Page 18 of The Girl in the River

“Yes, but I didn’t announce that yet. I know you have a job to do, but this is a difficult time and I need you to be discreet,” Ellie said. “You can’t report on the murder until the family has been notified.”

“Understood,” Angelica agreed, smoothing down her black pencil skirt. “But you know getting word out about Mia could help bring in a lead.”

“True.” Although it could also trigger false leads, which only wasted time and divided manpower. She motioned to the sheriff to join them.

“Take the interview,” she told Bryce.

He straightened and spoke to Angelica while Ellie crossed to Mark. He stood holding Pixie now, patting the little girl’s back. “Still no call from Mia or anyone who might want a ransom?” she said softly.

He shook his head.

“The sheriff is going to talk to the press now,” Ellie said.

“I want to say something,” Mark said. “Maybe offer a reward. If Mia was kidnapped, I’ll find a way to pay.”

“I wouldn’t do that just yet,” Ellie said. “Offering a reward could attract greedy people who’ll lie and take advantage of your emotions to make some money.”

A muscle ticked in his jaw indicating he didn’t like it, but he would do as she advised.

“Also, Mark, we’re withholding the news about Tori for now until Liam can contact her mother.”

He nodded and carried Pixie as Ellie walked with him to join Angelica.

Sheriff Waters’ jaw was set firmly as he spoke into the camera. “If anyone has seen Mia Norman this evening or has information about her whereabouts, please call the sheriff’s office or the Crooked Creek Police Department.”

Ellie indicated to Angelica that Mark wanted to speak. Pixie was still clinging to him, her arms wrapped tightly around his neck.

“Come here, Pixie,” Ellie said. “Let’s let Mark talk to the reporter.”

Pixie looked up at her with wide eyes, then ducked her head back against Mark’s shoulder. Mark stroked her back, comforting her.

Tom captured the scene on camera, and Mark gestured to Angelica that he was ready.

Angelica gave him an encouraging smile. “We’re here now with Mia Norman’s fiancé, Mark Wade,” Angelica said. “Mr. Wade?”

Mark’s expression was dark with turmoil. “Mia and I were supposed to be married tonight. She would never leave her daughter behind. Please, if you know where she is, help us bring her home safely to her little girl.”

He paused for a breath and Angelica wrapped up by listing the phone numbers for Bryce’s office and the police department. Ellie just hoped it brought them a lead and not the crazies.

TWENTY-ONE

Cord detailed how he’d found Tori’s body to the ERT and Laney. The rain still drizzled down and lightning illuminated the sky, making it more dangerous for the team to be in the water.

But time was of the essence.

Flashlights and underwater cameras in hand, divers dove into the river to search for evidence. The choppers were holding off until the lightning died down, which meant they were losing precious time. Dr. Whitefeather remained beside Tori.

A medic team had arrived at Laney’s request and Cord met them. They jumped out, dressed in rain gear and carrying a stretcher.

“She’s down here,” Cord said. “Detective Reeves and I managed to get her in the canoe.”

The medics set the stretcher beneath a large oak for cover and followed Cord down the hill.

Laney looked up from where she’d stooped by Tori’s body, her tone all business. “Gunshot wound to the back,” Laney told them. “Dead on arrival. I’ll know more about the bruises on her body when I get her to the morgue.”

“We’ve got it,” one of the medics said.

Cord steadied the canoe while the medics climbed in and lifted Tori. He stepped to the edge and helped them onto the ground, then they carried Tori to the stretcher and the ambulance.

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