Page 67 of Tango
We ride for just over three hours, putting as much distance as we can between us and the main part of the ranch. After crossing the creek and heading in the opposite direction, then switching back and correcting course, we’ve finally arrived where we need to be.
It’s situated at the property line between the Hunt Ranch and the Johnson’s place—a neighboring ranch family who is less delightful than acid rain. But they keep to themselves and will never willingly let anyone search their place—police included.
According to a text I got from Dylan an hour ago, the federal agents who showed up are still on the premises, searching each and every one of our houses, including the cabins that belong to our ranch hands. They tried to question both Jemma and Fred—even threatened to arrest them if they didn’t cooperate—but one phone call from Beckett Wallace, a no-nonsense attorney who has come to our rescue more than once, and they backed down.
For now.
I slow Jax down then stop him completely and climb off, holding him as Alice climbs down and stretches her legs.
“That was intense. I don’t know how people did it back when cars didn’t exist.” She gently pats Jax’s shoulder. “You did so good, boy.”
“We’ll camp here tonight. Shouldn’t light a fire just in case, but we should be safe.”
“Should be?”
“If they scan the ranch, looking for thermal signatures, we’ll be found.”
“Great.” Alice reaches into the saddlebag and withdraws a bottle of water. She tosses one to me then opens the other and pours it into a collapsible bowl Dylan must have slipped into the bag as well. She fills it with water and offers it to Jax.
Another reason to adore her. That she’d tend to animals before caring for herself just shows how absolutely selfless she is.
“What’s next? You said camp, but after that?”
“Dylan can’t risk calling Jesper while the police are there. So he’ll likely wait until the coast is clear. Then we can arrange to meet him somewhere down the highway. He’ll pick us up, and we’ll be able to get out.”
“But then what? I can’t keep running forever. I won’t. This has to stop. One way or another.”
“We’re going to have to change up our strategy.”
“Which means?—”
The answer is one I wouldn’t have considered until now, because it breaks at least two dozen laws—probably more. But I just don’t see how we get anywhere unless we risk everything. “It’s time to break into Web Safe and find out exactly what they’re keeping from us.”
Chapter 24
Alice
I was never one for camping outdoors. In a cabin with a locked door and running water? Sure. Sign me up. But being outside always felt like it would leave me feeling too exposed. Like anyone could come up from behind me and I wouldn’t even know they were coming.
However, being out here with Tucker, I can honestly say I feel relatively safe. He’s constantly watching, staring off into the distance as though waiting for the cavalry to come bursting through, weapons drawn, cuffs out.
“Why didn’t you bring Tango?” I ask curiously. Since they’re working dogs, I was surprised when he left him behind.
“I don’t know what we’re going to be dealing with. There are certain missions that are best if he sits out.”
“Like breaking into Web Safe?”
He grunts but doesn’t verbally respond. In fact, he’s barely said two words to me since announcing that he plans to break into Web Safe. Which, I feel I should remind him, is a suicide mission. I just don’t see how we walk in there and still live to walk back out.
Because I can’t stand the silence, I clear my throat. “Did you do a lot of camping as a kid?”
“My dad thought it was important to teach us how to survive off the land. We’d go out on a Friday with nothing but the clothes on our backs and a pocketknife.”
“Really?”
He nods. “Served us well when we joined the military.”
“That’s impressive.”
