Page 59 of Her Final Hours
No, something different had to be done.
He would have taken her to his home, but the instability and his need to work the case made it impossible. Ed was out of the question, Madeline was dealing with her own situation, Hugh was knee-deep in the sale of a house, and there was no way he would put this on Kerri.
More often than not, if the situation called for protection, another agency, such as the U.S. Marshals, was assigned the task. However, that was typical before, during, and after a trialwhen the witness had an association with the government. As it stood, the girl was still being considered a potential runaway in the eyes of the Sheriff’s Office. With nothing tangible to attach her to the other missing girl cases, other than the words carved into her body, they decided on a solution.
Of course, the psychologist’s opinion heavily swayed their decision.
“You know I don’t like this arrangement, Noah,” Savannah said.
“It’s temporary. She can be trusted. Besides, if someone is intent on getting their hands on her — for whatever reasons — they may be watching the news about the case. The media has already connected the deputy’s death at the hospital to a girl found wandering on the tracks. Thanks to someone at the hospital leaking that out. No, the fewer people who know where she is, the better. It’s just one night; then she’ll be taken to Dr. Athena Blake’s farm to begin the trauma program.”
“All right, but I am posting two deputies outside her place.”
He wasn’t going to argue. The fact that Savannah even considered his suggestion was a miracle. Since she had taken the position of lieutenant, their relationship, though good, had been strained as she tried to draw the line between old friend and supervisor.
Noah gripped the steering wheel tightly as he maneuvered the Bronco through the treacherous snow-covered roads. The storm had arrived earlier than expected, casting a white blanket over the town and making each mile difficult. His heart pounded in his chest, both from the adrenaline of the situation and the weight of responsibility resting on his shoulders.
Beside him sat Jane Doe, her eyes wide with fear and confusion. She had endured a harrowing experience, only to almost fall victim to an abduction at the hospital. Noah’s priority was tokeep her safe until they could untangle the web of danger surrounding her identity that had now made her a target.
Alicia’s home appeared through the curtain of snowflakes, a beacon of warmth and respite amidst the wintry chaos not far from Scarface Mountain. Noah pulled into the driveway and parked, the engine’s hum fading into the hushed stillness of the few houses that dotted Averyville Lane.
He sat there for a moment. “Alicia is a kind woman. She’ll take care of you tonight, and then you’ll see Dr. Athena Blake tomorrow. I know you have been through a lot, and this must all seem scary and uncomfortable, but I want you to know that no harm will come to you.”
She looked at him, skepticism in her gaze.
Although he’d been told she was heavily medicated the night of the attempted abduction, he had to wonder how much she recalled and if that colored her view of those around her.
As he escorted the girl toward the front door, their boots crunching snow beneath them, Noah couldn’t help but appreciate Alicia’s friendship and her reputation as a game warden. Her resourcefulness and keen instincts would ensure the girl’s safety for the night. But even Alicia’s prowess couldn’t alleviate another nagging concern. The storm was growing worse, and the biting cold threatened to intensify.
Alicia greeted them at the door, already up to speed on the situation. Her eyes widened with empathy as she took in the girl’s fragile state. “Hey,” she said with a soft voice. “Come on, step out of the cold,” she said gently, ushering them into the warmth of her parents’ former home.
Noah watched as she led the girl over to a recliner chair, took her jacket, and had her take her boots off. “Do you like cocoa?” She got no response then she realized how absurd the question was. The girl had no clue. She set her down and told her she would return with a hot drink.Alicia crossed the room, and they stepped into the kitchen. Noah glanced out at the girl who was taking in her surroundings.
“I appreciate this, Alicia.”
“Not a problem.”
“Again, it’s just for the night. After what happened at the hospital, we’re not taking any chances. Savannah has stationed some plainclothes state troopers outside for extra security. Just let them know if you hear or see anything,” he said, handing her a radio.
Alicia gave a reassuring smile, her determination shining through. “I won’t let anything happen to her. You can count on me.”
With that, Noah turned to leave, his thoughts consumed with the unfolding investigation and the weight of unresolved questions from the past. Outside, the wind howled, the storm’s fury mirroring his inner turmoil.
“Noah.”
“Yeah?” he said, his hand on the door handle.
“After this is over, I was wondering if…”
Before she could get out the words, his phone rang. He took it out and glanced at the caller ID. It was Callie. Noah lifted a finger. “Sorry, hold that thought; I’ve got to take this.”
“Sure. No worries.”
Alicia stepped away, going back over to the girl. In the corner of the room, he saw her M4 rifle, issued by Fish and Game. Her Glock 22 was attached to her hip. After some of the stories he’d heard from game wardens about encountering trigger-happy poachers, he didn’t have a question in his mind that she wasn’t up for the job.
“Callie.”
“Good news. We got the results back from the DNA genealogy analysis. You won’t believe what we’ve found,” shesaid. Anxiety clenched in his chest. Her words hit him like an avalanche. “It appears we’ve found out who our girl is.”
