornnessthatyoutakeaftermealittletoo.”

Maggiecouldn’tspeak.Whatkindofsickjokewasthis?Hewantedtopretendthathe

washerfather?Andnowhermotherwouldbejoiningthem?Shefeltasifshemight
throwup.Wherehadhebroughther?Howfarundergroundwerethey?Wasthatwhyhe
hadn’tbeenworriedthatsomeonewouldhearherscreamingearlier?

“Youwanttoseeyourmommy,don’tyou?”

Shelookeddownathershoesandremindedherselfthattheonlywayshecouldescape

wasifshewasoutofthecage.Shemumbledayes.Buttoldherselftobeverycareful.
Thismanwasclearlyinsane—andmean.She’dseenitinhiseyeswhenhe’dhither.He

wouldn’thesitatetohurther—ifshecrossedhim.

Itwasimperativethatshefoundoutasmuchasshecouldabouthersituationbeforeshe

riskedanescape.Shehatedtothinkwhohe’dchosenforher“mommy.”Shedidn’tthink
shewouldbegettinganyhelpfromwhoeveritwas.Allherinstinctstoldhershewason
herown,andyetshecouldn’thelpthinkingaboutthewomanshe’dheardcrying.

Herownbirthmotherwasdead.Shehadthesuddenfrighteningthoughtthatthere

wouldbeamummifiedbodyatthetablewiththem.Sheshuddered,afraidofwhatshe
mightbefacingwhenheletheroutofthecage.

Sheremindedherselftoplayalonguntilsheknewwhatshewasupagainst.Raisingher

gaze,shelookedthemandirectlyintheeyeandfeltherselfshudder.Herchancesof
gettingoutofthereseemedtodiminishwhenhestruggledtoopenthelatchthathadher
lockedin.Evenmorewhenhepickedherupandloweredhertothefloor.

Hewastoobigandstrong.Howcouldsheeverhopetogetawayfromhim?

“Thatagirl,”hesaid.

Itfeltsogoodtobeonsolidgroundagain,butherfearofwhatshewouldfindwaiting

forherinthenextroomhadherfeelinglight-headed—thatandtheeffectsofthedrugs
he’dgivenher.

“Iknowyoualwayswantedyourmommyanddaddytobetogetherasafamilyandnow

wecanbe.Butifeitherofyoumisbehave…”

Hedidn’thavetofinish.Shehadaprettygoodideawhatmisbehavingcouldgether—

andprobablyworsethanshecouldimagine.Hepointedtothedoor,indicatinghewanted
hertogofirst.Shebracedherselfasshewalkedslowly,feelinghimwithinreachbehind
her.Shesensedhewasdangerouslyclosetotheedgeofsanity.

Asshecamearoundthecorner,shesawwhatlookedlikeanoldapartmentkitchenand

anopendoorwaythatappearedtoleadoutintoadarkanddirtyunfinishedbasement.It
gaveherlittleclueofwhereshewas.Butinthedarkness,shethoughtshehadmadeout
stairsthatleduptothenextfloor.

Hergazemovedfromthedoorandpossibleescapetothewomanboundandgaggedat

thetable,andshefeltherheartdrop.

***

F

LINT

’

S

CELL

PHONE

BUZZED

.Hepulleditouttocheckthescreen.“Ineedtotakethis,”he

said,excusinghimselfasMarktoreHarpanewone.NotthatHarpwouldbefired.He’d
actuallybeentryingtohelp.Itwasdefinitelysomethingnewforthedeputywho’dbeen
tryingtodoaslittleaspossiblesincetakingthejob.

HewonderedaboutthechangeinHarpashetookthecall.

“WethinkweknowwhoislookingforJennaandwhy,”Franksaidintothephone

withoutpreamble.“Jennawasrapedbyafriend’solderbrotherandhadachildwhenshe
wasfourteen.”

Flintsworeunderhisbreath.

“Shewaspulledoutofschool,keptonthefarmoutsideoftownuntilshewasshipped

offtoanauntinthemiddleofNorthDakota.Thewholethingwaskeptasecretbyparents
whoapparentlyblamedherandweren’tabouttomakeitpublic.”

“Andthebaby?”

“Motherswearsitdiedbutwehavereasontobelievetheinfantsurvived.Thefatherof

thechildistryingtofindnotjustthisoffspring—butJenna.Apparentlyhehadn’tknown
therapehadresultedinJennabecomingpregnantallthoseyearsago.He’sspentmostof
histimeinoneprisonoranother.”

“Letmeguess.He’soutofprisonnow.”

“Afraidso.HisnameisClarkTerwilliger.Hewaslastseendrivingabrownvanwith

Missouriplates.”

Abrownvan.Flintfelthispulsegointooverdrive.Heglancedattheundersheriff.“Just

aminute,Frank.I’matthesheriff’soffice.I’mgoingtoputyouonspeakerphone.Mark,
canyouseeifthereisabrownvanregisteredtoaClarkTerwilliger?Missouriplates.”

Markmovedtohiscomputer,tappedonthekeysandsaid,“AClarkTerwilligerdoesn’t

ownabrownvan.Infact,Icouldn’tfindanyvehicleregisteredtohim.”

“Couldbestolen,”Flintsaid.

“Tryhismother,”Franksaidontheotherendoftheline.“NancyTerwilliger.

Apparentlyshegavehimanythinghewanted,includingJenna.”

“Bingo,”theundersheriffsaid.“ANancyTerwilligerofLakeCity,Missouri,ownsa

brownChevyvan.”

“He’sdrivinghismother’svan,”Franksaid.“Makessense.Missouriisthelastplacehe

waslockedup.Accordingtohissister,he’sfuriousthatJennakeptherpregnancyfrom
himandnowheisboundanddeterminedtofindnotjusther—buthiskid.”

“SothefriendthinkshewantstohurtJenna?”Flintwasasking.

“Soundslikealove-hatesituation,”Franksaid.“Clarkhasapparentlybeenobsessed

withJennasinceshewasreallyyoung.Probablylookingatavarietyofmentalproblems,
fromwhatI’velearned.”

“Sothebabycouldhavediedandhejustisn’tacceptingit,”Marksaid.

“Possibly,butwhatisinterestingisthatJennawasalsolookingforherchildatone

point,soitmakesmedoubtthebabydied,”Franksaid.“Iftheinfantsurvived,Jenna
mighthavefoundher.”

FlintthoughtofthemanJennahadbeenwithinWyomingandFrank’stheory.IfFrank

wasrightandJennahadcontactedherrapistwantingtoendthis,then…“Youthinkshe
mighthavemadeadealwithTerwilliger?”Heswore.“Wait—didyousaymaybefound
her?”

“Thebabywasagirl.”

CHAPTERSIXTEEN

W

HEN

HE

REACHED

thehighwayafterleavingtheRobertsfarm,Frankhadstoppedtocall

Flintfirst.ThenheplacedaphonecalltoEdithRoberts’ssister,EdnaBurns.Heexplained
thathewasaPIlookingforJennaRobertsHolloway.

“Edithsaidyoumightbeabletohelpus.”

“Shedid?”Thesistersoundedsurprisedbythat.

“WeneedtofindoutwhathappenedtothebabyJennagavebirthtothirty-threeyears

ago,”hetoldher.

“Ohmy,”Ednasaid.“Theremustbesomemistake.Thebabydied.”

HelookedoveratNettie.“Wasthebabydeliveredatthehospitalthere?”

“No.”Heheardthehesitationinhervoice.“Shegavebirthathomewithamidwife.”

“I’mgoingtoneedtotalktoher.”

“Idoubtthemidwifeisevenstillalive.”

Frankthoughtforamoment.“Butyoumusthaveknownwhatsheplannedtodowith

theinfant—ifithadlived.”

Silence,then,“Well,yes,Iguess.Themidwifethoughtsheknewofacouplewho

wouldtakethechild.”

Whywouldthefatherofthebabybelookingforherifshe’ddiedatbirth?Something

waswronghere.“Ifthebabydied,thentherewillbeadeathcertificate.”

Silenceontheotherendoftheline.

“Isuppose,”Ednasaid,soundinglikeshewishedshehadn’ttakenhiscall.“Really,I

can’ttellyouanymorethanIhave.”

“Justtellmewhatthebaby’snamewasonthedeathcertificate.”

Moresilence.Hethoughtshemighthavehungup.“Yousayyou’reaprivate

investigator?”

“That’sright.I’mtryingtofindJenna.Wefearsheisintroubleandthoughtithad

somethingtodowithherbaby.”

“Oh,thatishorrible.”

“Ifwehavethenameonthedeathcertificate…”

“Idon’tknow.I’msorry.”Thewomanseemedtobreakdown.“Pleaseleavemeoutof

this.”Shehungup.

FranklookedoveratNettie.“Whatnow?”

Nettiewaslookingatherphone.SheshowedhimtheNorthDakotamapshe’dpulled

up.“Itisn’tthatfartothetownwhereEdnaBurnslives.Thereismoretothestory.”

Hesmiled.“Ithinksomething’sstrangetoo.WeneedthewholestoryandIsuppose

thereisonlyonewaytogetit.Butit’slate.Weshouldwaitandgofirstthinginthe
morning.”

“Mythoughtexactly.Ithinkitwillbeharderforhertolietoourfaces.”

Frankhopedshewasright.ThedrivethenextmorningtoTurtleCreektookonlya

coupleofhours.Thelandscapebythattimehadbecomemonotonous.They’dplayeda
wordgametokeepthemselvesoccupied,buthewasneversohappytoseethecity-limits
sign.

***

E

DNA

B

URNS

LIVED

inanewersubdivisionontheedgeoftown.Thedoorwasopenedby

anelderly,gray-hairedwomanwearinganapronoverajoggingsuit.Assheopenedthe
door,Frankcaughtthescentofabakingapplepie.

FrankintroducedhimselfandhiswifeasEdnamerelystaredatthem.

“Wewouldn’tbehereifitwasn’turgent.Please,Mrs.Burns,”Nettiesaid.“Youhaveto

helpus.Jennaisintrouble.”

“Ihavetogetmypieoutoftheoven,”shesaidandturnedbackintothehouse.They

followedherasfarasthelivingroombeforeNettiestoppedtopointataphotoonthe
mantel.Foramoment,hethoughtthegirlinthephotowasJenna.ShehadJenna’sdark
hairandeyesandasmilethatseemedtolightuptheroom.

Inthekitchen,theyfoundEdnakneadingthebottomhemofherapronnervouslyinher

hands.“Iknewthisdaywouldcome.”

“Don’tyouthinktherehavebeenenoughlies?”Frankasked.

ThetimerwentoffontheovenandEdnabusiedherselfgettingtheapplepieout.Asshe

setitdown,shelookedatthemwithobviousresignation.“Ihavecoffee,”shesaid.“And
pie.”

TheysatdownatthekitchencounterwhileEdnacontinuedtobusyherselfinthe

kitchen.Shecutthemeachahotpieceofapplepieandfilledcupswithcoffee.Nettie
noticedhowimmaculatethehousewas.

“Widowed?”sheasked.

“Foralmosttwentyyearsnow.”

“Itakeityoudon’tseeyoursistermuch,”shesaid.

“No.Herhusband…”Ednaseemedatalossforwords.

“We’vemethim,”Franktoldher.

“Thenyouunderstand.”

Nettietookasmallbiteofthecoolingpie.“Whatwedon’tunderstandiswhyyoulet

yoursisterbelievethatJenna’sbabydied,”shesaidaftershe’dcomplimentedthe
woman’sbaking.

“WhenmysistercalledmehystericalandtoldmethatJennahadbeen…taintedby

someolderboyandwaspregnantwithhischild,Ididn’tknowwhattosayordo.She
pleadedwithmetohelpJenna.I’dneverlaideyesonthegirlbeforethat.Ihardlyever
sawmysister,butIcouldn’tturnEdithdown.SotheysentJennaheretohavethebaby,
whichwastobegivenupforadoptionsincethegirlwasonlythirteen.”

Ednastoppedtotakeasipofhercoffeewithtremblinghands.Shehadn’tsatdown,

seemedtoonervousandupset.“Shewasasweetthing.Ifeltsobadforher.Itbecame
obviousthattheolderboyhad…forcedherandithadhappenedonlyonce.Icouldn’t
understandmysistertreatingthechildlikethis.Jennawassohomesickandscared.”

“Soshehadthebabyhere?”Frankasked.

Ednanodded.“IfoundamidwifesinceEdithinsistedthechildbebornathome.Jenna

hadaterribletime.Shewassosmallandthelaborwasforhours.Shefinallypassedoutas
thebabyemerged.Alittlegirl.”Ednasmiled.“Shewasbeautiful.Lookedjustlikeher
mother.”

“Shewasalive,”Nettiesaid.“Sowhylie?”

“Itwasmysister’sidea.Shethoughtitwouldbebestifthebabywasdead.”

Nettiefeltherstomachroil.“ButsurelyJennaknew.”

Ednadabbedathereyeswithalacehandkerchiefshepulledfromherapronpocket.

“She’dfaintedfromthepain,andwhenshewokeup,thebabyhadalreadybeentaken
away.”

“Youtoldherthebabyhaddied.”

“Itriedtoconvincemyselfitwasforthebest.Jennacouldputitallbehindher—justas

hermotherwanted.”

“Sothebabywasadopted,”Franksaid.

“No.Thefamilychangedtheirmind.Icouldn’tkeepthechild.Myhusbandhadalready

beendiagnosedwithcancer.Ihadmyhandsfull.ButIhadafriend.Italkedherinto
takingtheinfant.IhelpedfinanciallyandbabysatwhenIcould.Igottoseemygreat-
niecegrowup.”

“Andyounevertoldanyone,includingJenna?”Frankasked.

“Ialmostdidacoupleoftimes.Ifeltsobadlyforherthatshe’dnevergettoknowher

daughter.Itbrokemyheart.Iwouldhavetakenthatpreciouslittlething,butunderthe
circumstances,Icouldn’t.”

“Ifyounevertold,thenhowdidthefatherofthebabyfindoutthathehadachild?”

Frankasked.

“ItoldyouthatIthoughtJennahadfainted?Well,apparentlysheknewthebabyhadn’t

died.She’dgonealongwithitforyears,butonedayshecalledme.”Ednaclearedher
throat.“Bythenmygrand-niecehadgrownupandlefthere.Ithoughtmaybeitwassafe
totellJennasinceIknewshewouldn’ttellherparentsthetruth.”

“Whatdidshewanttoknow?”Nettieasked.

“Everything.Butespeciallyherdaughter’sname.Apparentlyshe’dseensomewoman

inabeautysalonandthoughtitmightbeherdaughter.”

NettieshotalookatFrank.“Wherewasthis?”

“InBillings,Montana.SoItoldherthenamewe’dgivenmygreat-niece.Margaret

Ann.That’sthenameJennasaidshewantedtogivethebabyifshewasagirlandifshe
gottokeepher.Ofcourse,shecouldn’thavekeptthechild.Shewasachildherself.”

“Andthelastnameyougavethebaby?”Nettieasked,feelingashiverrunthelengthof

herspine.

“Thompson.”

***

F

LINT

TRIED

NOT

tolookattheclockonthewall.Theywerecominguponeighty-sixhours

sinceMaggiewaslastseen.Itwasallhecouldthinkabout.Maggieoutinthisblizzard.
Snowhadbeenfallingfordaysnow.SomeoftheroadsaroundGiltEdgewereclosed.

Hewasdoinghisbesttoclingtoathreadofhope,butwitheachpassinghour,he

becamemoreterrifiedhowthiswasgoingtoend.

“I’vegotaBOLOoutonClarkTerwilligerandthebrownvanwiththeMissouri

plates,”Marksaid,interruptinghisthoughts.“Atleastnowweknowwhyhe’slookingfor
Jenna.”Helookedupfromhiscomputer.“Soyouthinkthisismoreaboutthekid?Wait.
Kid?IfJennahadtheinfantwhenshewasthirteenorfourteenandsheisnowforty-
seven…”

“Thedaughterwouldbethirty-three,”FlintsaidandheardMarkmakeasurprised

sound.HemetMark’sgazeashefeltwhatseemedlikeaboltoflightningstrikehim.

“Isn’tMaggiethirty-three?”Markasked.

Flintsatbackinhischair,goosebumpsracingacrosshisskin.He’dbeenlookingfora

connectionandithadbeenrightinfrontofhimthiswholetime?“I’vebeensoworried
aboutMaggiethatI…Isitpossible?”hesaidmoretohimselfthanMark.

“AndyourPIsbelievethatClarkhasJennaandpossiblytheirdaughter?”

Flintnodded,hisbloodrunningcoldasheheardatextcomeinonhisphone.He

glanceddownandsawthatitwasfromFrank,alongwithaphotographofagirlwithdark
hairandeyes.“OhGod,itisMaggie.”

***

M

AGGIE

STARED

AT

thewomanboundandgaggedatthesmallkitchentableasifshewas

seeingaghost.Jenna?Thewoman’shairwasnowbleachedblondandshelooked

different,buttherewasnodoubt.ItwasJennaHolloway.

Shockedandthrownoffbalance,Maggiebegantotremble,herlegsthreateningto

buckleunderher.Ifthemanhadn’tgrabbedherarm,shemighthaveslidtothefloor.

Jenna’seyeswidenedwhenshesawherandquicklyfilledwithtears.Herfacewas

badlybruised.JennaHollowayhadbeenmissingsinceMarch.Thethoughtthatshe’d
beenhelddownhereallthistimewiththisman…

“Yousithere,”themansaidasheledherovertowhatlookedlikeanadulthighchair,

onlyitwasshortandsquatandlookedcobbledtogether.Hisfingersbitintoherarmwhen
shedidn’tmovequicklyenough.“Don’tgiveDaddyahardtimenow.Youdon’twant
DaddytohurtMommyagain,doyou?”

Maggieshookherheadandsatdowninthechair,herbodyshakinglikealeafinthe

wind.Hereachedinthebackandflippedthetraypartofthechairoverherheadsoit
trappedherthere.Notthatshecouldmovebeforethat.Shefelttooshocked,helplesswith
fearandconfusion.

Jenna’sgazehadfollowedherandnowturnedtotheman,pleadinginhereyes.

“IsMommyreadytobehavenow?”themanaskedinthatannoyingsingsongtone.He

steppedovertoJenna.Shenoddedwithoutlookingathimandhereachedoverandripped
thetapefromhermouth.

Jennaletoutasmallcry,butquicklysmothereditassheraisedhergazetohis.“Don’t

hurther.Please,Clark.”

“See,that’swhyyou’vebeeninsomuchtrouble,”hesaid.“Whatiswrongwithyou?

WhywouldIhurtourpreciousdaughter?”Hesteppedtothestove.

“Areyouallright?”Jennawhispered.

AllMaggiecoulddowasnod.Theywerebothfarfromallright.Thismanwascrazy.

He’dabductedherandJennatopretendtheywereafamily?

ThemanJennahadcalledClarkcamebacktoMaggie,carryingaplatethathesetdown

infrontofher.Heputachild-sizedspoonnexttotheplate.

Tearswelledinhereyesasshesawwhatwasontheplate.Itwasachild’splasticplate

withthreesmallpilesofwhatappearedtobebabyfood.Shecouldfeelhimwaiting,feel
himgettingimpatient.Shepickedupthespoon.

Heleanedtowardherandshedideverythingshecouldnottoflinchasheplacedakiss

ontopofherhead.“That’sagoodgirl.”

“Clark,isthisreallynecessary?”

Themanshotherawarninglook.“Imissedourdaughter’sentirechildhood.Yes,Jenna,

it’snecessary.”

“SodidI.”Jennasoundedlikeshemightcry.

“Exactly.Andwhosefaultisthat?”HesuddenlyspuntowardMaggie.“Itoldyouto

eat.”

Maggiestuckthespoonintooneofthepiles,tellingherselfshecoulddothis.She

didn’twanthimhurtingJennaanymore.Shealsodidn’twanttogivehimanyreasonto
turnhiscrueltyonher,either.Butshedidn’twanttoeatthis.

Shedidn’tunderstandwhatwasgoingon.SeeingJennaherehadthrownher.Noneof

thismadeanysense.

“Ifyouareagoodgirl,Daddywillgiveyouatreat.Noweat,sweetheart.”

Maggiedidn’tthinkshewouldbeabletoswallowabite.Anythingsheputinhermouth

rightnowwasgoingtocomebackup.Butshecouldfeelhimstaringather,thatterrifying
darknesscomingintohiseyes.

“Don’tmakeDaddyhurtyou,”hesaidsoquietlythatshealmostdidn’thearhimover

thepoundingofherheart.“Orhurtyourmommy.”

Shenoddedandtookabite,fightingnottogagonwhatcouldhavebeencreamedpeas.

Asstarvedasshewas,itwasthemostvile-tastingthingshe’deveringested.

“That’sagoodgirl.Youmustbehungry.Yousleptsolong.Noweatupandshow

Mommythateverythingisgoingtobeallrightnowthatweareafamily.”

Mommyanddaddyandbaby?Goosebumpsrippledoverherskin.Shewasina

nightmarethatshefearedshewouldneverwakefrom.Whowasthiscrazymanwho’d
abductedherandtakenJenna?

Shemanagedtoswallowthespoonfulofbabyfood.Asshescoopedupsomefromthe

whitepile,sheglancedagaintowardtheopendoorwayintotherestofthebasement.It
didn’tappeartobearegularhouse.Therewastoomuchdarknessbeyond.Wherewere
they?

Andhowdidtheygetout?Sheglancedtowardthehallwaybacktoherroom.Thatmust

bewhereJennawasbeingkept.Iftherewasawayout,wouldn’tJennahavefounditby
now?Thethoughtthatthewomanmighthavebeentrappedherewiththismansinceher
disappearanceinMarchmadehershudder.

Maggiecouldn’tstandanotherhourhere,letalonethethoughtofbeingkeptherefor

months.Evenyears.

Allshecouldthinkwasthatthiswassomesickfantasyontheman’spart.Surelyhe

wouldtireofthis.Andthenwhat?

Herchesthurtfromthefearthatseizedher.Sofarhe’dbeenactingasifshewerea

childandhereallywasher…daddy.Sheshudderedatthememoryoftheslapand
swallowedthebitefromthebabyspoonasshesawthewayhewassmilingather.

Allherinstinctstoldherthatthingsweregoingtogetmuchworse.

CHAPTERSEVENTEEN

M

AGGIE

WATCHED

AS

Clarkwentbackovertothestove.Hereturnedwithasandwichfor

himselfbeforehewentaroundbehindJennaandreleasedherlefthandfromtherestraints.
WhenheputdownJenna’sdinnerinfrontofher,Maggieletoutacryofshock.

Jenna,though,merelylookeddownatthedeadmouseonherplateforamoment,then

raisedhergazetolookathimashetookhisseatagain.“Clark,howlongareyougoingto
dothis?”

