Page 28

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D iana gathered the search party in a tight circle. Seven faces illuminated by headlamps looked back at her awaiting her direction. She straightened her shoulders, calling on decades of law enforcement experience.

“We need to split up to cover more ground,” she announced. “Time isn’t on our side.”

Bodhi stepped forward. “I agree. Based on what we’ve learned, Rory may be experiencing a medical emergency in addition to any injuries she sustained.”

“What kind of medical emergency?” Even asked, his voice tight with concern.

Diana and Bodhi exchanged a glance before Bodhi answered. “We believe she may have a rare condition called acute intermittent porphyria. During an attack, she would experience severe abdominal pain, nausea, and potentially confusion or even hallucinations.”

“Lord,” Tripp muttered. “I had no idea.”

“None of us did,” Julie said. “She’s very private.”

“How do we help her if we find her?” Sadie asked, practical as always.

“Glucose can help,” Bodhi explained. “Sugar. Anything with carbohydrates. And getting her to medical attention as quickly as possible.”

Diana nodded. “Everyone check your food you have. Share anything with sugar—chocolate energy bars, candy, fruit. Distribute it evenly between the groups.”

As they rifled through their bags, Diana formulated the search plan. “We’ll form three teams. Julie, Sadie, and I will head north to check the rest of the abandoned barns and tunnels. Tripp, Lucas, and Aaron will investigate the remaining caves to the south of the trail. Bodhi and Evan stay here and examine Rory’s camera. Go back through her camera roll looking for earlier shots. Try to find places that seem meaningful to her. When you do, call both teams, and whoever is closer will check it out.”

Bodhi cocked his head. “Why don’t I go with Julie and Sadie? You stay with Evan.”

She lifted her chin. “I can manage. And we need you centrally located for when we find her. You’re the only one with medical training.”

He didn’t fight her. She was right.

She turned to Sadie. “What do you think for a time limit—three hours?”

Sadie nodded. “That’s the max. We’ll reconvene here in three hours regardless of whether we find her.”

“What if we don’t?” Lucas asked.

Sadie flicked her eyes toward Diana before answering. Diana nodded.

“We call in the dogs and helicopters.”

There was a heavy silence.

Then Diana says, “Stay in radio range. Two miles—three miles max.”

“What if one of us finds her?” Aaron asked.

“Three short whistle blasts,” Diana instructed. “Then radio your location.”

They distributed the supplies—first aid kits, radios, extra batteries for headlamps, and food—then gathered at the edge of the clearing.

“Let’s move out,” Diana commanded.

The two groups headed out, their six headlamps creating a bright burst of light that gradually separated in two constellations as they peeled off in opposite directions in the dark night.