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He and Gia were too exposed. They needed to lie low, out of sight, while he set his plan in motion.
By the time they returned to the accident scene, two tow trucks were there, the operators working to stabilize the overturned pickup so they could right it and get it loaded. Jennie’s truck was parked in the same spot as when they left.
No sign of Jennie.
Caleb stayed inthe Tahoe with Gia while Zach questioned the two men.
Frustration simmered on Zach’s face when he came back. “Richie and Tristin, the other tow operator, said Jennie was gone by the time they arrived. Her truck’s locked and she didn’t leave the key—They looked everywhere for it.”
Warning sirens blared in Caleb’s head. “Take us back to the house.”
“Why didn’t she leave the key?” Zach held his phone to his ear, his lips thinning in a grim line. “She’s still not answering her phone.”
Caleb glanced back at Gia. “You try calling her.”
After a moment, Gia’s worried gaze met his in the rearview mirror. “She’s not answering me, either. Maybe her phone died?”
She was reaching, grasping at straws. Caleb didn’t blame her.
Maybe Jennie had her phone on silent and was too busy flirting with the delivery guy to notice. Maybe her batteryhaddied. Maybe she was in a cell phone dead spot—God knows there were plenty on the rez.
There were too many reasonable explanations to get through before they considered foul play.
As they drove toward Gallup, Caleb scanned every vehicle on the road. When they arrived at the safe house, he and his cousin cleared the perimeter first, then moved inside while Gia waited in the Tahoe.
Once they were sure it was secure, Caleb ushered Gia indoors, then trailed Zach out to his cruiser.
“I’m heading to Jennie’s,” Zach said, his jaw set. “I’ll let you know when I find her—if I don’t strangle her first.”
Caleb rested his forearms on the Tahoe’s open window and met his cousin’s stare. “I can get a trace on her cellphone faster than you can get a warrant to access the data.”
“Thanks. I hope I don’t need it.”
“Call me whenyou hear anything. Gia’s worried.”
Back inside, Caleb followed the sharp clang of pans and rattle of cabinet doors into the kitchen.
“Lunch—you hungry?” Gia flew around the small kitchen, tossing bread, sliced turkey, cheese, and condiments carelessly on the counter. “We didn’t get lunch—look at the time.”
He stepped into her path and bent until they were eye level. “Gia, look at me.” His voice was steady. “Let’s not assume the worst, okay?”
Fear darkened her sapphire eyes to midnight. “Jennie always answers her phone. Her texts.”
He had no response to give that would reassure her.
They ate in strained silence. Sat on the couch after. Waited.
Finally, Caleb’s phone rang.Zach.
“Richie went back for Jennie’s truck,” Zach said. “He jimmied the lock. Her cell phone was on the floor, passenger side.”
Hell.“And her home?” Caleb asked.
“I’m here now. No sign of her. I checked with the neighbors. No one’s seen her come or go since this morning.”
Gia’s phone rang beside him. She’d barely let it out of her hands since they got back, checking it again and again.
She glanced at the screen—and a strangled sound escaped her throat.