“Aslongasittakes.Eatyourdinner,Mommy.Youdon’twantyourdaughtertoseeyou

punished,doyou?”

“YouknowI’mnotgoingtoeatthis,”Jennasaid.“You’rejustlookingforanexcuseto

hitme,sogetitoverwith.”

HereachedacrossthetableandbackhandedJennasohardthatshealmostfelloutofher

chairandwouldhaveifshehadn’tstillbeenpartiallyrestrained.

“Don’t!”Maggiecried.

“Seewhatyou’vedone?”hedemanded.“You’veupsetourdaughter.”Andjustas

swiftlyashe’dhitJenna,heturnedonMaggie.“Youdon’tspeakunlessyou’respokento
oryou’llgetsomeofthis.”

“No,”Jennasaid.“Don’ttakeitoutonher.”

“Whynot?”hedemanded.“Youtookeverythingfromme.Well,nowIhaveitbackand

bydamnedyou’regoingtoplayalongorI’mgoingtobeatyousenseless.Doyou
understand?”

Jennarubbedhercheek.“Itwastakenfrommeaswell,Clark,ordon’tyouwanttohear

thetruth?”

“AndnowIhaveitback.”Hesmiledthen,cheerfulagain.Hismoodswingsterrified

Maggie.Shehadnoideawhathewasgoingtodonext.Shewasn’tsurehedid.

“Wecan’tgetitback,”Jennasaid.“Andthis…thisis…ridiculousandyoumustknow

that,unlessyou’recrazierthanIremember.”

Clarklookedhurt.HeandJennahadlockedgazes.Maggiecouldhearthehumofa

motorsomewhereinthebuilding,thetremulouspoundingofherheart.Whatdidanyof
thishavetodowithher?

“Idon’tunderstandwhat’sgoingon,”shewhisperedintothedeadlysilencethathad

fallenbetweenClarkandJenna.

“Whydon’tyoutellher,Jenna?”hesaidwithoutlookingatMaggie.“Thisisallyour

fault,afterall.”

ShelookedtoMaggie,hereyesfillingwithtearsthatspilleddownhercheeks.“He’s

right.Thisismyfault.Youwouldn’tbehereifitwasn’tforme.”

Clarklaughed.“Ihadalittlesomethingtodowithitbackthen—andnow.”

Jennashothimapainedlook,thenswallowedasiftryingtofindthewords.“Thirty-

threeyearsago,Clark…”Sheglancedoverathimagain.Heshookhisheadbackand
forthveryslowly,thatmeanwarninglookbackinhiseyes.“…wehadsexandIbecame
pregnant…withyou.”

“What?”Maggiestaredather,tellingherselfallofthiswasalietoappeasethiscrazy

man.“That’snotpossible.Mymotherdied.Iwasraisedbymyaunt.”

“Thewomanwhoraisedyouwasn’tyouraunt.ShewasmyauntEdnaBurns’sbest

friend.”

Maggieblinked.Hereyesfeltitchyunderthebarebulboverhead,herthroatdry.She

feltsicktoherstomach.She’dknownanEdnaBurnsgrowingup,akindladywholived
downtheblockwho’dtaughthertobakeandsewand—

“IwasfourteenwhenIgavebirthtoyou.Idesperatelywantedtokeepyou,butmy

parentswouldneverhaveallowedit.Soeveryonewastoldthatyoudiedatbirth.Itwasa
liewealllivedwithforyears.”

Allthiswastoomuch.Maggieshookherhead.“Whyareyousayingthesethings?If

he’smakingyou—”

“Clarkdidn’tknowI’dhadababy,”Jennasaid.“Whenhefoundout…”Sheglancedin

hisdirection.“…hewasveryangryanddeterminedtofindnotjustyou,Maggie,butmeto
makeusafamily.”

“Andhedid,”Clarksaidwithalaugh.“Andnowwe’retogether,justasweshouldhave

beenallthoseyearsago.”HeglaredacrossthetableatJenna.“Ifyouhadtoldme—”

“Whatwouldyouhavedone?”Jennademanded.“Iwasfourteen,Clark.Iwenthometo

parentswhocouldn’tevenlookatme.Ilefthomeatsixteen,unabletostandanother
minuteinthathouse.”

“Youknewourbabyhadn’tdied.”

Jennalethergazedrop.“Icouldn’teventakecareofmyself.Letaloneachild.”

Hesneeredatthat.“Youcouldhavecontactedmeforhelp.”

“Right.Howmuchhelpwouldyouhavebeeninprison?”

ThemeannesscamebackintohiseyesandMaggiefearedhewouldstrikeJennaagain

inthetensesilencethatfollowed.Hermindwasracing.Allofthishadtobealieand
yet…

“Youknewaboutmewhenyoucameintomysalon?”Maggieasked,feelingbetrayed

whenshesawJenna’sguiltyexpression.“Whywouldn’tyouhavetoldmewhoyou
were?”

JennalookedagainatClark,hereyesnarrowing.“BecauseIdidn’twantClarktoknow

aboutyou.Everyonehadbeentoldthatyoudiedatbirth.Itwas…saferthatway.”

Clarkshookhishead,shovinghisplatewithhishalf-eatensandwichawayinobvious

disgust.“Safer?SaferthatIwaskeptinthedarkaboutmyownchild?”

“Youwereinprison.Myparentsdidn’twantpeopletoknowthatIwaspregnant,

especiallygiventhecircumstances,”shesaid.“I’msureevenyoucanunderstandwhy.”

“Youwantedme,”Clarkbellowedashepushedoffthetabletogettohisfeet.Thedead

mouseonJenna’splateflewoffandontothefloor.Platesclattered.

ForamomentMaggiethoughthewouldthrowhimselfacrossthetableatJenna.

“Youwantedme,”herepeatedinalowvoicestrangledwithemotion.“Ilovedyou.You

knewIlovedyou.Ifyouandmybitchofasisterhadn’tgottenmearrested,Iwouldhave
marriedyou.Wewouldhavebeenafamily.Thisfamily!”

HeswunghisgazetoMaggie.“Finishyourfood.”

Sheobeyed,quicklyscrapingherplatecleanashecametowardher,afraidofwhathe

woulddonow.Heliftedthetraytoletheroutofthechairandshestood,hergazegoingto
Jenna.

Jennawashermotherandthiscrazymanwasherfather?Hermindreeled.Itwasn’t

possible.Justwhenshethoughtthenightmarecouldn’tgetanyworse.

“Saygood-nighttoyourmommy,”Clarksaid.

Herthroatconstrictedandforamomentshecouldn’tgetthewordsout.Shelookedat

Jenna,silentlypleadingwithhertotellthetruthandnotmakeupthingstoappeasethis
man.

ButashergazemetJenna’s,shesawthatthiswasthetruth.

Maggielookedaway.Theyhadtogetoutofthere.Butitseemedhopelessgiventhat

theywerebothcaptivesofamadmanwhowantedtoplayhouse.

“Goodnight,Mommy,”shesaidasClarkgrabbedherarm,hisfingertipsbitingintoher

flesh.

“That’smygoodgirl.”

Ashesteeredhertowardherroom,Jennabegantocryingut-wrenchingsobs.

“Pleasedon’thurther,”Jennacalledafterhim.“Please,Clark.I’lldowhateveryou

want.”

***

W

HEN

F

RANK

CALLED

,thenewsnolongercameasashock.“MaggieisJenna’sdaughter,”

Franksaid.“That’stheconnection,alongwiththebrownvan.Also,ItalkedtoClark
Terwilliger’ssisterDanaagain,hopingshemightknowofaplacehewouldtakethem.”

FlinthadbeenhitbysomuchsincethatphonecallfromMaggiesayingshewas

movingin.“Didshecomeupwithanything?”

“Notyet.Butwe’llkeeptrying.We’recheckingoutsomeplacesaroundhere,”Frank

said.

“Thankyou.”HedisconnectedandlookedtoMark.“WehavetofindTerwilliger.”

“Wehaven’tgottenahitonhisbrownvaneventhoughwehavetheplatenumbernow,”

Marksaid.“He’sholdingthemsomewhere.Otherwise,hewouldhavesurfacedbynow.”

OrtheywerebothdeadandTerwilligerhaddumpedthevan,gottenanotherrideand

wasonthemovefarfromthere.

“He’sgonetoalotoftroubletofindJenna—andtheirdaughter,”theundersheriffsaid,

clearlytryingtoassurehim.“Hewouldn’tdothatjusttokillthem.”

Flintrakedahandthroughhishair.“Ihopeyou’reright.Atsomepoint,theyaregoing

tobecomemoretroublethanthey’reworth,though.”

“Atleastnowweknowtheconnection.Youhadnoidea?”

“None,”thesheriffsaid.“Maggiecouldn’thaveknown.WhenJennawentmissing,she

wouldhavesaidsomething.Shewouldhaveshownmoreconcern.”

“Iguesswewon’tknowuntilwefindthem.JennadisappearedbeforeMaggiewas

taken.Wherearoundherecouldhehidethemandhimself?”

***

M

AGGIE

LET

C

LARK

takeherbackintothebedroomandhelpherintohercage.She’d

thoughtabouttryingtogetaway,buthewastoobigandstrongforher.Evenifshecould
escapehim,therewasJenna.Butthebiggestreasonfornottryinganythingwasthestrong
feelingthathewasexpectingit.

She’dseenthewayhe’dslappedJenna.HelikedtohurtpeopleandJennawasafraidhe

wantedtohurtthedaughterhe’dsaidhe’dwantedsobadly.

Thatthoughtsentadaggertoherheart.ShetoldherselfthatJennacouldn’tbeher

motherbecausethatwouldmeanthatClarkwasherfather.Sheshudderedatthethought,
sincefromwhatJennahadtriednottosayoutright,MaggieknewthatClarkhadforced
himselfonher.

Butitansweredalotofherquestionsgrowingup.Thatfeelingofbeingflawed.Of

peopletalkingbehindherback.TheyknewaboutJenna’spregnancy,abouttherape.They
knewthatClark’sbloodranthroughherveins.

Thethoughtmadehershudderagainashelockedherinandleft,closingthedoor

behindhim.Shelistened,hopinghedidn’thurtJennaanymorethanhealreadyhad.But
shedidn’thearanything.Noraisedvoices.Nocries.Nosoundforalongtimeuntilshe
heardadoorslam.Shortlyafterthat,thelightswentoutandwhatevermadethathumming
soundwentout,aswell.Agenerator?

Exhaustedandstillhungry,shelaydownonthebed,curlingintoafetalposition,

feelinglikeachildagain.She’dneverfeltloveduntilFlint.Thatthoughtbroughtthetears
she’dmanagedtoholdbackduringdinner.

Andnowshemightneverseehimagain.

Ittoreherheartout.

WhenClarkdidn’treturnatthesoundofhercrying,sheletitallout.Sobbingforwhat

mighthavebeen.Sobbingoutherfearandherregrets.Cryingmostlyforthechildhood
shecouldhavehad—butdidn’t.Lifecouldbesounfair.She’dalwaysjustpulledupher
bootstraps,determinednottoletitgetherdown.Butthis?

Finally,shecouldn’tcryanymore.Shesatupsniffling.Thatwaswhensheheardit.A

scratchingsound,thenavoice.

“Maggie?Canyouhearme?”

Sheturnedtolookattheventnearthefloornexttoherbed.Thememoryofhearing

someoneelsecryingrushedbackather.Shewipedhereyesandlaydownonthebedso
shewasclosertothevent.“Icanhearyou.”

“I’msosorry.”

Maggiewastoochokeduptoanswerforamoment,heremotionsallovertheplace.“I

stilldon’tunderstandwhyyoudidn’ttellme,”shesaidfinally.

“Iwas…ashamed.Andyouweredoingsowellatthesalon.Iwassoproudofyou.”

Shehadtoswallowthelumpinherthroat.She’dneverheardthosewordsfromthe

womanwho’draisedher.Nowsherealizedthatthewomanshe’dthoughtwasheraunt
hadalwayslookedathersidewaysasifwaitingforhertoturnoutlikeherfather.

“Doyouknowwhereweare?”Maggieasked.

“No.Iwasoutmostofthedrive.”

“Whatarewegoingtodo?”Hervoicebroke.

“Ihaveaplan,butI’mgoingtoneedyourhelp.”

“Anything.Justtellmewhattodo.”

“Shh,”Jennawhispered.“He’scomingback.”

***

M

ARK

HAD

GONE

homethismorningtochangeclotheswhenhegotthecallthataletter

withnoreturnaddress,nostamp,hadapparentlybeenleftforhim.He’dbeenwondering
whenhewasgoingtohearfromthekidnapperagain.

Hegrabbedaquickbite,sincehe’dprettymuchbeenlivingatthesheriff’sdepartment

andhadn’tbeenhomeindays.

Asheatestandingupinthekitchen,hethoughtaboutFlintandMaggie.He’dbeenso

happywhenhe’drealizedthesheriffhadfalleninlove.Everyoneintownknewaboutthe
sheriff’sfirstmarriageandthetroublehe’dhadwithCelestesincethen.Markhadthought
thatFlintwasfinallygoingtogetachanceforhappiness.

Beingaconfirmedbachelorhimself,hehadwonderedhowlovewouldchangeFlint.

Nowheknew.Lovehaddefinitelytakenthestarchoutoftheman.HavingMaggie
abductedhadleftFlintbereft.Hetriedtoimaginelovingawomanwiththatkindof
intensityandcouldn’t.Maybeitwasjustaspeoplesaid,thathehadn’tmettheright
womanyet.

Hescoffedatthatashefinishedhissandwich,anxioustogetbacktotheofficeand

opentheletterthathadbeenleftforhim.Ashedrovebacktowork,hehopedtheletter
writerandthekidnapperwereoneandthesameandthatFlintCahillgotthehappyending
hesodeserved.

Unfortunately,he’dbeeninlawenforcementlongenoughtoknowthathappyendings

oftenonlyhappenedinfairytales.

Hisofficecalledagain.DeputyHarperColeneededtoseehimimmediately.Heswore

andsaidhewasonhisway.

Athisoffice,hecarefullyopenedtheletterandreadthecontentsbeforeturningitover

tooneofthelabtechstocheckforfingerprints.IfthesewerecomingfromClark
Terwilliger,thentheymightbeabletofindsomeofhisDNA.AndsincehisDNAwas
availablebecauseofallhisrun-inswiththelaw…

Butallofthattooktime.

Herereadthecopyofthenotehe’dmade,thankfultoseethatadropsiteanddateand

timehadbeenincluded.Tonighthewouldfindoutwhowasbehindtheransomdemand.

MarkcalledFlintandcaughthimbeforehelefthisbrotherandsister’ssaloon.“I’m

goingtoneedsomemoney—notallofthefifty-thousand-dollardemand.Justenoughto
catchakidnapper.”

“Whereisthedrop?”Flintasked.

“Sorry.Ican’tletyouinonthis.”

“When?”Flintasked.

“Tonight.Soonewayoranother,itwillbeoversoon.”

“Ifit’shimandhe’sarrested,thenwhathappenstoMaggieandJennaifherefusesto

tellwheretheyare?”

“Don’tbuytrouble.Thiscouldbewhatweneedtofindthem.”

“Ornot.”

Markcouldhearthepaininhisfriend’svoice.“Atleastnowwe’reprettysurewhohas

Maggieandwhy.We’regoingtofindthem.Youhavetokeepbelievingthat.”

“I’mtrying,butasthedaysgoby…”

“Iknow.Maybeyoucouldhaveoneofyourbrothersbringthemoneyby.Stayaway,

okay?I’llcallyoulater.”

***

F

LINT

COULDN

’

T

STAND

tositaroundandwaitforthecall.Itwasstillearlyintheday.His

brothershadpromisedtogetthemoneytoMark.Hecouldn’tbearsimplykillingthehours
untiltheransomdrop.He’ddonetoomuchwaiting.HehadtolookforMaggie.IfClark
wasthekidnapper,thenhewouldhavetoleaveMaggieandJennatocomepickupthe
money.Itwouldbetheperfecttimetogetthemoutwhilehewasgone.

ButhehadnoideawhereClarkmightbeholdingthem.Thewinterstormhaddumped

overafootandahalfofsnow.Manyoftheroadswereimpassable,severalclosedto
throughtraffic.

“Maybethat’swhyClark’svanhasn’tbeenseen,”hesaidtohimselfasheleftthe

saloonandclimbedintohispickup.“Maybehecan’tgetout.Whichmeanshecan’tget
outforsupplies,either.”Buthowcouldhepickuptheransommoneyifhewastheone
who’dsentthekidnappingdemand?

Hetriednottothinkaboutthatashelookedtothemountains.Thesimplestexplanation

wasthatClarkhadtheminahousesomewhere.Hecouldhaverentedone.Butthatwould
havetakensomeplanninginadvance.Also,itwouldleaveapapertrail.

Hetriedtothinklikeamandeterminedtokidnaphisdaughterandthewomanhe

professedtolove.OnceClarkknewwhereJennawas,itwasjustamatterofabductingher
andtakinghertowhereverheplannedtokeepthebothofthem.Flintremindedhimself
thathewasassumingClarkwouldhavewantedtokeepthembothalive.Atleastfora
while.

OnceClarkhadJenna,hewouldwanttoputherunderlockandkeyasquicklyas

possiblesohecouldgotoGiltEdgeandgetMaggie.

Hisheartbegantopoundalittlefaster.Hewouldn’tdriveJennaallthewaybacktoGilt

Edge.Toomuchofachancesomeonemightseeherboundinthebackofhisvan,
especiallyifshewasconscious.No,hewouldwantaplaceclosetoSheridan,whereJenna
hadbeenstayingwithKurtReiner.

Allthistime,FlinthadbeenlookingaroundGiltEdge.Ifhewasright,Maggieand

JennawerebeingheldclosertoSheridan.Hetoldhimselfthatheshouldwaituntilhe
heardfromMarktonight,buthewouldgocrazywaitingforthecall.

Heswungbytheranchandthrewsomeclothesandsuppliesintoaduffelbag,andthen,

takinghisrifleandseveralsmallfirearms,heheadedforthedoor.

“Ihatetoask,”hisbrotherCyrussaidwhenhesawhimcomeoutthedoorwiththe

rifle.

“I’mgoinglookingforMaggie.”

Hawkcameupfromthebarnjustthen.“Weshouldgowithyou.”

“No,”Flintsaid.“Iappreciateit.Butit’stoodangerous.Ican’tinvolveyou.It’senough

thatyou’veputtheranchuptoraisetheransom.Anyway,youneedtostayhereandtake
themoneytoMark.”

Theybothstartedtoargue.

“Ineedyoubothheretomakesurethattherestofthefamilyissafe,”hesaid.“Alsoto

getmeoutofjailifIcallsinceIhavenoauthoritytobedoingwhatI’mabouttodo.”

Cyruslaughed.“Anyoneseenmyby-the-bookbrotherFlint?”hejoked.“Youknow,the

onewho’sarrestedourfatherhowmanytimes?Idon’tknowaboutyou,Hawk,butIlike
thisnewFlintCahill.Also,Ihavetoadmit,thereissomethingaboutseeinghimbehind
barsthathasitsappeal.”

Hawkshookhisheadathisbrotherasifthiswasn’tthetimeforhumor.“Callifyou

needhelp.Youdon’talwayshavetodothingsalone.”

Flintplacedahandonhisbrother’sshoulder.“Iknow.I’llcall.Marksaidyouwere

bringinghimtheransommoney?Thanksagain.”

Hebrushedpastthem,wadingthroughthedeepsnowtohispickup.Itwasasix-hour

drivetoSheridanandhehadnoideawheretolookwhenhegotthere.Hejusthada
feelinginhisgutthattoldhimhewasontherighttrackandthathe’dknowwhathewas
lookingforwhenhesawit.

CHAPTEREIGHTEEN

H

ARP

PULLED

OUT

hisphonewithhislefthandandfumbledwithituntilheheardit

ringing.He’dtakentheundersheriff’sadviceandstayedawayfromVickibuthewastired
ofstayingaloneinamotelroom.Itwastimetogohome.Ifhestillhadahometogoto.

“Hello?”Vickiansweredinherusualtentative,quietway.

Todayitannoyedthehelloutofhim.“It’sme,”hesaidasifshedidn’tknowthat.

Silence.“Sowhatwasthatabouttheothernight?”

“Weneedtotalk.”

“Apparentlyso.Ithoughtyouwantedtogetmarried,givethisbabyaname.I

thought…”Ohno,shewasn’tcryingagain,wasshe?“Look,I’llcomehomeifyouaren’t
goingtoloseitagain.”

“Iwon’t,”shesaidandsniffled.

“Okay,I’monmyway.”Ashehungup,hewashavinghisdoubts.Didhereallywant

tomarrythiswoman?Didhereallywanttogetmarriedatall?Hethoughtabouthisjob.
He’ddonegoodwithGaryLong,evenifhehadbeenreprimandedforthewayhe’dgone
aboutit.Hecouldbesheriff.Hecouldbeanythinghewanted.

Buthe’dlikeawomanwaitingforhimathomewhoappreciatedhim.Notonehe’d

havetoworryaboutwhenhewalkedinthedoor.HequestionedifVickiwasstableand
whatthatwouldmeanfortheirkid.

Hethoughtaboutthethingsthatdrovehimcrazyabouther.He’dneverknownwhata

cleanfreakshewasuntilonhisdayoffhe’dhadtosittherewatchingherscrub.Hetold
himselfitmusthavesomethingtodowiththosehormonesshewastalkingaboutbecause
whenshewasn’tcleaningshewascrying.Beforethat,thehousewasatotaldisasterand
shewasthrowingup.Wastherenohappymediumwiththatwoman?

Eitherway,hewasn’tsurehowmuchmorehecouldtakeasheparkedoutfrontofthe

apartment,tookadeepbreathandclimbedoutofhistruck.

***

V

ICKI

DRIED

HER

eyesassheheardHarp’sheavytreadonthestairs.Shepromisedherself

shewouldn’tlosecontrolagainassheglancedtowardtheruinedbathroomdoor.
Listening,sheheardhimturnhiskeyinthelock.Thedooropenedandthefirstthingshe
sawwashishaggardface.Thenhergazewenttothecastonhishand.

Sheleapedupandwenttohim.“Isitbroken?”

Henodded.“SinceIcan’tshootagun,Markputmeonleave.”Hetossedhishatonthe

coffeetableashemovedpastherintotheapartment.

“I’msorry.”Shewipedherdamppalmsonthethighsofherjeans.“It’sallmyfault.”

Heturnedtolookather,andforamoment,shethoughthewasgoingtoagree.“No,I

wastheonewholostit.Vicki,whathappened?Iwassoexcitedabouttheringandasking
youtomarryme.”

“Iwas…overwhelmed.ItwaswhatI’dwantedforsolong,butwhenitactually

happened…”Shecouldfeelhisconfusedgazeonher.Tellhimthetruth.She’donlymade
thingsworsetheothernight.“It’sthehormones,”sheheardherselfsay.“I’mnotmyself.”

