Page 127 of Obsession

“Mom, just let me talk to him, please.” Sam waited for his father to come to the phone. Every second that ticked off put Emma in more danger. What if he was wasting time?

“Sam, your mom told me what’s going on. What can I do?”

The concern in his dad’s voice almost undid him. “Corey Chandler has to know roadblocks would be set up when we discovered he kidnapped Emma, so I figure he’s taking her somewhere near here until things calm down and he can smuggle her out. I’ve looked online, but I can’t find where he owns any property. I...” He took a deep breath. “I thought you might know somewhere else to look.”

“Let me think,” his dad said. “Hold on a second.” Sam heard him ask for his computer, then he came back on the line. “Corey Chandler. That name is familiar...”

Keystrokes sounded through the phone. “Yes ... I thought so.”

“What did you find?” Sam asked.

“He’s handled the deed for several pieces of property here in Adams County and over in Jefferson County. Here—I found it. He bought it through a holding company,” he said. “Three thousand acres of timberland bordering Adams and Jefferson Counties. It’s along the Mississippi, so if he’s running, he could be planning a boat trip.”

“How do I get to it?” Sam asked.

“I showed him the property, so I can show you the way.”

“Just give me the directions or an address.”

“Directions? Impossible. There are too many twists and turns. And there is no address. I know a shortcut, so I’m afraid it’s me or nothing.”

“I’ll be there in ten minutes.”

72

The pickup bounced over the ruts, jarring Emma’s head. They had stopped somewhere, and she’d dozed off again. Now it seemed as though she’d been riding forever. She had thought once or twice about hitting Corey over the head with the tire iron, but if she raised up, he would see her. No. She had the element of surprise and would wait until they stopped. He didn’t know she had the weapon.

She’d never hit anyone in her life. Her mind still felt fuzzy, but maybe she could talk him into releasing her.

“Why are you doing this?”

“I wondered when you would say something.”

He’d known she was awake. “You didn’t answer my question.”

The pickup slowed to a standstill.

“Why are you stopping?”

“To let you sit in the front seat,” he said. “That way we can talk. I’ve been waiting for this day for so long.”

The truck stopped, and Corey climbed out. This was her one chance. With the tire iron gripped in her left hand, she sat up and took in her surroundings. It was so dark, she could only see the trees caught in the truck’s headlights.

A second later he opened her door. Emma jumped at him with a scream and swung the tire iron. It connected, and the thudof the tire iron breaking bone sickened her. Corey roared and grabbed his shoulder.

No!He was supposed to be knocked out. She planted her hands on his chest and shoved him, and then took off running. Pain stabbed her bare feet.My shoes!He’d taken off her shoes. Ignoring the pain, she ran the way they’d come.

Darkness surrounded her. She could barely make out the road until lights flashed behind her. Somehow he’d turned around and was coming after her. Gritting her teeth, she jumped the ditch that ran along the road and struck out through the woods.

73

Which way here?” Sam asked when they came to a crossroads in the middle of a wilderness. It seemed like they’d been driving for hours, but it’d probably been only forty-five minutes. True to his word, his dad had shown them a shortcut, saving precious time.

“Take a left,” his dad said.

“People actually live out here?” Pete said from the back seat.

“Not many,” Nate replied. “And the few who live here like living off the grid. I’ve worked for the sheriff’s department for fifteen years, and I can’t remember ever being called to this area.”

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