“What? The Jeep is gone?”
Willow!
His heart pounded in rhythm with his head. It was too much to grapple with all at once. Willow. She’d had that duffel bag out to pack. He thought he’d heard her snoring, and that she’d given up the idea of leaving. He’d trusted her to wait for an explanation.
Wait. He wasn’t thinking clearly. Whoever beat him might have taken her.
Dread rose in his gut, threatening to sink him. “I have to find Willow.”
He narrowed his eyes as though the action could dampen the severe pain in his temples as he made his way along the side of the house.
Heath led the way to the back and opened the door. The dogs rushed inside the house. “Willow! Evelyn!” Heath called.
Austin made his way up the stairs, pushing off the walls when they tilted, until he got to her room. He knocked softly, hesitating only a millisecond before cracking it open. Empty. He burst all the way in and flipped on the lights. The bedding was crumpled. Her duffel was gone.
Heath appeared behind him. “Found Evelyn. She’s still asleep. Must be those new pills for her back.”
“Could I be any worse of a bodyguard?”
“No time to wallow. What do you think happened? Did she leave on her own? Or did he take her?”
Austin frowned. “He was here and got to me first. Whatever happened, we have to find her. I’ll call her cell to see if she answers.”
“I’ll call the sheriff. Even if she left on her own, he needs to know someone attacked you.”
“Which one are you going to call? You’re on the county line. If he took Willow, they could be headed any direction.”
“I’ll call Sheriff Haines. He’ll likely call other law enforcement. I have no use for Everett.”
Austin grabbed his cell and called Willow. It went straight to voicemail. “If he took her, why did he take the Jeep too?”
Heath shrugged. “It’s a distraction for one thing. We don’t know if she left on her own or not.”
Something caught Austin’s eye. He leaned closer to the pillow and ran his finger over the small stain. Blood. No!
Heath grabbed his arm and pulled him back. “It’s a drop or two, Austin. It could be anything.”
Regardless, Austin couldn’t see straight. Couldn’t think straight.
He stumbled down the hallway to the bathroom. Opened the medicine cabinet and found the ibuprofen. He struggled to get the lid off and all the pills spilled to the floor. He dropped to his knees, jarring his head again, and pawed at the floor. He only needed four, but his hands were shaking and he couldn’t pick up the pills. His vision blurred. He decided to take advantage of being on his knees and began to pray. Beg.
God, when I’m weak, you are strong. Please, let that be true, because I can’t think. I can hardly move knowing Willow is out there and could be in danger because I failed. But I have to move. I have to act. Give me the strength to find her despite my own failings.
He had to pull himself together. The ibuprofen came into focus. Austin grabbed four. Didn’t have time to clean up the rest. Willow was out there somewhere because someone had bested him. He grabbed a cup of water, took the pills, and found Heath pacing in the hall. While his brother rattled off the information to the sheriff’s department, Austin headed for his room, where he opened his laptop. Finishing the call, Heath followed him and hovered over his shoulder. “What are you doing, man?”
“Remember Ralph, that cur dog we had?”
“Yeah, what’s he got to do with anything?”
“Remember how he kept running off and Dad threatened us if we let him run off again, so we went in together and got him chipped?”
“That’s only so the dog could be identified if found. You’re not telling me you chipped Willow.”
“Of course not. There was a time or two when I was with the FBI that I wished everyone had a tracking device.” One time in particular that he couldn’t let go of, and that’s what had driven him in his decision. “I bought Willow a necklace at Wyoming Silversmith and put a tracker on that. Let’s hope she’s wearing it.” The image on the screen glowed with a red dot. “There. She’s not headed to Jackson or to the airport.”
His gut soured. As much as he hadn’t wanted her to leave on her own, that would have been a much better scenario.
“No. I wouldn’t imagine her abductor would take her there. But she’s deep in the Gros Ventre Wilderness Area. Come on. Looks like he’s got a big head start on us.”
“Isn’t the sheriff on his way?”
“Yeah, but he can meet us there and maybe pick up her abductor at the same time.” Heath grabbed Austin, his blue eyes dark and forceful. “We’ll get her back, little brother.”
With his laptop, tablet, and cell phone in tow, Austin followed Heath out of the house. The only issue would be getting a decent signal out there. But he knew where she was now and that was something.
They climbed into Heath’s truck. “Let’s go, let’s go,” Austin said. “We’re wasting time.”
God, I can’t lose her.
Heath started the ignition and peeled away from the place Austin once called home. He steered down the drive and onto the road. “You’ll have to tell me which way to go.”
“Okay. Let’s head northwest once we get to the main highway.”
“I know that. I know how to get to the wilderness area along the road, but I’m talking after that.”
Right. He hoped the ibuprofen would kick in soon.
“So you tagged your girlfriend.” Heath’s teasing tone came across loud and clear.
Austin tried to ignore the harassment and the pain in his head. “My girlfriend? You’ve got it all wrong.”
“Tell you what, I’ll let you prove that to the both of us as soon as we get her back.”
“You’re on.” He stared at the red dot. “It stopped.”
“What? The red dot?”