Hesteppedtoherandtookherlefthandinhis.Thetoo-largeringhadslidaroundher

finger.Hestraighteneditsothediamondwasup.“We’llgetitsized,”hesaid.“Igotthe
smallestsizetheyhad.Butitwillbeallright.”Hemethergaze.“We’regoingtobea
family,youandmeandthebaby.”

Shenodded,unabletospeakaroundthehugelumpinherthroat.Tellhimthetruth.

“Weshouldsetadate,”hesaid.“Youknow,togetmarried.We’llkeepitsmallbecause

I’veheardweddingsarerealexpensive.Butyoushouldgetanicedress.Maybenot
white,”hesaidwithalaughandquicklysobered.“Unlessyouwantwhitebecauseyoucan
havewhateveryouwant.”Hedrewherintoahug.

Shecouldn’tbreathe.Hertongueseemedrootedtothetopofhermouth.

“Iloveyou,Vicki,asnutsasyoumakeme.”

***

T

HE

WIND

WHIRLED

thefreshlyfallensnow,obliteratingeverythinginfrontofthepickup.

Flintgrippedthewheel,swearingsilentlyashetriedtoseethehighway.He’dbeen
drivingtoofast,feelinganurgencybornofknowingnowwhohebelievedhadMaggie.
ClarkTerwilligerwasacriminalwitharapsheetaslongasFlint’sarm,nottomentionthe
manwasapparentlyoutforrevenge.

Hecaughtglimpsesofthehighwaythroughwhathecalled“snowsnakes”asthewind

blewthesnowacrossthepavementinhypnotizingstripes.Speedingup,heglancedathis
navigationsystem.HewasstillsomemilesfromSheridan,buthewantedtotaketheback
roadin,startingwithaplacecalledDecker,Montana.

Theexitcameupfast.Hehithisbrakes,skiddingalittleontheicyroad,butgettingthe

pickupbackintocontrolasheturnedoff.Thesnowhadfrozentothepavement,makingit
moreslickthanitlooked.

NowthathewasofftheinterstateanddrivingalongtheTongueRiver,thewindwasn’t

quiteasbad.Thenarrowroadwassnowcoveredandicy,andhedroveslowlysohecould
lookforwhateveritwashethoughthe’dknowwhenhefoundit.Anoldbarnwithtracks
intoit?Anabandonedhouse?Anyplaceouthereawayfromeverythingwhereaman
couldholdtwowomenandnotbeheardorseen,forthatmatter.

Fromthesnowonthisroad,itwasclearthatitgotlittleuse.Butheremindedhimself

thattherecouldbeadozenroadslikeitaroundSheridan.Exceptthisonewasstillin
Montana.ForamanlikeTerwilliger,who’dspentmostofhisadultlifebehindbars,he
wouldknowthattakingMaggieacrossstatelineswouldbeafederaloffense.Notthatit
mightmakeadifferencetohimatthispoint.

Flintsawoneoldbuildingafteranother,butnotracksinthesnowindicatingthat

anyonehadbeeninoroutofthepropertysincewinterhadbegun.Heremindedhimself
thatTerwilligerhadn’tbeenonthemoveinthevanorhewouldhavebeenspotted.But
outhereintheboonies,hedoubtedanyoneevenknewhewaswantedbythelaw.

Themanwouldonlygetcaughtifhewentintotown.Itwasafternoonandhewouldbe

losinglightsoon.FlintwasthinkinghewaswrongaboutTerwilligerstayinginMontana
whenhesawabuildingaheadthroughtheblowingsnow.Theoldroadhouselookedasifit
hadlongsincebeenclosed.Mostofthewindows,aswellasanoldloading-dockentryat
basementlevel,hadbeenboardedup.

Heslowed,seeingwhatappearedtobeanoldtwo-cargarageintheback.Hisheart

begantopoundevenbeforehesawthevehicletracksthroughthesnowintotheout-of-
the-wayproperty.Itwasallhecoulddonottogoracingin,gunsblazing.Ashedroveby,
henoticedthetracksinfrontofthegaragewheresomeonehadbeenusingit.Tohidea
brownvan?

Hedroveonuptheroadtoaspotwherehecouldturnaround,hisheartinhisthroat.All

hisinstinctstoldhimthatMaggiewasinthatbuilding.MaggieandJenna?AndClark
Terwilliger?OrwasheinGiltEdgecollectingthefifty-thousand-dollarransom?

***

“M

AGGIE

?”J

ENNA

WHISPERED

throughthevent.“Iheardavehiclebutitwasn’thim

comingbackagain.”

Shequicklylaydownonthebedbesidetheoldheatvent.“I’mhere.”Itgaveher

comfort,thesoundofJenna’svoicethroughtheventandknowingshewasn’talone.

Clarkhadcomebackearlierwithaburgerandfriesforher.He’dallowedhertousethe

bathroomunderthestairs.Itwassmallandtherewasnowindow,nowaytoescape.But
then,he’dknownthat,hadn’the?

“Daddyhassomethinghehastodo.IwantyouandMommytobeverygoodwhileI’m

gone,”he’dsaid.“WhenIcomebackImighthaveanothersurpriseforyou.”

Maggiehadalreadydecidedthatshedidn’tlikehisbrandofsurprises.“Whatkindof

surprise?”she’ddaredask.

“Wemightbeleavinghere,”he’dsaid,buthadavoidedhergaze.

She’dfeltatremormovethroughher.Hadhealreadygottentiredofplayinghousewith

them?Surelyhewasn’tsocrazynottorealizethatshewasagrownwoman,notthechild
he’dlost.OrhadthisactbeenmerelytotortureJenna?

Afterhe’dleftheralone,she’dgobbleddowntheburgerandfries.Neitherwasfroma

fast-foodrestaurant,soshesuspected,giventhathehadn’tbeengonelongthelasttime
he’dleft,thattheburgersandfrieshadcomefromacaféorbarcloseby.

Atleastitwasacluetowheretheywere.Helpmightnotbethatfaraway.Notthatshe

hadanyideawhereshewas.Shewasn’tevensureshewasstillinMontana.

“Areyouallright?”Jennaaskednowthroughthevent.

“I’vebeenbetter,butthefoodhelped.Didhebringsomeforyou?”

“I’mfine.Idon’twantyouworryingaboutme.”

Butshewasworried.“Hesaidwemightbeleavinghere.”

TherewasnosoundfromJenna.Apparentlyshetooworriedthatthenewswasn’tgood.

Nowshelaylisteningtothesoundofherheart.Clarkhadturnedoffthelightsagain,

pitchingthemintoblackness.Shehadnoideaifitwasdayornight.Itwasdisorientingif
sheletherselfthinkaboutit.Insteadshethoughtabouther…parents.“Didyouwantto
keepme?”Thewordswereoutbeforeshecouldstopthem.

“Ohyes.Evenwiththewayithadhappened,megettingpregnant,Iwantedyou.ButI

wasfourteenandtherewasnowaymyparentsweregoingtoletthathappen.I’msosorry.
Wasyourchildhood…awful?”

“No.Juststrange.IunderstandnowwhyIwouldcatchthewomanIthoughtwasmy

auntwatchingmeasifshethoughtImightgrowtwoheadsatanymoment.”Butthis
wasn’twhatshewantedtotalkabout.“Jenna,yousaidyouhadaplantogetusoutof
here.”

“It’sdangerous.”

Maggiealmostlaughed.“ComparedtobeingherewithClark.”Shedidn’tknowhim,

yetevenshecouldtellthathewasgoingtoloseitatsomepoint.Becauseofthat,she
couldseeonlyonewaythiswouldendanditwasn’twithhimmovingthemtosomewhere
nicer.“Tellme.I’lldowhateverIhavetotogetoutofhere.”

***

F

LINT

PARKED

DOWN

theroadandquicklydressedinawarmcoat,takingtheweaponshe’d

broughtbutleavingbehindtherifle.Itwouldbetoocumbersome.Also,ifheraninto
ClarkTerwilligerontheproperty,itwouldn’tbeatadistance.

Asthelightbegantofade,hewalkedbackuptheroadanddroppeddown,trudging

throughthedeepsnowasheapproachedthebackofthegarage.Hisbreathcameoutinicy
whitepuffsashebustedthroughonedriftafteranother.He’dthoughtaboutstayingonthe
roadlonger,buthecouldn’tchancethathemightbespotted.

Evenwiththewhirlingsnow,hefiguredTerwilligercouldbewatching.Iftheman

wasn’tinGiltEdgecollectingtheransom,thenhecouldbeinsidetheoldroadhouse.It
wasimpossibletoknowuntilhereachedthegaragetoseeifhisvanwasinthere.

Evenashethoughtit,heremindedhimselfthatthismightbeawetandcoldwild-goose

chasethatwouldonlyleavehimexhaustedandhorriblydisappointed.Aranchercouldbe
usingthegaragetostorehistractor.Andyet,whenhethoughtofthetracksintothe
roadhouse,hefeltthatshiverofanticipation.Someonehadcomeoutseveraltimesinthe
lastfewdays.Notaranchercheckinghistractor.

Thewindwhirledsnowintohisfaceandforamomenthewasblinded.Hetuckedhis

headdown,stoppingtoletitpass,beforehelookedupagain.Hewasalmosttothegarage.
Justafewmoreyards.

Hehadthesuddenimpulsetoruninhisneedtohurry,butitwouldbeawasteofenergy

inthedeepsnow.Hefeltthedayslippingaway.Buthecouldstillseewellbecauseofthe
brightnessofthewhitesnowathisfeet.

Whenhereachedthebackofthegarage,hepulledouthisflashlighttopeerinthrough

oneofthebrokenwindows.He’dhopedtofindabrownvansittinginthefreezing-cold
garage.Insteadhesawthatitwasempty.Butithadbeenused.Hecouldseethetracksin
andout.Andithadbeendrivenintomorethanafewtimes.

Withaburstofhope,herealizedthatifhewasright,Terwilligerwasn’therenow.If

MaggieandJennawereintheoldroadhousealone…Movingwithevenmorepurpose,he
headedforthebackofthebuilding,followingfreshtracksinthesnowwheresomeonehad
comeandgonenumeroustimesduringthestorm.

Ashenearedtheback,hesawthatsomeonehadputanewpadlockandlatchonit.His

heartraced.Maggieisinthere.

Flintalmostcalledouthernamebutitwouldhavebeenquicklystolenbythewind.

Instead,hetookouthispocketknifeandwenttoworkonthenewlatch.Hecouldfeeltime
slippingthroughhisfingers.Terwilligercouldcomebackatanytime.Hecouldhavesent
someoneelsetopickuptheransom.Ormaybeworse,hadnoplantoevercomeback.
MaggieandJennacouldhavebeenleftsomewhereinsidethisbuildingtodie.Oralready
bedead.

Thelatchbroke.Hetossedthelockaside,remindinghimselfthatifTerwilligerdid

comeback,therewouldbenosurprisinghim.Hewouldseethetracks.Hewouldseethe
brokenlatch.Hewouldknowhe’dbeenfound.

Flintopenedthedoorandpeeredin,seeingnothingbutcolddarkness.Helistened.

Hearingnothing,heturnedonhisflashlightandsteppedinside.

***

T

HE

UNDERSHERIFF

STARED

throughhisbinocularsattheransomdropspot,worryingit

wouldsoonbegettingtoodarkforhimtosee.He’dtriedtocallFlintearlieronlytofind
outthathe’dlefttown.Again.

Wherehadhegonethistime?TheDCIhadputhimonpaidleave.Hewasn’tsupposed

tobeinvestigatingeventhoughithadbecomeprettyclearwhoprobablyhadMaggie—
andwhy.

Still…Worse,thiswholeransomdemandseemedtobeabust.Heloweredthe

binocularslongenoughtoglanceatthetime.Theallegedkidnapperwaslate.

Thedropsitewasinacityparkthathadalotofpinetrees.Heassumedthatwaswhy

theallegedkidnapperhadchosenit.Butitwasarookiemovesincegettingoutofthepark
wouldbeaproblem.Rightnow,therewerepeoplewatchingfromhousesonallsides.
Therewasnowaythepersoncouldgetawaywiththemoney—unlesshewassomehow

missedinthedarkness.

Flint’sbrothersHawkandCyrushadshownupwiththefiftythousanddollars.Mark

hadn’twantedtousethatmuch,butthey’dargued.

“Let’snottakeanychances,”Cyrushadsaid.“MybrotherisinlovewithMaggie.He’s

planningtoaskhertomarryhim.Ifthismoneymightsaveher…”

Givingup,Markhadtakenit,thankedthemandstartedtosendthemontheirway.

“Look,weknowyou’reshortstaffed,”Hawkhadsaid.“Letushelp.”

He’dstartedtoexplainthathecouldn’tdothat,whenCyrushadsaid,“Youneedus.I

knowyougobythebookjustlikemybrother,butthisisMaggiewe’retalkingabout.”

Hawkhadagreed.“Youneedtodeputizeus.Justfortonight.”

Markknewwhathewassayingmadesense.“I’lltellyouwhat.Thedropsiteissuch

thatIcoulduseeyesandearsfromoneofthehousesacrosstheway.However,Ican’t
haveanyheroiccrapgoingdown.Icandeputizethetwoofyou.Butifyouseesomething
tonightatthedropsite,youcallme,understood?Noplayingheroes.”They’dbothagreed,
maybealittletooreadily.

Butithadallbeenfornothing,Markthoughtashestaredthroughhisbinocularsatthe

bagofmoneyhe’dleftbytheparkbenchasdarknessdescended.Theallegedkidnapper
wasn’tgoingtoshow.

Hewasabouttocallit,whenhesawmovement.Hefocusedinasapersondressedin

darkclothingcameoutofthetrees,grabbedthebagandran.

***

F

LINT

TOOK

TWO

stepsinsidetheoldroadhouse,letthedoorclosequietlybehindhimand

stoodlistening.Heheardnothingbuthisownracingheartthunderinginhischest.Helet
thebeamofhisflashlightskitteroverthewornlinoleumfloorandsawthatheappearedto
haveenteredthebacksideofthekitchen.Offtohisrighthecouldseewhatwasleftofan
oldcommercialdishwasher.Thereweresomeplatesandcups,mostofthembrokenonthe
floor,andwhatlookedlikeamenustucktothefloorunderlayersofgrime.

Totheleftwasahallwaythatledtothediningroom.Theplacewashuge,buthe’dseen

thatfromtheoutside.IfMaggiewashere,shecouldbeanywhere.Hemoveddownthe
hallway,tellinghimselfhecouldn’tbesurethatTerwilligerhadn’tparkedhisvan
somewhereelse.Ifhewasinthebuildingandheardhimcoming…OrTerwilligercould
havegonetocollecttheransomandleftsomeonewithMaggieandJenna.Someonewho
hadalreadyheardFlintbreakthelocktogetintothebuilding.

Flintcouldn’tbearthethoughtofgettingthiscloseonlytohaveMaggieandJennabe

killednow.Heslowedhisfootsteps,noticingawomen’sbathroom,thenamen’s.
Someonehadleftachairbythewomen’sbathroomdoor.

Asheshonehisflashlightbeamtowardthefrontofthebuilding,hesawanevenlarger

diningroomwithsomerandomfurniture.

Turning,healmostmissedit.Therewasathirddoor.Hehadthoughtitwasastorage

room,butashisflashlightbeamskitteredoverthewornfloor,henoticedfootprintsinthe
dust.His—andsomeoneelse’s.Thesecondsetofprintshadcomeandgonenumerous
times.Theprintsstoppedatthethirddoor.

Hetriedtheknob.

CHAPTERNINETEEN

“S

HH

,”J

ENNA

SAID

SUDDENLY

.“IthinkIheardhim.”Shefrowned.“ButIdidn’thearhis

vanthistime.”

Maggieheldherbreath,listening.Aboveher,shethoughtsheheardafloorboardgroan

undertheweightofaboot.Beforethat,Jennahadlaidoutherplanfortheirescape.

“Clarkmightleavethekeystohisvaninit.Orhemighthavethemonhim.Youwill

needthose.You’llhavetocheckhispockets.Oncehe’sdown,nomatterwhathappens,
youhavetogetthekeysiftheyareonhimandmakearunforit.Doyouunderstand?”

“No,Ican’tleaveyouherewithhim,especiallyafteryou’vestruckhimwith

something.Yousaidyourselfthatyoudoubtedyoucanhithimhardenoughtoknockhim
out,possiblynotevenknockhimdown.”

“ButifIdistracthimandyougetthekeysandrun—”

“Jenna,no.Therehastobeanotherway.He’ll…he’llkillyou.”

“Ijusthavetomakesurethatyou’resafe.That’sallIcareabout,Maggie.Please,in

orderforthistowork,youhavetogetthekeysandgetaway.I’mnotsurehowlongIcan
holdhimoff.”

“Maybeifwewait—”

“Wecan’t.Iknowthisman.He’sgettingtiredofthis,justlikehewouldhavegotten

tiredofhavingawifeandchild.Atsomepoint,heisn’tgoingtocomeback.He’sgoingto
leaveusheretodie.Ormaybeworse.”

NowasMaggieheldherbreathandlistened,shepickedupthesoundofsomeone

walkingonthefloorabovethemandknewJennawasright.Forsomereasonhewas
sneakingbackhere.Thismightbetheirlastchancebecausenexttimemightbethelast
timeforbothofthem.

***

“E

YES

PEELED

,”M

ARK

saidintohisradio.“Perphasbagandisontherun.”Hequickly

textedHawk,thenstartedhispatrolSUVandwithlightsflashingheadedforthepark
belowhim.

HefoundhimselfhopinglikehellthatthemanwasClarkTerwilliger.Ifitwasjust

somecreepaftermoney…Hewasalmosttothepark.

“Gothim!”cameadeputyoverhisradio.“Perpisdownonthesouthsideofthepark.”

Racingtothatsideofthepark,heleapedout,seeingthattherehadbeenastruggle.One

ofhisdeputieswascuffingamanontheground,butHawkandCyruswerebothcovered
withsnowandstandingovertheman.Bothweregrinningalittletoobroadly.

“Cowboys,”hesaidunderhisbreathwithashakeofhisheadasheapproachedthem.

Heknewheshouldn’thavebeensurprised.Ashereachedthem,hesaid,“Letmeguess.

Youchasedhimdown.”

Hawklaughed.“SurprisedmethatIcanstillrunlikethat.”

“Butyouwouldn’thavebeenabletohangontohimifIhadn’thelpedyou,”Cyrus

pointedout.

Markshookhishead,unabletonotgrin.Thecountyneededitsforcebackandsoon.

WithbothFlintandHarpnowoutofcommission…“Eitherofyouknowwhereyour
brotherFlintis?”heaskedashepickedupthebagtheperphaddropped.

Bothshooktheirheads,althoughhegotthefeelingthattheyknewmorethantheywere

willingtotellhim.WherehadFlintgonealone?Itworriedhim.He’dworkedwiththe
manforyears.Heknewhowdeterminedhecouldbe.WithMaggiebeingtheone
missing…

“ComebymyofficetomorrowandI’llreleaseyourmoney,”hesaidtothepair.“And

tellFlinttocallmewhenyouhearfromhim.”

Asheturnedaway,thedeputymakingthebustliftedtheallegedkidnappertohisfeet

andbeganreadinghimhisrights.Markgothisfirstlookattheman.

***

F

LINT

STOPPED

IN

frontofthedoorandlistened.Still,hecouldn’thearanythingoverhis

ownpoundingheart.Thehairsroseonthebackofhisneck.Heturned,halfexpectingto
seeTerwilligersneakinguponhim.

Buttherewasnothinginthehallwayexceptforhissnowyboottracksinthedust.He

turnedtheknob,tellinghimselfthattimewasrunningout.IfTerwilligerwasbehindthe
ransomdemand,hecouldhaveanaccomplicepickingitupandcouldreturnatany
moment.

Thedoorswungopenwithagroan.Heshonehisflashlightdownthestepsintothe

basement,noticingthefootprintsinthedust.Aterriblefeelingfilledhim.Whatifthey
weren’thereanymore?WhatifTerwilligerhadmovedthem?That,herealized,wouldbe
betterthanfindingthembothdowntheredead.

Hetookastep,remindinghimselfthatthemancouldbeexpectinghim.Thiscouldbea

trap.Thewoodenstairgroanedunderhisweight.Hetookanother.Hewasalmosttothe
bottombeforehecouldseeanyofthehugebasement.Heshonehisflashlightaroundwhat
appearedtobeamazeofstoragecratesandboxes,oldfurnitureandgarbagebagsfilled
withwhoknewwhat.Narrowpathscutthroughthecatacomb.

Asthebeamofhisflashlightshonetotheleft,hesawthatpartofthebasementhad

beenclosedoffwithwalls—andadoor.Hemovedtowarditandtriedtheknob.Asthe
doorswungopen,hemovedtothesideandpeeredintowhatappearedtobea1950s
kitchen.Pastit,hesawashorthallwayandtwomoredoors.

Atsometime,peoplehadliveddownhere?Werestilllivinghere?

Gundrawn,hecrossedthekitchen.Itsmelledofburgersandfries.Hewasabouttotry

thefirstdoorwhenheheardthesoundofavehicleengineapproaching.

***

M

ARK

SWORE

AS

hesawwhotheirkidnapperwas.Hecouldn’tbelievehewaslookingat

JohnnyBurrows,aformerclassmateofhis.Butatthesametimeherealizedheshouldn’t
havebeensurprised.He’dwatchedJohnny’slifegodownthetubesoverthepastfew
years.FirstJohnny’sfatherhadbeenarrestedforembezzlementfromtheconstruction
companyinwhichhe’dbeenapartner.Ofcourse,hisfatherhaddraggedJohnnyintothe
mess.AndfinallyJohnnyhadgottenintroubleforwithholdingevidenceinamurdercase.

“Ididn’tkidnapanyone,”BurrowssaidquicklyasMarkapproachedhim.“Youknow

me.”

Markjustshookhishead.

“Itwasstupid,okay?ButIthought…”Hehunghishead,lookinglikeamanwhohad

nothingtolose.“Ijust…Ijustneededmoney.Iwasdesperate.Ithought—”

“DesperatetogetbackattheCahills?”Markasked.Johnny’sbestfriendsincegrade

schoolwasTraskBeaumont,who’djustmarriedLillieCahill.Thetwohadafalling-out
aboutthetimeJohnnyhadbeenwillingtoletTraskgotoprisonforamurderhedidn’t
commit.

“No,itwasn’tlikethat,”Johnnysaid.“Itwasonlyaboutthemoney.Ineedthemoney.”

Themanbrokedown.

Herealizedhehadn’tseenBurrowsaroundformonths.He’djustassumedhe’dleft

town.“Loadhimintoyourpatrolcar,”hetoldhisdeputy.HelookedatBurrows.“We’ll
talkatthesheriff’soffice.”

