Page 147 of Renard's Deliverance

“She’s down here.”

Barney moved down the stairs to what had to be a basement level. Opal’s house didn’t have a basement. Which was a bit of a relief.

“Um. Down here?” she asked, trying to peer into the darkness.

“Yes, oh, she’s moaning.”

“I could wait up here for the paramedics.”

“Please, Opal,” Barney begged. “I-I just n-need you to check o-on her.”

“Okay, okay, I’m coming.” She moved down the stairs and then she saw the Grackle lying on the floor.

She had her eyes closed, but was that . . . was that duct tape on her mouth? She turned as she felt movement behind her.

Then there was a sharp pin prick to her arm.

And nothing.

* * *

Renard frowned at his phone.

He’d tried texting her. And when that had gone without a reply, he’d called her.

Nothing.

He glanced up as the back door of the restaurant opened and Saxon rushed in, looking uncharacteristically flustered. Behind him was Duncan Jones.

“What?” he snapped, his gaze moving between Saxon and Duncan.

“It’s Opal,” Saxon told him.

“What? What the fuck is going on?”

“We got a call about an hour ago,” Duncan explained. “One of her neighbors was out walking their dog when he noticed that Opal’s front door was open. Then he saw her phone on the ground. He went looking for her but couldn’t find her.”

Fuck. Shit.

“She might have gone out,” he said.

Without her phone or shutting the door?

“I went to check the house,” Duncan explained. “Looked like she’d just finished gardening. Her keys were inside. Her phone had several unanswered texts and calls. I’m sorry, Renard. But it looks like she’s missing.”

28

God, her head hurt.

Why did it hurt so much? And why did she feel so nauseous and cold? She couldn’t remember going on a bender last night.

Opening her eyes, Opal glanced around the dark room.

Where was she?

This wasn’t her bedroom. Her heart started to race.

A whimper sounded from across the room. She turned her head slowly. There didn’t seem to be any windows. But there was a lamp in the corner of the room letting off a dull light.

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