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Fifty-Six

THE FOLLOWING MORNING , with new identities in hand, Jared smiled. “Our freedom,” he said, tapping the two passports and IDs against his palm. “Thanks, Carl,” he said to their friend.

“Of course. What happened to Claire was wrong. I’m glad you guys were able to make it right ... in a way.”

Kelly swallowed. It would never be right, but at least a solid portion of the money Lance Winslow stole from Claire was back with her family, who, by the looks of the decrepit ranch, desperately needed it.

“You heading out?” Carl asked.

“Not in daylight,” Jared said. “I think we should lay low. Take a nap. We’ve hardly slept in days.”

“You can use my place,” Carl said.

“Thanks, man.” Jared clapped him on the shoulder. “You’re a true friend.”

“Of course. I take care of my friends. You can use my spare car again when you leave tonight.”

“Thanks a lot, but we’ve got other exit plans,” Jared said.

Carl frowned. “Oh?”

“The tunnels,” Kelly explained. “We’ve got a vehicle stashed a mile outside them.”

Carl smiled. “You two have planned for everything.”

Kelly took a calming inhale, trying to settle her fraying nerves. She prayed Carl was right but feared otherwise.

****

“How much do you think Kelly and Jared really know about Ralph?” Riley asked as Greyson strode across the plush carpeting in their hotel room.

“I don’t know. I’m just glad Carter’s on the case.”

“I bet when that hair is tested, they’ll be able to match it to that other missing woman.”

“I fear you’re right.” His concern for Riley was off the charts. They were no longer hunting a con—one who had sent killers after them—they were dealing with what appeared to be a serial killer who kept women captive and then buried them in the desert. How many more women had he killed?

He paced back by Riley. It’d been his experience—a painful one—to learn killers didn’t stop. They just bided their time.

“What’s first today?” she asked.

“When we saw them last night, your brothers said they’re still hunting down where Kelly grew up to see if they can track her that way. I say we start with the Vax International, where Jared worked.”

“Sounds like a plan.”

He ached to talk to her, to tell her how God was working on his heart, deep in his soul, but he knew it would be better to wait until the case was over, and they could have a deep conversation, one not interrupted with updates, clues, and, worse yet, a killer chasing them.

Grey frowned. Where was Kevin? Despite the gunshot wound, he should have caught up by now. Or was it as Grey feared and Kevin was hanging back, hoping they’d lead him and Brent to Kelly and Jared?

A half hour later, when it was time to hit the Vax, Grey stood and stretched. “You ready?” he asked.

Riley nodded, and he stretched once more before moving to the side of the hotel room door, keeping her at his six. He scanned the hallway. “Looks clear.” He took a step out, fully on alert.

They tracked down the corridor and didn’t relax at all until they were in the elevator alone.

Riley wrapped her arms around her waist, her hands shaking.

He stepped toward her and tipped up her chin. “We’re going to get him.”

She nodded.

“We will.” They had to. He couldn’t let another killer get away.