AshewatchedBurrowsbeingtakenaway,Markfoughtawaveofdisappointment.He

hadbeenhopingthattheywouldcatchthepersonwho’dtakenMaggieThompson.He’d
wantedthepersontheycaughttonighttobeClarkTerwilliger.Ifithadbeenhim,he
wouldbeonhiswaytoacellrightnowandmaybewillingtomakeadealtorelease
MaggieandJenna.

Butinhisheart,hehadagreedwithFlintthattheransomdemandwasprobablysome

foolhopingtocashinonMaggie’sdisappearance.Still,he’dhopeditwouldhelpfindher
andbringherhome.

Nowthathopewasgone.Burrowshadjustbeenafterthemoney.WhileMarkwould

makesurethatwasallithadbeen,hefiguredJohnny’sstorywouldcheckout.Burrows
didn’tdriveabrownvan.

Infact,thelasthe’dheard,Burrowshadsoldhiscar,losthisfiancée,beenforcedtosell

hisnewhomeforalawyerforhisfatherandhadn’thadanyluckgettingajoblocally.For
yearsJohnny’sfatherhadpushedhissondisgracefullytosucceedatanycost—onlyfor
thetwotogodowninflames.

Markcouldn’thelpbutthinkhowironicitwasthatJohnnyBurrows,theboyvoted

mostlikelytobetheCEOofaFortune500company,wouldnowbejoininghisfatherin
prison.

***

“F

LINT

?”M

AGGIE

CRIED

.Shecouldn’tbelievewhatshewasseeingintheambientglowof

theflashlight.Flint.He’dfoundher?She’dthoughtshewouldneverlayeyesonhim
again.He’dopenedthedoorandshe’dseenhishandsomefaceandthoughtshemustbe
dreaming.

Thenshe’dheardFlintcallhernameasherushedtoher.

Shebegantocry,buthequicklyhushedher.“Whoelseisdownhere?”

“JustJenna.She’sinthenextroom.”

Henodded.“Tellmehowtogetyououtofthere.Wehavetomovefast.Ijusthearda

vehicle.”

Shepointedhimtowardthemechanismoutofherreach.Hemovedtoitandsprangthe

latch,beforeloweringthegateandhelpingheroutandintohisarms.Heheldherso
tightlythatshecouldn’tbreatheforamoment,butsheneverwantedhimtolethergo.

“IsClarkactingalone?Isthereanyoneelse?”

Sheshookherhead.“Just…him.”

“Wehavetogetyououtofhere.Now.”Thatwaswhenhenoticedwhatshewas

wearing.

Shelookeddownattheridiculousdress.“Don’task.”

“Whereareyourclothes?”Heshonehislightaroundtheroom,stoppingonthepileof

clothinginthecorner.

ShegrabbedthemupfromwhereClarkhadtossedthemandquicklypulledthemon.

“Don’twaitforme.GetJenna.”

Hehadhiscellphoneout.“Ijusttriedtocallforbackup.”Heswore.“Noservicedown

here.Theremightnotbeserviceformiles.Let’sgetJennaandseeifthereisawayoutof
here.”

ShefollowedthepathofFlint’sflashlightbeamastheysteppedbackintothehallway

andtotheadjacentroom.

Asthedooropened,MaggiesawthatJennawaslockedinametalcellmuchlikeher

own.Thedifferencewasthatherroomwasbare.Onesideopentotherestofthe
basement,whichshesawwasfilledtooverflowingwithwhatlookedlikesecondhand
furnitureasiftheplacehadbeenajunkshopatonetime.

“Sheriff?”Jennacriedasshesawhimintheambientlightoftheflashlightbeam.“You

havetohurry.IheardClark.He’scomingback.”

Maggielistened.Sherealizedshecouldn’thearthesoundofthevanengineanymore.“I

thinkhe’salreadyhere.”Hervoicebroke.Oncethevanengineshutoff,itwasonlya

matterofminutesbeforeshewouldhearhisheavystepoverhead.

ShecouldseethatFlintwashavingmoretroubleopeningthiscellthanhehadhers.

Maggiecouldtellhewashurryingasfastashecould.Finallythelatchgaveandhehelped
Jennaout.

“Isthereanotherwayoutofherebesidesthestairs?”Flintasked.

Jennashookherhead.“NotthatIknowof.”Shefellsilentatthesoundofadoor

openingoverhead.“It’stoolate.He’sinthebuilding.”

CHAPTERTWENTY

V

ICKI

TURNED

THE

ringonherfingersoshecouldseethediamond.Shehadn’tgottenit

sizedandsheknewwhyshe’dkeptputtingitoff.Theringdidn’tfitbecausemarrying
Harpdidn’tfit.Notwhentheonlyreasonhewasmarryingherwasalie.

Atthesoundofhisfootfallsonthestairs,shestoodandwaitedforhimtounlockthe

doorandcomeinwiththegroceries.There’dbeensomanydayswhenshe’dstoodinthis
veryspot,tellingherselfthattodaywastheday.She’dtoldherselfthatshecouldn’tlive
withalie—andyetshehad.Eachtimewhenshe’dseenhishandsomeface,she’d
chickenedout.Butnoneoftheexcuseskepttheguiltatbay.

Harplookedupashecameinthedoorandseemedtohesitate.“Vicki?”

Shehadn’trealizedshewasstandingthere,turningherengagementringinnervous

circles.Shestoppedherself,slidingitoffasshesteppedforwardandlayingitonthe
coffeetable.

“What’sgoingon?”heaskedashetookthefewmorestepsintothetinyapartmentand

putdownthesackofgroceries.Helookeddownatthering,thenupather.

“Ilostthebaby.”

Harphadneverbeenmuchofapokerplayer,she’dheard.Shecouldunderstandwhy.

Shewatchedoneemotionafteranothercrosshisface.Shock.Regret.Andultimately
relief.

“When?”

“It’sbeenawhile.That’swhywhenyouaskedmetomarryyou…”Shedidn’tneedto

finish.

Heswallowed,lookingfromhertotherestoftheapartmentasifsayinggoodbye.“I

don’tknowwhattosay.”

Sayyoulovemeanywayandstillwanttomarryme.Butshedidn’tvoicethewords.

She’dseeneverythingsheneededtoseeinhisexpression.

Hepickeduptheengagementringfromthecoffeetablewithhisuncasthandandstared

atitforalongmoment.“Ineedsometime,”hesaidand,pocketingit,turnedbacktoward
thedoor.

Vickihadpromisedherselfshe’dbestrong.Mostly,thatshewouldn’tcry.Butthe

momentthedoorclosed,shedroppedtothecouchintearsofrelieffortellingthetruthand
heartbreakatHarp’sreaction.Shetoldherselfshedidn’twanttomarryamanwhodidn’t
loveher,butstillithurtsobadlybecauseshelovedhim.Flawsandall.

***

T

HE

LAST

THING

FlintwantedtodowasleaveMaggie.He’dbeentothepointwherehe’d

believedthathewouldneverseeheragain.Nowthathehad,hejustwantedtoholdherin

hisarmsandnotletheroutofhissight.

Butifhehopedtogetthemoutofthisbasement,hehadtohidethemuntilitwassafeto

goupthestairs.He’dreadenoughofClarkTerwilliger’srapsheettoknowwhathewas
dealingwith—acareercriminalwithnothingtolose.Theywerethemostdangerouskind.

Hewasalsoprettysurethatthevehiclethey’dheardwasTerwilliger’svanreturning.“I

needyoutwotostayhereforaminute,”Flintwhisperedbeforeturningbacktowardthe
door.Hehadtofindawaytogetthemoutofthere.

Maggiegrabbedhishand.“Pleasebecareful.Clarkis…crazy.”

Henodded,leanedintokissher,andthen,weapondrawn,heeasedoutintothehall.He

hadtofindanotherwayoutofhere.Flintmovedtothebottomofthestairstolisten.There
wasnosoundabovehim.Terwilligerhadopenedtheoutsidedoor.Thatmeantthathe’d
seenthebrokenlatch.Hewouldknowsomeonehadfoundhishidingplace.

Wouldherun?Flintcouldonlyhope.

Orwouldhestartafireandtrytoburnthemout?Hewouldn’tputanythingpastthe

manand,givenalltheoldfurnituredownhere,thisbasementwouldgouplikea
tinderbox.

Buttherewasathirdoption,herealized.Terwilligermightbedeterminedtogetthe

womenback.Inthatcase…

Flintmovedthroughthemazeofoldfurnitureandautopartsandcrates.Herecalled

seeingaloadingdock.Itwastheonlywayallofthesethingscouldhavebeenbroughtin.

Butwhenhereachedit,hesawthattherewasonlythelargegaragedoorout.Laying

downhisflashlight,hetriedtoopentheancient-lookingdoor.Themetalwasthinandhad
holesinitinplaces.Hecouldfeelcoldaircominginoneofthem.Butitwouldn’tbudge.

Fromoverhead,heheardadoorslamandquicklypickeduptheflashlightandheaded

backthroughthemazetowhatmusthavebeenanapartmentdownthere.Jennawasright.
Therewasonlyonewayoutanditwasthestairs.

Hecouldhearfootstepsoverhead.Clarkwasn’tsurewherehewas.Otherwise,theman

wouldalreadybeheadingdownthestairs.Hesworeunderhisbreathandrushedbackto
wherehe’dleftMaggieandJenna.Hehadtogetthetwoofthemoutofhere.Butwiththe
windowwellsfilledwithdirtafteryears,theyweretrapped.

Onhiswayback,helookedforaplacetohidethemasheimprovisedaplan.Hehadn’t

comethisfartoloseeitherofthem.

Openingthedoortotheroomwherehe’dleftJennaandMaggie,hewhispered,“Come

on,”andledthembackthroughthekitchenandoutinthehoneycombofpartitions.The
stairshadwallsoneachsideallthewaydownuntilthelastfewsteps.Onthisside,there
wasatinybathroomunderthemlargeenoughforthetwowomentohide.Therewasno
lockonthedoor.

“Stayinthere,”Flintwhisperedashepointedtheflashlightbeamintothespace.“Once

hecomesdown,I’lltrytostophim.Ifthatfails,I’lldistracthim.Iwantyoutogoupthe
stairsasfastasyoucanandoutofthebuildingtohisvan.”HehandedMaggiehiscell
phone.“Icouldn’tgetcoverage,butincasehelefthiskeysinthevan,driveuntilyoucan.
Callforbackup.”

Wide-eyedwithfear,Maggienodded,buthecouldtellshedidn’twanttoleavehim.

“You’llseethatshegetsoutofhere?”hesaidtoJenna,whonodded.

“Whatifhehasthekeysonhim?”Jennaasked.

“Thentakemine.MypatrolSUVisparkeduptheroadtothenorth.You’llfindmy

tracksbehindthegarage.”Hehandedoverhiskeys.

Theflooroverheadgroanedundertheweightofacarefulstep.Terwilligerhadn’topted

torun,Flintthoughtwithasilentcurse.Thatmeanttheywereinforafight.

“Whatdoeshehaveforweapons?”heaskedJenna.

Sheshookherhead.“Iknowhehasagun.Apistol.That’stheonlyoneIsaw.Buthe

hadalotofammunition.”

Henoddedandmotionedforthemtogoandhideasoverheadheheardanotherfootfall,

thenanother,eachcomingclosertothedoortothebasementstairs.Hehadtoassume
Terwilligerwasarmedandlookingforhim.Otherwisewhynotrun?Orjusttrapthem
downthere?

Becausehard-corecriminalslikeTerwilligerthoughttheycouldwin.Whyelsewould

hehavejustopenedthebasement-stairsdoor?Hewascomingdown.

“Don’tmoveuntilItellyouto.”WithonelastlookatMaggie,hesteppedtothesideof

thestairs,extinguishedhisflashlight,pitchingthemintoblackness.

FlintknewhisbestchanceoftakingTerwilligerdownwasashecameoffthelastfew

stepsintothebasement.Ifthemangotpastthat,hecoulddisappearintotherowsofjunk.
Manyofthemwerepiledalmosttotheceiling.

Tohissurprise,heheardthedooratthetopofthestairscloseandTerwilliger’sfootfalls

retreat.Maybehewasleaving,makingarunforit.Flintthoughtaboutgoingafterhim,
butrealizedthatmightbeexactlywhatthemanwashopingfor.Hewouldn’tbeabletoget
upthestairsquicklywithoutthemanhearinghim.He’dbeasittingduck.Itwasachance
hecouldn’ttake.

Rightnow,hisonlythoughthadtobeaboutgettingJennaandMaggieoutofthereand

tosafety.AsmuchashewantedtotakedownTerwilligerhimselfandseehimbehindbars
forgoodthistime,hecouldn’tdoit.Hewaitedforthesoundoftheman’svanengine,
prayingTerwilligerwouldmakearunforit.OncehehadMaggieandJennaoutofthere—

Butwhatheheardsoundedmorelikeasmallgeneratorstartingup.Amomentlater,the

lightscameonandheheardTerwilliger’sfootfallsagainatthetopofthestairs.

Whilethekitchenandthebedroomshadlightcomingoutofthem,therewereonlya

fewbulbsstillworkinginthelargerpartofthebasement,sothatareawaspitchedin

darkness.IfheletTerwilligermakeitdownthestairsandintothedarkandjunk,hewould
behelltofind,letalonestop.

Oneofthestairscreakedundertheman’sweight.Flintlookedaroundforsomethinghe

couldthrow.Inthecornerwasapileofoldbooks.Hepickeduponeandmovedinto
position.

Hisplanwassimple.Terwilligerseemeddeterminedtocomebackdownhere.With

wallsonbothsidesofthestairs—exceptforthelastfoursteps—hewasshielded.Butonce
hereachedthosebottomsteps,Flintwouldhaveaclearshot.

Terwilligerwouldknowthat,sohe’dbemovingfast.Flintwouldgetonlythatone

chancebeforethemandisappearedintothestacksofjunk.

Heheftedthebookinhishandandbidedhistime,listeningtothecreakofonestair,

thenanother,gaugingwhatthemanwoulddoandwhen.

Inordertopullthisoff,though,Flintwouldn’thavemuchcover.Allhisinstinctstold

himthatTerwilligerwouldcomedownthelastfewstepsfast—andprobablyblazing.

Anotherstaircreaked.

“Whoeveryouare,”Terwilligercalleddown,“youneedtoshowyourself.Youhaveno

businessdownherewithmywifeanddaughter.”

Hiswifeanddaughter.

Flintsaidnothing.Themanwastryingtofindoutwherehewassoheknewwhereto

fireoncehehitthelastfewsteps.

“You’retrespassing,butIdon’twantanytrouble,sojustcomeonoutandleave.I’ll

overlookyoubreakinginthewayyoudid.”

Thatwasbigofhim.

Anotherstaircreaked.Flintgotready.Hehurledthebookintothejunkontheotherside

ofthestairsandraisedhisgun.

Terwilligercamedownatarunandfiring—justasFlinthadexpected.Thesoundof

gunfireexplodedinthebasement.Thetrickhadworked.Thenoiseofthebookhittingon
theoppositesideofthestairshadfooledTerwilliger.He’dcomedownfiringinthewrong
direction.

Flinthadabrieffewsecondswheretheman’sbroadhunchedbackwasfacinghim

beforethemandivedintooneofthenarrowpathsthroughthejunk.Heheardthe
kidnapperletoutagroanandknewthathe’dtakenatleastoneofFlint’sbullets.Theman
hadstumbled,buthehadn’tgonedown.Andthenhewasgone,disappearingintothe
darknessandthemazefillingtheothersideofthelargebasement.

Unfortunately,Flintcouldn’tbesurethatTerwilligerhadgonedeepenoughinthejunk

thathewouldn’thaveashotatMaggieandJennawhentheymadetheirrunupthestairs.
Hewasgoingtohavetogoinafterhim.Hemovedawayfromthelightcomingoutofthe
kitchenandquicklyduckedbehindahugecrateasTerwilligerfired—givingawayhis

position.

Outofthedarknesssomewheredeepinthejunkcamealaugh,thenTerwilliger’svoice.

“Incaseyou’reinterested,youwingedme.I’mbleedinglikeastuckpig,butitisn’tgoing
tostopme.Youcan’thavethem.I’dratherseethembothdead.Isthatwhatyouwant?”

Flintfiredthroughaspacebetweenastackofstainedmattressesandanoldcommercial

refrigerator,butTerwilligerwasalreadymoving.

***

M

AGGIE

PEERED

OUT

ofthebathroomdoorunderthestairs.Flinthadclosedthekitchen

door,cuttingoffmostofthelight,butsomestillbledouttowheretheywerehidden.

“Withthelightson,he’llbeabletoseeus,”shewhisperedtoJenna.“Ifwemakearun

forit…”BeforeJennacouldstopher,Maggiesprangfromherhidingplaceandrushedto
thedoorofthekitchen.Sheheardgunfire,butcouldn’tbesureifithadbeenaimedather.
ShethoughtsheheardFlintswear.

Sheduckedintothekitchenandclosedthedoor.NowClarkknewwhereshewas.All

hehadtodowascirclearoundtowhereJennahadbeenkeptandcomethroughthatway.
Sheknewshehadtomovefast.Shequicklylookedaroundforsomethingshecoulduse.
Anoldbroomsaggedagainstthefarwall.Pickingitup,sheswungit,breakingthelight
bulboverheadandpitchingthekitchenintodarkness.

Shehurriedlymovedtothebedrooms,beforemakingherwaybackinthedarktoward

thekitchendoor.Shewaited,knowingthatClarkwouldexpecthertomakearunforthe
stairs.SherememberedwhatFlinthaddonetofoolClark.Feelingaroundonthetable,she
foundthecupshe’dseenthere.

Asshecarefullyopenedthedoor,shesawthatthebottomofthestairswasnowpitched

indarkness.Jennacameoutofthebathroomunderthestairsandstoodwithherback
againstthewallinthesemidarkness,outofsightfromtherestofthebasement.

Unfortunately,therewasenoughambientlightcomingfromtheotherbulbsinthelarger

partofthebasement.Ifsherannow,hewouldseeher.

Shegotreadytothrowthecuptowardtheothersideofthebasement,doubtingClark

wouldfallforitasecondtime,butfiguringitmightgiveFlinttheopportunityheneeded.

Chuckingthecup,shewaiteduntilithitandranasgunfireboomedandFlintyelled,

“Run!”

***

J

ENNA

GRABBED

HER

handandpulledhertowardthestairs.Maggiecouldn’tbearleaving

Flintdownherewiththatmadman,butshehadnochoice.EvenifJennaletgoofher
hand,MaggieknewshehadtodowhatFlinthadaskedherto.Itmightbetheironlyhope.
Theyhadtogethimhelp.

Shefeltdeaffromthegunfire.Nowmoregunfireechoedthroughthebasement.Jenna

tightenedhergriponMaggie’shandastheystormedupthestairs.Thosewerethelongest

stepsMaggiehadevertaken.Sheexpectedtofeelabulletslamintoherbackatany
moment.Shestumbledinthedarknessonce,butJenna’sgripkeptheruprightandthen
theywereatthetopofthestairsandtheopendoorwayandthelight.

Theyburstthroughandaroundthecorner.Maggiewasbreathinghard.SowasJenna.

“Thisway.”

WithJennastillclutchingherhand,theyburstoutofthebuilding.Maggieblinked,

surprisedtorealizeitwastwilight.Howmanydayshadshebeenhere?Jennaletgoofher
handandrantowardabrownvanparkedinfrontofwhatappearedtobeanoldtwo-car
garage.

Atthesoundofmoregunfire,Maggiehesitated,butforonlyamoment.Gethelp.But

leavingFlintdowntherewasthehardestthingshe’deverdoneinherlife,evenknowing
thatshecouldn’tsavehim.

SheranafterJenna,hershoesquicklyfillingwiththedeepsnow.Sheshiveredfromthe

coldandthefear.Jennahadopenedthedriver’s-sidedoorofthevan.“Hedidn’tputitin
thegarage.Maybe…”Sheletoutacry.

Maggiecouldn’ttellifitwasoneofdisappointmentorexcitementuntilsheheardthe

jingleofakeyring.

***

F

LINT

LEANED

AGAINST

astackofoldcabinetsandreloadedhisweapon.Hehadn’theard

Terwilligerforafewminutes,butwasn’tabouttogiveawayhislocationbymoving.He’d
thoughthe’dwoundedthemanagain.ButTerwilligerhadveeredatthelastminute,
disappearingbehindapileofboxes.

NowFlintlistenedforboththemadmaninthebasementwithhimandthesoundofa

vehicleengineturningover.Hejusthopedthekeyshadbeeninthevan.ThatMaggieand
Jennawouldgoforhelp.Notthathewascountingonhelpreachinghimanytimesoon.

Townwasmilesaway.GettingMaggieandJennaoutofthisbasementhadbeenabout

makingsuretheyweresafe—notactuallygettinghelp.Hecouldn’tcountonthemgetting
cellphoneserviceformiles.Bythetimetheyreachedtown,notifiedthesheriff’s
department…Well,itwouldbetoolate.

Flintknewhewouldn’thavethatlong.HeandTerwilligercouldonlyplaythiscat-and-

mousegamesolongbeforeoneofthemendedit.Hecheckedhisammunition.Hehad
onlyoneclipleft.

***

“H

OP

IN

,”J

ENNA

SAID

,andMaggieranaroundtothepassengersideandslidinasJenna

crankedovertheengine.ThemotorroaredtolifeandJennaletherfootofftheclutch.As
thevanleapedforward,Maggielookedtowardthebuildingwhereshe’dbeenkept
prisoner,shockedtorealizeitwasoutinthemiddleofnowhere.

Shesawnootherhouses,onlyrollinghillsideandanarrowstretchofsnow-covered

pavement.AndnowshewasleavingFlintdownthereinthatbasementalone.

Glancinginthebackofthevan,shesawshoppingbags.Someoftheitemshadspilled

outontheroughroadintotheroadhouseapparently.Sothatwaswherehe’dgone,into
towntobuysupplies.

Therewereseveralrollsofducttape,alargerollofplasticsheeting,severalboxcutters,

atwelve-packofScotchtowelsandashovel.

Clarkhadsaidhewasgoingtomovethem.Herheartpoundedatthesightasshe

realizedwhathe’dreallybeenplanningtodowiththem.

AsJennastartedtopullawayfromtheroadhouse,Maggieknewshecouldn’tleave

Flint—nomatterhowthisended.

“Ican’tgo,”shesaidandstartedtoopenherdoor.

“Youcan’thelphim!”Jennacried,hittingthebrakesasMaggiebegantojumpout.

“Here’shisphone.Callforhelpassoonasyoucan,butI’mnotleaving.”

“Maggie,no.He’sasheriff.Heknowswhathe’sdoing.”

“Hedoesn’tknowClarklikewedo.”

“Listen,there’snothingyoucandotohelp,”Jennapleaded.“Please.”

