Page 39 of Maddox: Wild Alaska
I rub a hand across my face, thinking about my brother, Gabe. He's been quiet, and no one has seen him since Branson and the feds interviewed him this morning. I know it worries Branson. Still, Gabe isn't responsible for what's going on. Whenhe tells the truth about his whereabouts, that will be clear. Until then, the feds have doubts about him. I don't blame them.
He's acting like an asshole, and I'm angry with him for being evasive. The feds could be looking elsewhere, but Gabe is on their minds as they wonder why he's lying.
Frustration eats away at me as I pace behind my brother's truck. Landon sits in his patrol car while Branson and the agents talk amongst themselves.
Hunter strides toward me in his deputy uniform. "Dad told Mom," he says. "Now she's worried and crying."
"Mom didn't need to know anything yet," I grumble.
Hunter puffs out a loud breath and curses. "He did it to get Mom here. You know that, right? It worked, too. She's booked a flight.” Pause. "Although, from what I gathered, she'd already booked the flight after a conversation about you and your trouble with women. So, I guess we can't really blame Dad."
"I don't have trouble with women. I was just looking for advice on how to get one woman. She's mine now," I add with a smile, tilting my lips. "I miss Mom." I sigh and look out over the forest. "But this is not the time to visit."
“I doubt Dad will let her leave the cabin, so she'll be safe enough.”
I wince at his words, and Hunter catches me, smirking. “They’ll only be doing what you and Sofie are.”
"Don't be such an asshole," I say, shaking my head to get rid of the thought.
"Should we join them?" He nods toward the group.
"I was waiting for you."
He snickers. "Pussy!"
I give him the finger as we turn and head toward the group. When we get close, the first thing out of Branson's mouth is, "Where's Landon?"
"In his car," Hunter answers.
Branson glances over our shoulders. "He's on his way." Sigh. "Landon!" he roars. "I want you to search the west side with Hunter." He turns to me and says, "You'll double up with Kalluk and take the east side. Sheridan and I will head north. Olivia’s father, Daniel, and her brothers, Scott, Jason, and Lyle are searching too. I've loaned each of them a fluorescent vest. Stay in touch by radio."
I nod, relieved that I don't get paired with Landon. However, Hunter hasn't unclenched his jaw since Branson laid out the assignments. We each take a radio and check in.
"Her name is Olly, short for Olivia,” Branson adds. "We're not doing this quietly, so call out. Make as much noise as you can. The rangers are keeping everyone away today. That doesn't mean a hunter or two hasn't bypassed them. So be vigilant."
I grab a fluorescent vest and clip the radio to it.
Branson grabs my arm. "Are you armed?"
"Yes."
"Good." He shuts his vehicle up tight and, after saying something to Sheridan they head out.
I glance at Kalluk and see that the agent is ready to go. "I know the area."
He nods. "Let's go."
Hunter waves Landon in front of him, and the officer reluctantly heads out. My brother glances at me over his shoulder. I wave, knowing it will annoy him. “Is there a story behind the deputy?”
“Honestly, I’m not sure what’s going on with him. The sheriff has tried to find out, but Landon remains the same."
“He needs a deputy who can back him up, but I don't see Landon reacting that quickly.”
"No," I sigh. "It's a worry."
Ten minutes later, we're crunching through layers of twigs and leaves, and sweat trails down my back. The weather is hotand muggy, with hardly any breeze. Every so often, we stop and shout for Olly. Then, we listen closely for a response. Nothing. I have a sick feeling in my stomach that the killer has her. Maybe he thinks she saw more than she did. I hope my gut is wrong.
Suddenly, a flock of birds take to the sky. "There's something up ahead. Man, or animal. I have no idea."
