But that would be the perfect plan. Allow Tessa to trust Trent and believe he was on her side. Meanwhile, he would lead Tessa right into the den of lions—right to Leo.
She shook her head. No, that thought was crazy.
Yet it wouldn’t leave her mind.
* * *
When Trent walked back into the main lodge area, he was surprised to see that Tessa had drifted to sleep. Good. She needed to rest.
He deposited the pieces of some old chairs he’d found onto the floor. He’d use this for firewood. With the flames blazing and strong, he went back and grabbed some cans of beef stew. They were about a year past the expiration date, but he’d check to see if they were still good because often canned goods lasted long past the date stamped on the lid.
He’d taken note of the entire lodge. Aside from the four doors located in this room, there were six other doors leading into the lodge. He blocked the rest of them with dressers. The furniture wouldn’t hold back someone determined to get in, but at least it would slow them down or alert Trent that they were coming.
The two of them should be good here for a while. But as soon as the snow slowed, they should try to make a run for it. Staying in one place too long would be a bad idea. But he wasn’t sure how fast Tessa could move with her leg injured as it was.
Something strange had passed through her gaze earlier—was it doubt? In him? He was going to mention his phone call to Zach, but he feared she’d ask too many questions. She was under enough stress without learning that the local police were also looking for her. He hoped Tessa trusted him enough to follow his lead.
Laurel had always told him that he expected people to have confidence in him easily. Maybe it was because of his training as a ranger—they’d had no choice but to trust each other.
It didn’t matter if Tessa believed in him or not. His one goal right now was to keep her safe. Not to earn her friendship. Not to make her like him. Not to soothe her with platitudes.
Only to keep her alive.
Despite his determination, something twisted in his gut at the thought. He knew why. It was because there was a part of him that really liked Tessa, that wanted to get to know her better, that wanted to wipe away the worry from her gaze.
Just then, she opened her eyes and he realized he’d been staring at her.
Staring at the lovely lines on her soft face. At her hair as it ruffled across the blanket behind her and at her lips as they gently parted.
He hadn’t felt this fascinated with someone since...well, since Laurel.
“I can’t believe I fell asleep.” She pulled a hair behind her ear self-consciously. “Again.”
“Your body is telling you that you need rest.”
He went to the fire again and added some pieces of broken furniture. Once the flames grew larger, he opened a can of stewed beef. He dumped it into a pot and placed it over the fire.
“Who’d you call earlier?” Tessa asked.
He startled a moment. “Just a friend.”
“Which friend?”
She wasn’t backing down. “A friend in law enforcement. I’m getting him to help us out.”
Her eyes held a look of discernment. She was trying to measure whether he was telling the truth.
“You asked me to trust you, yet you obviously don’t trust me. Why were you keeping that quiet?”
“I didn’t want to share anything until I learned more.”
“And? What did you learn?”
He let out a breath, stoked the fire once more and then settled back on the floor. “I learned that there are two suspicious deaths associated with the McAllister family.”
“Who?”
“A delivery driver and someone who worked at a bank.”
Tessa gasped. “Was his name Frank?”
Trent nodded. “I believe so. You know him?”
She squeezed the skin between her eyes, shoulders slumping. “Frank always made our deliveries. Every day. We talked quite a bit, and he was a lovely person. In his fifties, expecting his first grandchild, looking forward to taking a cruise. Of course, that was a year ago. When...?”
“About eight months ago.”
“Around the time I left...” she muttered.
“Tessa, this probably didn’t have anything to do with you. It was the master plan of a crazy killer.”
“Maybe I should have warned him. Warned more people. Maybe I should have done more instead of running.”
“Before you beat yourself up, I also heard that there was an anonymous call reported with information about the family.”
She straightened. “Did the FBI actually research the tip I gave them?”
“Unfortunately, they couldn’t find any solid evidence so the McAllisters have just been under surveillance.”
Her shoulders slumped again. “I managed to copy all of the files off the gallery servers and then erase their contact information before I fled. But in my haste, I dropped the thumb drive where I’d saved the evidence.”
“Don’t beat yourself up. The authorities are still looking for proof so they can put these guys behind bars. But for now no one’s talking and the paper trail has disappeared.”
“That’s not surprising. The McAllisters have power and resources. They’re good at covering their tracks. I didn’t expect the cops to believe me anyway, not when Leo and his family are so active in the nonprofit community.”
“Money and power definitely have reach. You’d be a fool to deny that. A lot of people can paint themselves as sheep when they’re wolves.”
“Biblical reference?” she questioned.
“Yes, definitely. It’s refreshing to talk to someone who recognizes that.”
“I might recognize it. I don’t necessarily believe it, though.”
“Why’s that?” He stirred the stew, the savory scent of beef, potatoes and gravy rising up to meet him. He couldn’t neglect food and sleep too long or he’d be useless.
“Up until a few days ago, I hadn’t felt His presence in my life in a long time.”
“You mean because bad things have happened?”
