Page 35 of Scent of Evil
“Yeah, right.” She shook her head. “Doubtful, but I want Decker badly enough that I don’t care about how sore I am.”
Justin couldn’t help but admire her determination to do what was best, despite how she would physically suffer for it. He held her blue gaze for a long moment, then forced himself to look away. This wasn’t the time to think about how much he liked her. Respected her. And enjoyed spending time with her, even if it was to search for a killer.
Arresting Decker was all that mattered.
Trevor returned with Archie and Stone. The dogs crawled under the table as Trevor poured himself more coffee. Justin quickly continued eating, knowing full well Raine would want to head out as soon as possible. For all they knew, Decker had already reached his destination and was on the move with an accomplice.
“How many miles roughly is it from the ATV to the closest property?” he asked.
“Ten miles,” Griff answered. “Raine and I discussed it, and it’s likely he hasn’t had time to get much farther than the hunting cabin, as he’s been forced to travel on foot.”
He nodded and took a sip of his coffee. The food and caffeine were helping him feel back on track. “Okay, so the cabin that’s closest is our first stop.”
“Agree,” Raine said. “Even if that particular cabin wasn’t Decker’s ultimate destination, he could have used it for shelter if he’d reached it last night or even earlier this morning.”
Justin nodded in agreement. Decker would be looking for food, for one thing. Most hunters in these parts left canned goods behind. He finished his meal, drained his coffee, and stood to carry his dishes to the sink. “Let’s see where we’re going.”
The sheriff’s deputies were sitting in the living room drinking coffee, seemingly content to let Griff and Raine call the shots. Trevor took time to inspect Ginny’s wound, advising antibiotics if the redness and swelling didn’t go away. Cami and Ginny nodded in agreement.
Justin didn’t recognize either of deputy, despite the many times he and his siblings had interacted with the locals. When Cami nudged him aside, he returned to the kitchen table where Griff had spread out the map.
“Okay, here’s where I’ve estimated the ATV was left behind.” Griff stabbed a spot on the topographical map. Justin peered down at it, recognizing some of the landmarks. “And here is the closest hunting cabin. It’s owned by Cliff and Hilda Munroe, and they’re both clean with no criminal records of any kind.” Griff met Justin’s gaze. “I don’t think Cliff is Decker’s accomplice, but you’ll know more once you check the place out.”
“Sounds like a plan.” He gestured to the map. “Where are the other locations?”
“There’s a place here.” Griff tapped the map several miles from the first one. “It’s owned by a guy named Jim Kluck. He doesn’t have a record either, but from what little I’ve been able to learn, he’s a loner. If you ask me, he could be an accomplice.”
Justin filed that name away for reference. “And the third location?”
“South, right about here.” Griff pointed at another location on the map. It was farther and in the wrong direction from the way Decker had been headed. Yet that didn’t mean it wasn’t a possibility. “That one is owned by Rich Nader. I haven’t learned much about him either.”
“Can we take the map with us?” Raine asked.
“Of course.” Griff pushed it toward her. “Trevor and I will back you guys up.”
“No, really, I’d rather you stay here.” Raine glanced at Justin as if fearing an argument. “I need to know Cami and Ginny are safe with you in case Decker decided to double back here.”
Griff frowned. “That’s not likely.”
“Please, Griff.” Raine glanced over to where Ginny was helping her mother with the dishes. “Please don’t leave them alone.”
“There are sheriff’s deputies,” he began, just as their radios went off. The two deputies leaped to their feet and reached for the devices. Seconds later, the two were headed for the door. “Someone has reported a man matching Decker’s description as being in town,” one of them said over his shoulder. “I know you think Decker is still in the woods, but we need to check it out.”
Griff sighed. “Go. I’ll stay here.” He didn’t look happy. Trevor joined them at the table.
“Thanks, Griff.” Raine jumped to her feet. “How quickly can we take off?”
“A bathroom break would be nice, but then I’ll get the horses trailered.” Justin stood as well. “We’ll drive my SUV as it has a crate area for Stone.”
Hearing his name, Stone crawled out from beneath the table where he and Archie had been stretched out to rest. Trevor drained his cup. “I’ll take care of the horses. I think I should come along as your driver.”
“That’s not necessary.” Justin kept his voice firm. “I’d rather you stay here with Griff. We’ll call if we need extra hands.” Trevor and Kendra were the youngest Sullivan siblings, fully capable of carrying out SAR missions. But Justin knew full well Chase would not like knowing Trevor was anywhere close to a cold-blooded killer like Decker.
Trev looked like he wanted to argue, but Griff put a hand on the younger man’s arm. “I’d like you to stay in touch with Logan, while I continue digging into these mountain cabins. If there’s a way to figure out which might belong to Decker’s accomplice, we may need to move quickly.”
Justin knew his younger brother wasn’t happy, but Trevor nodded in agreement. “Fine. But if Justin and Raine find him, we’re heading over to back them up.”
“I’m on board with that plan.” Griff pinned Raine with a stern look. “No heroics, Raine. If you identify Decker at a specific location, you call in reinforcements, understand?”
