Page 13 of Grave Possession (Grave #2)

Chapter Ten

Graves

I can’t stand this anymore, the case has gone from cold to dead.

I don’t know what to do anymore. I’ve scoured her phone countless times, and spent hours combing through satellite images of the surrounding areas.

There’s nothing of note and it’s eating away at me with every passing minute she’s gone.

They could literally be anywhere in the world by now, but my gut is saying they’re close.

He needs the mill, it’s essentially his house of worship.

I’ve driven the backroads day and night, there’s nothing there either.

I can’t fit down the ATV trails in my truck and that’s how I’ve found myself at Graham’s house.

We’ve hooked the trailer up to the rear of my truck, and Jaydon whips around the corner, loading up his quad.

They don’t know Mallory is missing, but I know Graham can tell I’m off, that something is wrong. He doesn’t pry, and I appreciate it.

“Make sure you check out the hunting forums online,” Jaydon says, hopping down from the trailer.

“The what?” I have no idea what he’s talking about .

“Hunting forums… They’re kind of like a chatroom. Where the local hunters swap stories, good spots, cabin locations, and things like that. I’ve been on a few, and sometimes they’ll even tell you where their blinds are so you can use them too,” Jaydon explains.

“The information is from these woods?” My heart thunders in my chest at the possibility of a lead. The first possible one I’ve had in days.

“Some of it, yeah. You just have to find the right websites for our area. It can be tricky ‘cause we’re a small town in the middle of nowhere but I’ve for sure read a few things from our woods.” He flips his hair, and I wish he would get a fucking haircut.

“Can you dig it up and send it to me?” I try not to sound too eager while I feel Graham trying to get a read on me. It’s irritating. I’m going to have to tell him so he can stay on Jaydon’s ass to get me this information.

“For sure, man. I’ll take a scroll through my search history and see what I can dig up.

Have fun scoutin’ and let me know if you nab anything.

” Jaydon retreats back into the garage on their property with a wave, and I turn to face Graham.

The downfall of being friends with someone since adolescence is they actually know you pretty damn well, despite what you try to hide.

“Spill it, G. You fucking hate hunting, so what’s going on?” He still calls me ‘G’, a funny nickname from our time of thinking we were hot shit teenagers. I used to call him ‘G’ too, but dropped it when I hit my twenties. Some things run deeper for others, I guess.

“Do you remember Mallory?” I ask.

“The woman with the black Civic?” Typical Graham, doesn’t remember a name or a face, but a vehicle he remembers no problem. I nod. “What about her?”

“She’s missing,” I state. He holds my gaze, my eyes pleading for him not to dig further into this because I’m barely holding it together.

“And you think she could be in the woods?” he questions.

“I do.”

“How long?” he says.

“Has she been gone?” I ask, finishing his sentence.

“Yeah.”

“A week,” I answer. He grimaces. I know what he’s thinking. Anyone lost for that long in the woods without proper supplies is as good as dead. Except she’s not lost, she’s taken. Nausea overcomes me and I force it down. He knows there’s more to my story, but doesn’t pry.

“Call me if you need me,” he offers and I nod.

“Can you keep on top of Jaydon so he doesn’t forget to send me those websites?” I ask.

“Of course.” I see pity on his face and I hate it. Don’t feel bad for me, she’s not dead. She can’t be.

I’m halfway back to Mallory’s when my phone starts to ring. Victoria’s name flashes across the screen and I groan aloud. I know I can’t keep brushing her off, but she’s so damn persistent and irritating. I tap the green answer button.

“Yes, Victoria? ”

“Have you found her yet?” Is she serious? She would be my first call after I got my hands on my little siren.

“No. There’s nothing new since we last talked.

I’m sorry.” Dead air floats between us and I know she wants to hit me, hurt me, berate me, and kick the shit out of me for failing her best friend.

I don’t blame her. I’d let her enact whatever she sees fit for my shortcomings.

I’d willingly lay down and take the beating I deserve.

“Is there anything I can do? I need to help, Lennox, in any way I can. I’m losing it.”

“I can’t put you in danger too, Victoria. Mallory would never forgive me.”

“Well, it’s a good thing you can’t stop me. I’ve already read up on the mill murders, and made several online dating accounts. If he’s been watching her, throwing myself into the ring will be fucking irresistible to him.”

“You did WHAT?” I roar into the receiver.

“Keep you posted.”

Click.

She didn’t. She can’t possibly be that stupid.

She’s as desperate to get Mal back as I am though, resorting to self-sacrifice just to get any proof that Mallory is still alive.

This killer won’t be up for a swap though, Victoria won’t be able to take Mallory’s place.

He will just torture her to get what he wants from my little siren.

I can’t let Victoria go through with this suicide mission.

Panic amasses in my chest as I ring her back, but she ignores my call.

My mind races, forcing rational thought to take over.

He would only take Victoria as a last resort to get to Mallory, to get her to submit and do what he wants.

He won’t be searching for a new victim online as long as he has Mal.

He doesn’t need the internet to take Victoria, he could if he wanted to. Fuck.

I pull into Mallory’s driveway, park, then try to word a calm and level-headed text message to her friend.

Graves:

I’m sorry this is moving so slowly, but please don’t do anything that puts yourself at risk. Mallory needs all of my attention right now and I can’t focus on finding her if I’m worried about you getting taken as well.

She’s going to need you when we get her back, so stay safe.

Victoria:

I need a purpose or else I’m going into the woods to look for her.

Jackie can’t stop me forever, and neither can you.

Fuck, this woman. I understand her feelings, I do, but I can’t very well tell Mallory her friend is dead after I get her back. Maybe there’s something she could do, a task that could help her to not feel so aimless.

Graves:

If you want to help, you’ll do it from the safety of your apartment. I heard about some websites where hunters exchange information online. Find some intel from around here and send it over to me.

That’s all I have for now.

Victoria:

Thank you.

I’ll be in touch.

Graves:

Don’t do anything stupid or you’ll end up with a security detail.

Victoria:

Fine.

I still haven’t heard from Jaydon, but their work day isn’t over yet.

I make my way back inside, opting to start the research myself.

I stand in the entrance way, staring down the hallway to Mallory’s bedroom.

It’s torture, being here without her and seeing the ghosts of us everywhere I look.

I can’t sit here for another moment longer while he has her.

Turning, I leave the house, locking the door behind me.

I freeze in my steps. Should I leave it unlocked?

What if she manages to get away and comes here?

I twist the key back, unlocking the door.

I cross the yard to the trailer, unhooking the all-terrain-vehicle.

Grabbing the bag of Mallory’s things I packed previously, I throw in the first aid kit, flashlights, batteries, and my knife.

I strap the duffle to the luggage rack, along with a full jerry can, and an extra helmet.

The quad rumbles to life, and I take off down the dirt road, turning onto the first trail head I see. I’m gonna find you, baby. I promise.