Page 109 of Before and After

My friend shook his head.

I handed him a Glock.

“I’ll call the Windward PD,” Ro said. “Be careful out there.”

I nodded as I attached the holster onto my belt and slid my own Glock into it.

“Bring her home,” Ro added.

Oh, I was going to. My gaze went back to the cameras, and I saw her and Blake outside, walking near the outdoor activity area. A moment later, they slipped out of view of the cameras.

Hugh appeared. “What’s going on?”

“You’re with us,” I said. “I’ll explain on the way.”

The big man just nodded and didn’t ask any questions. The three of us got outside and I brought Hugh up to speed.

“Hell,” Hugh muttered.

“By the way, this is your new boss, Gunnar O’Neill.”

Gunnar gave the man a chin lift. “Nice to meet you, Hugh.”

“Likewise.” Hugh’s brow creased. “What the hell was Allie thinking?”

That she wanted this nightmare over.

Once again, I’d let her down. And I only had myself to blame.

I couldn’t lose her.

She was right, I’d been holding myself back. And even while doing that, it didn’t stop the pain of knowing that she was in danger.

She needed me.

Fuck. I was pretty sure that I was in love with Allie Ford.

Ignoring the tightness in my chest, I strode toward the trees.

I was bringing her home.

We reached the edge of camera range and the spot where I’d last seen Allie and Moreland. I scanned around and saw no sign of them.

Where the hell did they go?My jaw worked.

“They could be anywhere,” Hugh said.

“He’s likely got his stash in the trees on the mountain.” I let my gaze drift over the colorful Fall foliage. “That way he can use bike rides as an excuse to stop there and top up his supply without anyone noticing.”

“It’s a big mountain,” Gunnar murmured.

Too big. For a second, unfamiliar fear cut into me.What if I couldn’t find her?

Wait. I spotted a glint of something on the ground.

I crouched and saw a wrapper and a square of chocolate.

I sucked in a breath. It was a familiar white and gold wrapper. I smiled. “Allie left us a clue.” I rose. My little Gretel was leaving me a trail to follow. “This way.”