Ellie ignored the sarcasm. “Tell him whatever it takes. And don’t answer the door for anyone.”
“Ellie, you can’t be serious.” She threw up both hands. “Just let me come with you.”
Ellie’s spine tensed. “No, the fewer people who know where she is, the better. You can’t go, if only for your own safety.” Her hand wrapped so tightly around the strap of her bag her knuckles turned white. “I’m serious. I don’t want to believe that he’s involved either, but this group, this circle of evil bastards who operate the trafficking ring on the dark web seems to be run exclusively by and for the wealthiest men in Charleston. Nick’s family is—”
“Good people, Ellie.” Jillian’s voice was quiet, a frown cutting deep lines into her forehead. “If you let your kidnapper convince you that the world is a sick, evil place, then he’s already won.”
“I didn’t need anyone to tell me the world is an evil place. You’ve seen the cases that come across my desk. Some of the most violent predators were loved by their communities. The BTK Killer was a deacon at his church and a scout leader. I’d be a fool if I didn’t consider the possibility that people in my social circle might be part of this.” Ellie’s breath quivered as she let it out. “Jillian, I need you on my side.”
Jillian sucked in a deep breath and closed her eyes. As she let it out, she met Ellie’s gaze. “I’m on your side, Ellie.”
“Thank you.”
Jillian checked her watch, glancing at the setting sun beyond the window. “Part of being on your side is caring about you. So hurry up and get back so I don’t have to worry.”
“I won’t be back tonight.” Ellie went to the hall closet, pulling out a plain duffle bag. It was her go-bag, carrying just about everything she needed in an emergency situation. She would never be able to sleep anyway, after that call, unless she knew for a fact Valerie was safe. When she caught Jillian watching her, she smiled and shrugged. “Always be prepared, right?”
Jillian nodded and gestured at the copies in front of her on the table. “I’ll text you if Carl and I find anything in the morning.” A thin smile spread across her face. “Hope he’s a morning person because this can’t wait.” Jillian went around the table, surprising Ellie when she threw her arms around her neck. “Be careful.”
Ellie hugged Jillian back, fighting the tears that suddenly filled her eyes. “I will. I’ll see you soon.” She forced her shoulders back and pulled away, painting a smile on her face. “I beat him once. I can beat him again.”
“I’ll see you when you get home.”
Ellie gathered up her notes, shoving them into her bag, and grabbed her car keys. On her way out the door, she stopped and patted Sam’s head. Glancing back to the kitchen, she met Jillian’s eyes and gave her a confident nod, despite the fear welling inside her.
She couldn’t tell Jillian, but she was terrified that the kidnapper would get to Valerie before she did. Or worse. He’d waited thirteen years for this moment, and Ellie knew he wouldn’t go down without a fight. The clock was ticking, and it was only a few hours until midnight.
April thirteenth. Thirteen years after he’d kidnapped her, only to have her escape.
Everything in Ellie had been certain that he had something big planned. And Katarina’s call confirmed it.
She just hoped that when the dust settled, she was the one left standing.
As long as the master was alive, she would never be safe.
No one she loved would ever be safe.
19
The brass handles on the dresser drawer were cold in Valerie’s hands. She paused, her chest tightening as she told herself she was being ridiculous. But even so, she eased the drawer open, her eyes glued on the widening gap.
“Is everything all right?”
Valerie jumped, laughing as she turned to face Flynn. “It’s fine,” she lied.
“I’m sorry, I didn’t mean to startle you.” A hulking man, Flynn’s appearance was deceiving. He was really just a large teddy bear underneath the security guard exterior, his warm brown eyes and hair adding to the image.
“It’s okay. I’m still getting used to…” She smiled apologetically. “Freedoms.”
“There’s no need to rush. It’s going to take some time to undo two years’ worth of damage.”
“I know, it just feels silly sometimes.” She gestured to the partially opened drawer. “Like the dresser. I know when I open it, I won’t see neat piles of lacy underwear or dozens of identical fitted tees and white socks, but a part of me worries that escaping that nightmare was just a dream.” She caught her lip between her teeth to hide the quiver and cast her eyes down at the floor. “What if this is all a dream, and I’m still in that basement?”
Flynn stepped into the room, dark eyes never leaving her and filling with something she couldn’t dare hope for. “It’s not a dream. You’re safe here.”
“And when the trial’s over? Then what?”
“I thought Detective Kline insisted on witness protection.”
Valerie turned away from him, not quite able to fathom life after this ordeal. “She did, but I have my doubts.”
“About what?”
Valerie glanced at the drawer again, but it wasn’t open far enough to get a glimpse inside. Pushing away images of the obnoxiously frilly bedroom that had been her prison in Arthur Fink’s basement for almost two years, she forced herself back into the present. “Detective Kline can’t trust her officers in her own precinct to keep me safe, but I’m supposed to trust that witness protection is going to be any better?”
“It’s a different branch of law enforcement. Federal Marshals run WITSEC.”
She frowned, not sure she should voice what she was thinking. Squaring her shoulders, she turned back to the dresser and yanked open the drawer. With lightning speed, she snatched a sweater from the top of the neatly folded stack
