Vendetta Read Free Page A

followed the narrow country road toward the cabin. The first forty-eight hours of a missing person investigation were the most crucial. Technology, including public alerts and cooperation between law enforcement agencies, had enabled officers to solve cases quicker. Especially when a possible abduction was indicated. Tyler slowed down as he drove onto the shaded drive in front of the address her boss had texted her.
    Nikki pocketed her phone. “That’s got to be it.”
    The two-story cabin sat back from the road, its large front window overlooking the scenic view. The nearest neighbor had to be at least a mile away.
    Tyler let out a low whistle as they exited the truck and started up the gravel drive. “Someone’s got a bit of money to throw around. It’s undeniably a step or two up from camping.” He stopped halfway up the driveway when she didn’t respond. “You okay with this?”
    â€œDefinitely. It’s my job.” She glanced at him, willing herselfto remain impartial and professional. It was her job. Bringing her own baggage with her wasn’t an option.
    A young man stepped out onto the front porch and into the early morning sun. Late twenties with a slender build, he wore blue jeans and a long-sleeved gray polo shirt.
    â€œYou must be the detective?” he said, worry lines creasing his forehead.
    Nikki held out her hand. “Special Agent Nikki Boyd. I work with your father’s friend Tom Carter, with the state’s Missing Persons Task Force. This is Tyler Grant. We were out rappelling when Agent Carter called me.”
    â€œKyle Ellison,” he said, shaking her hand. “He told me you were going to come by. I can’t tell you how much I appreciate it, though my gut tells me I’m probably making a mountain out of a molehill here.”
    â€œIt’s always better to report something like this right away on the off chance you’re wrong,” Nikki said.
    â€œThat’s exactly what he told me. Why don’t you both come in?” He stepped back into the house, holding the door open for them. “Do you want some coffee? I just put a fresh pot on.”
    A hint of cinnamon mingled with the scent of pine as they stepped into the large open space that included the living room, dining room, and kitchen.
    â€œCoffee would be nice,” Nikki said.
    â€œI agree,” Tyler added. “Thanks.”
    Kyle grabbed magazines, DVD cases, and empty microwave popcorn bags from the leather couch and offered them a seat before heading to the kitchen. Nikki took in the details of the room. The inside of the cabin was warm with its massive stone fireplace and vaulted ceilings. There were a few pieces of local artwork on the wall, some colorful pillows on the couches, but few personal touches. Which meant that more than likely the house was a rental property used by tourists throughout the year.
    â€œThis place is beautiful,” Tyler said.
    â€œYeah, it is.” Kyle grabbed two mugs from the cupboard and filled them from the coffeepot.
    â€œIs it yours?” Nikki slid into one of the leather couches next to Tyler.
    â€œAre you kidding?” Kyle laughed as he handed them their coffees and sat down across from them. “I don’t make this kind of money. When Bridget asked to have her birthday out here, I spoke with a friend of mine who let me have it for the weekend. I figured a girl’s sixteenth birthday only comes around once in a lifetime. I wanted it to be special. No roughing it.”
    â€œWhat did you plan to do while you were here?” Nikki asked.
    â€œBridget loves the outdoors. She wanted to bring a couple of her friends up here, do some hiking. We’re supposed to go white-water rafting today.”
    â€œCan I ask you why you didn’t call the local police first, Mr. Ellison?”
    â€œPlease, call me Kyle.” He leaned forward and clasped his hands together. “I thought about