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He grabbed the back of her neck and her arm.
Adrenaline punched through her system. “Hey, hands off, asshole!”
He still didn’t say anything.
Then he dragged her back into deeper water and shoved her forward.
Hollis threw her arms out, water splashing. She was off balance and fell to her knees, the water up to her chest.
“What the hell? Let me go!”
Then the man shoved her head under the water.
Fear roared through her, and she tasted acid in her mouth. She thrashed, trying to break his hold.
But he was bigger and stronger.
She fought, bubbles churning through the water.
God, he was trying tokillher.
CHAPTER EIGHT
“So two iPads, a cellphone, and your wallet?”
“Yes.” The upset woman pressed her hands to her sunburned cheeks. “This isnotwhat we wanted on our dream Maui holiday.”
The woman’s husband wrapped an arm around her. “We thought there was no crime on Maui.”
Sawyer continued taking notes. “The crime rate is low, but unfortunately, with so many tourists visiting the island every year, we do have some crime. Most of it is petty theft.” Especially when tourists like these left their valuables in plain sight on their car seat while they swam at the beach. “Mrs. Elden, we’ll do what we can to track down your things. In the meantime, I suggest you contact your bank and cancel your credit cards.”
“So much stress.” She pulled a face.
Sawyer looked at his notes. “You’re staying in Kapalua, right? Do you know Merriman’s?”
Mr. Elden nodded. “We heard the restaurant has great food and a stunning location right on Kapalua Bay.”
“I know the chef there,” Sawyer said. “Make a reservation for tonight, and I’ll tell him to expect you. He’ll take good care of you and help you forget this unpleasantness.”
Mrs. Elden gave him a watery smile. “That sounds great.”
Her husband nodded. “We’ll do that. Thanks, Deputy Lane.”
“My pleasure. And please, keep any valuables out of sight. Better to lock them in the trunk.”
The couple headed back to their car, while Sawyer climbed into his SUV.
It had been a relatively quiet day at work. His main task had been to help the Maui PD with a drug search. It didn’t matter where you lived, drugs were always a problem. The day had dragged on, because all he could think about was Hollis, and when he’d see her again.
He picked up his radio. “This is Lane.”
“Hi, Sawyer.” Debbie, one of their dispatchers, answered.
“I’m finished with the car break in at Kanaha. I’m clocking off and heading home.”
“Acknowledged. Enjoy your evening.”
Soon, he was driving toward Hollis’s place. He knew he should go home first to change, but he was too eager to see her.