Page 89 of Second Chance Savior

“Not yet,” she whispered, and shivered all over. “When I get back to work, I’ll probably have a thousand emails waiting for me. And a million internal and police and media interviews to explain everything once this is over. To say the least.”

“Can I visit you in Denver? I’ll swing by and see Hodge too. I owe him a gift basket or something.”

“I’ll take you on an insider tour of the capitol.”

“Deal.”

I let her go, and she handed me the packet of oatmeal. Butbefore she could walk away, I grabbed her hand. “One more thing.”

“Yeah?”

“I do love you, Charlie. Even if all I can be is your friend.”

Her eyes widened. She nodded, probably at a loss for what to say. I just smiled and pecked her on the lips. Then opened my breakfast ration.

After we squared everything away, we set out. Four more miles until we reached the McKinley property. I knew Charlie was sore from yesterday’s hike, but she didn’t complain.

We made steady progress as the sun rose in the sky.

But as we got closer, I slowed us down. I planned to be very careful as we approached. It was possible that Stillwater or the FBI had eyes on the back acres of the McKinley property. Unlikely, but possible. No way was I walking Charlie straight into a trap.

We kept to the cover of the forest as the slope descended. Finally, I found a good vantage point, a rock outcropping that would have a view downhill toward the house. I climbed up, took off my pack, and lifted my binoculars.

“I see the roof and chimney of your parents’ place,” I said softly. “And part of the driveway leading out to the road. No activity.”

Charlie climbed up onto the rocks, keeping low like I was. “The art studio is west of the archery range. Over there.” She pointed, and I followed with my binos.

There was a clearing. A small building with a pitched roof.

“Got it.” I swept the area a few more times, watching. “No signs of life, but the trees are blocking part of the view from here. I need to get closer. You stay here and keep watch.”

“I’ll keep an eye on the driveway. But how do I signal you if anyone approaches the house?”

I dug into a pocket of my pack. “Use this. It makes a bird call.” We had no comm system, so I’d brought the whistle along as a makeshift signal. “Three quick calls in a row,” I said.

“Will do.”

“Satphone is in the pack. Also a handgun for you and extra ammo.”

“If you see Jud, and he’s alone, then take him.”

“Yes, ma’am. Anything happens to me, get out of here and call for help when you get to a safe place.”

She winced, but didn’t argue. “Come get me before you question him.”

“You got it.” I handed her the binos, gave her a quick kiss, and climbed down.

I kept my weapons with me, plus a few items that would come in handy if I found my target. Everything else, I left at the rock outcropping to retrieve later.

I took a roundabout route to the art studio, watching and listening. The forest seemed relaxed. A gentle breeze blowing, birds chirping without a care in the world.

Memories surfaced in my mind, but I let them pass. This wasn’t the time to reminisce.

A flash of red caught my eye, and I went toward it. An ATV was parked between some trees and covered with a green tarp to hide it.

I moved on to the studio. Dashed across the grassy clearing and pressed my back to the wall. No sounds inside. Through the windows, I spied a sleeping bag unrolled on the ground. The detritus of meals scattered around, some paperback books. A suitcase overflowing with clothes.

Bingo, I thought with a satisfied smirk. Charlie was brilliant.

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