The Story Continues After Part 1

And just before Natalie left the empty house, her radio crackled. A road crew had found a blue pickup below a washed-out guardrail four miles away. The driver was nowhere in sight.

PART 2

The first person to reach the pickup was a county road worker named Luis Ortega.

His truck lights cut across the ravine, catching on a torn strip of blue metal and a tire turning slowly in the muddy water.

He called for rescue crews before he climbed down.

The guardrail had twisted outward.

Beyond it lay a long black gouge in the earth, ending at the creek.

The pickup’s driver’s door stood open.

Rain washed over the seat and a pale grocery receipt fluttered against the pedals.

Luis called into the trees.

Nobody answered.

At the hospital, Ashley lay beneath a warm blanket while a physician examined her.

Dr.

Priya Shah asked Natalie to step outside, then explained in a low voice that the girl was dehydrated, weak, and suffering from an untreated illness that had grown worse while she was alone.

They were running tests and giving fluids carefully.

Her condition was serious, but the team had reason to hope.

“Has anyone reached her father?” Dr.

Shah asked.

“His vehicle may have gone off a road,” Natalie said.