She shrugged. “You make it sound so simple. But maybe you’re right. Maybe that’s what my reasoning boils down to.”
“Bad things happen because we live in a fallen world that’s full of sin. The bad things are people’s doing, not God’s. But He can use them in our lives.”
“I don’t know. It certainly doesn’t feel that way.”
“Our relationship with Jesus was never supposed to be about feeling. That’s a part of it. But emotions and feelings change. It’s the same with every relationship in our lives. If we just depend on how we’re feeling at the time, it will never last.”
“You sound pretty smart.”
“I’ve learned that lesson the hard way over the years. Believe me.”
Something flashed through her gaze. Was it hope? Understanding?
Before he could identify it, he heard a crash.
FOURTEEN
Tessa jerked upright at the sound. What was that?
Trent was instantly on his feet, his stance showing the soldier he used to be, and the expression in his eyes so intense that she’d hate to be on the other side of the battle against him right now.
“Stay here,” he ordered.
His tone left no room for argument.
She pulled the blankets more closely around her as she waited. What could that have been? It almost sounded as if a bomb had exploded. Had Leo’s men found them?
Her gaze swung around. What if those men were out there now, watching her, ready to pounce?
She waited, each minute feeling like an hour.
Finally, movement caught her eye at the far end of the room. Her heart skipped a beat.
Trent. It was just Trent.
He strode toward her, a grim expression on his face. “Part of the roof collapsed in the east wing of the building.”
Her heart slowed—until she realized how serious that could be, also. “What
does that mean for us?”
He stirred the beef again. “Nothing. We have no choice but to stay here. The collapse happened in what looks like the oldest part of the structure. I guess it couldn’t withstand the weight of the snow.”
She glanced above her at the thick wooden beams arching across a vaulted ceiling. “I hope this part is stronger.”
“We’ll keep an eye on it.” He spooned some food into her mug and then handed it to her. “Here, eat this.”
She didn’t argue. The first bite was hot and nearly tasteless, but she was so hungry that she didn’t care.
As she glanced out the window, she saw the sun was beginning to set.
“We should both try to get some shut-eye.”
“I’ve already rested some. How about if I keep watch for a while?”
He nodded, grabbed a blanket and settled on the couch across from her. “That sounds good. If you hear or see anything that’s at all suspicious, wake me. Promise?”
She nodded. “I promise.”
As soon as Trent drifted to sleep, she forced herself to stand. Her face scrunched in pain as she put weight on her leg. But she had to do this. She had to walk a bit, see for herself what was going on here at the lodge.
Each step caused an ache to pulsate through her, but she made herself keep going, keep moving. Finally, she reached the window. She already missed the warmth of the fireplace and her blankets. But she couldn’t allow herself to become too comfortable.
She stared outside. The snow was already to the window. Tessa estimated about sixteen inches had fallen today. The roads would be impassable, which was both a comfort and worry. It meant Leo’s men might not be able to reach them, but it also meant they might not be able to leave if they needed to.
Her conversation with Trent drifted back to her. He made sense. Maybe her faith in God should be more than something that changed based on her emotions.
The one thing she appreciated about Trent was that he didn’t make promises based on emotions. He didn’t manipulate. What she saw was what she got. She admired that, especially after being around Leo.
Just then, Trent muttered something. Tessa stepped closer and saw that he was still asleep. He was obviously having some kind of dream.
His shoulder jerked, as if he was fighting some kind of unseen force. He grunted again.
Tessa looked away, feeling as though she was being intrusive.
Just as she stepped back toward the window, Trent said something discernible.
“Laurel.”
He’d said the name Laurel.
Who was Laurel, exactly? Was Trent’s heart already taken?
How could Tessa have been so foolish? Of course someone like Trent would be taken. Here she’d been letting her feelings grow for a man who was unavailable. She should have known better.
More than ever she needed to stick to her plan: accept his help but keep her distance. Her emotions had been heightened; in the process, they’d grown out of control.
Experience should have taught her the danger of letting her emotions roam free. It was never a good idea. In fact, in the past it had only led to heartache.
Suddenly, she stepped back from the window as a chill washed over her.
She didn’t know what had caused it. Her imagination? Caution over everything that had happened? Or was there real danger out there, getting closer and closer?
She wasn’t sure.
But she decided to go back to the couch where she’d watch and wait...and try not to think about the handsome man who’d stuck by her through thick and thin.
* * *
Trent took the second shift, noticing as they switched roles that Tessa seemed a bit more distant than she had earlier. Maybe it was the lack of sleep. Maybe the stress of the situation was getting to her. He didn’t know.
As she lay on the couch, he couldn’t help but marvel at how peaceful she looked in the middle of all of this craziness.
Laurel had always looked so peaceful and hopeful. She’d been a kindergarten teacher, something she’d dreamed about since she was in elementary school herself. His heart still sank when he thought about how her life had been cut short.
He wouldn’t let that happen to Tessa. He’d sacrifice his life if he had to in order to protect her.
