Page 111 of Race to Save Her

“You know her as well as I do—better.” McGaven looked down. “She thought she could have the upper hand. Take him by surprise this time.” He sighed. “We don’t want any more bodies.”

“You went to those two remaining properties?”

“Yes. We divided them for time’s sake, but Katie took Chris with her.”

“That’s good,” said John. “You know she’s always going to do whatever is necessary to save a victim.”

McGaven stayed stoic and didn’t immediately answer. “I know. But I’m worried. We have to get to her and Chris now. Time isn’t our friend.”

“I’ll ride with you. Just let me get a few things first,” said John as he rushed off.

SIXTY-SEVEN

Tuesday 1900 hours

Katie dug with all the energy she had and was making progress, but the downside was the dirt was filling their space. She listened as Chris talked about his life and how all he’d wanted to do was become a police officer. It actually made her feel closer to him. He had shown his intelligence and fortitude on this case. She knew he would go far within the department.

Katie was exhausted and covered in mud, but she wasn’t going to stop until she got through to the other end. She was also mindful of any noises, like the killer or their backup.

“How are you doing?” said Chris. He was able to sit up and see the outline of Katie working. “I wish I could help.”

“Making progress, but sure could use a glass of water,” she said, taking a momentary break to wipe her forehead. “You need to stay still and keep that injury stable.”

Katie attacked the dirt wall with everything she had—time wasn’t on their side. She kept moving. Her arms were sore and hands tense, but she kept working. Until…

She broke through into air and the evening light crept in, giving just enough illumination to see around her. Katie was relieved.

But then she saw there was barbed wire across the back of the tube. Of course the killer wouldn’t put her in anything she could escape from.

“No.” Katie dropped to the ground, exhausted and frustrated.

Chris didn’t have to ask her what was wrong—he could see the wire through the opening. He hung his head.

Katie wasn’t going to give up. This wasn’t just about her; they both had to get out alive. She knew McGaven was coming, but “when?” was the nagging question.

“Katie?”

“Yes.”

“You’re amazing.”

She smiled. “What makes you say that? I got us into this mess.”

“McGaven told me that if I wanted to learn about cold cases and being a detective, shadowing you was the best thing to do.”

“Thanks, Chris.” Katie kneeled next to him to check his bandage now there was some light. “Let’s look at this wound.” She carefully unwrapped it and could see the blood had stopped, but the gash was jagged and her worry was infection. “Okay, let’s wrap this back up.”

Still grimacing, he thanked her. His face looked pale and his eyes sunken. The wound was worse than she’d realized and he needed to get to the hospital to get it checked out.

She went back to the opening to assess it, moving the excess dirt away. Leaning down, she saw the barbwire fencing was old and rusted. She grabbed hold of the bottom and pulled—it slowly began to give and then fully break away. “That’s what I’m talking about!”

Chris shuffled closer. “Can we get through?”

“I think so,” she said, continuing to pull at the wire strands. “But you’re staying put while I get help.” Looking around, she saw some broken fence posts and reached toward them. She was able to get part of one and pull it into their chamber.

“What’s that?” he said.

Katie handed it to him. “It’s for you. It can double as protection.”