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She nodded. “Kindred spirits. You would’ve loved each other. Wish I knew where he was so I could introduce the two of you.”

“You think he was killed, right?”

She breathed out a long sigh. “I do. I guess I always have.”

“God help the people who took my sister if they hurt her.”

“I’m not sure even God can provide that kind of help.”

“He’s the only one who can, Sam.”

Bythetimetheyarrived back at her Park Ranger SUV, Samantha wished they’d driven separately. Risking her heart on a billionaire playboy wasn’t worth it. His putting a stop to things was for the best. She knew he wanted to make promises, but she knew better than to believe he’d keep them. Besides, his sister was missing. He didn’t need any added complications. And that’s all she would be in the end. Once Cate was safe at home, he’d get back to his life, and she’d be nothing more than a pleasant memory. At least she hoped the memories would be good for him.

“Sam, why are you shutting me out?”

“I’m not. But I do need to focus on my job.” She headed down Red Rock Mountain hoping she could drop him at the lodge before he tore her insides apart any more than he already had.

He stared out the window. “I think you’re brakes are burning.”

She’d forgotten to down-shift. Something she never did. Putting her car in 2nd gear she continued down the incline. When the road flattened out at near the stop sign, she put her vehicle back in drive. Gavin stared down at his phone. “Scott sent a text. He’s on his way back with your car.”

“Great. Thanks.”

“Call, and I’ll pick you up at work when you’re done.”

“No need. I can take the Explorer home.”

“You sure? Gray said he was renting something from Bloomsburg. I think he was hoping for a pickup truck.”

“I’m sure. Shouldn’t Grayson be getting home to his wife?”

“Jenna is flying into Avoca later tonight. He offered to send the jet to pick her up, but she refused. She hates the idea of wasting all that fuel when she can fly commercial.”

“Sounds like a good woman.”

“She is. He’s a blessed man.”

“Here you are.” She pulled into the parking lot of the lodge.

“I don’t like the way we’re leaving things.”

She shrugged. “I have to get on with that door knock. I’ll let you know how it goes.”

He reached over and squeezed her hand then got out of the car. Instead of waiting for him to go inside, she circled around the drive and headed back to the park.

Billy was sitting at his desk when she arrived at the office.

“You up for a door knock?”

“Sure.” He squinted at her. “Where we going?”

“The Ricketts Estate.”

“Really?”

“You know those drone calls we keep getting?”

He nodded.