Page 72 of Mountain Refuge

“I’m a writer.” Ryan took a deep breath. “Nice to see you again. I’d best go help the wife.”

Taya kept her gaze on the two men as Ryan turned and stepped into the trees where she hid with Tracy. He jerked his head down the trail, then whistled for the dogs to follow.

His unease pricked her nerves. She had the feeling Ryan didn’t think the men as innocent as they seemed. Neither did she. Why did they always show up…unless they were watching the cabin? “Have you seen any sign of those men close to the cabin?” She asked once they were well out of hearing.

“Not that I know of. The dogs would let us know if anyone came around.”

“Trouble is getting closer. I feel it.”

He glanced back. “So, do I.”

“Not to nag or anything,” Tracy said, “but this is why you should let me draw him out.”

Taya glared. “The answer is and will always be a firm no.”

Tracy set her jaw and marched ahead of them, back straight.

With a sigh, Taya shook her head. She wasn’t very good at being a mother figure to a teenage girl who had experienced something a lot of adults would crumble under.

“She’ll be okay.” Ryan took her hand.

Taya stiffened, then relaxed. The simple gesture comforted her as Ryan most likely intended it to. Nothing romantic about it. “I hope so.”

“How is the research going as to how to help other girls?”

“Slow. What I need is to find a reliable group that can use my help. The problem with that is…I can’t leave Tracy, so any help I do has to be from behind a computer. I’m not sure that will be good for much.”

“Anything is better than nothing.” He nodded toward the house. “Sheriff is here.”

Taya’s heart fell. His visit could be a good thing, but her gut said otherwise.

~

Ryan released Taya’s hand and offered his to the sheriff. “What brings you out here?’

Sheriff Westbrook returned the handshake. “Nothing good, I’m afraid.

“Exactly what I thought.” Taya crossed her arms. “Tracy, go inside, please.”

“I don’t think so.” She plopped onto a deck chair. “This probably involves me.”

The sheriff shrugged. “Not directly.” He took a deep breath. “We’ve received a report from Langley PD about a missing sixteen-year-old. She left school yesterday and never made it home.”

“Are you sure she was abducted?” Ryan glanced to where Tracy sat, eyes wide, straining to hear the sheriff’s words.

“Everyone we’ve spoken to said it wasn’t like her not to let her parents or at least a friend know where she was going.” He removed his hat and raked a hand through his hair. “I’m letting you know so you can keep a lookout. Keep Tracy close.”

“Can I talk to you away from—” he jerked his head toward the girl.

“Sure. Walk with me to my car.”

Ryan fell into step as the sheriff returned to his vehicle. “Tracy has been difficult. She insists on using social media to draw out the predators. Said she’s the only one who can identify The Boss.”

“True, but she’s too young. We don’t even use informants under the age of sixteen, and then only when we’re desperate.” He slapped his hat back on his head.

“Anyone new in town?”

“A lot of folks. The campground is full of a men’s group. Said they’re here fishing.”