Page 71 of Mountain Refuge

“Break it down.” Tracy backed up and raised her leg to kick.

“Hold on, Rambo.” He reached up and took the piece of metal from the doorjamb and unlocked the door.

The room sat empty.

The curtains fluttered over the open window.

“I’ll get my gun.” Taya darted back to the kitchen.

Ryan retrieved his weapon from his room and called to the dogs. They’d find the girl quickly. They had to. Before someone else did.

Chapter Nine

Heart in herthroat, Taya followed close on Ryan’s heels as he followed the dogs into the woods. Her only consolation was the fact Tracy had taken Betty with her.

What if she ran into those two men? Would they recognize her? Her heart beat faster. Of all the things Taya had faced during her career, this frightened her the most. She couldn’t fail her niece.

Ryan glanced over his shoulder. “We’ll find her. The dogs know this mountain. She can’t have traveled far.”

Taya nodded, wanting to believe him. Instead, dread filled her.

One of the dogs ahead of them barked.

Ryan bolted ahead, Taya right behind.

They burst through some brush to find Tracy sitting on the bank of a creek, her arm around Betty and tear stains on her cheeks. Taya dropped to her knees and wrapped her niece in a hug.

“You scared me to death. Why did you run away?”

“Because you won’t let me help. I’m not a child.” She stiffened in Taya’s arms.

“But…you are.” She searched her niece’s face.

“I’m fifteen. That is not a child.” She shook her head. “The Boss wants me. I can identify him. Let me help you stop him before he takes someone else.”

Taya met Ryan’s concerned gaze over the girl’s head.

He shrugged and glanced across the creek. “Someone is coming. Get her out of here.”

“Come on…Amber. Let’s go home.” Taya gripped Tracy’s hand and pulled her to her feet. “Come, Betty.” As the two men who kept showing up whenever they were in the woods stepped into sight, Taya and Tracy melted into the shadows on the other side.

“Howdy again!” One of them raised a hand in greeting.

“Hello.” Ryan moved to block their view of the fleeing Taya and Tracy.

“No need for them to leave. We’re only sightseeing.”

Taya ducked, putting her finger to her lips.

Tracy nodded, eyes wide.

“My daughter ran off. The wife is taking her home to ground her. You know how teenagers are.”

“I’m not married or a father myself. Neither is Larry here, but we can imagine.” The man laughed. “Name’s Darrel.”

“Ryan Boyne.”

Darrel frowned. “Why does that name sound familiar?”