Page 34 of Twice Missing
The detective nodded, his expression grave. "She's right, Noah. You can't go charging over there."
Noah's eyes blazed with a mix of pain and fury. "Can't you see?” he spat. "This happened after we arrested Lena's father at a motel owned by the Ashfords. We're getting too close. They know it. Now if that sonofabitch wants to take me out, he's going to need to do it himself. Let's go."
McKenzie remained stoic, unmoved by Noah's outburst.
"Get in, McKenzie," Noah ordered.
"I'm not going," the detective replied firmly.
"Then give me the keys."
McKenzie shook his head. "No. You're not thinking straight. Listen to me, laddie," he said, grasping Noah by the arms in a paternal gesture. "If we are close, then let's do it right. You go up there, you know what's going to happen next. He will pull some strings, make a call, and you will be taken off the case. Go with EMS to the hospital. Get yourself cleared away. Don't fuck around. This is exactly what he wants — you to lose your cool and give a genuine reason to get you removed just like Thomas O'Connell was removed. Now, we will make sure your kids are safe. Just listen to me for once."
Noah stood there, squinting into the falling snow, his jaw clenched and fists balled at his sides. The internal struggle was evident on his face. After what seemed like aneternity, he turned and headed back to the ambulance without a word, then climbed inside.
Callie watched the ambulance drive away, a mixture of relief and worry churning in her gut. She turned to McKenzie, gratitude in her eyes. "Thank you," she said softly.
The detective nodded, his gaze fixed on the retreating ambulance. He then turned his attention to Noah's wrecked Bronco, shaking his head slightly before reaching for his radio. As McKenzie updated dispatch with the scant information they had on the truck and snow plow, Callie knew the vehicles were likely long gone or abandoned somewhere, probably stolen earlier in the day.
13
The morning air stung Noah's face as he stepped out of the Adirondack Medical Center in Saranac Lake. His body ached, a reminder of the previous night's ordeal, but the doctor's clearance to leave buoyed his spirits somewhat.
Noah spotted McKenzie's unmarked car idling near the entrance, wisps of exhaust rising in the cold air. The familiar sight of his partner brought a mix of relief and determination. They had work to do, leads to follow, and a case to crack.
McKenzie climbed out, his breath visible in small puffs. "Morning, sunshine. How are you feeling?" he called out, his voice carrying across the quiet parking lot.
Noah grunted, wincing slightly as he made his way to the passenger side. "Like I've been hit by a truck. Oh wait, I was." He attempted a wry smile, but it came out more as a grimace.
McKenzie chuckled, opening the door for him. "At least your sense of humor's intact. Here, I brought you some coffee." He handed Noah a steaming cup from a local café.
The rich aroma filled the car as Noah settled in, gratefully accepting the coffee. He took a sip, letting the warmth spread through him, chasing away some of the lingering chill from his night in the hospital. "Thanks, Mac. I owe you one."
McKenzie pulled away from the curb, navigating through the quiet streets of Saranac Lake. The town was just beginning to stir, early risers scraping ice off windshields and shopkeepers flipping their signs to "Open."
"So, what's the verdict? They clear you?"
Noah nodded, his eyes fixed on the passing scenery. Familiar buildings slid by, but his mind was elsewhere, replaying the events of the previous night. "Yeah, just some bruising and a mild concussion. Nothing too serious." He paused, then added, "Physically, at least."
McKenzie shot him a concerned glance. "And mentally?"
Noah sighed, running a hand through his disheveled hair. "Angry and worried. They threatened my family. That's not something I can just shake off."
"I understand," McKenzie said, his voice low and serious. "But we're taking precautions. I've got some updates for you on that front."
Noah straightened in his seat, suddenly alert. "Go on."
"Ray dropped off Ethan and Mia with Gretchen.They've left town for a couple of days," McKenzie began, his eyes flicking between the road and Noah's tense expression.
Noah's grip tightened on the coffee cup. "And Kerri?"
"She’s already out of town. She went to see her mother with her kids. Everyone's safe, Noah."
A tense silence filled the car for a moment. Noah stared out the window, watching as they left the town behind and entered the vast expanse of the Adirondacks. Snow-capped peaks loomed in the distance, majestic and indifferent to the human drama unfolding beneath them.
"Any leads on the vehicles?" Noah finally asked, his voice tight with barely contained frustration.
McKenzie sighed, merging onto the highway. "We found a truck and snow plow burned out in a remote location outside of High Peaks. They'd been stolen only hours earlier."
