I basically ran out of the prison, my body alive with the possibility that I knew where Hofer was.
I knew I should alert the police. Not the local police, in Acropolis. Not with my name out there as a fugitive and my daughter’s life on the line. But maybe Carrie’s brother. The FBI. Of course, there was always the chance Hofer wasn’t actually in Acropolis at all, and then I’d have nothing. And everything would be blown.
The bastard had made it clear with that photo of Hallie. Whatever he had planned for her was happening very soon. I realized then that there was no doubt in me—none at all—that I was going to go get her myself.
I turned on the car and plugged “Acropolis, Georgia” into the Buick’s GPS. I knew it was north and east from the prison, near the South Carolina border. The route came up. It read, two and a half hours. I could drive there first and figure out my options once I arrived. I already felt close to her. Hallie, I’m coming! You just hang on, baby.
I felt a power I had never felt in my life take hold of me and it wouldn’t let me go.
I got ready to go, but first I found my cell phone and made two calls. The police could come and get me now for all I cared. They could track me down, follow me—I would lead them right to my daughter.
The first call was to Liz. She picked up on the second ring. “Henry …”
“Liz, I said that I’d get back to you, and I just want you to know, I’m going to get our daughter.”
The second was to Carrie.
My blood was pumping as I punched in her cell number. I didn’t care who was monitoring. I didn’t care if the fucking FBI was sitting at the table playing mahjongg with her.
“My God, Henry!” Carrie answered, clearly elated to hear my voice. “I was so worried. I didn’t know if you had—”
I cut her off. “Carrie!” I knew what she was feeling as she realized that I was alive, because reconnecting with her, I was feeling the same way. “Where are you?”
“Driving back home. The chief wants a meeting with me. I’m halfway through Georgia.”
“Turn around.”
“Turn around?” She hesitated. “Why?”
“Because I think I found him, Carrie! I know where Hofer is!”