“And?”
“Caves.”
Rick looked up at the sound of soft footfalls entering the room. Kate tied the belt of her robe and shuffled to the coffee maker.
“Kate, sweetheart. I told you to stay in bed. I’ll make the coffee.” Trent frowned in her direction.
“No, I got it. Are you headed out? I can help Harlan and the hands with a few things down at the stables.”
“I don’t want you wor—”
Kate cut off his sentence with one hard look then turned her back as she left the room.
Trent watched her walk away and spoke with nothing but affection and exasperation after their bedroom door closed. “Damn stubborn MacDonald woman.”
“That little bit of woman has you so whipped.”
“Absolutely.” Trent sounded utterly pleased with the notion. “Who’s coming in and when are we headed out?”
“Pete, Noah, Holloway, and Mayhem. They should be here in about ten minutes or so. This is it. I feel it.” Rick gave Trent a brief rundown of what he’d planned in the long hours since Pete’s call.
Kate came back into the room, dressed in jeans and a faded tee. “Have you called Leigh? Do you want me to call her?” She opened a cabinet and pulled out three mugs, lining them up on the counter. She picked up the pot of coffee and began to pour as usual, caring for them all. He’d give her ten minutes, max, before she started fixing breakfast. It wouldn’t do them any good to object.
A heavy rock settled in the pit of his stomach. He’d spent almost as much time battling his decision as he had planning the op. She would be supremely pissed and as badly as he hated to disappoint her, he had to. “No. I’m not calling her. You’re not calling her. When we have Addie safely in hand, I’ll call Leigh so she can be ready to meet us here.”
Kate set the coffeepot on the warmer and came to stand in front of him. “I really think you should call her, or at least let me do it for you. She’s been a part of this from day one. You know that as well as anyone. You were there that night.”
“I was.” It was also the first time he’d met Leigh. He’d never met a more beautiful woman. And her inner strength and beauty eclipsed the outer shell.
“Rick, this will shatter her.” His own heart sputtered in response. Drawing on years of military experience and a childhood devoid of warmth, he hardened his resolve.
“I can’t worry about that now. The only thing that matters is keeping everyone safe. Speaking of which, you are not to step one foot off this farm today. I mean it. I need everyone focused, including Trent.” Steeling his heart and masking his face, he stared into her sad eyes. “Promise, sweetheart.”
“You’re making a mistake.” The disappointment in her eyes nearly undid him.
“Then it’s mine to make. You won’t budge me on this.” He couldn’t let those big, sad doe eyes weaken him. “Safety first. As badly as I want to find her, I won’t put anyone else in danger.”
When loud footsteps sounded on the porch, a rush of relief swept through him. The front door burst open. “So what’s the plan, boss man?” He’d never thought he’d appreciate Pete’s presence as much as he did in that moment. He turned to his friend, dismissing the woman he’d come to love like he imagined he might a sister.
“Everyone should be here in a few minutes. I’ll go over it then.” He turned to his computer under the guise of looking over the topographical maps, all the while feeling like he’d kicked a puppy.
“Cookie! Wait for me!” Leigh heard Kylie’s shout and stepped out of the way, placing her back against the wall leading to the foyer. About three seconds later, a tri-colored puppy ran clumsily for the Walker’s front door. A pajama-clad Kylie chased after the little dog and, a moment later, Joe followed the pair out at a much slower pace, scrubbing a hand through sleep-mussed hair.
Helpless to resist, she followed them through the airy entryway and outside. The morning fog lay thick over the lush green landscape. A golden sliver of sun began its ascent over the horizon. She could just make out the seemingly endless sea of bluegrass, clusters of trees, and fence rails.
“Yes! We did it! See, Daddy, I told you we could do it!” A triumphant Kylie pointed to the puppy who’d just done her business on the front lawn. “No accidents!”
