Page 24 of Hunted By the Mountain Man

“Will do.”

Before ripping out of my driveway, I google Jess Steele and Ted Wesley Craven. Countless articles pop up. My eyes scan the search result keywords: vicious rapes, prolonged torture, buried alive, and female hikers. I text the results to Will, unable to sit still and read until Brynn is accounted for. My stomach roils as I drive, wondering what the coroner’s report for the two missing hikers will say.

As I drive, I use my hands-free device to call Henry Lovelace.

“Forester,” he answers on the second ring. I expect him to sound angry or at least informed that the ruse is up with Brynn. After all, I had imagined he would be one of the first people she would call after leaving the cabin. I don’t pretend to understand their relationship, though.

“Mr. Lovelace, this is a tough call to make. But I wanted to let you know Brynn found out about everything. She’s pretty pissed off at the moment, so expect a call from her. Oh, and I’ll be resending you the money wires.”

“What?” he wheezes. “How in the hell did she find out? Did you tell her?”

“It’s a long story. Suffice it to say, she got wind of one of your money transfers.”

“But how?”

“She saw the notification on my phone,” I reply, swallowing loudly.

“How did she do that? Your obligation ended at the lake.” His voice is scratchy, exasperated.

I pause for a moment, trying to find the right words. “Because, sir, I’ve fallen in love with your daughter. And I’m fairly certain she returns my feelings. If she can get over the betrayal of finding out about my job for you.”

“Fell in love with Brynn?” He laughs, clearing his throat. “Good luck with that. She’s even more independent than her mother, and I don’t get the feeling she’ll ever settle down. Besides, you’re too damn old for her. I mean, you’ve got to be at least thirty-three or so based on your resume.”

“Thirty-eight, sir.”

He lets out a sharp exhale. “Absolutely not. That’s way too old for my daughter.”

“But I can care for her, Mr. Lovelace. Make her happy. I know I can if she can get over the work I did for you.”

“That’s a pretty big ‘if,’ I’d imagine. My daughter’s stubborn as they come in case you haven’t already figured it out.”

“I have, sir.” I pause, trying to find the right words. Unable to do so, I admit, “I thought you’d be more upset about my confession.”

“Well, your age doesn’t thrill me, but Will has had nothing but the best things to say about you, your record, and your character. So, I know she could do a whole helluva lot worse. And I’d rest much easier at night knowing she’s foregone living out of her 4Runner. I can’t tell you how many sleepless nights I’ve spent since she started her road trip.”

I grunt. After an awkward silence, I add, “If she calls you before I talk to her again, please let me know.”

“You mean, you don’t know where she is?”

“I saw her less than an hour ago.”

“But do you know where she is now?”

“No, sir.”

“You should have put a tracker on her car,” he laments.

“That seemed extreme at the time.” Now, I wish I had. Hopefully, she’s back at the Paradise Inn. The thought reminds me that I need to call and make arrangements for her. “I’ll wire you back the money later today.”

“No, I won’t accept a refund. You did your job, and I paid you. End of story.”

“But I broke the NDA.”

“No.”

“By all rights, I should pay you for ensuring my path crossed your daughter’s. I know I’m preaching to the choir, but she’s amazing. The best thing that’s ever happened to me.”

“Then, make sure you’re the best thing that’s ever happened to her. You get me?”

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