Chapter 18

Is she not here at all? A sudden thought flashed through William's mind—like choking in the dark, then suddenly catching a breath of air. Maybe she just made that call and left? Maybe she's somewhere else now, safe and sound? Hope flickered in his chest so hard it made his whole body jolt. As long as she's alive, as long as she's okay—nothing else mattered! That one thought had his heart racing again, but reality didn't let him dream too long. “Boss, we found this by the Cold Pool.” William hesitated. His hand hung in the air, trembling slightly. It was Elizabeth's phone—stained dark red with dried blood. A chill gripped his spine with icy fingers. He turned around. Now that they found an actual clue, the search had moved fully to the Cold Pool. He glanced out at the chilling expanse of water, impossible to guess how deep it ran. His heart skipped a beat. The rescue team was already in the water. William clutched the phone, wiping at the bloodstains frantically with his sleeve, hands s