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He grabs his keys from the kitchen counter, then his gun, and tucks it into a concealed holster on the inside waist of his jeans. “You’re not gonna let it go, are you?”

“I will chase this piece of shit until my dying breath. Let’s go, now.”

“I’m not sure that’s a good idea, Ava. Whoever took her already promised to take you, too. I want to keep you safe and away from this whole mess. But I don’t know whom to trust. I don’t know where to hide you, or whom to ask for help. I should have never brought you into this. This is one hundred percent my responsibility.”

“No, I’m not a child. I’m an adult. I chose to find you. I chose to bring the necklace to you, and I chose to help with the investigation. It was my choice. My responsibility. If anything, this is on me. I brought Lynn into this mess, and I’m going to get her out. Are you going to help me or not?” I don’t wait for an answer. I walk out the door.

Jake follows me.

Journal

I got myself a little bird.

Feisty little thing.

So much fire in her.

I might hold on to her a little longer.

Until I get her friend.

It would be so much fun to play with the two of them.

I’ve never had two little birds at the same time.

Chapter52

Avalon

Someone leaked information again.The city hall building that houses the police station is in chaos. Press vans are parked along the street with journalists and cameramen loitering about. Jake slows as we approach the metal barriers that block the front of the building. A cop mans the entrance to the parking lot and, recognizing Jake, waves him in. We drive around to the back of the building, and thankfully, there’s no one outside.

“We can go in through the back, but wait here for a second.”

Jake walks around the vehicle and scans the area. He opens the SUV door, and I hop out. Hands clasped, we scurry through the back entrance where another cop guards the door.

Cops are everywhere, more than usual. Some in plain clothes and some wearing uniforms from neighboring towns. A dozen heads turn our way, and conversations halt.One of these men has Lynn.I want to demand every single one of them to allow me to touch them and ask questions, but I keep my mouth shut until we’re locked in Jake’s office.

The phone on his desk rings before the door closes behind us. He answers it. “Knox.”

“Let me talk to her.” The chief’s voice is loud enough I have no trouble hearing him from where I stand. Jake gives me the phone.

Taking it with a trembling hand, I hold it out a little so Jake can listen, too. “Hello.”

“Miss Ava, it’s not a good idea for you to be here.”

“Try kicking me out and see what happens.” My words are fueled by anger and fear.

He sighs. “I will not kick you out, but perhaps we can use your special skills.”

“That’s what I’m here for. I need to touch that note. And I want to go through the rest of the evidence to see if I can find any other clues.”

Jake tenses. Presses his lips together but stays quiet.

“I’ll bring the note in for you.”

Chief Malone hangs up, and I set the phone down.

Jake’s hands go to my shoulders, and he rubs them, digging his thumbs into the growing knots. I take in a stuttered breath. “Should we tell him of our suspicions?”