Hideout at Whiskey Gulch

by Elle James

  Aubrey felt comfortable with him driving. “Where are we going?”

  “Since we aren’t going to the ranch, I thought we’d go driving around.”

  “Just looking?” she asked, knowing what he had in mind.

  “You heard the sheriff,” Matt said. “Just looking. We’ll note the places we think the DEA and FBI should check out when they get here.”

  “No contact.”

  “No contact.” He frowned. “And actually, I think we should take my bike. They know your Jeep by now, and I can get my motorcycle in and out of places quickly.”

  She nodded. “Okay. Let’s recon the area and see what we find. That’s what you call it, right? Recon?”

  “Yes, ma’am.”

  Chapter Eleven

  Matt drove the Jeep to his shop on Main Street a few blocks down from the smoldering gas station. He parked it in an empty bay and got out. The interior of his shop smelled of oil and gasoline. The familiarity of it grounded him.

  Aubrey walked around the exterior of her vehicle, shaking her head.

  “I can replace that window for the cost of the glass. To get the bullet holes out of the body of the vehicle, you’ll have to take it to a body shop.”

  She sighed. “I’m not worried about it right now, but thanks. And thanks for parking it inside your shop.”

  Matt nodded. “I’m just thankful you weren’t hit. Vehicles can be fixed or replaced. People can’t always be fixed. And they can’t be replaced.”

  Aubrey’s gaze met his. “No, they can’t.” She reached for his hand. “I lost several years off my life when I looked in my rearview mirror at the gas pumps exploding.”

  Matt took her hands in his. “I lost years off my life when I saw that car coming straight at the Jeep with you sitting inside.” He exhaled softly. “And then again, when that man started shooting at you. All I could think about was stopping him before he stopped you.”

  “Once again, you’ve saved my life,” she said. “Thank you.” She glanced around. “Mind if I change out of these scrubs?”

  “Go right ahead. There’s a bathroom through that door.” He pointed toward the office.

  Aubrey was gone less than five minutes while Matt assessed the damage to the Jeep.

  Aubrey had just emerged from the doorway to the office when Matt’s cell phone vibrated in his pocket. He fished out the device, glanced at the screen and frowned. “It’s Lily.”

  “Trace’s Lily?” Aubrey joined him.

  Matt nodded as he pressed the button to receive the call and then put it on speaker. “Hey, Lily. What’s up?”

  “Matt,” she said. “Is Aubrey with you?”

  “She is, and I have you on speaker.”

  “Good. So, you two are all right?” Lily asked.

  “We’re okay. I suppose you heard about the explosion at the service station.” Matt gave Aubrey a crooked smile.

  “We did. News travels fast in Whiskey Gulch.”

  “Yes, it does.” Matt frowned. “Is that all you called about? You were just worried about us?”

  “Well, yes and no.” Lily paused. “Yes, I was worried about you. Right now, you appear to have targets on your backs. That concerns me.”

  “We’re beginning to feel the same,” Matt said. He didn’t like that idea that they were being watched and tracked and hunted. They’d already come too close to being killed twice.

  “I wish I could be out there helping you look,” Lily said. “Since I can’t be there, I was thinking of who might know where some good hiding places might be in the area.”

  “And?” Matt prompted.

  “You know my father is in prison right now, don’t you?” Lily asked.

  “We live in Whiskey Gulch. Everyone knows that,” Matt said quickly, hoping Lily would get on with her info.

  “He knows this area. Probably better than anyone because of his nefarious dealings. He had contacts with other criminals. And he’s in prison where he’s met more. You might ask him where the cartel members could be hiding a child.”

  “That’s actually a good idea,” Aubrey said. “And being on the inside doesn’t always mean he doesn’t know what’s going on outside the prison walls.”

  “You could call him or, better yet, go see him at the correctional facility,” Lily urged. “He’s not a dangerous criminal, just a very dishonest man.”

  “What’s he in for?” Aubrey asked.

