Page 34 of Scent of Evil
Justin was impressedwith the owners of the Lucky Charm farm. Edward and Nancy Drago were nice people who gladly shared their oats, hay, and water with their horses.
“I’m so glad Ginny was found safe,” Nancy said.
Justin nodded as Blaze and Timber chewed on their breakfast. “We’re blessed to have been able to find her. Decker is still out there, though, so everyone in the area needs to stay on high alert.”
Nancy and Ed shared a worried glance. Then the older man straightened, determination etched in his features. “I have a shotgun, and I’m not afraid to use it against vermin like him.”
A smile tugged at the corner of Trevor’s mouth. “Glad to hear it.”
Now that they were back in civilization, Justin was itching to return to Ginny and Camille’s place. Not just for breakfast and coffee, which were both high on his list, but he didn’t want to miss the debriefing from Griff.
“Was Raine’s boss back there?” He glanced at Trev. “Guy by the name of Mike Rowe?”
“Not when I was there, but I heard Griff talking to him.” Trevor shrugged. “Sounded like the guy was more of a ‘sit behind the desk to order other people around’ type.”
A flash of annoyance hit hard. Anyone who would sit back while an innocent kid had been kidnapped was as useless as a screen door on a submarine. He tried not to glance at his watch again. Normally, he was all about making their horses and dogs a priority, but he wanted to get back.
When the horses were satiated, he and Trevor rode Blaze and Timber to Camille’s home. The dogs loped alongside, thrilled to be together.
“Go on,” Trev encouraged when they dismounted. “I’ve eaten. I’ll get the horses settled in the backyard.”
“Thanks.” Justin heard murmured voices through the open windows as he approached.
When he knocked at the door, Camille quickly called, “Come in, it’s open.”
The door should be kept locked, the windows too, but with Griff there along with a couple of sheriff’s deputies, there was no reason to voice his thoughts out loud.
Ginny would be safe here for as long as the law enforcement presence continued.
“Coffee?” When he nodded, Camille filled a mug for him. “I’ll make more eggs.”
“I can make them,” he offered. “It’s enough that you’re providing the food, Ms. Clark.”
“Sit. I’ll take care of it. And call me Cami.” She was pretty enough, but his gaze strayed to Raine who was already eating.
He dropped into the chair beside her. “What did I miss while taking care of the horses?”
“Griff has three locations that need to be checked out,” Raine said between bites. Ginny was eating, too, listening without saying anything. If the girl was upset over their conversation about Decker, she didn’t let on. “They’re all within a thirty-mile radius of the location from where we found the damaged four-wheeler.”
He knew Griff had likely used Justin’s coordinates to find the possible hideouts. “What kinds of places are they?”
“All are hunting cabins from what I can tell,” Griff said. “The good news is that there are roads that go at least partway. From there, you’ll need either horses or four-wheelers. And two are to the north, which is the general direction you and Raine believe Decker was heading.”
Horses would be quieter, but he knew Raine wouldn’t want to get back up on a horse after their long ride yesterday and this morning. “The two properties to the north are a good place to start. What about air support?”
“I’ve asked Logan for help, and supposedly there’s a chopper from the US Marshal service that will be available as well.” Griff glanced at Raine. “Rowe said he’d wait to hear from you, Raine, before sending it.”
She finished her breakfast and sat back, sipping her coffee. “I’ll call him, but I want to see the two northern locations first.”
“You mean in person?” He frowned, then gave Cami a nod of thanks when she set a plate full of food in front of him. His stomach growled loud enough for everyone to hear. “I’m not sure we want to wait that long.”
“I have them pinpointed on a topographical map.” Griff gestured to Justin’s plate. “Eat first and I’ll show you both.”
Justin bowed his head and thanked God for their blessings, especially getting back safely, then dug in. Raine watched him for a moment, and he wondered if he had dirt on his face.
“I’m thinking we should take the horses.” Her statement surprised him. She grimaced and nodded. “I know, trust me, my body doesn’t want to, but I think the four-wheelers will be too loud. Decker will know we’re coming from miles away.”
“I think you’re right.” He smiled. “You’ll be so accustomed to riding by the time we’re finished, your muscles won’t hurt anymore.”