“Itonlytakesoneofustogethelp.”Shesteppedoutofthevanandstartedtoclosethe

door.Thenshesaid,“Hurry.”

“Atleasttakethis,”Jennasaidandtossedheralargearmycoatthathadbeenflungover

theseat.

Slammingthevandoor,sheshruggedonthecoat,tryingtoignorethesmellofClarkon

thefabric.Asshewalkedbacktowardtheoldbuilding,Jennatookoffinthevan.She
knewthiswascrazy,butshecouldn’tleaveFlint.Inherheart,shefearedthatheneeded
her.Shecouldn’tthinkofanythingworsethannotbeingthereforhim.

***

A

T

THE

SOUND

ofthevan’senginerevvingasitpulledaway,Flintfeltawaveofrelief.

MaggieandJennaweresafe.NowallhehadtodowasfindTerwilligerandendthis.Orif
hegotthechance,gettothestairs.Hecouldblockthebasementdooruntilanarmyof
deputiesarrived.Itwasthesmartestideahehad.

Unfortunately,heknewthatthemadmandowntherewithhimprobablyhadthesame

idea.Withthepathsthroughthejunkallfacingthestairway,neitherofthemcouldmakea
runforitwithoutbeingseen—andshot.Withoutsomeonecoveringhim,hewasstuckin
thebasementuntiloneofthemkilledtheother.

Ifhecouldlastuntilhelparrived,itwouldstillbehardforanyonetogettothem.

Terwilligerwouldhaveheardhisvanleaving.Hewouldbeexpectingthelawandashoot-
out.WhoevercamedownthosestairswouldbeshotunlessFlintwascloseenoughtothe
madmantokeephimfromfiring.

“MaggieandJennahavegoneforhelp,”hecalledandquicklymovedasgunfirepelted

thestackofboxeshe’dbeenhidingbehind.“Prettysoon,thiswholeplacewillbefilled
withcops.”Hemovedagain,backtracking.Hedidn’twanttostayfarfromthestairs.He
hadafeelingTerwilligerwasdoingthesamething.Onlyoneofthemwouldbeleaving
there.

Hereloadedwithhislastclip,tellinghimselfhehadtoconserveorhe’dbeoutof

bulletsandthenitdefinitelywouldbeover.Ashestartedtomove,hefrozeatasound
upstairs.Someonehadjustopenedandclosedthebackdoor.

Terwilligermusthaveheardittoo,becauseheletoutalaughdeepinthejunk.“Well,I

wonderwhothatis?”hecalledbeforemoving.Therewasashufflingsound,thennothing.

Flintfelthisheartdrop.Hedidn’tthinkthemanhadanaccomplice.Atleastnotone

thatMaggieandJennahadknownaboutortheywouldhavetoldhim.Butnomatterwho
itwasupthere,thiswouldchangethings.“It’sprobablyalawmanwhosawmypatrol
SUVpulledoffuptheroad,”hecalledandhurriedlymovedasgunfirefollowedhim.
“Giveyourselfup.”

Gunfirecameinanswer.Themanhadtoberunningoutofammunition,didn’the?

Maybenot.Jennahadsaidhehadalotofit.Apparentlyhe’dplannedforsomethingjust
likethis.

Flintrealizedthathedidn’tknowexactlywherethegunfirehadcomefrombutthat

Terwilligerwascloserthanhe’dthought.Therealizationcameafewsecondstoolate.
He’dbeenhidingbehindacolumnofwoodencratesstackedalmosttotheceiling.

HeheardsomethingfallingandrealizedTerwilligerhadoverturnedoneofthestacksof

junk.Itfell,slammingintothecrateswherehenowstood.Hestartedtomovetotheside,
buthewastooslow.Thecratestiltedathimandbegancomingdown.

Flinttriedtogetawayfromthem,butTerwilligeropenedfireatthesidewherehe’d

beenheaded.Thecratesfell.Theyweremuchheavierthanhe’dthought.Onehithimand
knockedtheweaponoutofhishand.Ashewatchedhisgunskitteracrossthefloor,oneof
thecratesknockedhimtotheconcrete.Hetriedtopushitoff,butthereweretoomanyof
themandtheywereheavierthantheyhadlooked.Hemanagedtogetmostofhisbody
out,butonelegwascaught,thecratecrushingdownonit.

Flintfranticallytriedtoreachhisweapon,butitwasagoodfoottoofarfromhis

fingertips.HecouldhearTerwilligermakinghiswayaroundtohim.Itwouldbejusta
matteroftimebeforehereachedhimandfinishedthis.

Helookedforsomethinghecouldusetoprythecrateoffhislegandspottedatableleg.

Hurriedly,hebegantounscrewthelegclosesttohimfromthetable.

Overhead,heheardthebasementdooropen.

CHAPTERTWENTY-ONE

S

TANDING

IN

THE

freezingcoldofthedarkbuilding,Maggiehadhadnoideawhattodo

next.She’dheardmoregunfirefromdownstairs,thenwhatsoundedlikesomethinglarge
crashingtothefloor.Nowsheheardnothing.Shedidn’tknowwhatwasgoingondown
thereorwhoshemightbecomingface-to-facewithassheopenedthebasementdoor.

Amustysmellroseupfromtheblacknessatthebottomofthestairs.Beyond,shecould

seeonlyalittlelight.Shesteppedtothesidetolistenandheardadisquietingsilence.Was
Flintstillalive?Ifhewas,hewouldhavesaidsomething.AndifClarkwastheonlyone
alivedownthere…

Shelookedaround,anideacomingtoher.Someonehadleftachairjustdownthe

hallwaybytheladies’room.Shemovedawayfromthedoor,walkingasquietlyasshe
could,andpickedupthechair.Theplasticseatcoverhadbeentornopen,mostofthe
stuffinggone.Itsmetallegswereicycoldtothetouch.

Atthebasementdoor,shecarefullypeeredaroundtheedge,readywiththechairifshe

neededtoholdClarkoff.Buttherewasnooneonthedarkstairsthatshecouldsee.She
didn’tknowanyotherwaytogetaresponsefromthebasement.

Sheraisedthechair,readytohurlitdownward.

***

F

LINT

HEARD

T

ERWILLIGER

approachinghimcautiously.Themanwouldn’tknowthatFlint

couldn’treachhisweapon.NordidFlintsuspectTerwilligerknewwhowasupstairs.He
grippedthetablelegand,grimacinginpain,triedtoprythecrateoffhisleg.

Hisfirstattemptfailed.Whenthecratedroppedbackonhisleg,itwassopainfulthat

healmostblackedout.Butwhilehisvisionblurred,heknewhehadnotime.Hetried
again,knowingitmightbehislastchancebeforethemanputabulletinhim.Ifwhoever
wasupstairswasanaccompliceofTerwilliger…

Suddenlythebasementfilledwiththeclatterofalargeobjectcartwheelingdownthe

steps.Inthepathjustontheothersideofhim,FlintheardTerwilligerturnandfiretoward
thesteps.

Withhislastgaspofstrength,heleveredthecrateoffjustasthegunfiresubsided.He

crawledovertohisweaponandpulledhimselfupinasittingposition.Hehadnoidea
whathadjustcomecrashingdownthestairs.Whateverithadbeen,ithadboughthim
time.Also,ithadansweredoneofhisquestions.

Whoeverwasupthere,itwasn’tTerwilliger’saccomplice,andnowtheybothknewit.

Buthehadabadfeelingheknewwhoitwas.Morethanever,hehadtoendthisandsoon.

Buthewasstillasittingduck.AllTerwilligerhadtodowaspeeraroundtheendofthis

pathwayandhe’dseehim.Hehadtotrytogettohisfeet,buthefearedhisanklemightbe
broken.Whichmeanthewouldn’tbewalkingoutofthere.

***

H

ARP

NEEDED

A

DRINK

.HestartedtogetintohispatrolSUV,butthenrealizeditwouldbe

betterifhewalked.Thelastthingheneededwastogetpickedupfordrinkinganddriving.
Heheadeddownthestreettowardtheclosestbar.

Hefeltpoleaxed.Vickiwasn’tpregnant.Shehadn’tbeenpregnantforwhoknewhow

long.She’dlethimbelieveshewas.She’dlethimbuyheraring,askhertomarryhim,
breakhisdamnedhandtryingtobustdownadoor.

Feelinglikeafool,hepushedopenthedoortothebar.Thefirstbeerwentdownlike

water.Heorderedanotherandsilentlycursedthecowboywhokeptplayingsadlovesongs
onthejukebox.

“Youallright?”thebartenderaskedwhenheorderedathirdbeer.

“Mygirlfriend…actually,myformerfiancée…justgavemebackmyring.”Hepulledit

outofhispocketandlaiditontheslicksurfaceofthebar.

“Sorry.Maybeit’sforthebest,”thebartendersaidandplacedanotherdraftbeerinfront

ofhim.

“Yeah,you’reright,Iguess.”Hepickeduptheringandspunitlikeatoponthebar.

Thediamondcaughtthelightasitcircled.Hethoughtofthedayhe’dboughtthering,
howexcitedandhappyhe’dbeen.Thetugonhisheartstringssurprisedhim.“Wewere
goingtohaveababy.Shelostit.”

“Toughbreak,”thebartendersaiddistractedly.

“Yeah.Itisn’tlikeIwasinlovewithher,”hesaid,butthebartenderhadalreadywalked

away.

Harpfinishedhisthirdbeer,feelingtherushofthealcoholandsuddenlyneedingsome

freshair.Hesteppedoutside,butdidn’tknowwheretogo.Actually,hehadnowhereto
go.He’dgivenuphisapartmentwhenhe’dmovedinwithVicki.

Heturnedtowardthecenteroftown,walkingaimlessly.He’dneverfeltsolost.This

timeofnight,therewasn’tmuchgoingon.Heusedtojokethattheyrolledupthe
sidewalksinthistinyburgateighto’clock.

Therewaslittletrafficsinceallthestoreswereclosed.Onlythefewbarswereopen

still,butthenightwascold.Thewinterstormhadleftbehindagoodtwofeetofsnowthat
wasnowplowedupintopilesuntilthecitycouldgetitallhauledaway.Thewinterscene
hadasad,desolatefeeltoit.

“Itisn’tlikeIwasinlovewithher,”hesaidtohimselfagain.Butthewordsseemed

coldandbrittleonhistongue.Hefeltthatpullonhisheartagainandstoppedwalking.“I
doloveher.”Hisvoicebroke.

Turningback,hestartedfortheapartment.HehadtotellVickihowhefelt.Hefishedin

hispocket,afraidhe’dlefttheringonthebar.Butthereitwas.Hegrippeditinhispalm.
Hecouldn’twaittoputitbackonherfinger.

Hehadn’tgonefarwhenheheardfootfallsbehindhim.Heturnedintimetoseethe

manholdingthetireironbeforehetookthefirstblow.

***

N

OW

WHAT

?M

AGGIE

ASKED

herselfassheleanedagainstthewalloutofthehailofbullets.

Thebasementgrewquietagain,butinthedistancesheheardthesoundofavehicle
cominguptheroad.

Shefrowned.Jennacouldn’thavegottentotownthisquickly.Butshe’dthoughtthere

wasacaféorbarcloseby.Ormaybeshe’dbeenabletogetcellphonecoverageandhad
calledforhelp.Wasthatwhyshewascomingback?

Maggieswallowed,remindingherselfthatJennawashermother.Likeher,shecouldn’t

leavesomeoneshelovedwithClarkTerwilliger.

Goingtothebackdoor,shelookedoutasJennapulledup,putdownthepassenger-side

windowandshouted,“Comeon!Icalledforhelp,butinthemeantime,Ihaveaplan.”

Maggiehesitated,butforonlyamoment.AtleastJennahadaplan.Itwasmorethan

shehad.TerrifiedthatFlintwasalreadydeadinthebasement,sheranthroughthesnowto
thevan.

“What’syourplan?”sheaskedassheslammedherdoorandJennathrewthevaninto

Reverse.“I’msoscaredthatFlintistrappeddownthere.”

Jennanodded.“Ithoughtthatmighthappen.Clarkwon’tstopuntiloneofthemisdead.

Onmywaybackfrommakingthecalltothecops,Isawsomethinginthevan’s
headlights.Itappearsthereisaroadthatdescendsdowntothebasementlevel.Thereisa
loadingdock,butnexttoitthereisanoldgaragedooratgroundlevel.Ithastobetheway
theygotallthatjunkintothatbasement.IthoughtifIcouldgetthisvangoingfast
enough,Icouldbreakdownthedoorandintothebasement.”ShelookedoveratMaggie.
“WhatI’mproposingisdangerous.Wecouldwaitforhelpfromtown—”

“No.I’mscaredthereisn’ttime.”

“What’sbeenhappeningwhileIwasgone?”Jennaasked.

“Lotsofshooting.”Sheshookherhead.“Idon’tknowwhat’shappeningdownthere.I

justhavethisawfulfeelingthatFlintisinterribletrouble.”

“He’sstillalive.Otherwise,Clarkwouldhavecomeout.I’mgladIgotbackwhenIdid.

Iwassoworriedaboutyou.”ShegaveMaggieasmileandreachedovertotouchherarm
beforeshiftingthevanintogear.“I’mgoingtodrivedowntheroadtowhatappearstobe
aloadingdock,”shesaidastheheadlightsofthevanshoneonthesideoftheoldbuilding.
“You’regoingtogetout.ThenI’llbackupandtrytobustdownthedoor.Ifthisoldvan
candothejob.”

MaggiestartedtoarguebutJennastoppedher.“Yourpartisevenmoredangerous.

Haveyoueverfiredaweapon?”Jennareacheddowntopulloutapistol.“Ifoundthisin
thevan’sglovebox.It’sloadedandreadytogo.Allyouhavetodoispointandshoot.Be
ready.IfImanagetobreakthroughthedoor…IfyouseeClark…”

Maggienoddedandtookthepistol.“Justpointandshoot?”

“That’sit,”Jennasaid.“I’mthankfulthatAnviltaughtmetoshoot.”Shesoundedsad.

“Heisagoodman.”

Jennaturneddownontoalowerroad,bustingthroughthesnowuntilshereachedan

areawherethewindhadblownoff,leavingopenground.Shestoppedthevan.“Ready?”

***

F

LINT

HEARD

THE

soundofavehicleheadedinhisdirection.Itwastoosoonforthelaw

evenifwhoeverhadleftearlierhadreachedthesheriffinSheridan.Whichmeantwhoever
wasdrivingwascomingback.

Hegroanedinwardly,terrifiedhowbadlythiscouldallend.AtleastwithMaggieand

Jennasafe,hecouldfacewhateverwasabouttogodownthere.Butiftheywereboth
back…

Grittinghisteeth,Flintgrabbedholdofoneofthecratesstillinthetallstackwithhis

freehandandusedittopullhimselfuponhisgoodleg.Tentativelyhetriedtoput
pressureonhisinjuredlegandgrimacedinpain.Itwasn’tbroken,butitwasinjuredbad
enoughthat,whilehemightbeabletostand,maybeevenwalkalittle,hewasn’tgoing
far.

“Soundslikemyvan,”Terwilligersaid,hisvoicewaytoocloseontheothersideofthe

closeststack.Themanletoutalaugh.“Womenneverlisten.”

Flintworkedhisway,holdingonasheshuffledawayfromthefallencratestoaspot

wherejunkwaspiledhigh.Hefoundaspacewherehecouldpushhisbodyintoan
indentationinastackoffurnitureandwaited.

Terwilligerwouldhaveheardhimmoving,buttherewasnothinghecoulddoaboutit.

EitherthemanwasoutofammunitionorhewassavingwhathehadjustasFlintwas
doing.

Hewaited,wonderinghowlongitwouldtakeforthelocallawtogetthere.Toolong.

Terwilligerwasnofool.Hewouldknowtimewasn’tonhisside.Thesoundofthevan’s
enginerevvedoutside.Earlierhe’dheardthebackdooropenandclose.Didthatmean
whoeverhadbeenupstairshadnowgone?

Hetoldhimselfhecouldn’tworryaboutthatnow.HehadtotuneintoTerwilligerand

hisnextmove.Hehadonlyafewshotsleft.Hehadtomakethemcount.

Heheardthevanenginedieaway.Good—theywereleavingagain,althoughthatdidn’t

makealotofsense.Hadatleastoneofthemcontactedthelocalsheriff?Hecouldonly
hope.Whatelsewouldtheybedoing?

Thatwaswhenheheardthevancomingback.Onlythistime,itwasfromadifferent

direction.Thistimetheenginewasrevvedupsolouditsoundedasifitwasheadedright
forthem.Whatinthe—

***

M

AGGIE

HELD

THE

pistoltoherchest.Theeveningwascoldandclearandsurprisingly

brightbecauseofthesnow.She’dmovedtothesideofthebuildingandnowstood
waiting.Jennawasright.Thedoorintothebasementlookedlikeithadseenbetterdays.
Butthesnowdriftinfrontofthedoorwashigh.Whatifshehitthedoorandnothing
happenedexceptshegothurtbehindthewheel?

Itwasn’tagreatplan,butitwastheonlyonetheyhad,asJennahadpointedout.“You

lovethisman,don’tyou?”

Maggiehadnodded,herthroattootighttospeakastearshadburnedhereyes.

“Thenwehavetotrytosavehim.”

Maggiehadstaredatthewoman,tellingherself,Thisisyourmother.Yourbirthmother.

Thewomanwhotriedtoprotectyouforyearsandstillis.Sheiswillingtoloseherown
lifetosaveyours—andFlint’s.

NowsheshiveredassheheardthevanenginerevandwatchedasJennaroareddown

theroad.Snowflewupoverthewindshieldasshebustedthroughonesnowdriftafter
another.Shewasgoingtoofast,Maggiethoughtasherheartlodgedinherthroat.She
realizedwithacryofanguishthatshemighthavefoundhermotheronlytoloseher.

Thevanhitthesnowdriftinfrontofthelargeoldloading-dockgaragedoorandseemed

todisappearintoahugecloudofsnowcrystalsbeforethesoundofscreamingmetalfilled
theair.Theinitialimpactwaslikeacannongoingoff.

Maggierushedaroundtheedgeofthebuildingtofindthevanhalfwayintothe

basement,theenginestillrunning.Steadyingtheguninbothhands,shesteppedoverthe
debrisandworkedherwayalongthesideofthevanandintothebasement.Shecouldn’t
seeJennabehindthewheel.Shecouldn’tseeanyone.

***

F

LINT

REALIZED

WHAT

washappeningjustmomentsbeforethevancrashedthroughtheold

loading-dockgaragedoor.Thebumperthathadtornthroughthethinmetalcrashedinto
thefirstpileofjunk.Heheardwhatwascomingandtriedtomoveasquicklyaspossible.

Likealineofdominoes,therowsofjunkbegantotopple.Inthelightfromthevan’s

headlights,hecouldseeyearsofdustrisinglikesmokeintotheair.Overtheclamor,he
couldn’thearTerwilliger,buthehadaprettygoodideawherehewasheaded.Eitherout
thestairsortheopendoorwaybeforehewascrushedundertheweightofthedebrisnow
comingdown.

Flintshuffledtowardthestairs,hislegcausinghimsomuchpainthathehadtofight

passingout.Buthewasalmosttotheendofoneoftherows.Oncehecouldseethe
stairs…

Thesoundofthegunshotmadehimflinch.Helookedover,halfexpectingtosee

Terwilligerthroughaspacebetweenastackoffurniture.Butwithajolt,herealizedthat
theshothadn’tbeenfiredathim.Anothergunshotfilledtheair,thisoneendinginan
explosionofglass.

Terwilligerwasfiringatwhoeverhadcrashedthevanthroughthedoor.

***

M

AGGIE

FLINCHED

AT

thesharpgunfire.She’dmovedonlyafewyardsinsidethe

basement,whenthestacksofsecondhandgoodshadbeguntofall.Inthedustthatrose,
shedidn’tseeanythingforafewmoments.

Hergazehadshiftedtothevan,hopingtoseeJenna.Butthereappearedtobenoone

behindthewheel.Hadsheclimbedout?Orwasshelyinginthereinjured?

Sherealizedtherewasnothingshecoulddoforhermotherrightnow.Clarkhadfiredat

thevanandshatteredthewindshield.Shethoughtsheheardagroancomefrominsidethe
cab.Butitwasanothersoundthatmadeherquicklystepbehindalargearmoirethatwas
stillstandingagainstthewall.

Foramoment,shecouldn’ttellwheretheapproachingfootfallshadcomefrom.Then

shesawhim.Clarkwasheadingtowardher,hisgundanglingfromhisrighthand.Shesaw
hisbloodstainedshirtandtheoddwayhewasmoving.Foramoment,sheforgotaboutthe
guninherownhand.

Butseeingthewayhemovedtowardher,sheknewtherewouldbeonlyonewaytostop

him.Hurriedly,sheraisedthegunandfired.Theshotwentwild.Shetriedtosteadythe
weaponinherhands,herheartathunderinherchest,herbreathcomingoutinrasps.

“Don’t,”shecalledtohim.“Don’t.I’llshootyou.”

Heraisedhisgun.Aninstantlaterabulletwhizzedpastherhead,makingherjerkback

asitlodgeditselfinthewallbehindher.“Youfireagainandnexttime—”

HiswordswerelostasoutofthecornerofhereyeMaggiesawJennasitupbehindthe

wheelofthevanagain.Shedidn’tlookgood.Thereappearedtobebloodrunningdown
thesideofherface.Theenginewasstillrunningalthoughthevanhadrolledbackalittle,
leavingjustenoughspacebetweenitsdestroyedfrontendandthefallenjunkthat
TerwilligerwasmakinghiswaytowardMaggiethroughthatopenpathway.

Clarkdidn’tseemtonoticeJenna.Hewastoointentonclosingthedistancebetween

himselfandMaggie.Itwasn’tuntilJennagroundthegearsthathestoppeddirectlyinfront
ofthevantoturnhisheadinherdirection.

ThevanengineroaredasJennatrompedonthegas.Theheavyvehiclelurchedforward.

MaggiescreamedasClarkraisedhisgunandfired.Thebulletshatteredtherestofthe
windshield.Butthevandidn’tstopuntilthewallofjunkbroughtittoajarringhalt.The
motordied.

Maggielookedtowardthenow-missingwindshield.TherewasnosignofJenna.Nora

signofClark.Allshecouldassumewasthathewascrushedunderthevanandthedebris.
Shelookedintothehugebasementnowinajumbleoffallentreasures.

“Flint!”shecalled.“Flint?”

Therewasnoanswer,butinthedistanceshecouldhearthesoundofsirensheadedtheir

way.

***

F

LINT

WAS

EDGING

alongthewallnearthestairswhenheheardMaggiecallhisname.

Beforethathe’dheardmoregunfirefollowedbytheroarofthevanenginebeforeit
crashedagainintothepilesofjunk.Morehadtumbled,someofithittingthewallsofthe
apartmentandbreakingthroughtheSheetrock.

