Page 58 of Elsie's Strong Shelter

“Not even an old clubhouse?” Dean asked.

Jackie’s gaze snapped over to meet his. “How do you know about his clubhouse?”

“My business partner spoke with a friend of his, Travis Bidlack. Does that name ring a bell?”

A whisper of a smile broke through her confusion. “Of course. He and Justin have been friends forever. The two of them dragged boards and hammers and nails back to the forest for weeks until their clubhouse was exactly how they wanted it when they were kids.”

“Can you show us where the clubhouse is?” Sadie asked. “It’d be much easier if you cooperated instead of forcing us to get a warrant. By the time that came through, it may be too late.”

Jackie frowned. “Too late for what? None of this makes any sense.”

“Do you remember the woman with me yesterday?” Dean asked.

Jackie nodded.

“She’s missing. We think Justin took her. Please. Let us take a look at your property and see if she’s out there.” Emotion clogged his throat. Tears misted his eyes, but he didn’t dash them away. Let this woman see his pain and fear. Let her understand how serious this situation was. Hell, he’d drop to his knees and beg her if that’s what it took to gain her permission.

Paul appeared behind Jackie and rested a hand on her shoulder. “Let them look, babe.”

Jackie shifted to stare up at her husband’s face. “Excuse me?”

“Justin’s been in a bad place for a long time. You’ve tried to help him, we both have, and nothing we’ve done has gotten through to him.”

“You think they’re right?” Jackie flung out a hand to point toward Dean and Sadie. “You think my boy did what they said?”

“I sure as hell hope not, but there’s only one way to know for sure. Give them the permission they need to start their search. If they come up empty, that’s good. But if there’s even a chance we have two hurt, scared women out there, we owe it to them to look.” Paul pressed a kiss to the top of Jackie’s head. “I know this is hard.”

Jackie faced them, her expression tight and fearful. “Fine. Do whatever you need.”

Her approval caused a new rush of adrenaline to race through Dean’s veins. “Any chance you can give an idea of where the clubhouse is located?”

“I’ll take you.” Paul plucked a jacket off the hook by the door. “Whatever I can to help. Honey, I’ll be back soon.”

Jackie wrapped her arms around her waist and watched the commotion in her yard with wary eyes.

Dean leapt down the steps, Boo at his side, and stalked toward Tommy. “Jackie’s husband will show us where the clubhouse is. That should cut down on time wasted searching the woods.”

“Okay. You and Sadie go with Paul.” Tommy pointed to the map he had spread across the hood of his cruiser. “Me, Calvin, and Mr. Sweet will head to the abandoned mine at the back of the property. That’s the only other logical place to search.”

“You take Boo.” Dean handed the leash to Mr. Sweet. “He has Elsie’s scent and will alert you if he comes across anywhere she’s been.”

Paul stomped into the yard. “The clubhouse is a little less than a mile to the left of the house. Shouldn’t take long.”

Dean remembered his earlier visit to the old farmhouse. “Cell service is spotty here. Tommy, use your communicator if you find something.”

“Will do.” Tommy folded his map then hooked a bag on his back. “Let’s go.”

Dean peeled off with his group, following close behind Paul. Cold wind whipped through the trees, rustling the leaves. The sun dipped behind the mountains, cloaking the land in shadows. The temperature had dropped, but as he hiked deeper into the dark forest, sweat dotted his hairline. Weeds snaked up and brushed against his pantleg.

The crunch of Sadie’s footsteps sounded behind him. His mind spun, preparing him for every possible scenario they may encounter. Each one ended with Elsie safe in his arms because that was the only outcome he could handle.

Paul glanced over his shoulder and pointed ahead of him. “Just down this incline. Tucked behind the pine trees. They always said they liked to be camouflaged all year long. Those were much simpler times.”

Anticipation hurried Dean’s pace down the hill. They were so close to finding Justin’s hiding spot. Maybe he’d be there with Elsie and Mila. Then they could rescue the women and put this whole nightmare behind them.

Sadie came up to walk beside him. “I don’t know if it’s the setting sun or trees, but it’s damn good camouflage. I can’t see a thing besides pine needles.”

Paul stepped into the thicket, disappearing from view. “Doesn’t look like anyone’s inside,” he called out. “Justin’s friend must have been mistaken.”

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