Page 109 of Caught in the Crossfire

“Let me know if they get a match. We should return to the others. Perhaps Rod and Josh came up with something while we’ve been following the trail.”

They fell into step behind Ethan, maintaining their silence until Linc’s cell phone rang. The operative glanced at the screen and answered the call on speaker. “It’s Linc. You’re on speaker with Ethan and Mason. What do you have for me?”

“Got an ID on the guy in the photo. He has a record a mile long and some interesting associates,” came the response from Zane Murphy. “Name’s Zeke Fisher. Ring a bell for you?”

Mason frowned. “Is he related to Ed Fisher, the construction worker I asked you to look into?”

Ethan’s eyebrow rose at that question. Tough. Mason wouldn’t apologize for working around the law, not when his bride’s life was at stake. If Mason got into trouble for it, he’d gladly pay the fine.

“Zeke is Ed’s cousin and a member of the Road Devils, the motorcycle gang we talked about. He also has computer skills.”

“We need to talk to him, Zane,” Ethan said. “Do you know where he or the MC went to ground?”

“Somewhere around Cherry Hill.”

“Number of members?”

“At last count, 35. This MC is into weapons. If you take on these guys, activate your SWAT teams. Your cops will be outnumbered and outgunned from the start.”

And Nicole and Dawn were in the middle of this dangerous gang. How would Mason and Linc free them against such odds?

“Thanks for the information.” Linc ended the call and looked at Ethan. “What now?”

“I have some phone calls to make. You want in on this?”

“Try to keep me away.”

“Figured as much.” His gaze shifted to Mason. “I know you won’t stay behind when we locate their encampment. I don’t blame you, but you can’t carry a gun. However, I’ll permit you to have a knife. Self-defense only and last resort.”

“With or without a weapon, you won’t stop me from coming. My future wife could be in the hands of these men.”

A nod. “Move out. We have work to do.”

CHAPTER THIRTY-ONE

Nicole sat up and turned to check Dawn’s progress with the zip tie. Some, but not enough. “You’re getting there.”

“This is hard work one handed. Freeing you will be faster.”

“I’m going to look out the windows and see if we can escape that way.”

“We’re on the second floor.”

“We can’t make plans until we have the facts.”

“I’d rather deal with heights than fight the men in this camp. Be careful, Nic. Don’t let anyone see you looking out.”

“Don’t worry.” The last thing she wanted was one of the men barging into the room to see Dawn with a knife.

She walked to the window at the side of the room and peered out. Nothing to aid an escape. The view revealed a sheer drop from the window to the ground with an occupied cabin ten feet from the lodge. If she and Dawn used this window, the men in the cabin would see or hear them hit the ground. That didn’t count the possibility that she and Dawn might sprain an ankle or break a bone in the fall.

“Anything?” Dawn asked, voice soft.

“Not on this side. I’ll try the bathroom window.”

She crossed the room, freezing when a board squeaked. Her head whipped toward the bedroom door, praying the man on the other side of the door hadn’t heard.

When no one appeared to investigate, she breathed easier and continued toward the bathroom. Nicole eased the curtain aside and looked out.

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