Erin followed Brown in search of Nathan and found him in the kitchen, of all places, telling jokes and laughing with two police officers. Relief that all was well warred with the smallest surge of outrage. She thought it seemed strange that he would be joking around. Then again, Nathan was probably trying to fit in and possibly learn something of value.
She approached the group, and Nathan’s eye caught on her. His smile brightened just for her as he took her hand. He held it as if they often held hands, but she suspected the gesture was more of a protective move.
“We’d better get going now,” he said. “Can someone give us a ride to the airport?”
“What about the rental car?” she asked.
“The tires were slashed,” Nathan said. “Detective Trap is taking care of it. Impounding it as evidence until the shooting investigation is over.”
“I left my—”
“Don’t worry. I got your purse.”
And the gun he’d given her, she hoped.
“I will,” a short, petite brunette said as she dumped the contents of her mug into the sink. “I’m headed home, so I can give you a ride. I’m Jenny Koenig and work dispatch. I took your call tonight.”
“We need to swing by our hotel to collect our things. Are you up for that too?”
Jenny nodded. Nathan led Erin out of the kitchen as he followed Jenny.
“Give my regards to your dad. We’re praying for him,” Officer Brown tossed over her shoulder as she exited the station.
Newt had worked Boston PD for years before heading to Gifford. Erin wasn’t sure what district he’d worked out of, but he’d obviously made many friends. She followed Nathan and Jenny out of the offices to Jenny’s minivan.
To Erin, it seemed that Nathan remained tense, though to anyone else, he might have appeared relaxed as he held her hand and they exited the police station. After grabbing their things at the hotel, they headed to the airport. Jenny engaged them in small talk about Boston and her job in dispatch as she steered her minivan into Callahan Tunnel, one of four tunnels beneath Boston Harbor that would take them to Logan International Airport.
Erin was concerned about Holly. When would she hear from the woman again? How would she know if she’d made it to safety?
She couldn’t wait to speak to Nathan about all this cloak-and-dagger business. But she’d been relegated to riding in the back seat while Nathan rode up front with Jenny.
Erin’s cell buzzed with a text.
I’m okay.
Holly?
Yes.
I was worried.
I didn’t want you to worry, so that’s why I’m texting. I wanted to make sure you’re okay too.
Yes. We’re heading back to Montana tonight.
Good. I’m ditching this cell phone and disappearing for a while. You have the envelope. I hope you can find justice for my mother, brother, and Newt.
We’ll try, but Holly, please find a way to keep in touch so we can keep you informed.
I will. Keep safe.
Erin stared at the cell. She couldn’t wait to give Nathan the news. One of Holly’s words echoed repeatedly in her mind.
Disappearing.
Erin hadn’t liked her use of that particular word. Missing persons cold cases had intrigued her for far too long. She prayed Holly wouldn’t become one of those statistics. On the other hand, if Holly disappeared by choice because she feared for her life, that could be the only real chance she had of not permanently disappearing at the hands of a violent criminal. God knew she’d read enough transcripts of testimonies and confessions about bodies buried and hidden to make her blood curdle.
Erin hated the evil in this world, and it hurt to think about it too long or hard.