AllFreeNovel
Share Us
“And what was your name, sir?”
Eric took a calming breath. “This is Sheriff Eric Stamos from Harrison County, Nevada.”
“One moment please.”
An eternity passed before someone returned to the line.
“This is Chief Mortenson, who am I speaking with?”
“Hey Chief, this is Eric Stamos. I’m the sheriff down in Harrison County, Nevada and I need your help.”
“Sure thing, Sheriff. What’s up?”
“I need you to get some uniforms over to Margolis Manor.”
“The winery?”
“Yes, sir. I’ve got a situation developing. If you could go out there and check on things, I’d consider it a personal favor.”
“What’s the issue out at the winery, Sheriff?”
“It’s a long story, and we don’t have time for me to give you all the details. I’ve got a friend out at the winery, and I think she’s in danger. I can’t reach her by phone, and I need you to go check on her.”
“What’s this friend’s name?”
“Sloan Hastings.”
“Sloan . . . the girl in the news?”
“That’s her, yes.”
There was a short pause.
“This phone number you’re calling from is the best way to reach you, Sheriff?”
“Yes, sir.”
“I’ll head out there myself and let you know what I find.”
“Thanks, Chief. If you can make it a priority, I’d appreciate it.”
“I’m headed there now.”
CHAPTER 67
Bend, Oregon Friday, August 2, 2024
“SHIT,” SLOAN WHISPERED AS THE TRAY CRASHED TO THE FLOOR.
“Nora! Is Sloan with you? Open the door!”
Ellis pounded and the doorframe shook. They both looked again at the photo of Ellis eerily staring from the photo, a baseball bat in his hands. They heard heavy footsteps as Ellis walked away from the darkroom door and bounded up the steps. Moments later he was back. They heard jingling.
“Keys?” Sloan whispered. “Are those keys?”
“No,” Nora said. “The lock is not key activated. It’s a deadbolt.”
When they heard hammering, they understood. Ellis was going to dismantle the lock one way or another.
