Page 78 of Girl Between (Dana Gray FBI Mystery Thriller #5)

The weight of my predicament threatens to crush me. I force myself to focus, to think rationally. There has to be a solution, some way to divert their attention without showing my hand. My fingertips drum against the table, the rhythm grounding me in the moment.

I need to get out of Louisiana, but leaving now would only draw more suspicion. Besides, I can’t leave without her. She’s all I have left. I hate that he knows just how much she means to me. She’s the only reason I’m going along with the charade. But lying to her is killing me.

I told myself it was just until I could get her to safety. But I’m beginning to doubt that’s a possibility. If I can’t save her, I have nothing left to live for. But that doesn’t mean I’ll let anyone else die. I took an oath. Do no harm.

I haven’t been living up to that.

Time is ticking away, each second bringing me closer to the brink. I rise from the table and pace the room, the walls closing in on me. My mind churns, seeking the flicker of an idea that might turn the tide.

I need an ally, someone who shares my urgency and desperation.

Trust is a scarce commodity, but I have no choice.

The idea crystallizes, fragile yet full of potential.

I grab my phone, fingers hovering over the keypad, and take a deep breath.

I’ve made this call before. This time I promise myself it will work.

It has to.

This is my last shot, my final gamble. With a steady hand, I dial the number. As the ringing begins, my heart pounds in my chest, each beat echoing the urgency of the moment. The answer comes, an unfamiliar voice. I don’t wait for encouragement. I get right to the point. "I need help."