When the Heart Lies - By Christina North Page 0,71

was going to have a chance to get away and find him. “Is a shower out of the question?” It was worth a try.

“This ain’t the Ritz.” He turned from her, grumbling to himself.

She grabbed the tampons, a can of deodorant, her toothbrush, toothpaste, and a small bottle of liquid soap.

“Lemme see what you got.” He peeked at the supplies and grunted. “Okay, make it quick.”

After she closed the door, she opened the tampon box and searched frantically for the pills she’d hidden. Once found, she held them in a death grip against her lips. To conceal them, she tucked the bottle into the waist of her jean shorts and bunched her T-shirt at the bottom, so they wouldn’t protrude too much. After nearly drowning herself in cold water and soap, she wet her hair completely, gathered it into a ponytail, and secured it using the elastic band she had on her wrist. She needed to drink more, but wasn’t sure the tap water was safe. When she came from the bathroom, Wayde was in the kitchen area. Again, she took in her surroundings, trying to remember everything, so she could plan her escape.

“Please tell me where Max is. I need to know.” A fake show of emotion wasn’t necessary. The gnawing of her nails, like paws in her mouth, and the fear and strain in her voice was enough. If Wayde could do this, she didn’t want to imagine what else he might resort to if she upset him.

“He’s safe until you do something stupid. Now, I’m only gonna tell you the rules once, and if you don’t follow ‘em, I’ll make a call. Understand.”

She lowered her eyes and nodded, heeding his words like never before.

“Ya don't try to go anywhere and you don't get mouthy. We’re going to be here a while, so you may as well settle in and get used to the fact.” He nodded to the right. “That's our room.”

“Why are you doing this to me?” Nothing made sense. If he wanted money, he could have gotten plenty a long time ago.

“That question goes to show how bright you are.” He huffed and turned away from her. “Figure it out.”

“Do you have anything for a headache? I need more water, too, you know. I’m completely dehydrated. You have no idea how hot the trunk is.” She regretted her whiny tone.

He tossed her a bottle.

“Thanks, and I’m sorry.” Sorry that I ever met you. It may have been her tongue that buried her in the first place. Maybe Max, too. She went into the bedroom to lie down and tried to think of ways to get away without any possibility of Max being hurt. It seemed the odds of escape were stacked against her: Wayde was a light sleeper, they were in the middle of nowhere, and she’d seen him stuff the car keys in his pocket. And he routinely carried a gun.

~ ~ ~

Jackson knocked loudly on the screen door of Wayde’s house. The rickety thing bounced open with each strike, creating a racket that would wake anyone within a quarter mile. Still, no answer. He motioned for one of the detectives to go to the front of the house. After knocking loudly again, he heard a slamming sound. Through the thin curtain, he saw Savannah, come into the kitchen, barely getting her robe tied before she opened the door with a brisk yank and a grumpy expression. He flashed his badge. “I’m trying to locate Kinsley Wentworth. Is she here?”

She ignored him and went to the coffee pot, poured some, put the cup in the microwave, and then turned to face him. With her hands on her hips, she eyed him as she slouched against the counter. Police never bothered Savannah. In her line of work, she’d come across plenty of them.

“I said, is she here!”

“I just woke up when you came banging on my door. I don’t make a habit of checking her room before I have coffee or anytime for that matter. What do the police want with her?”

“Can I look around the house, or do I need to get a search warrant?”

She put her hand out signaling him to be her guest.

“Ben, can you come in here?” Jackson called. “I want you to verify she’s letting me check the place out with no search warrant.”

Ben came in, and Jackson headed through the living room to the hall. The bathroom was empty along with both bedrooms. There was a pole in the