Page 10

CHAPTER

NINE

Logan snapped from his thoughts as someone touched his arm.

He looked over and saw Andi staring at him as he stood near the exit where Morgan had disappeared four nights ago.

A frown tugged at her lips as she asked, “You doing okay?”

He showed her the text, and her eyes widened. “But . . .”

“Morgan’s abductor sent this.”

She blinked in surprise. “That’s brazen.”

He raked a hand through his hair. “Tell me about it.”

“You think you can trace it?”

He shook his head. “I wish it was that easy.”

“Are you going to respond?”

“I’m still thinking about it. This guy probably isn’t going to take any bait. But he’s aware of what we’re doing. He knows we’re looking for Morgan. That’s why he sent you and Duke that tip through the podcast.”

“Maybe he’ll slip up.”

“Maybe.” He didn’t sound convinced, however. Not even to his own ears. “I’m really worried about Morgan.”

Logan was usually guarded, but there was no need to keep that information from Andi. Certainly, she already knew that anyway.

“You know Duke and I will do whatever we can to help you. I’m sure the rest of the gang would too when they get back into town.”

“I appreciate that. Right now, I just need to think things through.” His thoughts felt murky, clouded with emotion and guilt. The desire to go back in time pressed so heavily on him that it caused an ache in his chest cavity.

This was all too personal. But he wouldn’t trust anyone else to find Morgan either.

“Duke and I can be good sounding boards if you need us.” Compassion lined Andi’s soft voice.

“I know.” Logan ran a hand over his face as he felt exhaustion hitting him. “I appreciate that.”

“Her car isn’t here,” Andi continued. “So she either left on her own and went somewhere. Or she got a ride with someone else and later came back for her car.”

“Or someone moved it,” Duke added, no hint of pleasure in his voice.

“She could have called a ride share to be picked up also, I suppose,” Andi continued. “I can call around and see what I can find out. If nothing else, we can rule that option out.”

“That would be great.” Logan blew out a deep breath. “Listen, it’s been a long day. I think I’m going to head back to Morgan’s place and see if I missed anything when I was there earlier. But I’ll give you guys a call in the morning.”

He would ask for help if that was what he needed to do.

He’d do anything if it meant finding Morgan.

Just as Logan had told Duke and Andi, he drove back to Morgan’s place when he left the lodge.

He couldn’t wait to get his hands on the rest of that security camera footage. He planned on making a list of everyone who’d been at the award ceremony, and then he’d check them off one by one as suspects.

But he knew the truth was that the person who’d grabbed Morgan—and he was certain that was what had happened—may not have even been an official guest at the award ceremony. This person could have known Morgan would be there and waited outside for her.

The thoughts continued to churn in his mind.

He gripped his steering wheel so hard his knuckles ached.

How could he have let this happen?

Next on his list was finding Morgan’s car.

Had this person taken her Subaru when she was abducted? But if that were the case, where was the vehicle the person who’d done this had driven? Was this person working with someone?

Logan also intended to make a list of all his enemies. He’d also check them off one by one if he had to.

More determination hardened his muscles.

Finally, he pulled back up to Morgan’s place.

His heart tangled with a moment of grief as he stared at the dark windows.

Morgan should be inside right now, dreaming about whatever photos she wanted to take next. She should have a cup of tea beside her and her favorite colorful afghan—one her grandmother had made—placed over her legs.

Even though it was April, Morgan would have had a fire going—because she liked the ambience of the flames. Her house would smell like one of the essential oil soy candles she liked to keep lit—lavender was her favorite scent. She said the smell was soothing.

He stepped inside again and glanced around, making sure nothing had changed.

It hadn’t.

Guilt filled him as he walked toward her bedroom.

He’d told himself he’d only do this as a last resort.

But this was what he considered his last resort.

He went to her nightstand and picked up the leather-bound journal.

Could there be answers on these pages? Something that would indicate what had happened to her?

Logan knew there was a good chance the answer was yes.

He lifted a quick prayer that he was doing the right thing.

Then he opened the journal.

The first line he read was, “If you’re reading this . . .”