Page 60 of Safe
His expression hardened, and he tightened his grip, pulling me closer until my body was pressed against his. What I had once found endearing, I now detested.
“But dear,” he spoke in a calm, almost sadistic tone, “that almost sounded like you weren’t happy. Which couldn’t be possible because if you weren’t…” he shook his head, snickering. “Well, if you weren’t, I’d have to kill you. And then your brother. And then that pathetic little boyfriend of yours.”
He released me at last, sliding into his seat. His eyes locked on mine as he beckoned for me to sit, firm—the invitation more an order than a request.
My hands clenched in my lap as I sat down, reluctant to be sitting opposite Landon. I had no appetite as I watched with anger and disgust as he ate, pretending this was a perfectly normal dinner. I couldn’t bring myself to touch the food, instead pushing it around my plate while choking back tears. Throughout most of the meal, Landon remained silent, his eyes fixed on me, consuming me with a look that deepened my repugnance. It was as though he were undressing me with his eyes, and all feelings of hunger vanished entirely.
"Aren't you going to eat?" Landon asked, his irritation at new levels.
"I'd rather fucking starve," I snapped back, shooting him a sarcastic smirk before standing up and leaving the room.
I was desperate to devise an escape plan. The challenge came from having no idea where I was; my familiarity with the area outside of mine and Cody’s little bubble was limited, and being unconscious the whole drive here, however long that was,had ruined any chance I had of figuring it out. There had to be a way.
If I could somehow get Landon away from his phone. But how could I even achieve that without Landon becoming suspicious? If he caught me, I knew he’d kill me. Yet, the thought of being trapped here indefinitely was a fate worse than death.
Weighing my options, I wondered whether living in this nightmare for a few more days might buy time for someone to find me. How much longer would I be able to endure this torment?
The hours ticked on. Time warped into something cruel, and every second felt endless, like it was carving away at me.
I could feel my sense of reality slipping.
It let my mind spiral, playing out all the ways this could end, and none of them were good. I wanted to scream, to fight, to do something—but I couldn’t move. Couldn’t think.
Hope wasn’t just fading.
It was rotting inside me.
30. CODY
The world was caving in around me, and every single emotion was running rampant in my mind.
Alex was forming a team with the Grand Junction Police Department to track down Landon while another team scoured the area for video surveillance, hoping to spot the direction his car headed. Alex had managed to capture a semi-clear screenshot of Landon's face from the convenience store footage and distributed copies to the team. Once everyone assembled in the conference room, Alex gestured for me to join them.
"Why me? Is this even allowed? I'm not a cop," I hesitated.
"You were the last person to see Danielle. You’re a witness," he said.
Dragging my feet, I followed Alex from the room into a narrow hallway leading to the conference room. What use was I at this point? I had no weapon, no gear, and was emotionally shattered. I knew I couldn't detach myself from my emotions, and given the opportunity, I'd have no hesitation in killing Landon. I wanted to stop Alex and tell him, but before I could, he entered the conference room.
The chatter in the room came to a screeching halt as we stepped in. Faces of somber expressions turned toward us. Alex wasn't part of their department, and these officers didn't know me, yet they were ready to do whatever it took.
“Alright, listen up, everyone,” Alex began, distributing the photos of Landon and his car to the eight officers assembled. “This is a picture of our suspect, Landon Fletcher, also known as Landon Rider—yes, that Landon Rider. Assume he’s armed andextremely dangerous. He was last seen leaving a convenience store in a burgundy Hyundai Sonata. The license plate is logged in the recognition database, but remember, thus far, he’s been able to switch cars and plates faster than we can track them. He has one hostage, last seen alive in the car.”
Alex paused, taut with nervous energy. “Danielle Traser... my sister. Red hair, about 5’7”. If we can’t find her in time, we’re looking at a devastating outcome.”
The room buzzed at the revelation that Alex’s sister was the hostage. A new degree of seriousness had set in for everyone in the room.
Clearing his throat, Alex pressed on. “This is Cody Morgan, ex-Special Forces. He was hired to keep Danielle here and was the last person to see Danielle. When we locate Fletcher, no one engages without full SWAT gear. We’re venturing into unknown territory with him. After a brief meeting with the captain, we’ll organize into teams.”
The weight of the mission sank in as each officer understood not only the professional stakes but the personal ones as well.
I lingered in the main room while Alex talked with the captain. The space was cluttered with boxes and files piled on desks, scattered across the floor, and even on top of filing cabinets. The team of eight officers was awaiting directives. They were huddled around a whiteboard filled with Landon's and Danielle’s photos and the information we'd gathered. Indistinct conversation floated among them, and I chose not to listen in.
Alex emerged from the chief's office, prepared to move forward.
"What’s the plan?" I asked.
"Captain’s given me the green light to lead the investigation. He’s issued an APB on Landon, so now everydepartment throughout Colorado is on alert for Landon's face and his vehicle."