  “Theft, embezzlement and perjury,” Lily said. “If you don’t like him, don’t worry about hurting my feelings. He never was much of a father to me, and he didn’t contribute to my upbringing.”

  “I’m sorry,” Aubrey said. “I almost feel guilty that I had a father who was very much a part of my life and set the example of how to live a good life.”

  “Don’t be sorry,” Lily said. “Count your blessings. Matt and I would have loved to have had your father in our lives growing up. Alas, you can’t choose your parents.”

  “No, you can’t,” Matt echoed. “We’ll check with your father and see if he can help us identify some hiding places in the area. We’re getting more sources with that info, and every little bit helps.”

  “I hope that helps,” Lily said. “And take a pack of cigarettes to barter with. My father never gives anyone anything if he can’t get something for it.”

  “Good to know,” Matt said. “Thank you.”

  “Also, Trace and Irish are out in the county looking for abandoned buildings.” Lily sighed. “It’s a needle in a haystack approach, but they wanted to do something. They’re coordinating with the sheriff to make sure they aren’t duplicating efforts. They’ve divided up the area into quadrants. If you decide to go on your own search, you’ll need to tap into their matrix.”

  “We’ll do that,” Matt said. “First, we’ll hit up your father. He might be able to narrow down our search to a more timely and manageable effort.”

  “Oh, and Aubrey,” Lily said.

  Aubrey leaned toward the cell phone. “I’m still here.”

  “Health and Human Services hasn’t come yet. Rosalynn and I are taking good care of the baby. Hopefully, you’ll find her sister before they take Mari.”

  “I hope so,” Aubrey said. “I’d like to know they keep the girls together until they get to their uncle’s home.”

  “That’s all I have. I’d help, but it’s taking both of us to care for this baby since Rosalynn is out of practice, and I’m new at this.” Lily chuckled. “It’s good practice. I hope to have a couple of babies myself.”

  “Sooner than later,” Rosalynn’s voice sounded in the background. “I’m ready to be a grandmother.”

  “Be safe,” Lily said. “See you soon.”

  Matt ended the call and looked across at Aubrey. “Let’s get to the correctional facility and ask those questions. Night will be here soon. If they’re going to ship Isabella out, I’d think it would be tonight.”

  “We can’t let that happen,” Aubrey said.

  “We won’t. But we have to find her first.” Matt strode toward his bike and handed Aubrey one of the helmets. “We need to make this as quick as possible. The longer we are away, the more chance the cartel has of slipping by those who are watching for them.”

  He glanced back at her. “Are you up for this? You haven’t had any sleep.”

  “Neither have you,” she answered. “I’m fine. I pulled a few all-nighters when I was in college. And I couldn’t rest anyway knowing Isabella is still out there.”

  He nodded. “Exactly how I feel.”

  “Let’s do this.” Aubrey pulled the helmet down over her ears and buckled the strap beneath her chin.

  Matt did the same, then rolled the bike out of the bay door into the sunshine. After he closed and locked the shop, he swung his leg over the seat and scooted forward.

  Aubrey slipp
ed on behind him and wrapped both arms around Matt’s middle, holding on tightly.

  Matt didn’t like that she was exposed on the back. If someone took a shot at them, they’d hit her first. He’d have to be very aware of everything around them. At least they were headed out of the county. The correctional facility was located thirty minutes from Whiskey Gulch. The sun had passed its zenith and was sinking toward the horizon.

  After a quick stop at a convenience store to buy cigarettes, Matt pulled out onto the highway and raced toward the facility between Whiskey Gulch and Austin.

  He prayed Lily’s father knew something about the cartel and where they liked to hide, so everyone could narrow the search. Otherwise, they would have spent an hour of their time for nothing. If Lily’s father knew anything, he might save them time and get them straight to the site before they moved her again.

  * * *

  AUBREY’S NERVES TIGHTENED as they parked outside the correctional facility with its chain-link fences topped with strands of barbed wire. She’d never been inside a prison. For a moment, she panicked. What if they went in, and the guards refused to let them back out?

