Page 73 of Mountain Refuge

Ryan frowned. “Do you believe them?”

“No reason not to at this point, but I’m definitely keeping an eye on them. Since Tracy is so determined to help, I advise you not to mention the fishermen to her.” He went on to tell him how long the men planned on staying.

“I agree. If she finds out, she’ll head over there to check them out. Thanks for the heads-up.” Ryan stepped back as the man climbed into his car and backed away, before turning to drive down the mountain.

“What did you need to talk to him about?”

He glanced back. “Where’s Tracy?”

“In the house pouting.”

“He said the campground is full of fishermen. Someone booked the whole place for a minimum of a week. I’ve never heard of anyone booking an entire campsite before.”

She shrugged. “I have. Family reunions and such. Maybe we can find time to sneak away and check them out.”

The curtains in the front window fluttered. “Getting away from little Miss Nosy is going to be the hard part.”

Taya gripped his arm. “We can’t let her find out. What if it is The Boss? He’ll take her. I doubt I’d find her again. I should take her away from here.”

“And run for the rest of your life?” He pulled free and put his hands on her shoulders. “Taya, listen to me. I understand your fear, but you are a strong warrior. You can keep her safe and bring down those responsible. I’m here to help you.”

“You’re a writer.”

He raised his brows. “The sheriff trusts me.”

“I’m sorry. I do too.” She leaned her forehead against his chest. “I’m so scared, Ryan.”

“And, I’m willing to guess that you’ve never relied on anyone’s help before.”

“Not a civilian.”

“Maybe it’s time. Who would expect a writer to be involved?” He held her at arm’s length and grinned.

“Don’t writers stick their noses in places they shouldn’t and call it research?” She returned his smile.

“I plead the fifth.” He put his arm around her shoulders. “Let’s go eat.” He tried to ease some of her burden, but not even his joking could take away the prickle running down his spine.

Misty Hollow might be a mountain town, but it wasn’t impenetrable. He’d read the newspapers over the last couple of years. The town’s very seclusion often worked against it.

He paused before entering the house and stared at the thick woods. Lots of places to hide, spy, and sneak up on someone. Thank God for the dogs. He patted both their heads before following Taya inside. It wouldn’t be easy for anyone with evil intentions to get close to the house.

“Secrets?” Tracy arched a brow. “I thought we were a team.”

“We’re two adults and a child who won’t stop gnawing on a particular bone.” Taya went to the kitchen, calling back that she was making sandwiches.

“So, you going to lecture me again?” Tracy glowered.

“Nope.” Ryan locked the front door, then locked the back before returning to the front room. “Tracy, you are not an adult yet, but you’re also not stupid. You have a very important job to do.”

“Which is?”

“Staying safe and not driving your aunt insane.”

~

Bill smiled at the sight of the three portable buildings. Two for “training” and one to hold the new girls. At that moment, the one Jason had taken was tied up in one of the bathroom stalls. Bill had yet to meet her—something he intended to remedy as soon as he finished supervising the placement of the portables.

“Sir?” Jason stepped to his side. “Permission to leave? I’ve another target. Langley has a dance studio, and I know when the teenage girls dance. There’s a recital tonight. I’m bound to find one of them alone.”

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