“Good job, pickle. You need to keep up the good work. Cookie’s smart, but she still needs your help. I know Sandy are Harlan are really nice, but I want you to keep doing your best to not make a mess in their house. Cara won’t be here this morning to help chase Cookie and pick up after you.” Joe stepped down off the porch and leaned down to ruffle the pup’s ears.
“I know. I’ll be good. Pwomise.”
“Don’t forget your r. It’s promise,” Joe replied, almost absentmindedly. He turned and looked down as two vehicles pulled out of Trent’s shorter driveway and onto the longer one that bisected the property.
Her stomach dropped to her knees. “Joe, where are they going?” It was just a few minutes before six. Yes, used to farm and or military life, most of them were early risers, but she was no dummy. Something was up, something big. Pete’s old jeep still sat parked next to Holloway’s SUV.
Joe said that Cara would be gone most of the day.
Her brother bent down to pick up a small red ball. He rolled it a short distance for Cookie to chase. When the little beagle mix pounced on it and growled, Kylie clapped. Leigh stared holes into the back of Joe’s head and waited for a reply. “Joe?”
He would know. He and Cara were inseparable. He’d just told her two nights ago that beyond family, he’d never expected to love someone as much as he loved his daughter. Then he fell for Cara. Leigh had seen firsthand how much Cara loved both him and Kylie. She’d faced her biggest demon for them and won. Cara would have told him where she was going and why. He placed his hands on his hips, and his head dropped as he looked down at his feet. Teasing Kylie, the puppy ran a circle around his legs.
He didn’t have to tell her; she knew. Joe wouldn’t be so reluctant to tell her if they had gone out on any other mission.
If they’d found a lead on Marcus Sutton, he wouldn’t have hesitated to tell her. She’d be disappointed if they didn’t get him, but not devastated. If they had an emergency of some sort, he would have told her. No reason not to.
Rick had a lead on Addie.
Her brother finally turned to face her. “Pete may have had a breakthrough last night. There’s a property not too far from Tom Caudill’s. Pete’s research and topographical maps show that there are caves on a property that used to belong in the Potter family. They’re headed there now.”
A knife twisted in her belly. “He thinks this is it, doesn’t he?”
“Yes, Cara said Rick’s certain. He reviewed Pete’s intel and went over everything with a fine-toothed comb. He told Cara that he hopes to have Addie here by lunchtime.”
Hope and joy warred with anger. She didn’t know whether to cry or kick something. Her brother certainly didn’t deserve her anger, but she couldn’t stand to witness the misery in his eyes any longer. He’d gone out with her to deliver supplies a few times when Rick hadn’t been available. On the day they took Tom Caudill into custody, he’d been there and he’d called her when sheriff’s department suspected a child lived alone at the residence. He knew better than anyone what finding Addie would mean to her.
She turned her suddenly blurry focus on her niece. “What time do you need to leave for work today?” She couldn’t meet his gaze.
“I have to be in court at nine. I’ve got a while yet.”
“Okay. Give me a little bit to shower, and I’ll help Sandy keep an eye on Kylie today.” Maybe her niece could distract her from the emotions rioting in her belly.
Did she dare hope that they’d found her? It seemed too good to be true. She needed to keep her hope that they would first and foremost. Addie was the only thing that mattered.
Not her feelings about broken promises. Not the reasons why Rick broke his word.
Addie. That’s all that mattered.
Yet, no matter how many times she told herself that, it didn’t prevent the pain’s assault.
On her way to the shower, she grabbed her robe then paused. Bracing herself, she picked her phone up off the nightstand. No missed calls. No unread texts.
Rick hadn’t called.
Chapter 11
Rick pushed yet another branch out of his way as they climbed up the shaded hillside. Tall grasses, weeds, and all manner of waist-high plants battled with trees in some of the densest forest they’d been in yet. With what felt like the millionth tree behind him and a short reprieve before the next, he wiped the sweat from his brow with his forearm. Even at this early hour, the humidity soared at ninety-two percent. He never could figure out how the air could be filled with so much moisture and not be pure water.
