Page 103 of Unforgotten

“I didn’t. But it wasn’t my street. I guess I would say the whole evening was unusual. It’s not like the Hostetlers throw big parties all the time.”

“Understood.”

Knowing she needed to continue, Candace wracked her brain. “Everything feels like a blur now, but I remember hearing noises in the woods. I figured it was an animal or something.” She gulped. “And then he was there.”

“Scott.”

“Yes, but I didn’t know his name then. I just”—she started breathing harder as she forced herself to relive the moment—“I was in shock. One second I was thinking about driving home and the next Scott was there and he was dragging us into the woods.”

When she started having a difficult time catching her breath, Chief Foster said that he was stopping the tape.

Ryan pulled her into his arms. “I’ve got you,” he whispered. “You are safe, understand?”

She was still struggling for air. Ryan held her close and rubbed her back. “Come on, Candace. Listen to me,” he whispered. “Big, deep breaths. Slow.”

Little by little, she was able to do what he asked. Eventually, she calmed down. She felt so weak and tired. All she wanted to do was roll into a ball.

“My daughter’s exhausted. We need to stop for now,” her father said.

“I agree,” Chief Foster said. “Ryan, come out to the hall when you’re ready.”

“Yes, sir.” When Candace turned to him, practically biting her lip so she wouldn’t beg him to stay, he reached for her hand again.

“I’m not going anywhere just yet, you brave, brave girl. Chief Foster is just going to have to wait.”

“You sure?”

“Positive. Close your eyes and try to relax.” Kissing her brow, he whispered. “You need your sleep.”

His calm reassurances rang in her ears as she fell into an exhausted slumber once again.

35

Two weeks had passed since Ryan first visited Candace. A lot had happened since then. Bethanne and Jay Byler were now engaged to be married; Scott Conway had been formally charged with kidnapping, attempted murder, and a host of other charges; and Ryan had been given a commendation for his work during the investigation. The chief had pulled him aside on more than one occasion to say that he was glad Ryan was there.

Ryan couldn’t lie to himself. To have so many positive things happen after leaving Connecticut in embarrassment felt good. He’d taken getting passed on for promotion hard. He’d taken the breakup with Chloe harder.

Now, he felt like maybe he was getting to be a good cop. In addition, his brothers and sisters were pleased for him, and his father had almost burst into tears when Ryan had told him about Candace’s and Bethanne’s rescue.

And now it looked like he’d soon be hired on a full-time, permanent basis, and given a nice raise. Life was good. He was thankful for it all too.

But the only thing that was going to make him happy was Candace. So far, every time he’d visited her, she’d seemedpleased to see him but withdrawn. She wasn’t the same. Not even close. It was like all the spark had vanished from her personality. He supposed it was understandable—given the trauma she’d been through—but he didn’t know how to help her.

Especially since the last thing he wanted to do was be stalker-like.

But as he approached her house again, he knew that his heart was involved. He was in so deep, he knew that he would never be able to recover if she broke things off with him.

Dora opened the door before he’d even had time to knock.

“Good evening, Ryan,” she said, as welcoming as ever. Her faded blond hair was in a short ponytail, and her jeans and cotton sweater were fashionable and looked comfortable too. Every time he looked at Candace’s mother, he had an idea of what Candace would look like one day. Imagining her in a pair of jeans while she greeted one of their children’s friends always made him smile.

“Dora,” he said as he gave her a gentle hug. “How are you?”

“We’re hanging in there.” Glancing over her shoulder, she said, “She’s had a bad day. Wayne and I know that she just needs time, but it’s hard to watch her suffer. I’m glad you’re here.”

“I am too.” The evening had been a little crisp. He’d worn a thick barn jacket. Pulling it off, he said, “Where is she?”

“In her father’s office.” She pointed down the hall. “Last door on the right.”

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