Page 82 of Unforgotten

Barely able to do anything but imagine Candace in the grips of this guy, Ryan had a hard time speaking. Only after taking a fortifying breath did he answer. “No, sir.”

Chief Foster gripped his arm. “Listen, Mulaney. I know she’s special to you, but you’ve got to hold it together.”

“I’m trying. It’s just ... I think I love her.”

“Then she really needs you right now. You can go on a guilt trip later. Punch walls. Whatever. Right now, though? We need you to focus.”

“Yes, sir.”

“You sure you’re with us?” the sheriff asked.

“Positive.”

“Okay, then. You got gloves?”

“Affirmative.” He pulled them out of a pocket and put them on.

“You start taking pictures, then let’s go through this place inch by inch. My gut’s telling me that Scott’s not going to take Candace anyplace open. Not only does he not want to get caught, but he wants her to himself.”

“What about Bethanne?” Ryan asked.

“I don’t know. The only time she’s on this wall is when she’s with Candace. I think it’s a given that she doesn’t mean anything to him. That means she’s expendable.”

And that thought made everything in their investigation go up another notch. No way could Bethanne’s family take something else happening to her.

No way could Candace lose Bethanne.

There was no wayhecould lose Candace either.

“Ryan?”

Pushing his worst fears to one side, he swallowed hard and concentrated on his job. He was going to find them.No matter what, he was going to find them and finally tell Candace how he felt.

“Officer?” Chief Foster bit out. “You with me?”

“Yes, sir. I’ve got my phone out. I’ll be taking pictures now.”

“Good. This is not the time to get emotional, do you understand me?”

“Yes, sir.”

“I hope so.” His voice softening slightly, he added, “Do your job, son. God gave you some skills and it’s obvious that you’re putting them to good use. You’re doing Him proud. Don’t give up.”

The reminder eased him in a way few other words could have. His boss was exactly right. He hadn’t gotten this stroke of luck in their search by accident. The Lord had to have been working with him. With all of them.

Now it was up to him to do what he needed to do.

He opened the camera app, focused it on the wall, and did his job.

One piece of evidence at a time.

27

Inch by inch, Bethanne searched the ground of the shack. In a moment of frustration, she stood up, kicked off her shoes, and started using her toes to help push aside the debris on the ground. She still wasn’t sure whether her bare toes were making a difference or not.

Candace groaned. “I thought I just found it, but it’s only a twig.”

“Did it look strong enough to help with these ropes?” Bethanne asked. At this point, she didn’t care what they found, as long as it would help get them free.

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