A security guard mentioned seeing a man earlier who matched Vale’s description lingering outside near the loading bay. He’d slipped away before anyone could question him. The report left Manny with a sinking certainty. Vale was circling, watching, waiting for a moment when the girl wasn’t guarded closely.
The search warrant was only on its way, but Manny drove to Vale’s property alone, without backup or notifying dispatch. Mud crunched beneath his boots as he crossed the yard, each step echoing with unease. He wanted answers right away, not later through vague paperwork.