Free Deadly Image by Tamelia Tumlin

hundred percent positive it was Lexi on the clip. Yes, it had looked like Lexi, but something about the video didn’t feel right. “I don’t have an answer for that.”
    “Do you think someone tampered with the time stamp? And if so, then why? What could they possibly have to gain?”
    Ace shoved his hand through his hair. “I don’t know. All I do know is there is one frightened little girl out there somewhere and she’s depending on us to bring her home safely.” Ace gave Sheriff Dawson a pointed look. “I don’t plan to let her down. Do you?”
    Sheriff Dawson shook his head. “Of course not. If there is a chance this little girl is still alive somewhere, then, of course, we must find her.”
    Lexi’s voice trembled. “Then you think she might still be alive. That you might really bring her home?”
    Ace reached for Lexi’s hand and gave it a hard squeeze. Time was running short, and so far no one had come forward with a ransom note. In all honesty the situation was grim at best, but there was one factor not to be overlooked. “I told you. Never give up hope. Remember, even in our bleakest hour, God is still in control.”
    Lexi bit her lip, then nodded. “I suppose He is.”
    Ace turned to James. “Is Bertha at the store now?”
    “Yes. She’ll be there until six. I’ll give her a ring to let her know you’re coming.” James fished inside his pocket for his cell phone.
    “Good. We’re on the way.” Ace offered Lexi an encouraging smile. “Hang in there. We are going to do our level best to find your baby and bring her home, but it wouldn’t hurt to pray about it either. God is always there to listen.”
    Surprise flickered across her features before Lexi muttered a not quite convincing, “I will.” A beat, then, “Are you still going to take me in for questioning?”
    Ace glanced at Sheriff Dawson who for once had the decency to look contrite. Then he gave Lexi’s hand one more squeeze. “Not right now. We’ll hold off on that and see how this lead pans out.” Reluctantly, he let go of her hand and headed toward the front door. Pausing in the doorway, he added, “You do realize you can’t leave town right now, don’t you? You’re still considered a person of interest.”
    “I’m not a flight risk if that’s what you mean.” Lexi jutted out her chin. “I’m not going anywhere until I find Anna.”
    “Good.” Ace followed Sheriff Dawson out the door. He hadn’t really thought she would try to leave, but as a professional he followed protocol to a “T.” And protocol called for informing the suspect she wasn’t allowed to leave town.

CHAPTER SIX
     

     
    Lexi waited until Ace and Sheriff Dawson left before heading to the lanai. She peeked into the den where the other CARD agent sat monitoring data and manning the phones in case a ransom call came in.
    No one seemed to need her at the moment, so she slipped past the den and pushed open the glass French doors leading to the small patio on the side of her house.
    Deputy Owens stood by the rail, his gaze focused on the thicket of woods near her house.
    “I’m sorry. I didn’t realize anyone was out here.” Lexi turned to leave.
    “I was just going back inside myself. It’s all yours.” Deputy Owens gestured toward the patio as he moved to brush past her. He stopped and looked at her.” Lexi started at the obvious disdain in his eyes.
    Super. Another law enforcement officer sure she was guilty of something.
    Deputy Owens softly whispered, “I wouldn’t wander off by myself if I were you. We wouldn’t want another kidnapping on our hands. Or worse. Like a homicide.”
    Lexi shivered as he went back inside. The deputy’s warning seemed almost like a veiled threat.
    Lexi gave herself a mental shake. Get it together, girl. You’re starting to fall apart. It was a legitimate concern. Not a threat.
    Lexi settled into the cushions of the chaise lounge, reclined and listened to the afternoon serenade of Grey Kingbirds