Sister, Missing by Sophie McKenzie Read Free Book Online

unlocked.’
    ‘What gate?’ I said. ‘How do I know Madison’s there?’
    There was a scuffling noise, then the phone’s filter cut out and Madison’s tearful voice came on the line. ‘Lauren?’
    Before I could reply, the line went dead.
    I froze, the mobile still in my hand.
    ‘What did she say?’ Jam was already beside me, his whisper echoing against the bridge’s stone wall.
    I looked around. The hill Holtwood had mentioned was to the right of the bridge, rising gently away from the road that had brought us here . . . and away from Rick.
    ‘She wants us to go up there.’ I pointed towards the incline. It led up towards a high gate in a long iron fence, surrounded by trees and shrubs.
    ‘That looks like private land,’ Jam said, uncertainly.
    I shrugged. ‘That’s where Madison is.’
    Jam and I set off up the hill. I sent Rick a text and, glancing over my shoulder, I could see he was following us at a distance.
    That was reassuring, at least.
    We reached the gate. It was made of rusting metal – part of an iron fence that cut through the trees and disappeared into the distance. The fence was high and topped with metal spikes set
close together. It was old and rusty, for sure, but still a lethal way to keep out intruders.
    ‘You were right,’ I whispered to Jam. ‘This is private property.’
    ‘We’re not the only ones who’ve been here.’ Jam pointed to the gate, which was open a fraction.
    ‘I guess she wants us . . . me . . . to go through.’ I hesitated. I could only make out a few metres of stony path beyond the gate.
    ‘Madison’s along there ?’ Jam sounded sceptical. ‘I’m not sure, Lauren, this could easily be a trap.’
    ‘What choice do we have?’ I said. ‘If we don’t go she’ll kill Madison.’ I paused. ‘I know it’s a risk, but I think Sonia Holtwood just wants the
money. That’s all she’s ever wanted.’
    I looked over my shoulder. Rick had reached the bridge and was watching us from there. Two cars passed along the road in quick succession.
    ‘Rick will follow us,’ I said, slightly reassured.
    ‘OK.’ Jam pushed at the iron gate.
    It opened with a rusty creak.
    ‘Let’s go,’ I whispered.
    I followed Jam through and onto the stony path. Jam let go of the gate. We crept forwards.
    Slam. The gate closed behind us with a firm click. No. I spun round and pushed at it, but it wouldn’t budge.
    Jam joined me, rattling the metal bars.
    ‘It’s locked itself,’ I whispered.
    ‘Oh, man.’ Jam glanced around.
    My chest constricted. Now we were locked behind the iron fence, with Rick on the other side. I could see him still standing by the bridge. He clearly didn’t realise we’d been locked
in. Or maybe he thought he could follow us over the gate. I looked up at its high spikes and at those on the surrounding iron fence. Maybe he could climb over, but it wouldn’t be
easy.
    My throat tightened. I met Jam’s gaze. Should we give up and try and climb back over the gate ourselves?
    I only had to think for a second. No way.
    ‘Madison,’ I said.
    Jam nodded and together we set off along the path.

 
7
    The Arrival
    Despite the fierce sun it was cool on the path. Trees surrounded us on either side, casting the walkway into shade, and the damp chill of the stone seemed to seep through my
sandals, into the soles of my feet. The path narrowed and we had to walk single file. I could hear the soft pad of Jam’s trainers right behind me. After a moment, we came to another gate set
in the long iron fence. I stood in front of it for a second, the backpack full of money still in my hand, peering out at the clearing beyond.
    This was clearly the end of the private land we had walked across. Beside me, Jam pointed to the chain that was looped through the gate. It had been cut cleanly in two. Jam gave the gate a
shove. It was stiffer than the one we had walked through before and dragged against the ground as we pushed it, but between us we forced it open and