Love Beyond the Mask novel Chapter 1302

“Tiana, you need to calm down,” Whitney said, though her own nerves were shot.

She stared out the window as the world streaked by, the darkness outside bottomless. Her voice was hoarse, “Maybe it’s only Elaine who’s gone. God has eyes, let’s just pray.”

Tiana wiped at the corner of her eye and lowered her head. “Either way… we have to see her one last time.”

Whitney’s heart felt like ice. “Driver, can you go any faster?”

“Don’t worry, ma’am. I work for Master Parker,” the driver replied, nodding. “But the road up to the reservoir is rough, and you’re pregnant—”

“Tiana…” Whitney turned, worry etched in her face. The mountain road was treacherous in the dark.

“No, I’m going. Whatever happens, I have to.” Tiana cradled her belly, determined.

Whitney didn’t argue. She simply steadied her friend.

The car bounced crazily as they wound down the mountain, plunging onto a narrow track. The canyon wind was icy, almost wet, slapping at their faces.

Tiana had never left Willow Creek before, but she knew these hills better than Whitney.

From the distant sound of crashing water, she guessed their location. “Whitney! We’re almost at the dam! Before nightfall, Parker and Ashton went up the mountain to search. Parker told me that if Elaine wanted to kill Valerie, she’d pick this spot.”

She shivered. “It’s a massive drop from the dam. If someone fell, they’d be swept away by the current… no one would ever find the body.”

Whitney squeezed her hand. “It’s been nearly ten hours since nightfall, and there’s still no news. Maybe Ashton’s caught up in this too…”

“This is it. The dam,” Whitney said, sure of herself.

Just then, footsteps echoed ahead. “Who’s there?”

There were several people, their steps scattered.

Whitney pulled Tiana close, but the driver stepped forward. “It’s Master Parker’s security—and Ashton’s men! They’re up ahead!”

“Where’s Parker?” Tiana asked quickly, latching onto hope. “If everyone’s here, does that mean Valerie—”

A guard rushed over, his face grim. He recognized Whitney and Tiana and gave a hurried explanation. “The suspect and Miss Valerie are at the dam’s sluice gate! Ashton and Master Parker tracked them here after hours of searching. We don’t know how, but those two women managed to climb out onto the sluice. The water’s raging—it’s dangerous as hell!”