Chapter 98

NINETY-EIGHT

EMERALD FALLS

Loretta had to persuade her husband to leave town and fast. She'd tried before, but he thought she was just paranoid. But she knew different.

Not only were Taylor and Heidi dead and Claire missing, but she'd heard on the news that Mazie had been kidnapped. Everyone in town was talking about it and she was worried sick about Ivy.

Michael didn't understand and he wouldn't unless she told him everything.

She took a breath and grabbed Ivy's hand as she and Michael returned from the craft shop where they'd stopped to choose a new ornament to decorate for the tree this year. Meanwhile, she tried to call Barb but now she wasn't answering.

Panic made it hard to breathe.

"Mommy," Ivy called as they returned. "We picked out a reindeer ornament."

"That's great," Loretta said, her voice so high pitched and fake it brought an odd look from her husband. "But I think we need to go. Another storm is coming and we don't want to be driving on icy roads."

Michael's brows grew pinched. "Honey, that storm isn't coming until tomorrow. Let's enjoy the rest of the day."

"I really think we need to leave. I'm not feeling well," she lied.

"Then why don't you rest at the B&B and Ivy and I will enjoy the festival?" Michael suggested.

The concern in his husky voice triggered more guilt for her lies.

"Yeah, Mommy, I wanna dress up in the photo booth."

Nerves gathered in Loretta's stomach.

Before she could argue, Ivy took off running toward the booth. Keeping her eyes on Ivy, Loretta ran after her and Michael followed. By the time they reached the line, Michael insisted she go back to the B&B.

But she refused to leave Ivy for a minute. Not with a killer taking Ivy's sisters.