“Hayes…”
“It’s public land. You can’t keep me out.”
“Fine. But be careful.”
I noted an SUV parked in front of my parents’ house that didn’t belong to them. “I’ll have Calder with me.”
“Great, a smoke-eater watching your back.”
“He knows how to shoot.”
“I hope he does.” Ruiz hung up without another word.
I turned to Addie, sliding my phone into my pocket. “You can hand me the gun now.”
She did so instantly, her hands still trembling.
“You ready to go inside?”
“S-sure.”
I climbed out of the vehicle and rounded the hood to open Addie’s door. She didn’t move for a few moments. “No one’s going to hurt you here. You’re safe.”
More tears slipped down her cheeks. “He’ll never truly let me go.”
“He has to. And we’re going to make sure of that.”
Addie swung her legs around and eased out of the passenger seat. Pain flashed across her features as her feet hit the ground.
My hand went to her elbow. “Do you need a doctor?”
She shook her head. “I’ll be fine.”
“You let me know if you change your mind.”
I led her towards the ranch house. As we walked up the porch steps, the front door flew open. My mom’s eyes widened as she took in Addie. “Well, who do we have here?”
I had to give it to my mother. I could tell her nerves were frayed, her eyes were rimmed in red. Clearly, she’d gotten the news that Everly was missing. But she pulled it together and gave the woman in front of her a warm smile.
“Mom, this is Everly’s cousin, Addie. Addie, this is my mom, Julia Easton.”
Addie wouldn’t meet my mother’s gaze. “I’m sorry for intruding, Mrs. Easton.”
“Nonsense, you come right on in. I’ll fix you some tea. I bet we could all use some. And call me Julia.”
We made our way inside to find Calder poring over a map on the kitchen island. Dad must’ve called him to tell him what had happened. His head lifted as we approached. “Any news?”
“We have a possible direction, thanks to Addie.”
Calder took in the woman at my side, who had almost shrunk behind me at the sight of him. “Hi, Addie. I’m Calder, Hayes’ best friend.” He did his best to move slowly and didn’t approach for a handshake.
“Nice to meet you,” she whispered.
“I’ll start on the tea,” Mom said, moving to the stove. “How about some chamomile? I always think that’s a good one for anxiety and stress.”
“Sure, Mom,” I answered when Addie was silent.
Her gaze was focused on the map. “I can help.”