Page 72 of Unforgotten

Jay looked weary but not angry. Maybe more resigned than anything?

He gestured for Ryan to sit back down. “I know they’reon their way. Chief Foster told me.” Pulling over a chair next to him, he said, “I came over to see if you need anything.”

“Me?” He didn’t even try to hide his surprise. “Don’t worry about me. I’m fine, Jay.”

“You sure about that? Because judging by the way you look, you don’t seem fine at all. Truly, you look like you’ve been through the wringer.”

“I’ve been through no more than you. I know you’re worried about Bethanne.”

“Of course. I can’t help but keep thinking about her—and Candace—being scared and hurt.”

“I know, and I’m sorry.”

Jay shook his head. “I know you’re a policeman and all, but you canna read minds. Plus, you weren’t even here. Them missing isn’t your fault. I was here. I should’ve looked out for Bethanne and Candace. I should’ve.”

“Don’t. You can’t take responsibility for the girls getting abducted. It’s obvious that whoever was waiting for them suspected that Candace might walk to the car by herself. It’s not your fault that she did, and that Bethanne was with her.”

Jay stared at him intently. “Do you hear yourself?”

He hung his head. “I do. My situation is different, though. I knew someone was watching Candace.”

“That’s a heavy burden. Maybe too heavy, yes?” When Ryan didn’t answer, Jay sighed. “I ... well, I just wanted to tell ya that no one here is blaming you.”

“I appreciate that, but protecting Candace was my responsibility.” At least, that’s where his heart was. He wanted to protect her and keep her safe.

“Forgive me, but you weren’t hired as a bodyguard, were ya? I thought it was more of an escort so a young woman like Candace wouldn’t be traveling the backroads of our county alone all the time.”

“You’re right, but I did know about the stalker. I could never find enough information about him to make a difference.”

“Hopefully the Lord will see us through from here on out.”

“I’ve been praying too.” The problem, unfortunately, was that he didn’t know if his prayers were going to be enough to save the girls. The Lord had placed him near Candace and given him the skills to do detective work and solve crimes. In this case, he’d failed in every regard.

Walking a few feet away, he murmured, “Lord, I know I’ve been weak and unworthy, but please help me. I surely need You right now.”

Then, taking a deep breath, he turned. No matter what, he was going to push forward. He wasn’t going to give up.

24

Dawn was breaking. Bethanne could see the first glimmer of sunlight through the small gaps between the newspaper covering the window and the frame surrounding it. The light was dim, but it allowed her to see Candace’s sleeping form next to her. And that the floor of the building wasn’t dirt like she’d first thought. Underneath the dirt and grime was worn wood.

When they’d arrived, the man had pushed them onto the floor. Of course, they’d fallen in a jumbled mess. It was dark, they were scared to death, and each pair of their hands had been tied together by a scratchy, frayed rope. Then the man had picked up two pieces of old rope from the corner of the shack and tied their hands together so neither could move without the other having to do the same. The skin on her wrists was already rubbed raw and probably bleeding in spots. She wondered if they’d bear scars from this ordeal for the rest of their lives.

It was also so painful. For the first few hours, her arms and shoulders had protested the position. Now everything felt numb. In some ways, that was even more worrisome.

“Bethy, you awake?” Candace whispered.

“Jah.”

“Did you fall asleep too?”

“I guess.”

“I know I did.” She inhaled, her breathing sounding ragged.

“We’ve been in here for hours, Candace. It doesn’t matter if you were awake or asleep.”

“You’re right.” She moved a bit. Since they were so close together, Bethanne could feel her cousin attempt to move her hands. It was obvious that Candace was hoping not to hurt Bethanne as she repositioned.

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