Michael
I was in the driver’s seat in a car parked on the side of the road, less than a quarter mile from Duke’s lake house. The security was withdrawn one hour before. Thomas had wanted me to go with them, but I couldn’t.
“Michael, we tried everything we could,” Thomas said. “There’s nothing else you can do tonight.”
But he was wrong. I just couldn’t leave her there.
So I waited. Engine off, staring at the far-off twinkle of lights on the lake house. My phone was already in my lap, Betty’s number on the screen. I'd tried calling three times. Straight to voicemail every time.
My phone rang. My father.
"Michael, Thomas filled me in. Are you still at the lake?"
"Yes."
"Son, you need to leave. If Duke calls the police there again, it could hurt your case.”
"I can't leave her, Dad."