But then, the weather portion of science hadn’t been his best subject. He’d been more concerned with figuring out what he’d done to make his father hate him.
Making sure his path was clear for the moment, he glanced to his left. About fifty yards over, James didn’t look any less miserable than Rick felt. The pretty boy’s face was already grimy, his olive-green tee soaked with sweat. Dark glasses shaded his eyes, adding to his grim appearance.
Rick had made the right decision in asking James to stay outside the cave and wait. He’d planned on going in to greet Addie alone, but they all unanimously nixed that idea. Under the force of all their glares, he’d agreed that Cara could go in with him. She’d briefly met Addie previously, and the girl had seemed comfortable in her presence.
He swatted a fly away and bit back a curse.
He just hoped like hell that they’d have one extra seat filled on the way back to Walker Farms. There, the girl would be safe and have plenty of loving with just downright good, women to care for her. He couldn’t ask for a better family to care for her.
If they could only find and catch the wily thing.
Yeah, no question, she’ll fit right in with the MacDonald women.
Once he managed that, he would be able to devote his attention to finding Marcus Sutton.
A glance to his right showed Cara easily keeping pace with him and James. Fifty yards over, he could just barely make out her small form moving through the brush and trees.
Pete waited back at the rendezvous point manning a computer that tracked them. He also watched the entrance to the overgrown gravel road where they’d entered the property and parked.
They’d given Noah and Trent a few minute’s head start. They’d gone farther out in order to find a good vantage point. He wanted alert eyes up high, aware at all times of what was going on around them.
Noah had taken up a position on a rocky outcropping, lying low, overlooking the hillside. Trent had climbed a sturdy old oak halfway up the rise, where he also maintained lookout.
Rick couldn’t afford any surprises this time.
If the girl was there, he wasn’t going home until he had her. He didn’t care how long it took. He’d stay out in the heat and misery a week, if that’s what it took.
He stepped over a nasty tangle of vines, careful not to trip as he had by the pond. Could he have made a bigger ass of himself? Tripping, drawing attention to himself? Showing his weakness?
Of course, Leigh only cared about whether or not he’d hurt himself. Everything else had been his own critical perception. He held himself to a higher standard because of his belief in his capabilities, always pushing his own boundaries.
But memories of her sweet taste, the silken feel of Leigh’s skin against the palm of his hand? The soft whimper of pleasure she’d made against him?
He’d never experienced finer and suspected he never would again.
Above all else, the memory that haunted him most was her utterly gorgeous, tear-filled eyes. The hope and happiness that filled them when he’d promised her that she could come with them.
He didn’t doubt that she could keep up. If fact, she could probably kick his ass with those long, lean legs of hers.
He just couldn’t bring himself to put her into any situation that might be remotely dangerous. Her safety had to come before all else. Although he hadn’t done it on purpose, if she hated him afterward, well, that would be one less thing he’d have to worry about.
She wouldn’t look at him like he was the strongest man in the world any longer. One half of their attraction would die.
“Boss.” James spoke quietly across their connection through the headsets. “I see a rough trail, just a little to the east. Appears to head up the rise. It’s small, but looks recently traveled. It’s not much more than a small game trail, but it goes in the right direction.”
He fought the relief swelling, threatening to break loose and overcome him. Though the signs pointed in the right direction, they were far from home free. He replied softly. “Stay on course, but keep an eye on it.”
“Copy.”
Well aware of the time, he checked his watch as a matter of principal. 0900. “Team one, report.” Considering he could see everyone on team one, the rollcall might seem unnecessary, but they never strayed from protocol.
Cara responded immediately. “Here. I’m good, boss.”
James chimed in next. “I’m here. Sweaty and sticky, but I’m here. I don’t remember volunteering for a job in the bayou, boss.”
The mouth of the cave came into view between a cluster of scraggly trees. He beat his hope mercilessly into submission. There was no room for anything other than precision and stealth. He slowed his steps and doubled his caution. Another few steps and he wouldn’t risk speaking. He couldn’t give her any warning. This was it. He couldn’t afford to breathe wrong. “Team two.”