“Maggie?”hecalledback.“WhereisTerwilliger?”

“Ithinkhe’sunderthevan.”

“AndJenna?”

Heheardasobinhervoicewhensheanswered.“Ican’tseeher.”

“ButyoucanseeTerwilliger?”

Silence.Thenthewordshefearedmost.“He’snot—”Maggieletoutacry,andeven

beforeFlintclearedthefirstdownedpileofjunk,heknew.Allhisfearscameinarush.
StandingnexttothevanwithaheadlockonMaggieandaguntohertemplewas
Terwilliger.

CHAPTERTWENTY-TWO

F

LINT

COULD

SEE

thatTerwilligerwasbleedingfromaheadwoundnearhistemple.The

manhadtohavelostalotofbloodfromhisearlierwoundandnowthisone.Buthe
appearedtobestrongenoughtoeitherchokethelifeoutofMaggieorpullthetriggerand
shootherinthehead.

Flintworkedhiswaycloser,tryinghardnottoshowhowdifficultitwastowalkonhis

injuredleg.Thelastthinghewantedwastolookvulnerableinanyway.Amanlike
Terwilligerwouldfeedonthat.

“You’reamonster,Terwilliger,butnotevenyouwouldkillyourowndaughter,”Flint

said.

“Yousureaboutthat,Sheriff?Shetriedtoshootme.”

“Becauseyou’rescaringher—justlikeyouarenow.Lethergo.Thisisbetweenyou

andme.”

Themanshookhishead.“Notuntilyoudropyourgun.”

“Thatdoesn’tseemfairunlessyoudropyours,aswell.”

Terwilligerlaughed.“Lookstomelikeyouaren’tgettingaroundallthatwell,Sheriff.

Didyouhurtyourself?”

“I’mokay.Howaboutyou?”

“I’mfine,”themanlied.Flintcouldseethathewasinpainandbleedingbadly.He

figuredonlymeannesswaskeepingthemanonhisfeet.Backedintoacorner,though,
TerwilligercouldkillMaggiejustoutofspite,Flintknew.Itdidn’tmatterthatshewashis
blood.Findingherandabductingherhadn’tbeenaboutlove.Ithadbeenaboutcontrol,
andrightnowhehadallthecontrol.

“Isaidputdownyourgun,”TerwilligerrepeatedandtightenedhisgriponMaggie.

Flintlookedintohereyes.Hesawherpleadinglook.Likehim,sheknewthatthe

momentheputdownhisweapon,Terwilligerwouldkillhim.

Thelawwasonitsway.Hecouldhearsirensgrowingcloserandcouldseehowthis

wasgoingtoend.Terwilligerhadprobablytoldhimself,likealotofex-cons,thathe’d
ratherdiethangobacktoprison.

Mostofthemchangedtheirmindswhenthetimecame,buthedidn’tthinkthisman

wasoneofthem.Terwilligerwouldneverseedaylightoutsideofprisonagainandhehad
toknowthat.

“Now!”themanbarked.TheholdhehadonMaggiewascuttingoffherair.Flintsaw

herstruggling.EvenifTerwilligerdidn’tshoother,hewouldstranglehertodeathifFlint
didn’tdosomething.

“I’mputtingdownmyweapon.”Hekeptitpointedintheman’sdirectionasheslowly

begantolowerittothefloor.Flinttoldhimselfitwastoodangeroustotakeashot.
TerwilligerwasusingMaggieasashield.Flint’sonlychanceatashotwasattheman’s
head.AndifFlintactuallymanagedtohithim,Terwilligermightpullthetriggerbeforehe
hitthefloorandkillMaggie.

ButifFlintdidn’ttaketheshot…

“Ifyoudon’tdropyourgun…”TerwilligerhadliftedMaggieoffthefloorinthe

headlock.Flintcouldseeherclutchingathisarmwithherfingers,fightingforbreath.The
gunwasstillathertemple.

“Dropthegun!”themanyelled.

Itwasnowornever.Thesirenswereclosenow.Terwilligerwasshiftingonhisfeet

nervouslyandglancingtowardtheopendoorwaynexttothevan.Ifhemadearunforit,
hemightbeabletogetaway.Ifhedidn’t…Inafewminutesthisplacewouldbecrawling
withcops.

Hishandwasonlyinchesfromthefloorandyetthethoughtofchancingsuchashot…

HesuddenlylookedpastTerwilliger.Jenna.Shewasbarelyabletostandbutshe’dpicked
upthegunthatMaggiehaddropped.

FlintsawTerwilliger’seyeswideninalarmbecausenoneofthemhadseenJennasince

he’dfiredintothevan.Themanhadn’tturnedtoseewhowasbehindhim,butFlintcould
seehimfillingintheblanks.IfJennawasaliveandhadpickedupthegunthatMaggiehad
dropped…

Terwilligerstartedtoturn.Flinthadnochoice;hehadtotaketheshot.Hecouldseethat

Jennawashavingtroubleliftingtheguninherhand.Heraisedhisweaponandfired.

Thebulletcaughtthemaninthesideofthehead.Bloodandgorefilledtheairfora

moment.Itseemedtoallhappeninslowmotion.FlintsawMaggiegolimpintheman’s
arms.Thenbothofthemdroppedtothefloor.Pastthem,Jennadroppedthegunand
slumpedtotheflooraswellasthesirensgrewlouderandlouder.

FlinttriedtoruntoMaggie,buthisbadleggaveout.Hefellandhadtocrawlthelast

fewyardsasthewinternightfilledwithflashingredandbluelights.Pullinghimselfto
her,hetouchedherface,terrifiedthatTerwilligerhadmanagedtogetoffashot.Ifthey’d
bothfiredatthesametime…

Herfacewassplatteredwithblood,sohecouldn’ttellifitwashersorTerwilliger’s.

Hereyeswereclosed,buttheyflutteredopenathistouch.He’dneverseensuchbeautiful
browneyes.Shebegantocoughasshegaspedforair,andherealizedthatithadn’tbeena
gunshotthathaddroppedher.Ithadbeenalackofoxygen.

“Maggie?”

Tearsfilledhereyesashetookherinhisarms.Shecriedagainsthisshoulderasarmed

menbegantospillinthroughtheopendoorway.

“Jenna?”sheaskedasoneoftheofficerskneltdowntocheckJennaforapulse.

“Thisone’sstillalive,”theofficersaidandcheckedTerwilliger.Hegotonhisradio,

callingforanambulance—and,lookingatTerwilliger,acoroner.

“Maggie,”Flintsaid,reachingintohispocket.“Ican’twaitanylonger.Marryme?”

CHAPTERTWENTY-THREE

E

ARLIER

M

ARK

HAD

gottenacallfromtheSheridan,Wyoming,sheriff’sdepartment.He’d

beenwaitingtohearfromFlint,waitingandworrying.Therewasnodoubtinhismind
thatFlinthadgoneofftolookforMaggie,sothecallhadn’tcomeasacompletesurprise.

“WeheardfromawomannamedJennaHolloway,”theWyomingsheriffhadtoldhim.

“Shesaidsheandanotherwoman,MaggieThompson,hadbeenheldcaptivebyaman
namedClarkTerwilligeratanoldroadhousejustacrosstheMontanaborder.SheriffFlint
Cahillrescuedthem,butheisstillwiththeabductorinthebuilding.We’reonourwayout
therenow.”

Markhadquicklyfilledthesheriffinonwhatheknew.“You’llcallmeassoonasyou

knowsomething?”

Thesheriffhadpromisedhewould.

Marknowwaited,tooanxioustodoanythingbutsitandstareatthephone.Flinthad

foundthem.Heletoutalaugh,notsurprisedgivenhisboss’sdetermination.Still,ithadto
belikelookingforaneedleinahaystack.Markhadneverbelievedinpsychic
connections,buthecouldn’thelpbutwonderiflovehadn’tplayedapartinit.

Helaughedagain,tellinghimselfheneededsleepifhewasthinkingsuchthings.When

hisphonefinallyrang,hepracticallyjumpedoutofhisskin.

Prayingthatthelawhadgottenthereintime,hepickedupthephone.“Ramirez.”

***

F

RANK

AND

N

ETTIE

werestillinNorthDakotawhentheygotthecallthenextday.

“FlintfoundMaggieandJenna,”Franktoldhiswife.“Jennawasshotandisinthe

hospital,butshe’sstable.Maggieisfine.”HefilledherinoneverythingthatFlinthadtold
himhappened.

“Beforeweleavetown,I’dliketostopbyEdnaBurns’sandletherknowthegood

news,”Nettiesaid.

TheyleftthemotelanddrovethefewblockstoEdna’shouse.Frankwasrelievedthat

thenewshadbeengood.He’dheardthehappinessinFlint’svoice.Thiscouldhavegone
sobadly…

Heparkedandtheywalkeduptothedoortoknock.Openingthedoor,Ednalooked

surprisedtoseethem,thenworried.“AreJennaandMargaret—”

“Theywerefound.They’rebothsafe.”

Edna’seyesfilledwithtearsassheusheredthemin.“Iwassoworried.”

“Wethoughtyou’dwanttoknow,”Nettiesaidaftertheywereallseatedintheliving

room.“Maybenowyoucantellustherestofthestory?”

Ednanoddedslowly.

“WhendidJennacallyouandaskaboutherdaughter?”

“Afewyearsago,”thewomanadmitted.“She’dfoundher.Shewantedtoknowthe

truth.SheknewthatI’dliedtoher.ItbrokemyheartbutIwasjustdoingwhatherparents
hadaskedmetodo.”

“Theyputyouinanunbearableposition,”Nettiesaid.

Ednawipedhereyeswithalace-edgedhankiefromherpocket.“LastMarch,Jenna

calledtosaythatClarkwasoutagainandhe’dfoundher.Iwasterrifiedforherand
beggedhertotellherhusbandbutsherefused.SheaskedmetowatchoutforMargaretif
somethingshouldhappentoher.”

“Butyou’dalreadywatchedoutforMargaret,I’mguessing,”Nettiesaid.

Theelderlywomanraisedherheadandlockedeyes.“Jennahadcalled.She’dseen

MargaretinBillings,seenabruiseonherwristandthoughtshemightbeinasituation
wheresheneededhelp.”

“Soyouhelpedher.Butitwasn’tthefirsttime,wasit.”

Ednasmiledsadly.“MyfriendwhowasraisingMargaretdiedwhenthegirlwas

seventeen.IpaidforMargarettogotobeautyschool.Ididn’thaveenoughforcollege,but
whenmyhusbanddied,Iwasabletohelpalittlemore.”

“IfigureyougavetheloantoMaggieforthesalonsheopenedinGiltEdge,”Frank

said.

Ednanodded.“IfherparentseverfoundoutwhatIdid…”Sheshivered.“Mysisterhad

warnedmenottogoagainstherhusband’swishes.IfLeseverfoundout…”

“Whydoesyoursisterstaywithhim?”Nettieasked.

“IwishIknew.I’vetoldhershecancomelivewithme.I’llneverunderstandwhatshe

seesinthatman.Ithinktherearejustsomewomenwhocan’tlivewithoutaman.”

“Whydidn’tJennatellMaggiethatshewashermother?”Frankasked.

“She’dbeenmadetofeelshameforthepregnancy.SheneverwantedMargarettoknow

howshe’dbeenconceived.SheneverwantedhertoknowaboutClark.”Ednasmiled.
“Butshehadherhairdonetherewhenshecouldaffordit,shetoldme,justsoshecould
seeher.She’dmarriedsomeolderfarmerwhowastightwithmoney.”Shetsked.“Just
likehermother.”

“I’massumingthatJennamarriedAnvilHollowaytogetawayfromherfather,”Frank

said.

“Andhermother.I’mnotsuremysisterwasanybetterwithherafter…afterwhat

happenedwithClark.Theyweresofilledwithshameandblamedthatgirl.”Ednashook
herhead.“Itwasn’therfaultanymorethanthislatestmessisherfault.Itwasthatman.”

“ClarkTerwilligerisdead.”

Ednaclosedhereyesandcrossedherself.“Iknowit’swrongtobeglad,butIam.He

wasjustplain…evil.I’mnotsorryhe’sdead.YousaidJennaisgoingtopullthrough?”

“Sheis,”Nettiesaid.

“AndMargaret?”

“She’sstrongandshehasagoodmantohelpherthroughthis,”Nettiesaid.“Asheriff.

Theyjustgotengaged.”

Ednasmiled.“Iwouldloveahappyendingforthatchild.Shehasn’thaditeasy.I’m

afraidmyfriendspentmuchofMargaret’slifelookingforthefatherinher.Whenever
Margaretdidsomethingwrong,myfriendwasconvinceditwashisbadgenescomingout.
Ihavetoadmit,Iworriedtoo.Silly,I’msure,butstill,IthinkMargaretknewsomething
waswrongandIfeelbadaboutthat.”

“Youdidyourbesttosaveher,”Nettiesaidandtookthewoman’sfrailhand.“Thank

youfortellingusthetruth.”

“Ishouldhavethefirsttime,”Ednasaid.“Funnyhowlyingbecomessoeasyaftera

while.MaybeifI’dtoldthetruthyearsago…Howniceitwouldbenottolivealifeof
regrets.”

“Yes,”Nettiesaidandlookedoveratherhusband.Yearsagohe’daskedhertomarry

him,buthermotherhadtalkedherintomarryingadifferentmanbecausehisfamily
ownedacountrystore.Atthattime,Frankwasjustagood-lookingcowboywhocould
rideahorseoramotorcyclelikehewasborntoit.ToooftenNettiethoughtabouthow
differentherlifewouldhavebeenifshehadmarriedFrankallthoseyearsago.Maybe
theywouldhavehadchildrenoftheirown.

“Ihavemyownregrets,”Nettiesaidtothewomanasshegottoherfeet.“But

sometimesthingsturnoutforthebest.Sometimesyougetasecondchance.Jennahasthat
chanceandsodoesMaggie.”

“YousayMargaret’sengagedtoasheriff?”Ednaasked,perkingupalittle.

“FlintCahillisagoodman,”Franksaid.“Youdon’thavetoworryaboutheranymore.”

***

“I

CAN

’

T

BELIEVE

youaskedhertomarryyouatacrimescene,”Cyrussaidthenextday

whenFlintandMaggiewalkedintotheStagecoachSaloontocheersandcongratulations.
Ithadbeenthirty-sixhourssincebeingrescuedfromtheroadhouse.Flintwasmoving
slowlybutmuchbettersincegettingthewalkingcast.Nothingwasbroken,butitwould
taketimeforthetendonstoheal.

“Sucharomantic,”Hawkagreedgood-naturedly.

“Thetimingprobablycouldhavebeenbetter,”Flintadmittedashisfamilyrushedover

forhugs—evenCyrusandHawk.

“Thetimingwasperfect,”MaggiesaidasLilliethrewherarmsaroundher.

“Welcometothefamily,”Lilliesaidandbegantocry.“It’sthehormones,”shesaid,

wipingathertears.“Andwewereallsoworriedaboutyou.I’msogladyou’reallright.”

“Flint,youdidhaveusworried,”Hawksaid.“Iknowyoualwayshavetobethehero,

but…”Heshookhishead,andMaggiesawrealworryinhisexpression.

Herfuturefather-in-law,Ely,pushedhiswaythroughtoshakeFlint’shandandhug

him.“Tookyoulongenoughtoaskhertothepost,”hisfatherchastised.

FlintonlylaughedashemetMaggie’sgazeandpulledherovernexttohim.“Iagree.”

Helookedathisfather.“ButIthoughtyouwereheadedbacktothemountains.”Fora
manwhospentmostofhistimeasarecluse,itsurprisedMaggietoothathewasstillhere.

“Couldn’tleaveuntilIwassuremysonwasgoingtobeallright.Thiscallsfor

champagne,”ElyannouncedandmovedtothebarwhereDarbybegantopour.Hepoured
himselfwaterandtheyalltoasted.

MaggiecouldtellthatFlintwastouchedbyhisfather’sconcern.Shefeltoverwhelmed

bythisboisterousfamily,butalsogratefultobeincluded.Shelistenedtothegood-natured
ribbingFlinttookandsawhowmuchlovewasinthisroom.Beforethatmoment,she
supposedshehadn’trealizedthatshewasn’tjustmarryingFlint.Shewasmarryinghis
family.Shefoundherselfsmilingforthefirsttimeindays.

“Now,whatabouttherestofyou?”Elydemandedasheputdownhisglass,hisgaze

turningtoHawkandCyrus.

“Anotherwedding!”LilliecriedandturnedtoHawkandCyrus.“Wouldn’titbegreatif

itwasatriplewedding?”

Herbachelorbrothersbothhelduptheirhandsasiftowardoffeventhethought.

FlintlaughedandpulledMaggiecloser.Shecouldtellthathe’dhatedhavingheroutof

hissighteventoanswerquestionsabouttheabduction.Butonceeverythingwascleared
upwithTerwilliger’sdeathandhisleghealed,Flintwouldbereturningtowork.He
couldn’twatchher24/7eventhoughshesuspecteditwouldbeawhilebeforehefelthe
didn’tneedto.

Maggieplannedtotakesometimeoff,aswell.Shestillfeltjumpyeventwodayslater.

Thismorning,she’dtoldFlinteverythingaboutGaryLongandherrelationshipwithhim.
She’dtoldFlintthatGaryhadcontactedhersayinghehadtotalktoherandthatifshe
didn’tmeethimhewasgoingtocausetrouble.Foolishly,she’dmethiminBillingswhen
she’dgonedownforthesalonevent.She’dthoughtshe’dmadeherfeelingsclear.

“WhenIsawhimstandinginyourhouse…Ithoughtwe’dsettledeverythingin

Billings,”she’dsaid.“IfI’dthoughthe’dcometoGiltEdge…Ishouldhavetold.”

“Ishouldhaveasked,”he’dsaid.

“Ijustdidn’twantmypastcomingbetweenus.”

He’dchuckledatthat.“Unlikemypast.IwassosureCelestehadtakenyou,”he’dsaid.

ItwouldhavebeenMaggie’sfirstthoughtifshe’dbeenFlint.He’dtoldherthathe’d

triedtochokethetruthoutofCeleste.Shewasjustsorrythatshe’dmissedthat.

Aftertheirtalk,she’dfeltclosertoFlint.He’driskedhislifetosaveher.She’dnever

forgetthatandsaidasmuch.

“Andyouriskedyours,”he’dsaidwithashakeofhishead.“Icouldn’tbelieveyou’d

comebacktotheroadhouse.Butifyouhadn’t…”He’dpulledhertohimandheldher
tightly.“That’sallbehindusnow.”

“Can’thaveatripleweddingifthesetwocowboysdon’tevenhavebrides,”Elywas

saying.

“Mustbetimeforustogochasesomecattle,”Hawksaid.

“You’renotgettingoffthateasy,”Lilliesaid.“Surelythere’ssomeoneinyourlifeother

thanCyrus.”

“Hey,you’regoingtohurtmyfeelings,”Cyrusjoked.“ButHawk’sright.Thecows

needtobefedandwateredandthere’sthattractortobefixed,”hesaidashebacked
towardthedoor.Onhiswayout,hepattedFlintontheback.

“Isupposethismeansyou’rebackinyourownhouse,”Hawksaid.“I’dsaywewere

goingtomissyou,butwehardlysawyou.”

“Thanksforeverything,”Flintsaid,hisvoicecrackingwithemotion.

“Don’tyouwanttostayandtalkabouttheirweddingplans?”Lilliecalledafterhertwo

brothersastheyscurriedout.“WehavetoinviteHawk’soldgirlfriendDrea,”shesaid
withalaugh.“Ithinktherearesomeunresolvedfeelingsbetweenthem.”Therewasa
twinkleinhereyethatmadethemallgroanbeforesheturnedtoMaggie.“Sotellus
everything.”

“Wewouldlovetogiveyouablowbyblow,”Flintsaid,takinghisfiancée’shand.“But

weneedtostopbythesheriff’sofficeandthenthehospital.”

“HowisJenna?”Darbyasked.

“That’sright—she’syourmother,”Lilliesaid,wide-eyed.“Alltheseyearsyouwere

toldthatyourmotherwasdead?”

Maggienodded.“Itdefinitelycameasashock.SheandFlintsavedmylife.”

“Jennaisinstableconditionandexpectedtorecover,”Flintinterrupted.“Maggiewill

tellyouallaboutitatsomelaterdate.”Heshothissisterawarninglook.“She’sbeen
throughalot.Okay?”

“We’lltalk,”Maggiesaid,touchingLillie’shandasFlintgotheroutofthere.

“I’msorry.Myfamily…”Heshrugged.

“They’redelightful,”Maggiesaid,makinghimlaugh.

“Now,thatisawordIhaveneverheardusedabouttheCahills.”

“Watchit.I’mgoingtobeaCahill,”shejoked.

Hesmiledoverather.“Yes,youare,justassoonasIcangetyoutothealtar.”He

squeezedherhand,worriedabouther.Shewasputtingonagoodact,buthecouldtellit
wouldbeawhilebeforeshegotoverthetraumaofeverythingthathadhappened—maybe
especiallylearningabouthermother…andherfather.

“IgotatextfromMarkattheoffice.Heaskedmetoswingby,”Flintsaidastheydrove

awayfromthesaloon.“Isthatokaywithyou?”

“Sure,”Maggiesaid,lookingoutatthemountains.“Icalledthehospitalthismorning.”

They’dstayedatherhouse,thoughneitherhadgottenmuchsleep.Flintsaidhethought
hishousemighthavetoomanybadmemories.“Jennahasn’tregainedconsciousness.”

***

V

ICKI

TOOK

H

ARP

’

S

handandraisedittoherlips.Hisfingersfeltwarmbutsolifeless.

Sittinginthechairnexttohisbed,shefoughttearsasshekissedhispalmandlaiditback
downonthewhitesheet.

ThedoctorsaidHarpcouldcomeoutofthecomaatanytime.Ornever.Thethought

scaredhersobadly.Hehadtobeallright.Sheneededhimmorethanever.

She’dbeensoshockedwhenshe’dgottenthecall.Harphadbeenattackedonthestreet

byanassailant?Sheworriedabouthimbeingadeputy,buttwonightsagohehadn’tbeen
working.

“Whywouldsomeonedothistohim?”shehaddemandedoftheundersheriff.

“Itappearshewasmugged.Hiswalletwasopenonthegroundandwhatevermoney

he’dhadwasgone.Buthe’dmanagedtohangontoyourengagementring.”

She’dlistenedtohowHarphadhadtheringclutchedinhisonegoodfist.Markhad

speculatedthatitmightbewhyitappearedhehadn’tfoughtback.Ormaybehedidn’tget
achance.

“Eitherway,themuggerdidn’tgetyourengagementring,”Markhadsaid.“Clearlythe

ringmeantsomethingtohim.”

Thatnewshadmadehercry.Ifonlyshe’dtoldHarpwhenshe’dfirstlostthebaby,but

she’dbeensoafraidhewouldhavewalkedoutonher.Justashe’dwalkedouttwonights
ago.

