Page 42 of Jonathan

Shutting off the engine, she tried once more to reason with him.

“Look, I don’t know why you’re doing this. I have money, plenty of it and can go back to the cabin and give you my card.”

He studied her bruised face for a second and then burst out laughing. “Darling, I just might take you up on that.”

“At least, let me call Jon.”

He shook his head. “No need. Your boyfriend will find out soon enough that you are missing.”

“What do you mean?”

“While you were in the bathroom tinkling, I wrote him a love letter. ‘Dear McCarthy. I have your girl. I am going to need some of that money, your papa left you and a ride out of town. But first, I am going to have some fun with her. Signed Brant Sullivan, your former employee.”

He grinned. “What do you think? After this, there’s no hope of me getting a raise, is there? Oh well – doesn’t matter. I am going to be all set up for life. I was going to ask for ten million but decided not to be too greedy.” He nudged her with the gun. “Think he’s smitten enough to pay anything?”

“You underestimate our relationship. I am simply passing through and will be going home in a week. We’re just having fun.” She broke off with a gasp when he jammed the gun between her ribs, hard enough to have her gripping the wheels as pain shimmied through her body.

“I would advise you not to lie to me again. Got it? Well?” He shoved the gun at her again to make his point.

“Yes! Damn you to hell.”

He merely grinned and gestured for her to get out.

Chapter 11

“She’s not answering.” Jamming the phone into the pocket of his jacket, Jon strode from the room where a command center had been set up. Other law enforcement officers had been drawn in from the neighboring town, but with all their canvassing of the area, there was still no sign of Sullivan or whatever the hell he was calling himself.

And several calls to Kamilah had gone straight to voicemail. He did not want to think the worse, but his gut was telling him that something was very wrong.

“We have officers at every entry and exit point.” The sheriff spoke up as he went after Jon and almost had to run to catch up to him.

“In the meantime, I am not in touch with my girl. Thanks.” He had called for his horse.

“Bull, with me. Bill, round up some of the others. We’re going hunting.”

Checking to see that his shotgun and nine-millimeter were secured in his saddle bag, he wheeled his horse around, causing the sheriff to jump back hastily as the animal pawed the air before taking off like a bullet.

He needed to get to Kamilah before it was too late. The air was thick with anticipation as Jon rode through the forest, his heart pounding in his chest. He could feel the tension radiating from Bull, who rode closely behind him, his eyes scanning the surroundings for any sign of movement.

As they galloped through the dense trees, Jon's mind raced with a thousand possibilities. What if Sullivan had already harmed her? What if they were too late? He pushed those thoughts aside, focusing on the task at hand. He had to find her. He had to save her.

The sun was beginning to set, casting long shadows across the forest floor. They rode in silence, the only sounds being the thundering of hooves and the rustling of leaves. Finally, Bull spoke up.

"Boss, we need to be careful. Sullivan is unpredictable, and we don't know what he's capable of."

Jon nodded - his jaw set in determination. "I know. But we have to find her. I won't let him get away with this."

As they approached a clearing, Jon pulled on the reins, bringing his horse to a stop. He dismounted, motioning for Bull to do the same. They moved forward cautiously, their weapons at the ready.

He felt the sinking feeling in the pit of his stomach as he approached the cabin where Kamilah was staying. Vaulting over the fence, he raced towards the front door, only to find that it was locked. He was running towards the back when he almost collided with Bull.

“Back door is wide open.”

The fear crystallized inside his chest and propelled him forward. Cold dread settled over him as he raced towards the bedroom, hoping to God that she was deep into her writing and had somehow not heard the commotion. But the place was as silent as a tomb and felt just as daunting.

“Boss.” He turned to see Bull holding a piece of stationary in his hand.

Striding towards him, he grabbed a single piece of paper and scanned the handwritten message. His face whitened with strain, and he felt the weakness invading every part of his body. “That son of a bitch. I am going to kill him. If he hurts her….”

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