Trent answered. “I’m here. Despite the canopy, I have clear visual.”
Noah’s response came next. “It’s all good, boss. I have you all in view.”
“Team three?” Rick closed his eyes and waited a single beat for his last check in.
“Team three? Really? I want to be command center next time. I can’t be a team all by myself, but I can be in command.”
Rick reined in his exasperation. “Pete.”
“Everything is good. Go get her, boss.”
“Holloway, guard the entrance. Mayhem, you’re with me.” He didn’t wait for their replies as he walked to the opening. The poor excuse for a cave wasn’t much more than a tumble of enormous boulders, the largest of which had an overhang serving as a ceiling. It might be enough to keep the rain at bay.
Keeping silent when all he wanted to do was rage at glaring injustice that filled this girl’s life, he dared spare a glance in Cara’s direction. She was right beside him, rock steady, despite the suspicious moisture in her eyes. She nodded once in his direction, confirming her readiness.
Ducking beneath the shelf-like overhang, he peered inside the shadowed alcove. An old, battered backpack, a neat pile of trash, and a bundle of rags greeted him. He blinked damp eyes, and bit back another curse. He felt a light touch on his wrist and looked down to find Cara’s hand, staying him.
He looked up at her in confusion as she spoke to the cave. “Addie? Sweetheart, don’t be scared. It’s me, Cara. Rick’s here, too. You’re safe.” Movement in the dim hollow snagged his attention.
Up under the narrowest section, where the stone met the earth, the pile of rags moved. “It’s about time you guys found me. My phone died days ago, and I’m running out of supplies. The family down the hill started locking their doors three nights ago.”
Every molecule of air rushed out of him in one enormous gust. He braced a hand on the rock beside him and sucked in air, trying to fill the vacuum in his chest.
Cara turned to him with a bright smile, relief shining in her expression. She paused for a moment staring at him before she wiped dampness he hadn’t been aware of from beneath his eyes.
Fucking tears. No wonder I couldn’t tell it was her.
Cara took charge. “Come on, kiddo. Let’s get out o
f here.” She held out a hand to Addie and helped the girl up. “No games today, okay? We just want to get you out of here and to a safe place.” Cara tilted her head toward the cave’s opening, indicating that he needed to move.
He snapped from his stupor and nodded once.
Cara continued to speak, as if they were just ambling about on a Sunday afternoon stroll through the park. “Listen up, one of my Army friends is just outside the cave. Tall, dark glasses. He’s with us. He’s just extra protection. A little farther out, when we get to our trucks, you’ll meet a couple more guys. They’re on our team, and we couldn’t ask for better. Okay?”
The dirty faced girl appeared to consider Cara’s words for a moment before nodding her acceptance. But Cara had been burned once before. “I promise you, they’re on our side. One more thing, sweetheart. They can run fast, too. The only reason you got away from me last time was a banged up knee. This time? It won’t happen again. No tricks. The path out of here should be safe, but no matter what happens, you stay beside me, Rick, or James. You got me?”
“You said he’s Army?” Addie fiddled with the long messy braid that hung over her shoulder.
“Yes, former Army. We all are. We’ve moved on now, but we served together a few years ago.”
“So you trust him? Them?” Addie looked up at Cara and then to him, as looking if for his reassurance.
He spoke up. “Absolutely. That’s why they’re here. There’s no one on the planet I trust more than my team. Mayhem, or Cara is right. It should be safe, but no matter what, you stay with one of us. We’ll get you out of here.”
Addie looked up to Cara with a frown of confusion. “Mayhem?”
“Yup. That’s what they call me. If you want, when we’re in the truck, I’ll tell you the story.”
“Cool.” She nodded as if they’d all agreed upon a restaurant for lunch, not heading out into a crazy, messed up situation.
Finding Leigh: Dark Horse Inc. Book 3 Page 11