Nick's POV
The security detail's voice came clipped over the radio, and every word felt like a fist to my ribs. "Sir, we found signs—footprints, disturbed undergrowth. They lead to the road. Tire marks beside the shoulder: three vehicles. Two cars and an SUV. Looks like they parked, waited, then left."
Air left my lungs in a hot, metallic whoosh. My hands went numb on the flashlight as if the wood under my palms was the only thing keeping me tethered to the moment. Rage and panic braided together until I could hardly breathe. I wanted to smash something. I wanted someone to pay.
Vicky must have seen it on my face because her hand landed on my back, steady and sharp. "Nick, breathe," she said, voice hard with focus. "I will call Oliver. I'm sure he is still awake—he'll pull CCTV from every intersection those roads feed into. We won't stop until we get answers."
