Page 86 of High Intensity

“Stop for a minute. You’re blindly going to believe some guy who walks up to your door; a man you’ve never met before?” he calmly reasons with me.

“I know who he is,” I argue. “I’ve seen his picture.”

Wolff nods, but persists, “I’ve seen his picture too, but I still don’t know him. Let me at least verify his story.”

My adrenaline is pumping and I’m eager to jump into action, but I have to admit he’s right. The personal connection I’ve formed with Hayley is clouding my judgment.

“Fine, but at least explain to Vallard why you slammed the door in his face,” I suggest. “I’ll quickly feed the dogs.”

Especially Hunter and Murphy are going to need their energy. I’m going to need something of Hayley’s for them to track.

Wolff slips back out onto the porch while I start filling the dogs’ bowls, my mind already in preparation mode. I’ll have to change into thermal underwear, fill my pack with water and energy bars, and get my snowshoes from the SUV. I’ll probably take Hunter first this time, since she found Hayley last time and may be more motivated. Dogs have amazing scent memory.

“Here you go, kids,” I mumble at my pack, setting down their bowls in their designated places.

They know not to touch each other’s food, but that doesn’t mean some of them—I’m eyeing Murphy in particular—don’t try to sneak a bite given the opportunity. With each of them having a designated spot to eat, it’s easier for me to catch them before they can offend.

When the front door opens and Wolff steps inside, I happen to glance out the front window and notice Vallard and his bodyguard getting into their vehicle.

“Where are they going?”

“I told them to go back to the safe house and wait for us there,” he clarifies, pulling out his phone. “I’m gonna make a few phone calls.”

“Okay, and I’m going to get ready.”

I rush into the bedroom and dig my thermal undies from the basket of clean laundry I haven’t put away yet. After I put those on, I add two pairs of socks, a pair of lined cargo pants, and a long-sleeved shirt. Then I shove my arms in a zippered fleecesweater, quickly fasten my hair in a single braid, and head back to the kitchen where Wolff is just ending a call.

“And?”

“She’s gone,” he confirms. “Bellinger’s team has been out searching since they discovered her missing. Sounds like he held off on calling in any help, hoping they’d get her back before her disappearance became public knowledge. His job may be on the line.”

“So then, who did you talk to?”

“Bellinger didn’t answer, so I called Stephanie Kramer. She’s an agent I worked with before.”

“I met her yesterday,” I share. “She seems nice.”

“A good agent. She normally doesn’t work with Bellinger but was added to the detail because they wanted a woman close to Hayley. She suggested you come to the house and she’ll walk you through what happened.”

“What about you?” I ask him.

“I’m going to run to the ranch and hustle up the team, can’t have enough people looking for her. But I’ll be right behind you. In the meantime, I have a two-way radio in the truck I’m gonna give you so we can stay in touch.”

A hard kiss on my lips, and he’s back out the door while I shove a few supplies in my pack and put the leash on Hunter.

A few minutes later I’m in my SUV, heading up the road to the safe house. My heart is in my throat and I’m struggling to keep my growing fear for Hayley at bay.

I have to find her.

Twenty-Five

Jillian

“No.”

He looks surprised at my outright refusal.

I don’t think he’s heardnomuch in his privileged life.

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