Page 56 of The Cowboy's Unlikely Love

“I just wish we knew what direction they were headed,” Hamill said with a frown. “It would make the search so much easier.”

After agreeing to stay in touch, Colt and Taylor headed for the grocery store. A sheriff’s car was parked discreetly in the lot as they pulled in.

Having already decided on their plan, Taylor grabbed a candy bar and went through the first checkout stand, the one closest to the doors. When her turn came, she showed the cashier the photos of the three men and said, “These men kidnapped my baby. There’s also a young woman with them. She has dishwater-blond hair about shoulder length and blue eyes, and she would be the one holding my son. He’s just a few weeks old.”

The cashier examined the photos and nodded her head as she pointed to Jeb. “He was in here, and so was the woman with your baby. It was last night, about seven o’clock. Their cart was full of groceries, and I noticed that they bought diapers and wipes and a can of formula.”

Unable to hide her frustration, Taylor said, “I know the police have been in here asking about these people. In fact, there’s a deputy sheriff posted out in your parking lot. Your police chief said that copies of these photos were left with your manager. If you had called the police when you saw them, I might be holding my baby safe in my arms right now.”

The young woman’s eyes began to fill. “Ma’am, I’m so sorry. My mother’s been ill, and I’ve been off for a week while she was in the hospital. Last night was my first shift back, and nobody told me about your kidnapped baby.”

Realizing that she was taking out her frustration and worry where she shouldn’t, Taylor touched her arm. “Forgive me, please. It’s not your fault. I’m just worried sick about my son, and I took it out on you.” She paused a moment and then asked, “How did my baby look? Did he seem okay?”

“He was quiet when I saw him and seemed fine.”

Sweet relief swept through Taylor.

The young woman went on. “Maybe my boss posted the photos in our break room, and I just didn’t notice. Ma’am, I’ll check, and if they’re there, I’ll make sure everybody sees them.”

“Thank you. I’d really appreciate that.” After getting her change and her candy bar, Taylor found Colt, who had gone through another line but with no luck.

He gave her a relieved smile when she told him the news. “Did you ask her who the bagger was? That person would have seen their car.”

“Good point. I didn’t think of that,” she said as she headed back toward the young cashier.

Ten minutes later, they had the information they needed. According to the bag boy who had waited on them, Jeb had been driving an older-model red Ford Taurus.

They headed out to Colt’s truck, and he put in another call to Agent Hamill with the phone on speaker.

After Colt told him the new information, Hamill said disgustedly, “Well, hell.” Then he went on, “We can assume that the aunt’s along on this escapade as well. This just gets better and better.”

“Wasn’t there an officer posted in the parking lot yesterday?” Colt asked. “I noticed a deputy there today.”

“There should have been. Hell, maybe the guy had gone to get some dinner when Jeb showed up. That would be just my luck,” Agent Hamill said.

Then he continued, “Look, we need to monitor the entrances and exits to town. I’ll call Carl Johnson, the Harlan County Sheriff, and see if he’ll send some deputies over. The two main access points are Highway 119 and the smaller road, 160. Chief Hensley will know if there are other access points we need to watch.”

He heaved a sigh. “But we won’t pull their vehicle over if we spot it. We need to follow them back to where they’re holding the baby. If we stop the van and whoever’s inside fails to show up back at the house, the whole clan will move out, taking JJ with them.”

Taylor’s heart clenched. That couldn’t happen. “We understand. We can handle one of those watch positions, Agent Hamill.”

He hesitated for a moment, then said, “I’ll keep you posted. If we don’t have enough help, I’ll call you in.”

After Hamill disconnected the call, she said, “Dammit! It’s because I’m here. They don’t want to put me at risk. I’m so freaking frustrated!”

After a late lunch and with still no word from Hamill, they headed back to the hotel to regroup. Taylor immediately started pacing the room again.

Colt stepped in front of her and drew her into his arms. Slipping his fingers through her hair, he cradled her head to his chest. “Honey, we’ve got to be patient. We’ve come a long way since we got into town. It may not seem like it, but we have.” He kissed the top of her head, and warmth spread through her despite her frustration.

He continued to reassure her. “We know for sure that they’re here in this area, and we were only guessing that before. And now we know that they’re fixing up some kind of residence, and that means we have a good chance of spotting them from the air.” He tightened his arms around her. “This is all great news. And now that Hamill is calling in more reinforcements, we have an even better chance of catching them.”

She drew back and met his gaze, searching his eyes for confidence. It was there.

He cupped her face in his hands and said, “They can’t carry much lumber on the top of that van. I’d bet good money that they’ll be back here soon for some more.” He brushed a kiss across her forehead. She leaned into him, craving the comfort he offered.

He said, “We have real hope now honey, so feel happy, not sad. If all goes well, you’ll have JJ back in a couple of days.”

“Do you really think so?” she said, suddenly full of hope.

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