Page 60 of Cold Light of Day

Gripping the wheel, he floored the pedal and focused on the road. Soon the town lights faded to a memory, and he could see only the road and those red lights ahead.

Come on, come on, come on...

The rear lights grew brighter, closer, but Grier didn’t slow until he’d caught up with the SUV. It suddenly lurched forward, speeding away again.

Where exactly did this thug plan to take her? This two-lane road branched off to various cabins and homes, and one of those could be the man’s destination. Otherwise, it ended at the small airstrip. The thought terrified Grier. Did the man have a bush plane or helicopter waiting?

Up ahead the road twisted around a mountain, then turned onto a bridge over the Goldrock River. The SUV raced around the corner much too fast for comfort. Even Grier slowed to make the turn as he rounded the switchback and approached the bridge. He followed at a distance now so he wouldn’t force the man to take too many risks.

Not with the chief in the SUV too.

The vehicle drove across the bridge, then suddenly fishtailed. Gripping the steering wheel, Grier’s gut clenched and he held his breath while a litany of silent prayers poured from his heart.

The vehicle plunged through the guardrail and disappeared into the blackness of the ravine.

Horror twisted Grier’s insides as he sped forward, thenslammed on the brakes where the vehicle had gone over the bridge.

Shock and fear strangled him. Paralyzed him.

He couldn’t believe it.

God...please help!

This wasn’t the moment to let fear control him.

Move.Move.Move. He forced his numb limbs to work. Grabbed his flashlight from his pocket. Jumped from his SUV and shined the light down into the water.

No way could he see into that black, rushing water. But the vehicle...it hadn’t sunk completely. Not yet. The back end had caught on a rocky outcropping near the bank—that could be a good thing. But on the other hand, it could have meant instant death.

Sliding the flashlight back into his pocket, Grier ran to the end of the bridge and maneuvered down the slope along the rocks. This could be a one-way ticket, but he wouldn’t stand on the side and let her die.

He took a few quick breaths, then slid into the rain-swollen Goldrock River, the cold water shocking through him. With only the moonlight to guide him, he swam toward the silhouette of the rocks, using the current to his advantage until he slammed into them. Grabbing on, he dug his fingertips into the slippery surface and maneuvered around to the vehicle. The arctic water roared in his ears, disorienting him, and the cold threatened to render his limbs useless.

The back end of the SUV remained above water. Grier got into position and kicked the back window repeatedly to no avail, then remembered the flashlight. He slammed the glass with it until the window finally broke.

“Chief! Chief!”Please answer.

“I’m here.”

Overwhelming relief surged through him, but she wasn’t out of danger yet.

“Can you climb up?”

“Yes.” She coughed. “I’m coming. Climbing up. The water’s getting deeper.”

He couldn’t see her, but the water was quickly pulling the SUV down.

“Hurry.” He thrust his arm through the broken window. “Grab my hand.”

He felt her cold but strong grip, then pulled her up and out. The SUV slipped from under them, and they tumbled into the water.

“Grier!”

“I got you!”

She gripped his arm and the rock. “Thank you.” She coughed and choked, then said, “Now, what’s the best way to get out of here?”

“Together. We’ll swim together. Don’t let go of me. Let the current carry us and we’ll try to aim for the bank. It’s steep here, but we can make our way up. Okay?”

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