Page 140 of Save Me

I hate to think that hate and revenge are the only things propelling him. I shake my head, refusing to believe that. Dae is vengeful, and honestly, I know he could be deadly if he wanted, but that’s not his core. It’s not what he is in the depths of his soul.

I couldn’t have fallen in love with a man with nothing more to offer than hate and revenge.

“Kennedy?” James calls, bringing me out of my musings.

“Huh?”

He gestures his head toward the phone in my lap. “Your phone’s buzzing.”

I glance down to see it lighting up with a text from an unknown number.

Unknown Number: They want to meet with you.

“Do you need to take that?” James asks.

I shake my head. “I’m not sure.” I look up at him. “Do you need anything else?”

He shakes his head. “Just make sure to bring this one home.” He gives me a look that tells me finishing this case is important.

“I intend to see this through,” I respond before gathering my tablet and phone and exiting his office.

Once back at my desk I reply to the text.

Kennedy: Who is this?

It takes less than a minute for the response to come.

Unknown Number: Sorry, it’s Nicole. I had to change my phone number. My ex wouldn’t stop calling and threatening me.

Kennedy: Are you safe? He hasn’t found out where you live, has he?

After that night at the motel, Nicole stayed with some friends. Since then, I put her in contact with some social workers who were able to help her find affordable housing, away from her loser ex.

Nicole: No. Thank God. I reached the two girls who were also part of the church’s teen group. They managed to run away a few years ago, but they’re willing to talk to you.

I will get as many witness testimonies as I can manage.

Kennedy: When and where?

Nicole: Let me ask them, and I’ll get back to you.

Kennedy: Okay, the sooner, the better. Let them know, anytime or place works for me, okay?

Nicole: I will. Talk to you soon.

I exit the text exchange knowing this meeting could be one more nail in Blackmon’s coffin. Erika Dalton isn’t around to speak for herself anymore, but hopefully, these witnesses can be her voice. I need to bring everything together.

CHAPTER 40

Kennedy

“Thank you so much,” I tell the three women as I rise from the pizzeria booth. I’ve just completed my initial interviews with Alia and Shelly, two former victims of this child ring.

They’re with Nicole, whom they trusted enough to allow her to set up the meeting with me.

“Will they get in trouble?” Alia asks with glossy eyes.

She’s nineteen years old but looks a lot younger. Looking at her reminds me of Stasi. That protective instinct I have when it comes to my sister overcomes me.

---