“Mr. Scott?” Phillips leaned in, voice hushed. “Let’s sweep that sector.” They’d already combed most of the area.
“Fine.” Eric tightened his grip on the bracelet. “Let’s move.”
He took off in long strides. One step. Two—
He froze. Spinning around, eyes sharp and alert, he scanned the shadows.
“Mr. Scott?”
Both Phillips and Tamara looked confused.
Eric swallowed hard. “Did you hear that?”
“Hear what?”
Phillips and Tamara exchanged a glance.
“With all this background noise—”
“No. Not that. Quiet!” He held up a finger. “Listen… that’s Hadley!”
But to Tamara and Phillips, the air held only chaos.
“Yes!” Eric’s voice cut through the air, sharp with conviction. “It’s Hadley. No doubt about it!”
His eyes lit up, hope blazing back to life. “She’s nearby. Search everything—leave no stone unturned!”
“Yes, sir…”
But—
Phillips and Tamara shared a look. This area had already been combed through, thoroughly. Now what?
“What are you all standing around for?” Eric’s tone grew tight. He rubbed his temples, irritation building. “Didn’t you hear me?”
“Mr. Scott,” Phillips began carefully, “not just us—the entire rescue team has already—”
“There must be a blind spot!” Eric snapped. “I heard her voice!”
“Then… which direction did it come from?” Phillips asked carefully.
That gave Eric pause. Which direction?
Eric closed his eyes. He had heard it. He knew he had. But where exactly? He held his breath, trying to catch the sound again.
Nothing. It was gone.
Phillips and Tamara moved a few steps back, speaking in hushed voices.
“What’s going on with Mr. Scott?” Tamara touched her temple, frowning. “Is he… hallucinating?”
Phillips didn’t answer. Between the pressure on Eric’s brain and the emotional strain—he could have misheard. It wasn’t impossible.
Tamara grew more anxious. “We’re wasting time here.”
“Yes.” Phillips nodded. “Let me try to calm him down—”
Suddenly, Eric raised his hand. He stared at the whistle resting in his palm. Was it this? He’d blown it earlier—and then he’d heard Hadley’s voice.
He had to try again.
.
.
.