  She knew the thought was ridiculous. People were put in prison for crimes they’d committed. Aubrey hadn’t committed any crimes. The prison guards had no reason to keep her.

  “We’re here to see Marcus Davidson,” Matt told the guard at the entrance. They had to hand over their driver’s licenses. When they were admitted into the building, two more guards, a male and a female, patted them down and led them to a room where they waited for what felt like an eternity. All the while Aubrey twisted her fingers together, worrying about the time that was slipping away from them. They were no closer to finding Isabella.

  A handsome man wearing a white T-shirt and white cotton pants with an elastic waistline was led into the room and seated at the table across from Aubrey and Matt. His hair was neatly trimmed and smoothed back from his forehead, and he faced them with a ready smile and ice-blue eyes.

  “Matthew Hennessey, it’s been a while since I saw you last. You were just a gangly teen struttin’ around town like some badass. And who have you brought with you?”

  Marcus turned the full force of his charm on Aubrey. “You’re a beautiful woman. Prison isn’t the place for you. Not that I’m complaining. It’s nice to see a friendly female face.” His smile appeared genuine and his charisma was unquestionable.

  Aubrey could understand why the man had gotten away with so much. He was personable and smooth. Even in prison whites.

  His attention returned to Matt. “What brings you to the pokey?”

  Matt got straight to the issue. “There’s a missing child who might need our help to keep her alive. We hope you can help us.”

  Marcus raised his hands, palms up. “I don’t see how I can help you find a missing person when I’m in here. But I’ll humor you.” He leaned back in his seat. “What did you have in mind?”

  “You daughter said you might know some of the criminal factions in the Whiskey Gulch area and where they like to hide out.”

  Marcus raised his hands again. “Whoa. I was into embezzlement, not abducting children.”

  “We don’t care what you were into. If you know anything about Los Zetas, the cartel gunrunning and trafficking drugs and humans, you might be able to tell us where they like to hole up. We figure we don’t have a lot of time.”

  “Why would you think I’d know anything about the cartel?”

  Laying the pack of cigarettes on the table, Matt leaned forward. “That little girl’s mother was killed. She has a baby sister and an uncle willing to take them in. You’re a father. Would you want your daughter to be sold as a sex slave at four years old to the highest bidder?”

  Aubrey studied the man, frustration rising at his indifference. “You weren’t a part of your daughter’s life, were you? You wouldn’t know how terrible it feels to lose your child.” Her eyes narrowed. “If you’ve ever cared about anyone in your life, think about what it would feel like if you lost that person to the cartel. Would you worry that they were torturing her? That they’d use her body up and throw her away like so much trash and leave her broken, beaten body in the woods to be gnawed on by wild animals?” Her voice broke on a sob. “I know what it’s like to lose a child. They found mine, battered, broken and dead. I won’t let that happen to Isabella. Not now. If you know anything, tell us.” Tears streamed down her cheeks. “Please.”

  Marcus sat back in his chair and clapped his hands. “Bravo. That was one heck of a performance, Ms. Blanchard.”

  Anger shot through her like a rocket. Aubrey was out of the chair and halfway across the table when Matt grabbed her around the waist and forced her back into her seat.

  The guard standing by the door had taken several steps toward them and stopped when he saw that Matt had Aubrey under control.

  “He’s not worth it,” Matt spoke softly in Aubrey’s ear. “Come on. Let’s get back to Whiskey Gulch. We’re wasting our time here.”

  Aubrey shook with anger at Marcus Davidson’s cold indifference. She allowed Matt to help her to her feet. “Lily deserved better than you,” she said.

  Matt and Aubrey started to step away from the table when Marcus said, “There are a number of places you should look into. If the little girl was taken last night, they’re probably getting ready to transport her out of the county and out of the state tonight.”

