Reed’s gaze jumped back to the book resting on the log. “Let’s reach out to our counterparts in Willowbend, see if they can locate Mr. Hanks. I also want a BOLO out on any vehicle registered to him.”
With a Be On The Lookout alert, every law enforcement officer in the state would be watching for the vehicle. If Vernon had managed to abduct his daughter, Reed didn’t want him getting too far.
Reed reached into his trunk and pulled out a spare bulletproof vest. He handed it to Emma. “Put this on.”
Her eyes widened slightly but she put it on before grabbing a backpack and slipping it over her shoulders. Sadie was already outfitted in a reflective vest. “I’m ready when you are.”
Reed grabbed his own backpack with food, water and equipment. He had no intention of getting stuck out in the woods, but it was prudent to take precautions.
Another couple of squad cars drove up. Detective Kyle Hendricks got out.
“Hand over the scene to Hendricks. I want you with us,” Reed said to Austin. “I’ve got enough supplies in my pack for two. Just grab an extra flashlight.”
He spared a few more moments to speak to Molly’s parents and explain what they were doing before joining Emma at the fallen log. “Do you need an article of clothing?”
“No. Sadie’s an air-scenting dog. She’ll find any person in the area.”
Emma unhooked the dog’s leash and gave a command. Sadie lifted her nose and headed into the woods. The bells attached to her vest jingled, making it easier to follow her, even in the dark.
Reed followed behind, urgency fueling him. Somewhere an owl hooted above them. Emma’s ponytail bobbed with every step. She kept right on Sadie, increasing her stride as the dog went faster. Her brow was drawn down, her focus entirely on the mission at hand. Reed stayed next to her, close enough to reach out and touch her, even as he continuously scanned the trees and brush with his flashlight.
Austin called out for Molly, his voice carrying through the woods. The ground sloped upward in a steady incline. Reed’s heart thumped with exertion and his feet slid slightly on the pine needles coating the forest floor. Sweat dripped down his back, causing his shirt to stick to his skin.
Sadie sped up, breaking into a run, and disappeared around a bend. She barked. Reed held Emma back with his hand.
“Stay behind me,” he whispered. It was likely Molly was on her own, but he wouldn’t take chances. Not with anyone, but especially not with Emma.
Austin palmed his weapon, and Reed did the same. They separated slightly, using the trees as cover. Emma followed closely behind Reed, matching him step for step as they made their way down the other side of the slope to the small valley below. Darkness surrounded them, making it impossible to see any danger lying around the next bend. Sadie’s barking grew louder.
Reed’s flashlight lit up a purple tennis shoe. Molly lay crumpled on the ground, tears streaking her face. Sadie stood next to her. He scanned the immediate area, but there wasn’t anything suspicious.
“Molly, don’t be alarmed.” Reed smiled and bent down next to the girl. “I’m Sherriff Atkinson. This is Lieutenant Carter and Mrs. Pierce.” He pulled a bottle of water from his bag and unscrewed it. Molly took a long drink.
Austin pulled out his radio and attempted to call in.
Emma moved around to the other side of the girl. She praised and patted Sadie before slipping off her pack. “You’re hurt. I have some first aid supplies in my pack. Can you tell me what happened?”
“I fell.” Molly lifted a hand to her head. Her eyes were dazed, and she was shaking. “I rolled down the hill. My head... There’s a lot of blood. And my ankle. I shouldn’t have followed my dad out here.”
Reed scanned the nearby trees. No movement. He yanked out an emergency blanket and opened it. “Where’s your dad now?”
“I don’t know. He left me here.”
Emma placed gauze on Molly’s head. “Reed, can you shine your flashlight over here for me so I can see better?”
The wound on Molly’s head was huge. Reed wasn’t a doctor, but he knew enough first aid to understand the child could be suffering from a concussion. In the background, Austin was still trying to get someone on the radio.
Reed scanned the trees again. Something about this didn’t feel right. Why would Molly’s dad go to all the effort to kidnap her only to leave her in the woods? His gaze fell on Sadie and then shifted to Emma. Unless...was it possible this was some kind of trap? To lure them out here?
Something whistled. Bark on the tree behind Austin exploded as the sound of a gunshot carried through the night. Austin dove for Molly as Reed threw himself over Emma. She yelled a command to Sadie. The dog bolted into the trees for cover as ordered.
Gunshots rained down, pelting the ground and the trees nearby. Reed widened his body, cradling Emma’s head against his chest to protect her. His heart thundered, even as his brain calculated their next move.
A bullet slammed into his back.
Emma’s pulse pounded so loudly in her ear, she almost missed Reed’s sharp intake of breath. Alarm ricocheted through her. Had he been shot? She tried to lift her head from his chest to ask, but he held her tighter. Emma could do nothing but pray he was okay.
The gunshots stopped; the sound of the last one seemed to echo through the night. Emma drew a ragged breath. Her body trembled.
“We need to move while he’s reloading,” Reed whispered in her ear. “There’s a cave a short distance away. Follow Austin.”
Before she could formulate a thought, Reed sprang
