Page 51 of Snowed Inn For Christmas

Thirty-Four

Julie

The sound of snow crunchingbeneath my boots was the only thing I could hear besides the wind as blistering cold air whipped past me.I wrapped my arms around myself, trying to stay warm as I trekked through the woods.There appeared to be an undefined path that was already covered in snow, but I followed it because there weren’t any other options.There were a few old lamp posts between the cabins that provided a little light, but other than the full moon, it was rather dark.I was thankful that I had enough to guide me so I didn’t get lost or trip over something and break my leg before I could get to Daisy.

Soon, I came upon a single cabin, smaller than the inn, but also with a second story.While it looked like it was still in good condition, I didn’t trust that they were in it, given how there didn’t appear to be any lights on inside.While it was possible that he was forcing her to sit inside with no lights, I couldn’t imagine him torturing her like that.Not after seeing all of the photos he’d altered with his face instead of Mike’s, and the adoption paperwork.He cared for Daisy, even if it killed me to admit it.

My stomach had been a mess since she’d gone missing, and I felt this sense of emptiness that I hadn’t felt since Mike died.Losing Daisy had been just as gut-wrenching and devastating, but in a way, I felt it deeper than I had when I lost Mike.Maybe it was because she was the only thing I had left of Mike, or maybe it was because she was part of me.I couldn’t figure it out, but I knew that I wouldn’t feel any ounce of relief until she was with me again.

I continued walking, hating how far I had walked from the inn, but I knew I had to keep going.While I would have loved to have Gage and my brother with me for protection, I wouldn’t risk Joel keeping his word and putting a bullet through my daughter’s head if I showed up with anyone.He could hurt me however he wanted, but I would do everything I could to keep him from hurting her.

Finally, the trees thinned out, opening to a small clearing with a rundown-looking cabin, where a dim light came from inside.

I pulled in a deep breath as I jogged the short distance over to the door, desperate to see my daughter.My hand trembled as I lifted my fist and banged on the door.

It opened slowly as I looked down and saw Daisy with tears running down her face while a knife was pressed against her throat.

Thirty-Five

Gage

Ipaced the livingroom for a solid five minutes before Patrick came out and leaned against the wall, shoving his hands into his pockets.

“You’re awfully fucking calm for someone who just sent his sister into danger,” I growled, not bothering to hide my frustration and irritation with him.

“Julie is fine,” he said without expressing any emotion.

I threw my hands in the air as I stared at him, wondering how he could be so fucking delusional.

“Are you fucking kidding me?”

“No, I’m not fucking kidding you.We have eyes on the cabin.Julie and Daisy are fine.”

I stopped pacing and froze where I was.

“What do you mean?Who has eyes on the cabin?”