  Aubrey’s heart turned over. “That’s what we’re afraid of. We’re so desperate to find her, we came to ask you. Sadly, you’re our last hope for information.”

  “Well, you came to the right place. I might just know where you can look.” His eyes narrowed. “So, what’s in it for me?”

  Aubrey slammed her palm on the table, at the end of her patience. “Seriously? You want to barter for a child’s life? You’re a bigger bastard than I first thought.” She straightened and glared at him. “Come on, Matt. I wouldn’t trust that his information is worth the time to listen.”

  “Do you want to find the girl, or not?” Marcus’s voice halted her in her tracks.

  “You know I do,” she said. “I laid my soul bare to make you understand just how much this means to me. Don’t toy with me now.”

  “Have you looked in the old church on the hill to the north of Whiskey Gulch?” he asked.

  “As far as I know, the church is not an abandoned building,” Matt said. “They still hold services on Sunday.”

  “And no one goes in there any other day of the week. And it has a large shop building behind the old church they use for summer revivals.” Marcus shrugged. “I’d look there first. If she isn’t being held there, check out any of the old warehouse buildings down by the railroad.”

  “The sheriff and his deputies searched those today. They didn’t find the girl. He did find a child’s hair bow in the old racehorse barn out west of town. We assume it belonged to the girl.”

  Marcus nodded. “That was another place they’ve used in the past. The two I just gave you are more likely, depending on timing. Don’t give up on them.”

  “How will they get the girl out of the area if they know the roads have checkpoints?” Aubrey asked.

  “Think about it.” Marcus’s lips twisted into a smirk. “If you can’t get out by the road, you look to other modes of transportation.”

  Aubrey frowned. “ATV? Helicopter? On foot?”

  Marcus rolled his eyes. “If they’re getting them out of the area altogether, walking and ATVs would take too long going cross-country, and a helicopter would be heard and seen.” He shook his head. “What other mode of transportation goes through Whiskey Gulch on a regular basis? One that nobody really notices.”

  Matt frowned. “The train? But it only stops to load grain from the granary. Otherwise, it moves through without stopping.”

  “Those are the two most likely places I’ve known the
m to go besides the racehorse barn. But it will be tonight. They don’t like to sit on their deliveries for too long. It gives the authorities a chance to catch up to them. If the authorities even know they’re moving through the area. If they’re doing it right, the cartel does trafficking under the cover of darkness. Nobody hears about it or knows what’s happening.”

  Aubrey stared at the man. Horrified. “You knew this was going on and didn’t do anything about it?”

  Marcus raised his hands. “I like living. So, sue me. Those cartel goons would just as soon shoot you as look at you.”

  “We’ll check out those locations,” Matt said. “Anything else?”

  “Yeah.” Marcus crossed his arms over his chest. “Now you owe me. Let me know when you find the girl. I’ll collect on what you owe me then.”

  Aubrey didn’t like his open-ended statement. Lily’s words echoed in her mind. The man didn’t do something for nothing. “What do you want?”

  “I’ll let you know when you find the girl.” He chuckled. “Don’t worry. I won’t ask you to kill anyone.”

  Aubrey clenched her hands into fists. The man was impossible. She could see why Lily didn’t have much to do with him. Aubrey thanked her lucky stars she’d had a relatively normal upbringing with parents who loved each other and loved their children.

  Lily appeared to be well-balanced, despite her mother being a prostitute and her father being a crook. Aubrey had learned that little bit of gossip early on. She vowed to get to know Lily and Rosalynn better. They were the strong, take-charge type of women she strove to be.

  As they left the correctional facility, Aubrey let go of the breath she felt like she’d been holding the entire time she was inside.

  “Was it as bad as you thought it would be?” Matt asked.

  “Worse.” She gave him a weak smile. “Except the part where they let us leave. Going in, I had the uncontrollable feeling that they wouldn’t let us back out.”

  “I know it’s ridiculous, but I had that same thought.” He handed her a helmet and slipped his on. “Where to first?”