Their expressions were frightened.
My hands began shaking.
Another message appeared.
*They've been waiting for someone to find them.*
I called Detective Harris.
He answered immediately.
“Emily?”
“The first five women are alive.”
“Where?”
“I don't know. Someone just sent me a photograph.”
“Send it to me.”
I forwarded the image.
He examined it while we spoke.
Then he said something that made my blood turn cold.
“Emily, I recognize that room.”
My heart hammered.
“Where is it?”
He hesitated.
“Northbridge has a private residential facility outside the city.”
“A care home?”
“Officially, yes.”
I gripped my phone.
“Are you saying those women are being held there?”
“We don't know yet. But we're going to find out.”
***
The next morning, police searched the Northbridge facility under a warrant.
I waited at Detective Harris's office while investigators worked.
The hours passed painfully slowly.
Finally, at 11:42, his phone rang.
He answered.
Listened.
