Page 131 of Echoes of You

“Let’s go. We’ll take my car,” Holt said.

We sure as hell couldn’t take my police department vehicle.

Caden, Holt, and I hurried to Holt’s SUV and climbed in. He glanced at both of us. “I’ve got weapons and vests in the back.”

My brows raised at that. “I thought you were a civilian now.”

He shrugged as he turned and headed down the drive. “It doesn’t hurt to be prepared.”

And I was damn glad he was. I lifted my phone and hit Roan’s contact. He answered on the first ring. “You find her?”

“Not yet, but Holt has a location on Adam’s rental car.” I read it off to Roan. “Tell me about that area.”

“It’s right on a forest service access road. I’d approach from the west instead of the south. He’ll be expecting south. I’m not too far away. I’ll meet you there.”

“We’re not exactly on the books here.” And if his boss found out, he could be in serious trouble.

“If I see a vehicle stalled in the middle of the forest, it’s reasonable to check it out. Someone could need aid.”

I wanted to smile but couldn’t get my mouth to cooperate. “Thanks, Roan.”

“I’ve got your back. Maddie’s, too.”

My throat clogged. “I know.”

“Keep me in the loop on your location.”

“Will do.” I hit end on the call. “Take this road up here. Roan thinks we should approach from the west.”

“Smart,” Caden said. “If he’s looking for people from town, he’ll be looking south.”

Holt veered onto a bumpy road leading farther into the woods. “We can’t get too close. Don’t want the sound of a vehicle to spook him.”

That was the last thing I wanted. People were reckless when spooked.

We were silent as Holt drove. I didn’t know what to hope for. Did I want Adam to have Maddie or not? I just needed her safe, whole, and in my arms. I swore I could feel her even now, the echo of her body against mine, her heat, her life. I’d never take the real thing for granted for as long as I lived.

Holt pulled over to the side of the road. “Let’s gear up.”

We piled out of the SUV and went around to the back as the hatch opened. We slid on vests and chose our weapons. I gripped the Glock, the same as my service weapon, testing its weight and feel. “Let’s go.”

We picked a path off the road with plenty of tree cover. Holt used his satellite phone to guide us toward the blinking red dot that was Adam’s vehicle. With each step we got closer, the tension in my muscles ratcheted up. The hum running through them was a mixture of fear, rage, and hope.

Holt held up a hand, bringing us to a stop. He pointed through the trees.

I strained to see but couldn’t make anything out. And then a voice drifted on the air.

“You think I’m an idiot? I let you go, and you’ll run straight back to thattrash. Did you spread your legs for him, Madison? Did you suck his dick?”

The fury that pulsed through me stole my breath.

Holt tapped out a text to Lawson, but I couldn’t wait. I had to see. To know that she was okay. I started forward, Caden right by my side and Holt hurrying to catch up. I kept to the cover of the trees, my steps slowing as the branches thinned.

Maddie’s face came into view, her eyes wide with panic as she clawed at the hand around her throat. “Can’t. Breathe.”

“You think I’ll let you whore yourself and there will be no punishment?”

Her nails dug into Adam’s arm as she struggled for breath.

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