The heavy blue pickup thumped across the expansion joints of the river bridge, the engine roaring as Richard picked up speed.

Emily stirred in the passenger seat, her hand reaching for the edge of the vinyl dash as a green highway sign flashed by overhead.

“Dad, no,” she croaked, her breath hitching as she pointed at the exit ramp half a mile ahead.

“You can’t take me to St.

Jude’s.”

“We’re not going to St.

Jude’s,” Richard said evenly.

“Ethan golfs with Sheriff Vance every Saturday,” Emily said, her voice shaking as she looked back over her shoulder.