Page 44 of Silent Night

"Yes, that's right. We're trying to track him down, but we don't have his number. I was thinking it might be in that address book Pastor Walden keeps by his computer."

There was a pause on the other end as Tess considered Sheila's request. "Give me a minute." The line went silent while Sheila and Finn waited anxiously.

Finally, Tess returned to the phone. "Before I give it to you, I'd really like to know what this is about. What has Russel done?"

Sheila hesitated. "As far as we know, he's innocent." She paused. "But it's also possible he's involved in the murders of two women and the abduction of a third."

"God save us," Tess said softly. "I told Pastor Walden he couldn't save everyone, but he has such a big heart, you know?"

This gave Sheila pause. "What are you talking about?"

"It's just…Russel was always a very troubled kid, you know? I've fostered children of my own, and I know what a positive difference it can make for some kids to have adults looking out for them. For others…" She trailed off.

"It's too late?"

Tess sighed, sounding discouraged. "It's a terrible way to look at it, but yes. Russel just always gave me the impression that whatever happened to him, he couldn't let it go. And I had the uneasy feeling someone was eventually going to have to pay for it."

Sheila felt a chill at the secretary's words. "Thank you for sharing, Tess," she said. "Do you have that number?"

"Yes. Do you want me to text it to you?"

Sheila breathed a sigh of relief. "Yes, please. And Tess...thank you."

"Of course. Just...be gentle with Russel, okay? He's gone through a lot. I know that doesn't excuse his behavior, but—"

"He's innocent until proven guilty," Sheila assured her. "Thanks again, Tess."

The line went dead. A few moments later, a text arrived from Tess with Russel's number. Sheila stared at it, unsure what to do.

"Do we call him?" she asked doubtfully.

Finn shook his head. "We might spook him. Better just to track him. Give me the number, and I'll look it up."

Sheila did so, then watched as Finn entered the number into an app on his phone. A tense silence filled the room as they waited for the results. Sheila held her breath, her heart pounding in her chest.

"Got it," Finn said, his voice tight with anticipation. "He's about fifteen minutes from here. We need to move now."

They rushed back to their vehicle, the urgency of their mission driving them forward. Sheila slid into the driver's seat while Finn kept his eyes glued to the screen, tracking Russel's movements. Sheila's hands gripped the steering wheel as she navigated the dark streets, her foot pressing hard on the gas pedal.

As they sped toward Russel's location, Sheila couldn't help but feel a knot of fear in her stomach. She knew they were closing in on a killer, and the stakes had never been higher. But she also knew that every second counted, and she was determined to save the abducted woman, no matter what.

"Turn left up here," Finn instructed, his voice barely audible over the engine's roar.

Sheila followed his directions without hesitation, her focus unwavering as they continued their relentless pursuit. The night seemed darker than ever, the shadows stretching out before them like an endless abyss. And yet, somewhere within that darkness awaited a predator, waiting to strike again. They couldn't afford to let him slip through their fingers.

Before long, they pulled into a dimly lit parking complex, its massive concrete structure looming above them like a silent sentinel. The area was eerily quiet, with only a few scattered vehicles occupying the vast expanse of empty parking spaces.

"Alright," Finn said as he drew his weapon. "Stay behind me, okay? And don't speak unless it's absolutely necessary."

He climbed out of the car. Sheila followed, troubled.

"I think we should split up," she said. "It'll take forever trying to clear this whole structure together."

Finn frowned, his eyes filled with concern. "It'll be safer to stick together."

"Safer for us, yes. But for Heather? How much time do you think she has left?"

Finn hesitated, clearly torn.

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