He peered out one of the massive windows lining the lodge again. Only darkness stared back. Were the men out there? Were they watching?
His gut told him no. Not yet, at least. It was only a matter of time before they found them. As soon as it was daylight, Trent needed to check out the rest of the property and see if there were any resources here that could help them.
At least the snow had stopped. Forecasters had been correct. There was more than a foot piled up outside.
He glanced at his phone and briefly thought about calling Tessa’s family to give them an update. But telling them that he’d found their daughter while he and Tessa were on the brink of so much danger didn’t seem wise. Still, he knew her loved ones were waiting, still hoping, that Tessa would be okay. They’d lived with so many doubts and uncertainties for so long.
He’d wait, he decided. He wanted to hear back from Zach. He wanted to get somewhere safe and have a few more reassurances. Then he’d make the call.
“Hey,” a groggy voice said.
He looked over and saw that Tessa was awake. His heart skipped a beat at her tousled hair and sleepy eyes. Even in this state, she was a vision, one of those natural beauties who needed little help to look good.
He glanced at his watch and saw that she’d gotten a few hours of shut-eye. It was better than nothing. “Morning.”
“I feel as if I’ve been hit by a truck.”
“Days like yesterday can do that to you.”
“Has it really only been less than two days since all of this started? It feels like weeks.”
“Hard to believe, isn’t it?” He strode over to her and handed her some the last package of crackers. “Here you go. Eat up.”
She didn’t argue. Instead, she shivered, pulled the covers closer around her and then ripped the package open. “Anything new?”
He shook his head. “Sun should be coming up soon. I’ll fix some hot water for us so we can stay hydrated. Then I’m going to head out.”
“Head out?”
He nodded. “I need to see what else is out there. We won’t get very far on foot, Tessa.”
“So you’re suggesting we cross-country ski instead?”
Her light tone made him smile. When he nodded at her leg, his smile faded. “Not with your injury.”
“I’ll be fine.”
“Well, see if you say that after you put some weight on it.”
She took a bite of her cracker then swallowed. “Can I ask you something?”
“Sure.” Her tone indicated this was serious.
“How is my mom paying you? You’ve been working this case for a while. If you charge an hourly rate, I can only imagine how high the cost of your investigation is. I know my mom doesn’t have that much money.”
He didn’t say anything for a moment.
“Please tell me Leo isn’t helping?”
“Leo put up money as a reward.”
She frowned. “Go figure. But that doesn’t explain your fees.”
“I’m waiving them.”
Her eyes widened. “Really? But why?”
“Because I’ve grown rather fond of your family. I couldn’t give up on them. I couldn’t squeeze them dry for this case.”
“That’s...that’s kind of you.”
He shrugged. “Your mom has me over to eat about once a week. I’ve been invited to church with them, to birthday parties. They’re starting to feel like my family.”
A sentimental smile feathered across her lips. “That sounds like my family. But how are you managing to pay your bills?”
“I still receive some money from the army. Plus, I take on odd jobs here and there. Things that aren’t really that interesting but that pay the bills.
I have some savings.”
“That’s really kind of you, Trent. Thank you.”
“Don’t thank me yet. Not until we get out of this situation.” He stood. “Speaking of which, I think I see some daylight peeking over that mountain. I’m going to go see what I can find.”
“Be careful,” she said softly.
“I will.”
The snow was deep and cold outside. Trent sank in it up to his knees, which made the walk treacherous. He had little choice, though. In the first building he came to, he found a snowmobile. With some tinkering, he discovered it was still operational. He also found an old can of gas and filled it up. This could definitely come in handy later.
Throughout the rest of the building searches, he found a few more cans of food, some changes of clothes and more things he could use as firewood.
In the back of his mind, he thought about both the men after them and the caved-in ceiling. By all appearances, Tessa was safe right now. The structure seemed sound. But he had to stay watchful.
Remaining in one of the old cabins, he checked his phone. No messages from Zach.
He rounded the back of the lodge on his way back. He wanted to make sure the building looked out.
What he saw froze him in his tracks.
There were footprints. Leading right to the back window and...to one of the doors.
* * *
Tessa mindlessly straightened blankets and stoked the fire and paced—in the name of physical therapy. At least that was what she told herself.
Really, she was anxiously waiting for Trent’s return. What had he found? Anything? The results of his outing could mean the difference between hope or despair.
She was praying for hope.
As she paced to the window, she squirmed at the pain in her leg. The good news was that it wasn’t broken. The bad was that the cut was deep and it would slow her down. Talk about bad timing.
As she stared outside, she thought about Trent spending time with her family. The realization was so bittersweet. She could easily see him fitting in.
And his kindness in taking on this case for little to no pay warmed her heart.
Then she remembered Laurel. It was best if she didn’t let her heart go crazy and start daydreaming about what it would be like to hold Trent’s hand or pretend he might care about her away from this crazy situation they were in. It had just been so long since she’d felt a connection with anyone. She realized she missed being part of a community, a tribe, a team.
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