Butitappearedhe’dbeenheadedbacktowardtheapartment,theundersheriffhadsaid,

whenhe’dbeenjumped.Harphadbeencomingbacktoher.

“You’regoingtobeallright,”shewhisperedasshesmoothedthesheet.“Youhaveto

bebecauseIneedyou.Iloveyou,Harp.Wecanhaveanotherbaby.”Shebegantocry.
“Oh,Harp,allIeverwantedwastogiveyouafamily.”

***

M

AGGIE

SAID

SHE

wouldwaitinthereceptionareawhileFlintvisitedwiththe

undersheriff.“I’llbefine.”

Hestudiedherbeautifulface.“Yes,youwill.”

Downthehall,hesteppedintoMark’soffice.“Harpisinthehospitalinacoma.They

don’tknowifheisgoingtomakeit,”theundersheriffsaid.

Hisfirstthoughtwasanotherdomesticdispute.“Whathappened?”

“Apparently,he’dwalkeduptownandsomeonejumpedhim.Beathimupbadwitha

tireiron.Weweren’tabletogetanyprintsofftheweaponbecauseofalltheblood.”

Flintwinced.“Someonehepissedoff?”

“Thatwouldhavebeenmyfirstguess.Buthiswalletwasemptyofcashandonthe

groundnexttohim,andHarphadadiamondringgrippedinhishandwhenhewas
found.”

“Aring?”

“Theengagementringhehadgiventohisgirlfriend.Apparentlyshe’dgivenitback.”

Markshruggedasiftosay“whoknows?”

“Hewasconsciouswhenhewasfound?”

“Hewas,butlapsedintoacomabeforewecouldfindoutwhathappened.Fromhis

injuries,though,itappearshewashitfrombehindanddidn’tevengetachancetoputupa
fight.”

Flintshookhishead.“Hashisgirlfriendbeennotified?”

“Icalledhermyself.Shetookithard.Iwasworried,withthebabyandall,butshetold

methatshe’dlostthebaby.ShesaidtheybrokeupbeforeHarpleftthehouse.”

“Thinkshehadanythingtodowithhisbeingattacked?”

“Idon’tthinkso,”Marksaid.“She’sbeenbyhissideatthehospitalsinceIcalledher.”

FlintfeltbadforherandHarp.“Mightbehardtofindhisattackergivenhispast

reputationaroundtown.”

“Ifoundthebarwherehehadafewbeers,”Marksaid.“Thebartenderremembersthe

ringandHarp’ssad-luckstory.Ifhecomesoutofthecoma,hemightknowwhoattacked
him.Ifhedoesn’t…”Theundersheriffshookhishead.

“IwantedtogetridofHarpenoughtimes,”Flintadmitted.“Butnotlikethis.I’llstopin

andseehowhe’sdoingsinceMaggieandIareonourwaytothehospital.”

“I’vereadyourreportonwhathappened,”Marksaid.“Goodwork.Itwillbeniceto

haveyouback.”

***

M

AGGIE

WAS

RELIEVED

whentheywalkedintothehospitalandweretoldthatJennahad

regainedconsciousness.

“Goseeher,”Flintsaid.“I’llcheckonHarpandcatchupwithyou.”

Assheenteredtheroom,shestoppedtostudythewomanlyinginthehospitalbed.Her

mother.Shestillcouldn’tbelieveit.

Maggienolongersawthealmost-invisiblewomanwhousedtocomeintoherbeauty

shop.ThisJennawasstrongandcourageous.Itwasasifshe’dfinallyfacedherdemons
andhadnowcomeintoherown.

Jennamusthavesensedherinthedoorwaybecausesheturnedfromwhereshe’dbeen

lookingoutthewindowtosmileatMaggie.SheheldoutherhandtoherandMaggie
movedtothesideofthebed.

“I’msosorry,”Jennasaid,squeezingherhand.

“Allthatmattersisthatyou’reokay,”Maggiesaid,surprisedtofindherselfcloseto

tears.

“Ishouldhavetoldyouyearsago,”Jennasaid.“Myauntthoughtshewasdoingwhat

wasbestforyou.Shecouldn’tbeartoseeyougointofostercare,soshetalkedherfriend
intoraisingyouwithherfinancialhelp.Shehadtokeepitfromhersister,mymother.”

“Mygrandmother.”

Jennalookedfullofregret.“Noneofthisisyourfault.”

“Oryours.DidtheyreallybelieveI’ddied?”Maggiehadtoask.

“Apparentlyitwassomethingtheywantedtobelieve,butIthinkmymotherknewthe

truthallalong.Well,theyknownow.Thescandaltheythoughtthey’dnippedinthebud
willbeinallthenews.”

“Willthey—”

“Contactyou?”Jennashookherhead.“I’mafraidtheywroteusbothoffyearsago.But

ifyouwanttomeetthem—”

“No,”Maggiesaid.“Idon’tneedto.”

“Theirloss.”Hermothersmiledather.“Iamsoproudofyou.Youhaveaccomplished

somuch.”

“Withyourhelp.Flinttoldmeallthatyoudidforme.”

“Itwasmostlymyaunt’sdoingbecauseIdidn’thaveanymoney.”

“Butyoutalkedherintoit,”Maggiesaid.

“Shewashappytohelpasmuchasshecould.Shelovedyou.”

Maggiesmiled.“Ilovedhertoo.I’msureshetoldyouthatIusedtogodowntoher

houseallthetime.Shetaughtmetobakeandsew…”Tearsfilledhereyes.“Weusedto
fixeachother’shair.Iguessit’snowonderIfeltclosertoherthanthewomanwhoraised
me.”

“Wemighthavehelpedyou,butyou’retheonewhoturnedyourlifearound.”

“Whatwillyoudonow?”Maggiehadtoask.“Doesyourhusbandknow?”

“No.Itwouldn’tmakeanydifference.Ihurthimtoobadly.Hecouldneverforgiveme

andIdon’tblamehim.WhenIlefthim,Icutallties.Ithoughtitwouldbeeasierforhim.
IthinkallIdidwashurthimworse.”Sheshookherhead.“He’sagoodman.Hedeserved
better,butIwassoafraidthatClarkwouldkillhimifIdidn’tleave.”

“Wedon’thavetoworryaboutClarkanymore.”

Jennamethergaze.“He’sreallydead?”

Maggienodded.

“I’msosorryyouhadtogothroughwhatyoudidbecauseofme.”

“Itwasn’tyourfault.Youweretherealvictim.Butnowyou’refree.Thereisnothing

holdingyoubackwithClarkgone.”

Jennanodded,buttherewasahauntedlookinhereyes.Maybeintime,shewould

forgetwhatthemanhaddonetoher.

“Youwon’tleaveGiltEdge,willyou?”Maggiehadn’trealizedhowmuchheranswer

mattered.Shedidn’twanttolosehermotheragain.

“No.I’mstaying.”ShesqueezedMaggie’shandagain.“Thatis,ifyouwantmeto.”

“Ido.”Maggiebentdowntocarefullyhugher.“Mom.”Thewordsoundedsostrange

onherlipssinceitwasoneshe’dneverusedbefore.

Jennaheldhertightly.“ThenI’mnotgoinganywhere.”

***

A

FTER

STOPPING

IN

tocheckonHarp,FlintwenttofindMaggie.JustasMarkhadsaid,

Harp’sgirlfriend,Vicki,hadbeenbesidetheman’sbed.Shewassuchatiny,frailwoman
andclearlysoinlovewithHarp.HegaveasilentprayerthatHarpwouldrecover.Maybe
therewouldbeachanceforthetwoofthem.

Hissister,Lillie,wouldhavesaidhewasbecomingaromantic.Maybehewas.He

foundMaggieasshewasleavingJenna’sroom.

“She’sconscious.Iwouldimagineyou’llwanttoquestionher.”

“I’llleavethattoMark,butIwillgoinandseeher.Waitforme?”

AsFlinttappedatJenna’shospital-roomdoor,herealizedJennawasnowhissoon-to-be

mother-in-law.Heowedherhislifeandsomuchmore.She’dgivenbirthtoMaggie.It
didn’tmatterunderwhatcircumstances,asfarashewasconcerned.Hewasjustthankful
toher.She’dsavedhislifeandMaggie’s.

“Comein,”Jennacalled,andhesteppedinside.

Movingtoherbed,hesaid,“Gladtoseeyou’rebetter.”

“I’msorryIputyouallthroughthat.”

“ThatwasClarkTerwilliger’sdoing,notyours.Jenna,youaren’ttoblameforanyof

this.Youwereachildwhenthisallbegan.IjustappreciatewhatyoudidforMaggie.You

savedbothofourlives.”

“Ifyouhadn’tshownupatthatoldroadhousewhenyoudid…”

“You’resafenow.Maybeyoucanfindsomepeace.”

Shesmiled,buthecouldseeitwasgoingtotaketime.“Iwasgoingtocomeseeyou

afterIgotoutofhere.IdidsomethingsbeforeIlefttownthatIfeelterribleabout.I
shopliftedmakeupandstoleotherthings.MaybeIwantedtogetarrestedandlockedup.
AnywherethatClarkcouldn’tgettome.”

“Youwereinabadplace,”Flintsaid.“Butdon’tworryaboutanyofthat.Anvil

returnedtheitemsyoutookandpaidafine.”

“Hetooktheblameforme?”Shesoundedsurprised,butthennoddedasifshecouldsee

himdoingsuchathing.

“Haveyoutalkedtohim?”Flintasked.

“No.I’msurehedoesn’twanttoseemeandIdon’tblamehim.I’llgetajobandpay

himbackthemoneyIowehim.”

“Idoubthe’lltakeit.”

“Doesn’tmatter.Ihavetotry,”shesaid.“IsupposeyouknowwhyIbeganwritingto

meninprison.”

“Youwerelookingforhelp.”

Shechuckledatthat.“Ithoughtitwouldtakeahardenedcriminaltostopone.ButI

evenfailedatthat.Kurtwasn’t…”Sheshookherhead.“Hewasaniceguywhotriedto
helpmebutultimatelyClarkwouldhavekilledhim.”

“IthinkI’vepiecedthingstogetherwiththehelpoftwoprivateinvestigatorsIhiredto

findyou.ButIhavetoknowhowClarkfoundyouinWyoming.”

Jennanodded.“IcalledmyfriendDana,Clark’ssister.Iknewhewasoutofprison.

Somehowhe’dfoundoutthatI’dhadhischild.Hewasdeterminedtofindher.Danatold
methathe’dcalledherandsaidthathe’dfoundher.Ididn’tbelieveitatfirst.ButClark
wasn’tanythingifnotsmart.Apparentlyhe’dseenmecomingoutofthebeautyshopthe
lasttime.He’dseenmecryinginmycarandknewitwasn’tovermylatesthaircut.Seeing
Maggieandyetnotbeingableto…Itbrokemyheart.IthinkhetookonelookatMaggie
andknew.”

“SoyougothiscellnumberfromDanaandcalledhim.”

“ItoldmyselfthatIwastheonehewantedandthathewouldleaveMaggiealone.Ihad

themoneyKurthadsetaside.IactuallythoughtIcouldbuyClarkoff.Oratleastmake
somekindofdealwithhim.ThenextthingIknew,MaggieandIwerebothprisonersin
thatoldroadhouse.”

“Well,that’sallbehindyounow,andasfarasthelawisconcerned,youhavenothingto

worryabout.WillyoustayinGiltEdge?”

“Maggiewantsmeto.”Heheardthepleasureinhervoice.

“I’mglad.Onceyou’rebetter,there’sgoingtobeawedding.”Asheleft,heknewwhat

hehadtodo.

CHAPTERTWENTY-FOUR

S

ITTING

AT

THE

gasstation,Frankwatchedtwocrowshavingwhatlookedlikearomantic

dateonthetelephoneline.Crowsweresuchintelligentbirdsandsomuchlikepeoplethat
he’dalwayslovedwatchingthem.HerememberedoneofhisandNettie’sfirstdateshad
involvedcrowwatchingandsmiled.

Ofcourse,Nettiehadtoldhimthatarealdatedidn’tinvolvebird-watching,sohe’d

kissedherandsaidThatmorelikeit?

“Whatareyousmilingabout?”NettieaskednowassheclimbedintotheirSUV.Sheput

downthebagofroad-triptreatsshe’dpickedupinsidetheconveniencestorewhilehe’d
beenfillingupthetankwithgas.

“Justrememberingourfirstdate.”

Shelaughed.“Letmeguess.Thosetwocrowsremindedyouofit.”Shenoddedtoward

thecourtinggoingonoveronthetelephoneline.

“Youweren’tallthatimpressedbymyvastknowledgeofcrows,asIrecall,”hesaid

andstartedtheengine.

“True,butIdidlikethekiss.”

Hegrinned.“Thatright?”

“Thosecrowshavenothingonus.Istilllikeyourkisses.”

“Geteverythingyouneededforthetriphome?”heasked,anxiousnowtogetbackto

theirsmallranchnearBeartooth,Montana—nottomentiontheirinvestigativebusiness.

“Igotsomeofyourfavorites,ofcourse,”shesaid,reachinginthebag.“Wedidgood,

huh.”

Helaughed.“Ithinkwedid.FlinttextedmeaminuteagotosaythatJennawas

consciousandexpectedtohaveafullrecovery.”

“AndMaggie?”

“Theyannouncedtheirengagement.”

“Isthatsafe?”Nettieasked,wide-eyed.“WhataboutCeleste?”

“Guesswe’llhavetoseehowshetakesthenews.”

“Sowemightgetcalledforanotherjobupthisway?”

“Youneverknow,”hesaidandputouthishandforoneofthecandybars.Theyhada

lotofmilestocover.

***

F

LINT

DROPPED

M

AGGIE

atherhouse.Hehadonemorethingtodobeforehewenthometo

her.AshedroveouttotheHollowayfarm,hethoughtaboutwhathewouldtellAnvil.By

now,thefarmerwouldhaveheardthatJennawasbackintownafteranordealinvolving
herdaughter,MaggieThompson.

ButFlinthadrealizedthatthemanneededtohearthetruth.LikeJenna,hedoubtedit

wouldchangeanything,buthecouldn’tletthemangoonbelievingtheworstabouther.

Ashewasleavingherhospitalroomearlier,he’dstoppedinthedoorway,realizing

therewassomethingheneededtoknow.“Didyoulovehim?”

Jennahadlookedupinsurprise.“Anvil?Ohyes.Icouldhavebeenhappywithhimas

longasIgottoseemydaughteronceinawhile.ButthenClarkshowedup.”Shehadn’t
neededtosayanymore.

ParkinginthefrontyardattheHollowayfarm,FlintgotoutofhispatrolSUVand

limpedtowardthehouse.Hewouldn’thavebeensurprisedtohaveAnvilthrowhimoff
hisproperty.Hethoughtofalltheothertimeshe’dcomeoutthere,accusingthemanof
murder.

Anvilcametothedoor,lookinghappiertoseehimthanFlinthadexpected.

“YouheardthatJennawasfoundandthatsheisgoingtobeallright?”

Anvilnodded.

“Ithoughtyoumightwanttohearthewholestory.”

Thefarmerseemedtohesitate,butforonlyamomentbeforeheopenedthedoorwider

andinvitedhiminside.

***

H

ARP

OPENED

HIS

EYES

.ThefirstthinghesawwasVickiasleepinthechairnexttohisbed.

Hesmiledwhenhesawtheengagementringonherfinger.Howlonghadhebeenout?
She’dhaditsizedanditnowfitperfectly.

Hereyesflutteredandwidenedwhenshesawhimlookingather.“Harp!”Sheleaped

fromthechairandpracticallyfellintohisarms.

“Easy,”hesaid,realizingmorethanhisachingheadwasinjured.

“Iwassoworriedaboutyou,”Vickicried.“Iknewyouwouldwakeup.Iknewit.”

Hecouldn’thelpbutsmileather.Hisfatherhadtoldhimthatawomancouldchange

him,buthe’dneverbelievedthatuntilnow.

“Iseeyoufoundthering,”Harpsaid.

Shedrewbacktostaredownatit.“Ihopeitwasokay.Ihaditsized.Thejewelercame

uphereandtookittohaveitdonesoIdidn’thavetoleaveyourbedside.Butifyou—”
Shestartedtopullitoff,buthestoppedher.

“It’srightwhereitbelongs.”Hemethergaze.Shehadn’tlefthisbedside?Hecouldn’t

helpbutsmile.“Iwanttomarryyou,Vicki.Idon’tcareifyou’repregnantornot.The
babywasn’ttheonlyreasonIwasgoingtomarryyou.”

Sheburstintotearsandhuggedhimalittletoohardagain.Hegrimaced,butsaid

nothingasheheldhertohim.

“Ineedtocallthesheriff,”shesaid,pullingbacktotakeouthercellphone.“Ipromised

I’dcalltheminuteyouopenedyoureyes.Wewereallsoworried.Yourfatherwasby
earlier.”

Hewonderedifthatwastrue,butatleastVickihadbeenconcernedabouthim.Fornow,

thatwasenough.Helistenedtohertelltheundersheriffthathe’dcomeoutofhiscoma
andrealizedhe’dbeenhitalotharderthanhe’dthought.

“HowlonghaveIbeenout?”heaskedaftershe’dhungupandtoldhimMarkwason

hisway.

“Twodays.”

Days.Thatsurprisedhim.HelistenedasVickifilledhiminoneverythingthathadbeen

happeningsincehe’dbeenout.

“Wait,”hesaid,hisheadaching,butitfeltsogoodtobealivethathewasn’taboutto

complain.“MaggieThompsonandJennaHolloway?”

“JennaisMaggie’smother.”

Howaboutthat?hethought.

“Anyway,thesheriffsavedthem.ThemanwhotookthemhadrapedJennawhenshe

wasthirteen.Pregnant,herparentsforcedhertogiveupthebaby.Maggieneverknew.”

Vickicameupforbreathandhehadtolaughbeforeheasked,“Howdidyoufindall

thisout?”

“Gail,atthesheriff’soffice.She’sbeenbytovisityouafewtimes.Shewasworried

thatyouweregoingtodietoo.”

Theybothturnedastheundersheriffstuckhisheadinthedoor.“MindifIhaveafew

wordswithHarpalone?”MarkaskedVicki.

Sherushedout,stoppingonlylongenoughtosmilebackathimandpromiseshewould

justbeoutinthehallway.

Markpulledupachairnexttohisbedandtookouthisnotebookandpen.“Ineedtoask

youwhathappened.”

Harpshrugged.“ThelastthingIremember,Iwasheadedbacktotheapartmenttosee

Vickiwhensomeonejumpedme.”

“Yourecognizeyourattacker?”

Harpthoughtaboutthatforamoment.ThoughtaboutLarryWagnerandhiswife,

Shirley,andtheiroldestson,whowasthespittingimageofHarp.

“Youseehisface?”Markprodded.

Harpshookhisheadeventhoughithurttodoso.“Didn’tgetagoodlook.”Thatmuch,

atleast,wastrue.

“Well,ifyourememberanythingelse,”Marksaid,puttingawayhisnotebookandpen

asherosetohisfeet.

Harpsawhisquestioninglookasiftheundersheriffthoughthewascoveringfor

someone.Larryhadn’tkilledhimeventhoughhesuspectedthemanhadwantedto—and
couldhave.Harpfeltliketheywereeven.HehopedLarrydidtoo.

“Hopeyou’rewellsoon,”theundersheriffsaid.

“Mark,”hesaidbeforethemancouldleave.“IknowIhavealotofmakingupforlost

time,butIhopeyou’llgivemeachance.”

Markmethisgaze.

“Maybeitwasalmostdyingacoupleoftimes,butIthinkitchangesaman,”Harpsaid.

“Onlytimewilltell,”theundersheriffsaidwithachuckle.“Justgetwell.Andshould

yourememberwhojumpedyou…”

“Don’tthinkIwill.”Heshrugged.“I’veputalotofthepastbehindme.Idon’tseeit

comingback.”

***

M

AGGIE

HAD

NEVER

beenmoreexcitedaboutChristmasinthedaysthatpassed.She’d

goneshoppingforFlintandfoundhimafirsteditionofabookheloved.Flinthadwanted
tocuttheirownChristmastree,butwiththewalkingcast,he’dtoldherthatHawkand
Cyrushadoffered.They’dcomebackwithabeautifulfirtree.

Ihopeyoudon’tmind,butItoldthemtoputitupatthesaloon,Flinthadsaid.Idon’t

wanttohaveChristmasatmyhouse,andyourhousedoesn’tseemtherightplace,either.
DoyoumindifwehaveChristmaswithmyfamilythisyear?

She’dbeensurprised,thinkingthisyearhewouldwantthemtohavetheirown

Christmasathome.Norhadhementionedhermovinginwithhimagain.Instead,hespent
almosteverynightwithheratherhouse.

Whenshefoundhimwaitingforheratherhouse,shesaid,“What’sthis,Flint?”Hehad

somebrochuresspreadoutonthecoffeetableinthelivingroom.

“Ishouldhavesaidsomethingbeforethis.”Heledherovertothecouch.

“I’mgoingtosellmyhouse,”hesaid.“Iwaswrongtoaskyoutolivethere.Thatwas

thehousethatCelesteandIshared.SometimesI’msuchafool.Ishouldhavethoughtof
thatbefore.”

“Butyoulovethathouse.”

Heshookhishead.“Iloveyou,Maggie.I’dliveanywherewithyou,butthisisanew

beginning.Wedeserveourownhousewithnobadmemories.”

Sheleanedtowardhimtogivehimaquickkiss.“I’dliveanywherewithyou.Ilove

you,Flint,butareyousure?”

“I’veneverbeenmoresureofanythinginmylife.Pleaseunderstand,mybeinggun-shy

hadnothingtodowithyou.First,itwasjustacaseofbeingscared.I’dfailedbadly
already.IwasterrifiedI’dmessthisupanddid,numeroustimes.Ishouldhavelistenedto
youaboutCeleste.”

“Shewasn’ttheonewhoabductedme.”

“No,butshecouldhave.Asitwas,shewithheldinformationintheinvestigation.We

mighthavefoundyousoonerifshehadcooperatedandtolduswhatsheknew.”

“Butyoudidfindme.”Tearswelledinhereyes.Shethoughtaboutherdrowningdream

andthefearthatnoonecouldsaveher.Butshe’dbeenwrong.Flinthadsavedherfrom
somethingworsethandrowning.She’dneverforgetseeinghimstandinginthatdoorway.
“Yousavedmylife.”

“Yousavedmine.SoIguesswe’reeven.”Hissmilemadeherheartbeatevenfaster.

“Nowlet’sfindahousethatwecanlovetogether.Orwecanbuildupontheranchonthe
sectionthatwillbeours.Youdecide.”

