I spoke steadily,each word clear,“Lock down every exit out of the state,especially routes to the western mountains.Ground flights if you must.”
“And notify my father.”I swallowed a choking sob.“His granddaughter has been kidnapped.Tell him to use everything at his disposal to find her.”
A brisk reply came back,“Authorization acknowledged.Highest level.Unconventional measures permitted.”
There was no single question and hesitation.Just a clear response.
“Instructions received.We will keep in contact.Rescue teams are on their way.”
The call ended.Slowly,I pushed myself up,leaning on the wall.
Moments later,my phone rang again.It was my father.I picked up the phone,but before I could say anything,his low,dangerous voice asked one word,"Location?"
I told him about the mall and the security room.
"Ten minutes,"he said and hung up without another word.
I let out a shaky laugh.
Ten minutes.That was all he needed to mobilize the nearest team.
And every second of those ten minutes felt like a year.
I sat in the cold chair in the security room,staring at the frozen screen,my heart pounding.
How terrified must Emma have been?Was she calling for me?
Ethan Lorrimer,how could he do this?