39

The black night sky turned a smoky gray as morning broke. Maria sat in a chair that some nameless person provided. She’d lost track of time as she waited.

Layla was gone.

She stared off into the foggy horizon. Her mind was numb and her spirit deflated. Without Layla, her life had no meaning. Why would God let her baby be taken from her—again? She trembled.

Conrad’s hand touched her shoulder. “Are you cold, Maria?”

She shook her head.

A moment later, he draped a blanket from the cruiser around her shoulders. He leaned down close to her. “We’re going to find her, Maria. You’ve got to have faith.”

“She’s gone. I know it.”

Suzanne stood on the other side. “Don’t stop believing, Maria. If you stop hoping, then you stop living. This is only the beginning of the search, not the end.”

Tears filled Maria’s eyes, grateful for these people who were willing to help her find Layla.

Suzanne looked at Conrad. “I’ve got an idea.”

****

“All done.” Conrad hit the send button on the computer.

The three of them were back at the Sunberry Police Department. The search for the news reporter’s murderer continued, but it did so without them.

“Do you think this will work?” Maria asked.

He didn’t have high hopes.

Zink nodded. “I think it will. It’s the only lead we have. David Hamm must be involved. And weren’t we blessed to have the license plate number on his rental along with his picture?”

Of course, he might not be driving the same car any longer, but Conrad didn’t tell them that.

Zink continued. “And it’s being sent out to every police department in the state right now.”

“So what happens with it?” Maria asked.

“It works a little different than an Amber Alert, and we don’t have as much red tape to go through. Along with TV and radio stations, it gets emailed out to anyone who’s signed up to be notified.”

“Like who?”

“Bus and taxi companies, gas stations and other stores subscribe to it. Of course, this is only statewide so...” Suzanne shrugged. “But it’s been very effective in the six months it’s been in place.”

“Good.”

“Now, it’s just a matter of waiting.” Conrad looked at Maria.

She seemed almost zombie-like.

“You must be exhausted. Would you like to lie down for a while?”

“While Layla’s with that...that monster? Not likely.”

****

Maria sat staring at the wall. She should never have come back to Sunberry. The mistake had cost Layla dearly.

“Maria.” Conrad put a comforting arm on her back. “There’s nothing more to do here. Where would you like to go?” Conrad must be exhausted.

“You’re giving up?”

“Of course not. But she’s not here, so there’s no reason to stay. You are worn out. Time for you to get some rest.”

Tears fell down her cheeks. “This is my fault.”

“It is not your fault. And we’re going to find Layla. I’m not giving up until I bring her home to you. And I don’t want you to give up, either.” He picked up her hand. “We’ll get through this together. I promise.”

“I believe you.” She took a deep breath and gazed at him. He was a strong man. And she had God on her side, too.

His hand brushed her cheek. “Good. Now where would you like to go? Back to your apartment? To a hotel?”

“She’s not going anywhere.” Suzanne walked up to them. “Except to my house. You can stay with me. There’s no reason for you to be alone right now.”

“I can’t impose.”

“You’re not. I want you there. You can’t go back your apartment. It would only drive you crazy. Believe me, I know. I’ll take your keys and get you some fresh clothes and anything else you want. OK?”

Maria nodded, not really caring where she was or what she did.