Except…the asshole had left that one-line note, the one about not finding Ellie in time.
Gossip and rumors had floated around this part of the state since the incident had occurred a few days ago. The police had searched James’s house, but they weren’t saying what they’d discovered.
For Zane, they’d been too damn slow. Ellie’s life was hanging in the balance somewhere, and he was pretty sure their theory was that she was already dead.
She’s not dead.
Zane wondered if he should approach the police with his analysis, but he wasn’t sure they’d move fast enough to help save Ellie. If his theory was correct, she was imprisoned, probably already dying because James was no longer alive to keep her hydrated and fed. It was also getting cold, and she could be freezing.
“Fuck it. They had their chance,” he said angrily to himself. He’d found the soil samples himself on James’s tires, and he’d found the key.
He knew the general area where she was being held captive, and he had the key to free her. Now all he needed was her exact location.
There was no question in Zane’s mind that he was going after her himself. The question had been whether or not to notify the police of his findings. More than likely, they’d try to keep him from interfering with their investigation. The problem was, he doubted they had a clue where she was or any faith that she was still alive. They’d move too damn slow for his liking, and not quickly enough to save her life. Hell, Zane was already worried that he was going to be too late.
Fortunately, he was familiar with the locality, and he could find her himself.
I just need to get to her in time.
Deciding in favor of going it alone, Zane raced downstairs and grabbed the keys to his four-wheel-drive.
He needed to find Ellie fast, or she wasn’t going to make it. He had no idea how long it had been since she’d been left food and water. Obviously awhile since James had been laid up in the hospital after Gabe had kicked his ass.
He sprinted to his vehicle, oblivious of the cold wind that was buffeting his body or the fact that he hadn’t slept in days.
Nothing mattered except Ellie.
Zane decided that he’d come back with Ellie, or he’d die trying.