Page 1 of Three Girls Gone (Detective Amanda Steele #14)

They got away with it before, and they would again. Besides, the choice was made, and it was too late to turn around now. Like a car careening down an icy road, there was no point in resisting. They ended up where they were supposed to be, just like destiny had intended.

They glanced in the rearview mirror. The girl was nestled on the backseat, her blond hair fanned out beneath her head. For now, she was sleeping, but soon her eyes would shut for the last time.

Until then, they intended to savor the journey. It had been far too long since the last one. Somehow, they had forgotten the rush that came with snatching a child from under the world’s nose.

Taking advantage of her vulnerability and exploiting her trust was heady.

First, by convincing her to get into the car.

Second, getting her to sniff the rag soaked in chloroform.

All they had to say from the driver’s seat was, “Does this smell funny to you?” and hold it through the console.

She had leaned in right away, took a deep inhale, and knocked herself out.

Easy, peasy .

The recollection brought a smile, a sense of pride and power.

They bravely took a stand to transform the world into a better place, and were righting future wrongs while they were at it.

If this girl was allowed to grow up, she’d become like the rest. Selfish and needy, manipulating and hurting those who loved her the most. She’d chip away at their pride until there was nothing left but an empty shell.

That couldn’t be allowed to happen. They’d teach her. And once the girl’s tiny body was put on display, the world would pay attention. People would be horrified and fearful. More chaos would follow. But what they couldn’t predict was that the hunger was back.

This child wouldn’t be the last.