Page 151 of Ruthless Intent

I check the time. It’s been at least ninety minutes since the end of the interview aired. Did they watch the beginning and set off immediately, or were they already on their way? Not that it matters. I’ve been expecting them to show up, and it’s a reminder of what I’m supposed to be doing.

I push to my feet. “I can get her to call you back once she’s done.”

“They’re worried about her, and would like to come and see her. I have to be honest, I’m a little concerned myself. What’s all this about you being married?”

There’s a sound of breaking glass from the direction of the kitchen. I wedge the cell between my ear and shoulder and pull on my sweats.

Has Ashley dropped a glass?

That question is answered a second later when a scream rings out. The hairs lift on the back of my neck.

“Esme, I have to go. Can I call you back?” I set off toward the kitchen.

“The girls want to come and see her. Do you mind if I give them your address?”

“Yes … no. I’m not at my parents' place. I don’t think you have my address. Look, give me five minutes, and I’ll get her to call you back.” I don’t wait for Esme to reply, and end the call.

“Ashley?”

There’s no answer.

“Ashley?” I shout louder, pushing the door to the kitchen open.

The first thing I see is the door leading to the back of the property swinging open.

Did she run again?

But then my eyes catch on the red splatter on the white tiled floor.

What the fuck?

I stab at the screen of my cell phone, and lift it to my ear.

“Sheriff McFadden.”

“It’s me.”

“I don’t have much of an update for you yet.”

“Did you make that arrest?”

“Yes. He’s not talking, though.”

I crouch beside the drops of blood, then straighten and step outside. It’s completely silent. Not even a bird singing.

Fuck. Fuck. Fuck.

“I don’t think it was him.” My voice is a lot steadier than it should be, because inside my mind is screaming at me.

“How do you know?”

How do I know? Because there’s blood on my fucking floor.

“Because I think someone has just taken Ashley from my house.”

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