Page 31 of Emi's Hero

Kalea, her father, John Parkman and Hawk sat around the table, helping themselves to the spread the cook had provided.

A television was on in the corner with local news, the sound turned down enough the group at the table didn’t have to talk over the newscaster.

John Parkman looked up from his plate. “How’s Ms. Sands this morning?”

“Still sleeping,” George responded. He turned to Hawk. “Any news from Swede?”

Hawk shook his head. “He hasn’t contacted me. He’ll let us know if he’s found anything.”

“I know, but I’d still like to give him a call this morning and see if there’s anything we can do on this side to help speed up the process. Maybe we can help review satellite images,” George said.

“We can bring him up in a video conference call after breakfast,” Hawk said. “Not only does Hank have Swede from the Montana office working this case, but he’s also got Kyla Russell from the Yellowstone office working the issue. But it’s like shooting in the dark. Fallon Vance could be anyone. We really need something solid and real to go on.”

George nodded. He knew that.

Kalea tapped her finger on the table, her brow knitted. “Do you think that if Emi went under hypnosis, she might remember something about the compound, the boat or her captor that would help in your search?”

George shrugged. “Maybe. Do you know someone who can do that?”

“I do,” Kalea said. “Sachie Moore, a friend of mine, is a licensed hypnotherapist in Hilo. She used to work with the Honolulu police and victims to help solve violent crimes.”

“Did she travel back and forth from the Big Island to Oahu to work with the Honolulu police?” George asked.

Kalea shook her head. “She lived in Honolulu back then. She moved to Hilo a couple of years ago when a stalker started harassing her. She consults with Honolulu on the side now. Sachie would understand the urgency and want to help.”

George nodded. “I’m sure Emi would be up for anything that will help us find her daughter.”

“If you’d like, I’ll ask Emi as soon as she’s awake,” Kalea said.

“Ask me what?” Emi stepped into the kitchen doorway, wearing a pair of fashionably faded blue jeans, a pale, moss-green shirt and flat, leather sandals. She’d combed her hair back from her forehead and swept it up into a messy bun on the crown of her head.

The clothes that fit, the casual and elegant hairstyle, shoes and a good night’s rest seemed to give the woman confidence.

George’s groin tightened. Damn, she was beautiful.

She gave him a shy smile and repeated, “Ask me what?”

“If you would be willing to be hypnotized,” Kalea said.

Emi’s brow wrinkled. “Hypnotized? Why?”

Hawk answered, “The idea is that a licensed hypnotherapist might be able to draw from your memory some kernel of knowledge, an image, a conversation... anything that could help us find the compound and its owner.”

Emi’s gaze met George’s.

“I think it’s a good idea,” he said. “Sometimes, you’re able to recall things from your memory that didn’t seem important at the time.”

Emi’s brow smoothed. “If it will help me find Sara, I’ll do anything.”

Kalea pushed back from the table and stood. “I’ll call my friend, Sachie, and see when she can come.”

The frown returned to Emi’s face. “Do you trust her?”

Kalea pressed a hand over her heart. “With my life.”

“Would you trust her with your daughter’s life?” Emi asked softly.

Kalea nodded. “Absolutely.”

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