Page 93 of Scorched

Chapter 17

Fire tones drew Declan’s attention away from his computer screen. Dispatch came over the loudspeaker, calling for an engine and ambulance response to a crash on the highway near the Broken Bow. He pushed away from his desk and ran out to the truck bay, donning his turnout gear. He was so glad to be back on limited duties. He still couldn’t run into a fire carrying a hose, but he could go on calls. He’d been going a little cross-eyed, staring at computers and twiddling his thumbs while the rest of his crew saw all the action.

Gear on, he climbed into the front passenger seat of the firetruck and radioed their status as Reeves pulled out of the garage, siren blaring. The ambulance pulled out behind them.

“How much you want to bet someone took the curves too fast?”

Declan let out a snort. “I’m not taking that bet. On a night like tonight and the location of the wreck—that’s pretty much on top of that area.” Those curves were notorious for crashes in bad weather. Even with the signs in place, tourists still took them much too fast, not realizing how sharp the switchbacks were. He just hoped the people in the car walked away from the crash. Many had not.

Reeves blazed out of town and down the wet road, getting them to the crash site in under ten minutes. A pickup sat on the highway, its flashers on, and a man exited the vehicle as they drove up. Declan could just make out a silver car in the ditch from their position.

Once Reeves pulled to a stop, Declan hopped out and walked over to greet the man.

“You find the wreck?”

The man nodded. “I was just passing through and saw the car.”

“Any injuries?”

“That’s the thing. It’s empty.”

Declan frowned, a hint of unease filling him. “What?”

“Yeah. The door was open, and there’s a purse inside. I didn’t touch it, though. Just called for help.”

“Okay. We’ll check it out, thanks. You can wait in your car if you want to stay out of the rain.”

The man nodded, and Declan jogged around him to check out the other vehicle. His steps slowed as he took in the make and model. It looked like Maggie’s borrowed SUV. Adrenaline dumped, and he ran forward.

Please, God, no!

“Lou?” Reeves stepped back as Declan pushed past him to look inside. Dread filled him as he saw Maggie’s purse resting against the passenger door.

“It’s Maggie’s car.” He backed away and glanced around, looking for any sign of her. A pair of brown leather pumps laid just past the front bumper. His eyes traveled down the road. Maybe she started walking. He looked back at the car. But why would she leave her purse behind?

“Are you sure?” Sam asked.

Declan nodded. “Yeah. That’s her bag inside, and those are the shoes she put on this morning.” He pointed to the heels lying in the mud.

“Where did she go?” He looked up and down the road. “Maybe she decided to walk home? The ranch is only a couple miles past here.”

Declan shook his head. “I could see her kicking off the shoes, but not leaving her bag. I’m going to call Seb. Don’t touch the car. He’s probably going to want to have forensics process it.” He backed away and headed for the truck. Pulling himself into his seat, he grabbed the radio and asked them to connect him to the sheriff. Seb came on the line a minute later.

“Engine 2, this is Sheriff Archer.”

“Seb, it’s Deck. You need to get on the highway and head toward the ranch. Maggie’s missing.”

A long pause greeted his words. “Say again.”

“Maggie’s car is in a ditch, and she’s not with it.”

“And she didn’t walk away.”

“I don’t think so. She left her purse.”

“Copy. I’ll have someone from the ranch drive that way to look for her on that end. I’m on my way.”

“Copy. Engine 2 out.” He hung the mic up, then pressed the heels of his hands to his eyes, stemming the tears welling there. He had an awful feeling. The urge to punch something had him balling his fists. He took a deep breath, welcoming the ache in his chest as a distraction from the pain invading his heart. Dammit, where could she be? Who had her? And why?

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