A knot lodged in Austin’s throat. “I just realized. The red dot is not even moving. It hasn’t moved since I pulled it up. I don’t like this. I’d prefer if he kept going and we caught up with him. But stopping . . .”
“He could have gotten to the place where he plans to hide her. Don’t think the worst.”
But Austin couldn’t help himself. A million scenarios ran through his mind about why an abductor would stop in the middle of nowhere.
None of them good for Willow.
Chapter forty-nine
SATURDAY, 1:31 A.M.
GROS VENTRE WILDERNESS
After Willow donned the extra layers of clothing from her duffel bag, she still wasn’t warm enough.
Twigs snapped. Leaves rustled.
Her pulse jumped. She hoped she melded with the tree hollow and the dark forest would keep her hidden. Holding her breath, she listened. Blood roared in her ears.
Had he found her?
Grunting sounds met her ears. A musky scent accosted her.
A grizzly bear? God, please don’t let me see a grizzly bear, despite my earlier wish.
A low growl morphed into a high-pitched scream that echoed musically through the woods. Willow released her breath. An elk. Striking terror in her heart, a bulky silhouette blacked out what little moonlight had broken through the forest canopy. The creature was mere feet from her. Releasing another ear-shattering bugle, the bull elk turned, displaying a large, wide rack of antlers. Was she in danger?
She turned to stone again. Please don’t see me, please don’t see me.
Willow could hardly believe the size of it. The beast continued forward, moving through the forest.
A laugh of pure relief almost escaped. The elk didn’t seem to care about her presence. She knew nothing about these animals, but what a moment. She hoped she would be able to share about the experience with Austin.
Should she get up and move again or stay hidden in the hollow? Maybe if she could make it to a high point, she could better see where she was. Yeah right. And stumble off a cliff. Without a sense o
f direction, she wasn’t sure which way to head. She was truly lost. But that was okay as long as her abductor didn’t find her.
Had he finally given up so he could go after Charlie?
Oh, Charlie . . .
Again, she thought about what JT would have done in her situation. She pushed herself farther into the tree hollow, packed the duffel bag over her legs, and scooped pine needles over her legs like a blanket. Might as well stay here for the night. Otherwise she could run into the guy out there searching for her.
God, please hide me tonight. Hide me in the shadow of your wings. Help me understand.
Because she didn’t understand any of it. Why did JT have to die like that? Why was she on the run now because she’d chosen to find a woman who’d been abducted? And for that matter—why had she been abducted? And why was Austin involved in her life again?
Her uncertainty about his presence reminded her of a squirrel flitting back and forth across the road, danger looming with the squirrel’s indecision. Yet Willow had no doubt that Austin was an integral part of this search for Charlie. His walking back into her life was by creative design, just like the universe. The forest and creatures around her.
How could she be angry? How could she regret working with him? If she had the chance to go back in time and change what had happened between them before, would she? Regret over her mistakes overwhelmed her. Could she even walk through one day without making a mistake? God help her, because if it weren’t for his grace, where would she be?
Coyotes howled much too close for comfort. But if they were close, that meant he was likely far away. Still, she shivered with cold, raw fear.
Something breathed much too loudly, then snorted. Another animal. Definitely not a man. She gripped the knife she’d taken in one hand, but she wanted a weapon in both hands. She reached forward and felt around in the debris for a stick. A rock. Anything. Her fingers brushed up against stone. She dug her fingernails into the loam around the rock and urged it from the earth.
If her abductor found her, at least she was prepared to defend herself.
A memory flickered through her thoughts. She closed her eyes and let her mind drift back to the day she learned her parents had died. JT was with her. His strong arms around her, holding her. He had to have been grieving himself, but as a child, Willow hadn’t known that.
She only felt his love for her and heard his whispers in her ear. “Remember, Willow. The Lord is your rock and your fortress. He’s your savior. My God is my rock, in whom I find protection.”
Only near the end of the Scripture did it sound like JT said the words to himself to soothe his own heartfelt grief at the loss of his only daughter. Now JT was with his daughter. And Willow was here alone.
No.
Not alone.
God is my rock.
She held tightly to her weapons, and repeated the words silently to calm her fears. Surreal peace flooded her heart, but she struggled to trust it. She should stay awake, remain on guard, but fatigue weighed her down. At least she was safe, warm, and dry.
Except . . .
Soft raindrops tapped the leaves on their way to the forest floor, the leading notes to a rain shower symphony.
Chapter fifty
SATURDAY, 3:36 A.M.
GROS VENTRE WILDERNESS
Faint light broke through her lids. Willow shifted uncomfortably beneath the cold, damp leaves and rain-soaked duffel bag, the hard bark of the tree cutting into her side and bringing her back to reality. She didn’t want to wake up. Not yet. A painful crick ached across her neck and shoulders.
Footfalls over pine needles and the rustling of foliage drew her fully awake. The light—a beam from a flashlight.
She reached for the knife. Where was it? She found the rock. Panic cinched her throat.
The footfalls grew closer and resounded as if he had no intention of sneaking up on her. Willow pressed herself deeper into the hollow, feeling around for the knife as she gripped the rock. Though her hands trembled, she prepared to fight for her life.
