Page 89 of Inside Silence

It’s got to be getting damn near ten thirty, and the only reason these people aren’t home getting ready for bed is because they’re all helping to find my daughter and Carson.

It’s overwhelming, and I abruptly turn on my heel and head for the restroom when I feel the burn of tears in my eyes. Safely locked in a stall, I can’t hold back the raw sob that rips painfully from my chest. Allowing myself a moment, I let go of the emotions I’ve been trying so hard to keep in check these past hours.

At some point, I hear a throat being cleared on the other side of the door, and I grab for the toilet paper, mopping up my face. Then I quickly relieve myself, flush, and step out of the stall, hoping my face doesn’t look too ravaged.

“Hope you don’t mind; I just came to check on you.”

Of course it would be Brant Colter waiting by the sink. He turns on the faucet to run the water.

“You may wanna splash some cold water, son.”

“Not a good time to fucking be nice to me, old man,” I grumble, sticking my whole head under the cold spray when the waterworks threaten to start up again.

The bastard chuckles as he claps me on the back.

“I’ll leave you to it. Savvy’s doing up a war board in the large meeting room, and Phil is putting out some food in there. Join us when you’re done here.”

“I’m done.”

I take the wad of paper towels he holds out to me and wipe my dripping head. I’m about to follow him into the hallway when my phone rings in my pocket.

“It’s Roy,” I announce when I see who’s calling. I answer with, “Yeah?”

“I tried the sheriff’s office and dispatch but the fucking lines are busy. I drove by the church to lock my vehicle, which I hadn’t done when I jumped into your truck, and there is something wrong here.”

“What do you mean, something’s wrong?”

My question alerts Brant, who shoots me a look of concern. I immediately put the call on speakerphone so he can hear.

“I hear yelling, and I think it’s coming from the church basement.”

Chapter 27

Tatum

* * *

Earlier in the day.

* * *

“So weird KC didn’t show.”

I turn to Carson, who is focusing on the road.

“I know. I could’ve sworn that was his SUV pulling in behind the church.”

“When did you see that?”

“When I went to the bathroom, I was just passing the hallway window when I noticed this black vehicle pulling in. It looked like it was him driving. I even waved.”

Carson shrugs. “Guess it wasn’t him.”

Guess so. No wonder he didn’t wave back, I know it made me feel pretty stupid.

“So what’s this place you’re taking me to?”

“Watts Lake,” he says, shooting a smile my way.