***

T

HAT

NIGHT

AFTER

DINNER

,FlintandMaggiesatdownandtalkedabouteverythingthat

hadhappenedtothem.Flintlovedhowclosehefelttoher.He’dbeenafraidbeforebut
thatwaspastthem.SecretswereCeleste’sgame,notMaggie’s.He’djustbeenafraidto
askaboutherpast.Herealizedithadkeptthematarm’slength,eachofthemkeeping
somethingfromtheother.

“Thereissomuchweshouldhavetalkedabout.Ineverevenaskedyouwhatbrought

youtoGiltEdge.”

“Iheardaboutahairsalonthatwasforsale,andwhenIwasofferedaloantotakeit

over…Itwasdescribedtomeasayoungbusinesswomanorganizationloan.Iknownow
thatmymotherhadsomethingtodowithmecomingtoGiltEdge.Apparentlyshetalked
toherauntwhohadinheritedsomemoney.”

“Andmaybehadaguiltyconscience,”Flintsuggested.

Shenodded.“Thosewereadifferenttimewhenevenachildoutofwedlockwas

consideredtaboo,letaloneonethatwasconceivedthewayIwas.Also,itsoundslikemy
grandparentsare…quitestrict.”

“Andunforgiving.Haveyouheardfromthem?”

“No,”Maggiesaid.“AndIdon’tplanto.Jennasaidtheywillneverchange.”

“Probablynot,fromwhatI’veheardaboutthem.Theirloss.”Hesmiledatherand

touchedherface.“ThereissomuchIwanttoknowandsomuchIwanttotellyou,”he
said.“AfteryoudisappearedandIwaslookingforyou,Iwasgoingcrazy.Whyhadn’twe
talkedaboutthepast?Whydidn’tIknowimportantthingsaboutyouthatcouldhave
helpedmefindyousooner?”

“Butyoudidfindme.”

“Finally,butIdon’twantustohavesecretsfromeachother.”

“Meeither.”

Itseemedthatthey’djustmetastheytalkedforhours.

“Still,Idon’tunderstandhowJennafoundyou.Hadyoumetherbeforeyoumoved

here?”heasked.

“It’sfunny,butwhenImovedhere,Ithoughtshelooked…familiar.NowI’mpretty

sureIsawheroncedowninBillingsatthesalonwhereIworked.”Maggiechuckled.“She
couldevenhavebeenthepersonwhomentionedtheshopforsaleinGiltEdge.Maybe
she’dseenthatIwaslookingforawayoutofabadrelationshipwithGary…”

“Howarethingswithyourmother?”

“Thedoctorsaysshe’sgoingtorecovernicely.Ijustworrywhatshewilldonow.You

don’tthinkshe’llgobacktoAnvil?”

“Probablynot,”hesaid.“Butshe’sstillyoung.Maybethere’ssomethingshe’dliketo

dowithherlifenowthatshedoesn’thavetoworryaboutherpast.”

“Willchargesbefiledagainstherfordisappearingthewayshedid?”

Flintshookhishead.“Shefearedforherlife.Anyjudgewouldunderstandunderthe

circumstances.Andshesavedourlives.”

Maggienodded.“I’veneverbeensoafraidinmylife.My…”Shecouldn’tsaytheword

father.“Clarkwasinsane.”

“Iknow.”

“Yes,Iguessyoudo.WhenIthinkabouthimandhowIwasconceived…Ialways

knewtherewassomethingwrongwiththestoryIwastoldaboutmymotherandfather.I
wouldcatchpeoplewhisperingandIknewitwasaboutme.”

“I’msorrythathappened.Asyousaid,thirty-threeyearsagothingsweremuchdifferent

thantheyaretoday,fortunately,”Flintsaid.“Youareanamazingwoman.”

Helookeddownatthediamondhe’dputonherfingeratthecrimescene.Hisfamily

wasright.Hedidn’tknowonedarnedthingaboutromance.“Ihadplannedaromantic
dinnertoaskyoutomarryme.”Hisgazecameuptomeethers.“I’dbeencarryingthis
ringaroundinmypocketformonths.Sointhatbasementaftereverythinghadhappened,
I…Ijustcouldn’twaitamomentlonger.”

Shegavehimthatsmilethathadstolenhisheart.“I’msogladyoudidn’t.”

“NowIcan’twaittomakeyoumywife.Sotellme,whatkindofhousedoyouwant?”

Shelookedawayforamomentasifthinking.“Ahousewithabigbackyard.Onewitha

treeswingforthekids.”

“Kids?”

Shemethisgaze.“Iwantchildren,Flint.Iwantahalfdozenofthem.”

Helaughed.“Thenwe’dbettergetstartedrightaway.”

“You’dbeallrightwiththat?”

“Allright?Maggie,Ioncedreamedofthekindofbackyardyou’retalkingabout—and

thechildrenwho’dplaythere.Iwasafraidtodreamitagain,butthereisnothingIwould
lovemorethanhavingahalf-dozenbabieswithyou.”

“Well,maybenotahalfdozen,butatleastthree?”

Heleaneddowntokissher.“Atleastthree.Butwhataboutyoursalon?”

“Imighthavetohireanotherstylist,”shesaid.“Maybesoonerthanlatersincebusiness

isreallygood.Withtheweddingandeverything—”

“Andushopingtogetpregnantrightaway.”HesmiledatthethoughtofMaggie

pregnant.Hecouldn’twait.“Ishouldwarnyou,though.Lillieissoexcitedaboutthe
thoughtofhelpingplananotherwedding.”

“ThankgoodnesssinceIknownothingaboutweddingplanning.Icoulduseallthehelp

Icanget.”

“Youdoknowhowbossymysisteris,right?”

Maggielaughed.“I’vemether.Shecanplanthewholething.I’mfinewithit.AllIcare

aboutisbecomingyourwife.”

“Youaren’tstillworriedaboutCeleste,areyou?”heasked.

“Notanymore.Lookwhatwe’vebeenthrough.ItmakesCelesteseemalmost

harmless.”

Hesmiledashecuppedherfaceinhishandsandkissedher.“Iloveyousomuch.”

***

T

HE

ENGAGEMENT

ANNOUNCEMENT

hitthepapersthedaybeforeChristmas.Flintwasso

happythathewantedeveryonetoknow—maybeespeciallyCeleste.He’dalreadyheard
thatshewasoutofjail.Sohewasn’tthatsurprisedtofindherwaitingoutsidetheflower
shopashelimpedout.Hislegwasbetter,buthestillhadtowearthewalkingcast.

OnelookatCeleste,andhecouldtellthatshe’dheardabouthisengagementtoMaggie.

Shelookedatthebouquetofdaisiesandtinywhiteroses,Maggie’sfavorites,andthenat
himwithresignation.

Itwasthefirsttimehe’dseenhersincethatincidentatthesheriff’sofficewherehe’d

triedtochokethetruthoutofher.

“I’mgladyoufoundMaggie,”shesaidquickly,asifsensinghewasinnomoodtotalk

toher.Henoticedrightawaythatshewasn’tdresseduplikesheusuallywas.Butevenher
ideaofdressingdownwasexpensivejeans,asweaterandcalf-highleatherboots.

“Nothankstoyou,”hesaid.“Yougotoutofjail.”

“Igotcommunityservice.”

Nosurprisethere.Moneyandagoodlawyerusurpedthelaweverytime.

“Idon’texpectyoutobelievethis,butI’mhappyforyou.”

“I’dliketobelieveit,butunderthecircumstances…”Hestartedtostepaway,butshe

grabbedhisarm.Helookeddownatherhandandshequicklyremovedit.Hecouldn’t
helptheangerhestillfelttowardher.Alotofthatanger,admittedly,wasathimselffor
lettinghercomebetweenhimandMaggie.

“I’msorry.”Tearswelledinhereyes.“Iwon’tbebotheringyouorMaggieanymore.

I’mleavingtown.Thejudgewaskindenoughtoletmedomycommunityservice
elsewhere.”

“Anotherspa?”

“No.”Shesmiledathissarcasm.“WayneandIaredivorcing.I’mgoingtoCalifornia.I

haveafrienddownthere.She’sbeentryingtogetmetomoveforsometimenow.Ineeda
newstart,aswell.Iwon’tbeback.”

Hehopedeverythingshewassayingwasthetruth,buthe’dlearnedalongtimeagonot

tobelievethiswoman.Forsolongshe’dbeenthemonsterhehadtofear.Lookingather
now,hesawthatshedidn’tlookscaryatall.Infact,shelookedalotlikethewomanhe’d
falleninlovewith.

Forsomanyyears,he’dblamedCelesteforeverything.Butnowhecouldadmitthat

he’dstartedtopullawayfromherinthemarriageandthathadonlymadehertrytohang
onharder.Hehadn’trealizedhowneedyshewasbackthen.Waynehadfilledthatneed.
Forawhile.

Hisnextwordssurprisedevenhim.“I’msorryaboutyoulosingyourbaby.”

Hereyeswidenedforamoment.Shenoddedanddippedherheadasiftodenythe

sharppain.Onetearbrokeloose.Shequicklybrusheditaway.

“Goodluck,Celeste.Ihopeyoufind,ifnothappiness,atleastpeace.”Withthat,he

walkedawayandknewhewouldneverlookback.

***

L

ILLIE

SPLAYED

HER

handoverherswollenbellyandsmiledasshefeltakick.Acrossthe

roomshesawhersister-in-lawMariahdoingthesamething.Theycaughteachother’seye
andsmiledasChristmasmusicplayed.

DarbyhadinsistedonhavingChristmasasafamilyatthesaloon.“Ithinkeveryonewill

becomfortablethere.”Everyonehadpitchedintodecorate,includingMaggieandher
mother,Jenna.

Lillienowlookedaroundthebeautifullydecoratedsaloonandcouldn’thelpbutsmile.

They’ddoneanamazingjob—withoutmuchofLillie’sorMariah’shelpwiththe
decorationsthatrequiredaladder.

Ithaddrivenhercrazy,watchingfromthesidelines.Herbrotherwasright.Shecouldn’t

standnotbeingincontrol.ButTraskkepttellingherthatoncethebabywasborn,she

wouldhavenocontroloverherlife,soshe’dbettergetusedtoit.

ShesmiledasherbabygaveheraswiftkickasifheagreedwithTrask.

“Isn’tthisamazing?”Mariahaskedasshejoinedher.

Lilliedidn’tknowifshemeantallthegiftsunderthebeautifultree,thattheywereboth

pregnantandhappy,orthattheywereascloseassisters.“Amazing.”

“MaggieandFlint,”Mariahsaidasiftoclarify.“Theylooksohappytogether.I’mglad

we’realltogetherforChristmas.”

“Yousawher,Maggie,whenshewasmissing,didn’tyou?”Lillieasked.

“IsupposeIdid.”Mariahlookedembarrassed.“Idon’twanttohave…thegift.ButifI

helpedFlintfindMaggie…”

Lilliehuggedher.“Youdid.”PastMariah,shewatchedFlintnuzzleMaggie’sneck,

makingherlaugh.“IneverthoughtI’dseetheday.It’slikeaChristmasmiracle.Now,for
HawkandCyrustofindlove.”

“Whataboutyourotherbrother?”Mariahasked.

“Tucker?”Lillieshookherhead.“Wehaven’tseenorheardfromhimsinceheleftright

afterhighschool.Wedon’tevenknowifheisstillalive.”

“That’sawful.Whywouldheleavelikethat?”

“Wehavenoidea.”

“Maybehe’llcomebacksomeday.”

“Maybe,”Lilliesaid,thinkingoftheoldestofthemandhowhandsomehewas.

“Maybe.”

“Timetostartopeningallthesepresents!”ElyannouncedfromneartheChristmastree.

Lilliefelttearsfloodhereyes.Shelovedherfamily.Theywereoftenannoying.Look

howoftensheandFlinthadbeenatodds,especiallyovertheirfather.Butshecouldn’t
havelovedhimmorethanshedidatthismoment.Flintinlovewasabeautifulthingto
see,shethoughtassheandMariahheadedforthetreetothesoundofChristmasmusic
andthesweetfallscentofhotapplecider.

***

F

LINT

HAD

HIS

armaroundMaggieastheywatchedElyopenoneofthelastpresents.Lillie

andMariahwerebusypickingupalltheusedwrappingpaperandthrowingitintothe
stonefireplace.

“HowwasyourChristmas?”herfiancéwhisperednexttoherear.

Shesmiled,sofullofloveandjoythatsheneverwantedtheholidaystoend.Her

motherhadjoinedthemandwasnowvisitingwithDarby.Flinthadlovedhisfirst-edition
bookandshe’dlovedtherockerhe’dgivenherfortheirhome—andhopefullysoonfor
thenursery.

MaggielookeduptoseeAnvilHollowaystandingjustinsidethedoorfromthesaloon

kitchen.Heheldhishatinhishandandlookedembarrassedtobeintruding.Shequickly
steppedtohermotherandmotionedtothedoorway.

Jennaseemedtohesitate,butthengotupandwalkedtowardhim.Maggiecouldn’thelp

butnoticethatAnvilwaswearingacleanpressedshirtandapairofnewjeans.Helooked
shy,hisfaceflushed.

Maggiewatchedthetwoofthem,feelingherheartnearbursting.SheknewJennafelt

guiltyaboutthewayshe’dtreatedherhusband.Theyspokeforafewmoments,andthen
Anviltouchedherarmandhermotherstoodontiptoetokissthemanonthecheek.Anvil
smiled,evenmoreflushed,puthishatbackonhisheadandseemedtoapologizefor
interruptingthepartybeforeheleftthewayhe’dcomein.

“Iseverythingallright?”Maggieaskedherasshesteppedtohermother.

Jennanodded,tearsinhereyesasshesmiled.“HebroughtmeaChristmaspresent.”

Hervoicebroke.“Forgiveness.He’dlikemetocomehome.”

“Willyou?”

“Idon’tknow.Maybe.We’llsee.”

Maggiehuggedhermother,seeinghowpleasedshewaswithAnvil’sgift.

***

I

T

WAS

COLD

andsnowythedayFlinttookMaggieupthemountaintothesitewheretheir

homewouldbebuilt.Afterlookingforahouseformonths,they’dfinallydecidedthey
wouldhavetobuildtogetwhattheywanted.

Flintwalkedherouttotheedgeofarise.Belowthem,thetownofGiltEdgegleamed.

Pastit,themountainsrosetosurroundthem.

“There’ssomethingIwantyoutosee,”hesaidandreachedforherhand.

There’dbeenatimenotallthatlongagothatshehadn’treallybelieveditcouldhappen.

Atimeevenbeforeshe’dbeenabductedbyClarkTerwilliger.Shestillcouldn’tthinkof
himasherfather.Backthen,she’dbelieveditwastruethatshewasn’tgoodenoughfor
Flint.

Hislovehadchangedthat.

“Checkoutthatview,”hesaid,pullingherclose.Shecouldheartheprideinhisvoice.

Hewasasexcitedabouttheirhomeasshewas.“Wecouldputabaywindowrighthere.”

“It’sbreathtaking,”shesaid,herwordscomingoutonfrostywhitepuffs.

“You’rebreathtaking.”Hepulledhercloseandkissedher.“Comeon—onemorethingI

wantyoutosee.”Hetookherhandandledheraroundthemountainside.“Thisisyour
backyard.”

Thelandrantothepinesandthecreek.Closerwasalargeoldcottonwoodwithatire

swinghangingfromoneofitslowerlimbs.“Oh,Flint,it’sperfect.”

“Thecrewwillstartconstructioninthespring,assoonasthegroundisthawedenough

tostartdigging.Butinthemeantime,there’ssomethingweneedtodofirst.”

CHAPTERTWENTY-FIVE

“I

NOW

PRONOUNCE

youhusbandandwife.Youmaykissyourbride.”

FlintmetMaggie’sgazeandfelthimselfsmilinglikeafool.Hecouldn’tremembera

daywhenhe’dfeltmorealiveormoredeliriouslyhappy.

Shesmiledbackathimandherememberedhowthatsmilehadmadehimfallinlove

withherevenbeforehe’devermether.

Butnowthatheknewher,hecouldn’twaittospendtherestofhislifewithher.

Reachingforher,hepulledherintohisarmsandkissedher.

Overthepoundingofhisheart,hecouldhearhisfamilyandfriendscheering.

Thepastorintroducedthemashusbandandwife,andtheybeganthewalkdownthe

longaisledecoratedwithdaisiesandtinywhiteroses.Hecaughtawhiffoftherosesand
knewhewouldneversmellthemagainwithoutthinkingofthismoment.

HetightenedhisholdonMaggie’shandashelookedoveratherandsawthatshewas

smilingathim,herbrowneyesshiningbright.Theyhadasecretthatwasalltheirown.
Notthattheywouldbeabletokeepitfromhissister.Lilliewasalreadyaskinghowsoon
theyplannedtohavechildren.

Astheyburstoutsideintothewarmspringsunshine,theyweresurroundedbywell-

wishers.Itfeltasifthewholetownhadturnedout.

Acrossthestreet,hesawHarpleaningagainsthispatrolSUV.Thedeputygavehima

thumbs-up.IthadbeenHarp’sideatostandguardovertheweddingsonothingwent
wrong.

“I’llmakesurenooneinterruptsyourday,”Harphadsaid.

“Celesteisgone.”

Thedeputyhadnodded.“Justthesame.It’smydayoff,butI’dbehonoredtoseethat

yourweddingdayisperfect.”

Flinthadbeentouched.Maybeitwasn’ttoolateforsomepeopletochange.“Thank

you,Harp.”

Inashowerofbirdseed,heandMaggierantowardthewaitingSUVandjumpedinthe

back.Harpclimbedbehindthewheelandturnedonthesirensastheyroaredawayfrom
thechurch.

Inthebackseat,Flintcouldonlyshakehishead.Harphadchangedbuthestillhad

troublewithregulations.Butthesheriffwaswillingtoletitgothistime,hethoughtashe
lookedoverathiswife.Hiswife.

HedrewMaggietohimandkissedherastheyspedaway.Theirliveswerejust

beginning.Flintcouldn’twait.

*****

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nineteenyears?

Readonforasneakpreviewof

HERO’SRETURN,

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Hero’sReturn

byB.J.Daniels

CHAPTERONE

T

HE

OLD

FOOTBRIDGE

creakedandgroanedunderherweightasshemadeherwayinthe

darknesstothecenterwherethewaterwouldbethedeepest.Shecouldheartheroarofthe
creekrushingbeneathher,butshetriednottothinkaboutwhatshewasabouttodo.

TheMontanaspringairhadasharpbitetoittonight.Sheshiveredbutkeptwalking,the

bundleinherarmscradledprotectivelyagainstherchest.Thecreekwasmuchhigherthan
thelasttimeshe’dbeenhereandrunningmuchfaster.Shefeltanothershiver,thisone
fromfear.

She’dforgottenthedistancefromthebridgetothecreek’ssurface.Thewaterwouldbe

icycold,stealingherbreathaway,asifthatwastheworstofherproblems.Foramoment,
shelookeddownstream.Allshecouldseewasdarkness.Largeoldcottonwoodlimbs
leanedoutoverthestream,castingevenblackershadowsovertheinkywater.

TuckerCahillwaslate.Maybehewasn’tcoming.Shewishedhewouldn’t,butshe

knewthiscowboy.He’dcome.Theyalwaysdid.

Reachingthemiddleofthebridge,shestoppedtowait.Thewindwasstronghere.It

sweptherlongblondehairintohereyes,butshedidn’tdareletgoofthebundleinher
armstobrushitaside.

Instead,shestood,buffetedbythetempestofheremotionsmorethantherisinggale.

Sheknewthatifshewasn’tcarefulshecouldloseherbalanceandbepitchedintothe
waterbelowbeforeitwastime.Therewasnorailingonthefootbridge.Onemisstepand
shewouldbeovertheside,fallingforwhatwouldseemlikeforeverbeforeshestruckthe
powerfulcurrentandwassweptaway.

Sheglancedtowardtheoppositeendofthebridge.Whatifhe’dchangedhismind

aboutmeetinghertonight?Hewasalreadysuspicious.Oneclearthoughtsurfacedasshe
waited.Shedidn’twanttodothisanymore.Couldn’t.Ithadtostop—anditwouldtonight.

SensingTucker,sheglancedtowardtheshorelineandsawmovement.Shewatchedas

seventeen-year-oldTuckerCahillmadehiswayalongthecreekbank.Thebighandsome
cowboymovedinlong,determinedstrides.Ofcourse,he’dcomebecausehedidn’twant
toletherdown.Hewasalreadythatkindofman.Shefeltamixtureofshame,angerand
disgust.Heknewwhatkindofwomanhewasmeetingtonight.Whyhadheletitgothis
far?

Apartofherwantedtowarnhimoff,tosendhimback,toletthisonego.Butthere

wouldbeconsequencesdownstreamifshedid.No,shehadtofinishthis.

Whenhespottedherinthedimstarlight,shesawthathewasimmediatelyalarmedto

seeherteeteringsoclosetotheedgeofthebridge.Hecalledtoher,tellinghernotto
move,ashestrode,long-leggedalongthecreekbankandthenupontothefootbridge.

“Don’tcomeanycloser,”shewarnedhimasshehuggedthebundlecloser,andtoldhim

howhehadruinedherlife.

Theemotioninhervoicemadehimhesitate,butonlyforamoment.Thebridgeswayed

ashetookafewtentativestepstowardherontothefootbridge,hisbootsechoingonthe
wornwood.

Shebalancedontherazor’sedgeofthebridgebeforecallingoutanotherwarning,

knowingitwouldn’tdoanygood.Hethoughthecouldsaveherfrommorethanthestrong
currentbeneathher.Hewasn’tthefirstmantothinkthat.

Thewindpushedatherback.Thebridgeswayed.Andyet,shedidn’tjump.Fora

moment,shethoughtshecouldn’tgothroughwithit.Shelookeddownatthebundlein
herarms.Thetinynoseandmouth,thebrownoftheeyesshinyinthestarlight.But
ultimately,sheknewshehadnochoice.Therewasnoturningbacknow.Shewasintoo
deep,theyallwere.

“Please,don’tmove!”thecowboypleadedandquickenedhisstepashekeptcoming.

Thefootbridgeswayedcrazilyunderherfeet.Tearsstunghereyesasshelookeddown

atthewater.Shewassotired.Shejustwantedthisover.Nomatterthecost,itwouldend
tonight.

Tuckerwasgainingonherfast.Ifshedidn’tmove…

Shewaveredforamomentontheprecipiceuntilhewasalmosttoherbeforeshe

jumped.Asherheadwentunderinthefreezingcoldwater,onlythendidsheletgoofthe
bundleinherarmsandwasquicklysweptaway.

Don’tmiss

HERO’SRETURN

availablewherever

HQNBooksandebooksaresold.

www.Harlequin.com

Copyright©2017byBarbaraHeinlein

ISBN-13:9781488020063

Cowboy’sLegacy

Copyright©2017byBarbaraHeinlein

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