Vendetta Read Free

started putting the first-aid supplies back into the plastic case. “I’m fine, sir, thanks.”
    â€œGood. Listen, I hate to put a wrinkle in your day, but I have a favor to ask of you.”
    Nikki frowned. Saying no to her boss was somehow harder than saying no to her mother. “I’m here with Tyler Grant, sir, we’re—”
    â€œI remember you mentioned you were going climbing.” He paused. “Today’s the anniversary of his wife’s death, right?”
    â€œYeah.”
    â€œHow’s he doing?”
    Tyler had met her boss during a joint military training exercise designed to increase the military’s ability to function in an urban setting. According to Carter, he’d been highly impressed with Tyler’s skills and instincts.
    â€œHe’s okay. We’re having a good time. The weather’s perfect.” There was no use mentioning she’d been clinging to the side of a cliff a few minutes ago, afraid for her life. “What’s the favor, sir?”
    â€œI just got a call from a friend. Actually, I went to university with his father, and we stayed close until he died. The son’s name is Kyle Ellison. He’s not far from where you are with his sixteen-year-old sister, celebrating her birthday over the weekend. Problem is, she went out for a walk this morning and didn’t return.”
    Nikki glanced at her watch. It was just past eight. “Has he called the local authorities?”
    â€œNot yet. He’s convinced she probably just wandered off the path to get a closer look at some wildlife and sprained her ankle, something like that. He called me for advice.”
    â€œHow long has she been gone?”
    â€œHe’s not sure. She was gone when he got up, around seven.”
    Which meant they were already looking at a minimum of two hours ago, and maybe longer.
    There was another pause on the line before her boss spokeagain. “Listen, all I’m asking is for you to look into it for me. I’ll text you the address of the private cabin where they’re staying. Interview the brother and the girl’s friends, then pass it on to the local law enforcement if you need to. The boy’s scared.”
    â€œOkay. I’ll see what I can do.”
    Nikki hung up the phone and glanced down at her climbing clothes. With her tan, lightweight climbing pants, orange T-shirt, and hiking shoes, she wasn’t exactly dressed for the job, but it would have to do for now.
    She jumped down from the tailgate. “That was my boss.”
    â€œWhat did he want?” Tyler asked.
    She hesitated. “A favor.”
    â€œHe wants you to work a case.”
    Nikki nodded, trying to read Tyler’s expression. “It shouldn’t take long. A quick interview about a missing girl who’s probably just lost out here somewhere.”
    â€œI don’t mind.” He shot her a smile. “As long as I get some of your mama’s cooking as soon as we’re done.”
    Nikki laughed, hoping he truly didn’t mind. She’d already begun sorting through the limited information she had. Because with missing persons cases, time was never on their side. If the girl had been abducted, at a mile a minute she could easily be across the state border by now. But hopefully the girl’s brother was right. She’d simply gone out walking and gotten lost or turned her ankle. Most kids who went missing were found.
    Nikki tossed Tyler the truck keys that he’d laid on the tailgate. “They’re staying in a private cabin not far from here. I’ll pull up the directions on my phone while you drive.”
    The familiar feeling of guilt swirled through her as she slid into the truck and fastened her seat belt. Because not knowing what’s happening to someone you love can be the hardest thing in the world to handle. And something she understood far too well.

2

    Nikki shelved the guilt and worry as Tyler