Page 34 of Operation: Discovery

“You think there’s a connection? We’ve had no leads on Jacob. It’s like he disappeared into thin air.”

Most likely, he had. They’d probably done what they wanted while he was drugged, and no one would ever find his body. The Lord would be the only one who could look over his remains. “I’m not sure. I wasn’t going to go on inside without letting you know.”

“I hadn’t seen the signs. Where were they posted?” Nixon asked.

“Same neighborhood as the blood drive.”

“I see,” Nixon stopped typing. “I looked up the Word of Life Church and they were only created two months ago. I will come out and take a look because something feels off to me about this. The signs from the blood drive didn’t yield any evidence, maybe this will.”

Brendon looked around at the long grass, the gravel drive with thick weeds poking up in the center, the chipped paint on the front of the building, and the expensive cars sitting off to the side. “I hate to be suspicious, but I think that would be a good idea.”

“Give me five minutes. Please, do not do anything before I get there.”

The woman poked her head out the door and pointed toward them.

Brendon lowered his voice. “I think that’s currently impossible.”

* * *

Dee gripped the steering wheel,unsure of what to do next. There had been signs inviting people to come to this place, so why did she suddenly feel like they should run? “Brendon?”

The woman at the door came outside and a man appeared behind her. The woman still wore the medical mask, but the man wore a huge mask with front filters like spray painters used.

“Maybe they actually are painting. Maybe we’ve just called the police on a church?” Dee bit her lip. “What do we do if they really are innocent people?”

“We do nothing. Nixon is going to come, ask them questions, get to the bottom of what they want and what they’re doing. If they are painting and renovating the place, then he’ll wish them a good day and tell us to move on or to offer to help those inside. Worrying about the safety of those in our community is not wrong.”

That might be, but she wouldn’t want to be in their position. If the police showed up and started asking her why she needed to put up signs asking for help, she’d feel guilty for needing help. They may have only put signs up in that one neighborhood because that was the road that led out of town toward the building.

“You’re absolutely right. This may be innocent, but let’s not assume anything.”

Dee shook her head, now sure that they were wrong. “I don’t recognize either of those cars.”

“The lot was full that day and there was another one in the back. Are you saying you would remember all of them?”

She didn’t want to argue with Brendon. Not now, when she was pretty sure she knew what had gone on when he left, and she still wanted to find a way to make that up to him. “I’m not saying that at all. But we’re obviously causing them stress. They’re wondering why we’re just sitting here and we’re wondering why they’re here. Why don’t I just go ask? Officer Blake is on his way. What could it hurt?”

“He said not to do anything without him.” Brendon touched her arm again. “Please, wait until Nixon has had a chance to talk to them.”

“Fine.” She started the engine. “But I’m not going to sit here waiting for those two to decide what to do.” She backed up and pulled onto the county road once again.

“Where are you headed?”

She wasn’t sure. The ‘church’ had seemed to be the best option, the most suspicious thing they’d seen. She’d hoped they would find the little boy. There was no need to be a hero, but she hadn’t been able to stop thinking about him. Was he still alive or would his mother worry about him forever?

“I’d say I was headed around the block, but I don’t even know how far that would take me out here.”

He laughed. “It took a long time for me to get used to the wide-open spaces of Wyoming.” He glanced over his shoulder. “I wish I could read minds.”

She snorted. If she’d had the ability to read his mind, things would’ve been easier before now. Or worse, because if he really thought she was capable of thinking less of him because of his disability, could they ever trust each other?

“I think that’s a skill best left to God.”

“You’re probably right.” He sighed. “I feel like we’re getting nowhere.”

Brendon’s phone rang and he answered. “Hello.” Then he hit the speakerphone icon so she could hear what was said.

“Brendon, this is Nixon. I’m at the garage. Just pulled in. There’s no one here.”

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