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Jennie straightened as he answered.

“Zoey?”

“Help.” Her voice, barely above a whisper.

“Zoey, what’s wrong?” David jerked to his feet and grabbed his keys.

“He’s after me.”

“Where are you?” He headed for the door.

“I’m in the bathroom at school. I pushed the metal trash can against the door, and I’m hiding in the stall.”

“Smart girl. I’m on my way. Don’t come out for anyone but me. Got that?”

“Okay.”

“Don’t hang up. I’m handing the phone to your momma while I call dispatch.” He punched the speaker button and handed the phone to Jennie and traded phones with her.

Jennie’s fingers shook as she clasped his phone. “Hi, baby.”

“Hi, Momma.” Sobs sounded from the other end. “I’m scared.”

“I know, sweetie. But we’re on our way.”

David tried to ignore the mother-daughter conversation as he called for assistance.

“9-1-1 what’s your emergency?”

“Gloria, it’s Whitman. I need units at Roosvelt Elementary code 3.”

“Copy that, detective.”

“Suspect on site, Zoey Nielson claims someone is after her. She’s locked herself in the bathroom.”

“Brandon and Hanes are on the way.”

“Thanks. Keep me posted. Use Jennie’s phone. Zoey’s on mine.”

“Got it. And detective, keep that little girl safe.”

“I’m going to try my best.”

He hung up and focused on Zoey and Jennie’s conversation.

A clank of metal pierced the air, and a male voice sounded. “Zoey? Come on out. You can’t hide forever.”

Zoey whimpered.

David sucked in a breath. He was going to be too late. “Stay strong, princess. Help’s almost there.”

Sirens sounded in the background.

A curse filled the room, and a door slammed shut.

Panic clawed up David’s throat. “Zoey?”

Soft sobs filtered over the line. “I’m here. I think he’s gone.”