Page 55 of Tactical Revival

“Will do,” Andie replies, then settles down on the couch with a book.

Elijah and I get into his truck, and I sip my coffee. “Where was she found?”

“She wandered into the hospital,” he replies. “Has a broken rib and some nasty bruises.”

My heart aches for her. “Was she assaulted?”

“We don’t know,” he replies, jaw tight. “She won’t talk to anyone but you.”

“Why me?”

“Not sure, she won’t say.”

The drive to the hospital is thankfully a short one, and we’re pulling into the parking lot ten minutes later. I down the rest of my coffee and jump out, then head toward the front doors beside Elijah.

Did she get a good look at who took her?

Did they let her go or did she escape?

So many questions hammer through my mind as I follow Elijah down the hall. Sheriff Vick is standing outside a room, talking to one of his deputies. When he sees us, he dismisses the man and runs a hand over his graying hair.

“How is she?” I ask.

“Alive. But she’s not really speaking. Just asking for you.”

“I’ll let you know what she says.” I push into the room. Lanetti is sitting on her bed, her face pale and bruised. When she sees me, though, she breaks into tears and sits up.

“Jaxson. You’re here.”

“I am.”

“He told me you wouldn’t come for me. That I’d die there.”

“Who told you?”

She shakes her head. “I didn’t see him. He always had a mask on. But he told me that you didn’t care about me. That you were selfish. I knew he was wrong.” The tears slide down her cheeks rapidly, and I reach out to take her hand.

She stills beneath my touch.

“How did you escape?”

Her expression darkens. “He was holding me in an old shed outside of town. I’d been tied in a corner, and he would lock the door from the outside every time he left. This time, though, he forgot, and I ran the second I knew I was alone.” Her eyes fill. “I was so scared. But I knew I had to get away.”

“You did great,” I assure her with a smile. “Truly, you were strong, Lanetti.”

She beams at me. “Thank you, Jaxson. Seriously. It means the world to hear you say that.”

“Have you told Sheriff Vick anything? You need to tell him everything you’ve told me, and if there are any other details you remember. Then we can catch this guy.”

She nods. “I’ll tell him everything.”

The door opens, and Lanetti’s mother rushes in. The change in the girl is subtle, but enough that I pick up on it.

“Lanetti!” her mother cries out as she falls against the side of the bed, wrapping her arms around her daughter.

I withdraw my hand, and Lanetti smiles at me, then hugs her mother. “I’m okay, Mom,” she says.

“Of course you are. Because you’re strong. What happened?”

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