Page 55 of Sutton's Shadow

That word, kidnapped, reminded her of that strange conversation she’d overheard back at the group home with the creepy-voiced man, and it now filled her brain with all sorts of unbelievable thoughts. They talked about finding certain items for a client. But it couldn’t be what her imagination was thinking up. The client probably wanted a particular piece of antique furniture or artwork. That had to be it. The other was too horrible to put into words.

But she had agonized over Kaitlyn’s situation all day. If her teachers had noticed her distraction, they didn’t say anything. Her friends hadn’t noticed her preoccupation either, having been more interested in discussing Kaitlyn’s fate. They were convinced she had run away to Chicago too.

Dread built up in Bethany all day, and the more she thought about it, the more she was convinced Kaitlyn hadn’t run away. She couldn’t get the feeling that her over-imaginative thoughts might be real. And if that were the case, what could she do about it? All she had were suspicions.

Wyatt might listen to her concerns, but again, what did she truly know? That the foster parents gave her the creeps? That a stranger visited them, ordering them to find something else for a client? None of that screamed of the evil deeds she was imagining.

Another pain racked her, and Bethany shoved a fist into her stomach. She hated this feeling. Jittery, like her limbs were made of Jell-O. Her heart leapt and thumped a hard beat in her chest. And she was tired. So tired she could sleep for a week even as she knew that sleep would not come easily. She couldn’t turn off the thoughts racing through her mind. And when she did close her eyes, she saw Daniella’s soulless expression.

The hairs on the back of her neck tingled, making her feel like someone was watching her. She spun, searching for anyone hanging around that was giving her too much attention. But she was alone on the sidewalk. She tried to look in the windows of the school but couldn’t see much at this angle. She turned to the strip mall across the street. There were people going about their shopping, but nobody appeared to be looking at her.

She’d been distracted searching her surroundings, remembering her brother’s words about listening to her instincts, when Sutton’s SUV pulled up next to her. Bethany’s face must have conveyed her unease since the smile Sutton had for her faded.

Bethany stood rooted to the spot as Sutton put the car in park and got out. “What’s wrong?” she asked as she approached.

Bethany couldn’t yet form words, so she shook her head. “Bethany? You’re shaking like a leaf. Did something happen? Is it Wyatt?”

“No,” she gasped, the one word making it past the lump in her throat. “Nothing happened. I was... I was just thinking about that missing girl. It reminded me of that night in the woods.”

“Oh, sweetie,” Sutton sympathized before gathering her into her arms. Bethany didn’t fight it. She was coming to like Sutton a great deal, and being hugged by someone who cared, someone besides her brother, was a nice change. “You’re safe now. You know that, right?”

Bethany nodded against her shoulder. She felt guilty about the lie, but she didn’t know how to voice her fears about Kaitlyn and those creepy foster parents.

“I know what it’s like to have memories that are scary. I hope you know you can talk to me about them if you need to. I’m sure Wyatt would say the same. We’re here for you, anytime.”

The sting of tears burned behind her eyelids. Without breaking the hug, she swiped the wetness away, not wanting to expose how much she’d needed to hear words like that.

Sutton was a great person, and Bethany admired her a lot, but she wasn’t ready to bare it all to anyone yet. Not even Wyatt.

“I’m okay,” she assured. “Really. I appreciate it, though.” She broke the hug and stepped back, forcing a reassuring smile for Sutton’s sake.

She tried to hold still as Sutton stared at her as if she wanted to confirm by sight alone that she was indeed okay. When Sutton smiled, Bethany let the breath she’d been holding out slowly.

“Wanna help me take some pictures of the shops in Lake Haven?”

Suddenly feeling lighter at the thought of doing some photography, Bethany returned her smile, agreeing enthusiastically.

“Then we can grab something to eat at Jolene’s while we wait for Wyatt. How does that sound?”

“Sounds great. Thanks Sutton.”

“Anytime.” Bethany could tell the woman truly meant that. Anytime she needed anything, Sutton would be there. It was nice having another person in her corner besides Wyatt. Maybe, when she was ready, she should confess her concerns about Kaitlyn’s disappearance to Sutton. She’d probably listen and wouldn’t think she was crazy. She could only hope.

Itwasabeautifulday to stroll the cobblestone streets of downtown Lake Haven. The stores were bustling. The last of the tourists left over from the summer were perusing the stores before they headed back to whatever metropolis they hailed from.

Sutton was showing Bethany how to frame a good marketing photograph for the town’s ad campaign. She even let her take a few pictures herself, finding she had a good eye.

While Sutton took a few shots of the quaint street as a whole with the shops bordering on either side, a loud squeal of skidding tires followed by a clang of metal hitting metal rang out, catching everyone’s attention. A car had taken the corner too fast, and the driver hadn’t seen the bicyclist in the street. The bicycle was no match for the sedan. Fortunately, the cyclist appeared to be okay but would probably be covered in bruises. The bike, however, was not so lucky.

Sutton continued to snap pictures of the incident, and she was glad she did since no sooner had the bicyclist gotten to his feet and begun dusting himself off than the sedan took off. Those who had observed the crash stood on the sidewalks, stunned. They’d all just witnessed a hit and run. And Sutton had gotten the entire event on camera.

“Holy shit. What was that?” Bethany shrieked.

“That was a hit and run,” Sutton answered dryly, still amazed at the brazen driver’s audacity. There was no way he could have missed the crowded streets, so why would he even bother pulling a stunt like that?

“I wonder if anybody got his license plate number.”

Sutton held up her camera with a sly smile. “Got the whole thing.”

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