Page 155 of Valor

And a clear plastic bag full of hair her abductor cut off when she’d been held that first time.

Fury burns through my veins. Igniting a bloodthirsty rage that would terrify me if I was rational enough to really think about it.

This woman wascloseto me.

My friend.

A deputy in my department.

Why would she do this?

“Call Elliot and have him grab her,” I say. “This ends now.” Turning, I start toward the door, determined to get the information I need out of her. But then I see a pair of black boots by the door.

Black boots covered with dirt. The fresh mulch outside.

Lani.I don’t know how I know it, but the pit in my stomach turns into a canyon at the sight of those dirt-covered boots. After all, if Lani isn’t being held in this house, is it possible she’s outside and I just missed the signs?

I rush out of the room and sprint down the steps of the porch. “Check the flower beds,” I tell them. “Look for anything out of the ordinary. Rip them out by the roots if you have to.” I rush toward the nearest garden bed and start plunging my hands into the soft dirt.

Nothing.

I continue moving, doing my best not to go frantic with the search so I can keep at least somewhat of a level head on my shoulders. That way, I won’t miss something.

Lance and Bradyn are doing the same, scouring the property.

But there areacresof flowers and land here. Acres where Lani could be.

God, where is she?Emotion claws at my throat as I turn in a slow circle, scanning for anything that looks off. And then I note some mulch that has been displaced about three yards from me.

My blood pounds, a drumline in my ears, as I rush forward and start shoving the mound of dirt in the stone-lined flower bed. A plant with bright pink flowers is thrown to the side, and about six inches down, my hands hit something hard.

“Over here!” I yell as I claw at the dirt.

It’s fresh, so thank God it moves easily enough, revealing a wooden box. “We need a drill!” I yell. “A prybar—anything!” I try to pry it open with my fingertips, tearing my nails in the process.

“Here!” Bradyn rushes over with a crowbar and props it beneath one side of the box. He shoves down, and wood splinters. Lance grips part of the box and rips it free, revealing a very pale and unconscious Lani.

“Oh, God,” I whisper. “Please no.” I reach in and wrap my arms around her torso as Bradyn lifts her feet.

We set her gently on the ground. Her eyes are closed, her body limp. I feel for a pulse as Bradyn kneels on her other side and Lance calls an ambulance.

“No pulse. You arenotdying on me, Lani.” I toss him the keys to the cuffs at my waist, knowing they’ll fit the ones around her waist, as I start chest compressions.One. Two. Three…It feels like lifetimes before I hit thirty. Closing her nose, I tilt her head back and cover her mouth with mine, doing what I can to force oxygen into her body.

More chest compressions. Bradyn has removed the handcuffs from her and is silently holding her hand, tears in his eyes.

“Come on, Lani,” I urge. “Breathe.”

“The ambulance is on its way,” Lance says.

Two more rescue breaths.

She coughs, her body convulsing as her heart begins beating again. Those beautiful eyes I can’t go another day without seeing flutter open and she offers me a half smile. “I knew you’d come for me,” she whispers, voice hoarse.

“Baby, there’s not a force in this world that could keep me from you.” I pull her into my arms, and Bradyn moves in closer.

“You scared us, little sister,” he says.

“I’m sorry.” She breathes. “Is Dad okay?” she asks. “She shot him. Deputy Brown shot him. It was her. I?—”

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