God is my rock.
The beam of light shined in her face, then dropped to the ground. A familiar form moved into her line of sight. Seconds ticked by before her brain registered. Austin crouched down at eye level and looked at her, his concern overwhelming her. A surge of gratitude swept over her, forcing a tsunami of tears down her cheeks.
He reached for her, easing her gently out of the hollow, then lifted her to her feet and wrapped his arms around her. He pressed his face into her neck. “Willow,” he said, taking in a deep breath.
It was all she needed.
Chapter fifty-one
Austin held her trembling form. Soothing words escaped his lips. He didn’t recognize his own voice. “It’s okay. You’re going to be okay.” Thank you, God, for letting me find her.
She was all he cared about.
Heath approached, relief surging in his eyes. He kept his distance, giving Austin a moment alone with Willow. Austin never wanted to let her go. Wouldn’t until she was ready.
The rain had stopped, except for latent droplets making their way slowly through the trees. He ran his hand over her cold, wet hair. A new pang hit him in the chest. “We need to get you back. Get you warmed up. Are you . . . are you all right?” What a stupid question. He wished he could absorb the cold from her and take all her pain away.
Willow was the one to step away.
The wild look in her eyes terrified him.
“How did you find me?” Her soft voice cracked.
“I’ll explain that later.”
Her eyes narrowed and she reached for the knot on his head but stopped before touching it. “What happened?”
He was surprised she could see in the limited lighting.
“Nothing we can’t talk about later.”
“All that matters right now is that you’re okay.” Heath stepped up. “We need to head back now. The deputies are looking over the wrecked vehicle. Your abductor could still be here searching for you. There’s an injured animal out there somewhere too.” His brother gestured at Willow. “She needs to answer questions, see a doctor.”
Austin nodded and took her hand. He couldn’t help himself and drew her close again. “I’m so, so sorry. This never should have happened to you.”
He held her again, wishing they were already somewhere safe and warm where he could hold her without interruption. That is, if she even wanted him near her now. He could hear Michael Croft’s voice again. “You’re fired. Get out. I don’t need you.”
He’d found her because of the small tracking device on her necklace, but she had been the one to keep herself alive, with God’s help, he was sure. Why had he ever let her out of his sight, trusting she was safe in Heath’s house? Or for that matter, out of his life to begin with?
“Come on, guys. Let’s get out of here.” Heath’s gruff voice thrust them apart. He grabbed her duffel.
Willow turned and stepped toward Heath, then collapsed. Austin crouched to help her up.
“I’m okay. I’m okay. My legs are stiff from sitting in the tree hollow half the night.” Her shaky voice didn’t fool him. She was completely drained.
Austin lifted her into his arms. At first she protested but then settled against him. She’d been strong long enough. As he tromped through the woods behind Heath, he imagined the sheer terror she had experienced while fleeing from her abductor.
He wanted to ask her questions. Did she see who it was? Could she describe him? What had been his intention? They’d seen the Jeep at the bottom of the ravine, but thanks to the tracker they knew she wasn’t in it. Still, for a few terrifying moments, he had thought the worst.
With her soft form in his arms, the fury subsided, if only a little. He could deal with his failures later, but right now the vibrant, living woman in his arms was all that mattered.
Chapter fifty-two
SATURDAY, 5:32 A.M.
GROS VENTRE WILDERNESS
With Willow safely tucked
away in the back seat of Heath’s truck after paramedics examined her, Austin watched the tow truck mount the wrecked sedan. Two Hoback County deputies conversed with forest rangers next to their department vehicles, waiting for more law enforcement to launch a search for the abductor in the Gros Ventre Wilderness and Bridger-Teton National Forest, though chances were the man was long gone.
Willow had answered their questions, but they still didn’t know who this guy was. The police said the vehicle had been stolen. Willow believed the collision with the moose had left her abductor with a broken arm though. That narrowed the suspects down to men with broken arms.
Had someone helped him get away? Were two different criminals involved—one in Seattle and one in Jackson Hole—and now coming together for a single, final act?
Austin was more than eager to be next to Willow again and get back to Heath’s house where he could concentrate on her. Rather than sitting up front, he climbed into the back seat with her. Heath had left the truck running and the heater blasting. It was too hot for comfort, but Willow needed to warm her chilled bones.
“Charlie’s in danger.” Her still-wet hair hanging down the sides of her face, she stared out the window. Vehicle lights illuminated swaths of the two-lane mountain road.
Heath climbed into the driver’s seat and steered onto the road to head back to the ranch.
“Don’t you see? Taking me tonight. It was all a distraction. He’s going to kill Charlie. He’s going after her. We need to get there first. I wanted to tell the deputies that a girl’s in danger, but I honestly don’t know who to trust anymore. The man after her could be anyone at all. Even the sheriffs I already told.”
Heath swerved into the opposite lane, receiving a blaring horn in response, then back to his own lane. He’d obviously been watching Willow through the rearview mirror instead of the road.
“You have some explaining to do, Heath.” Willow pulled her attention from the window to stare at the back of Heath’s head.
Never Let Go Page 23
