Satisfied they were safe, he navigated to the cabin. Quinn and JJ were asleep when they pulled in. The sun had set long ago, and the cabin was in a dense forest. The road, lined with trees on both sides, opened to a small bare patch of land where the cabin sat.
The headlights shone on the cabin as he pulled up. It had probably seen better days, but it didn’t look too terrible. Weeds had invaded the old flower beds that lined the walkway up to the porch. The windows were dusty, so he couldn’t see much inside. Mrs. Stevenson had been right—the place was a mess.
He looked at Quinn, her head leaned against the window. Her chest rose and fell in a steady pattern. He didn’t want to wake her. She looked so peaceful, but she’d sleep better in a bed. He gently shook her. “Quinn.”
She stirred and snuggled a little deeper into the seat. He shook her again. “Quinn. We’re here.”
Her head turned in his direction, and she slowly opened her eyes. She sat up and stretched, grimacing.
“I’m going to go inside and check the cabin and get some lights turned on. You and JJ stay in the car, okay?” While he hoped no one knew where they’d decided to go and there wasn’t an ambush waiting for them, one could never be too careful.
She nodded and rubbed the sleep from her eyes.
He dug the key out of his pocket and exited the vehicle. The porch step creaked as he put his full weight on it. The porch was covered in dirt, and dried leaves were scattered about. He unlocked the front door and opened it slowly, then groped along the wall until he found a light switch and flipped it on. The room was instantly cast in bright light. He stood in a large open area. On the left, a small hall led to what he assumed would be a bedroom and bathroom.
A large overstuffed couch and chair were situated in front of an old stone fireplace in the middle of the living area. Beyond that, there was a small table and four chairs. The far wall was lined with cabinets interrupted by a sink and small stove. A refrigerator stood next to the back door.
He stepped inside and walked to the hall, satisfied the common area was safe. He turned down the hallway—a bathroom lay to his right, and a door to his left led to a bedroom. He checked both rooms and then went back out to get Quinn and JJ.
Quinn was still seated in the passenger seat when he stepped onto the porch. He waved her in as he descended the steps. He climbed back into the SUV and shut off the motor. “All looks well. Go ahead and go inside, and I’ll get JJ.”
She unbuckled and twisted in her seat, grimacing again. “JJ. Wake up, buddy. We’re here.”
The boy had almost the same reaction Quinn had had a few minutes ago.
“Come on, big guy,” Reid added.
JJ groaned and opened his eyes.
“Let’s go inside and get ready for bed,” Quinn coerced from the front seat.
JJ unbuckled and opened his door. Quinn did the same. She walked around and met him in front of the SUV.
Since Quinn had taken care of getting JJ into the cabin, he’d carry in their bags. The crash earlier had damaged the rear of his car and left the trunk gaping open. He’d been able to grab their bags, the groceries, and the extra blankets before the car was towed.
Quinn and JJ weren’t in the main room when he entered. No doubt they were checking their new accommodations. He took his load to the couch and separated the things. The bathroom door was shut, and the toilet flushed as he entered the small hallway.
Quinn stood by the bed, looking at a painting hanging on the wall. He dropped their bags next to the dresser and set the blankets on the bed. “Let’s get the bed made so you guys can get some rest.” JJ joined them, and they worked silently as a team.
“Get your PJs on,” Quinn directed JJ. “I’m going to use the restroom, and I’ll be right back.”
Reid went out to get the groceries he had salvaged from the car. The cold and frozen foods would be no good by now, but they still had some food and other supplies.
He got the food put away while Quinn and JJ got ready for bed. While he was outside, he had grabbed her prescription. He retrieved a bottle of water and the pills, took them to their room, and knocked on the closed bedroom door.
“Come in.”
He entered the room. “I brought you a bottle of water and your pain pills.”
She smiled weakly. “Thank you. I could definitely use one right now.” She rubbed the back of her neck.
JJ already lay covered in bed, eyes closed.
“It doesn’t take him long to fall asleep, does it?” Reid nodded at the sleeping child.
“Makes me jealous sometimes. His head hits the pillow and he’s out. Me, on the other hand—I lay in bed and think of a billion different things before finally falling asleep.”
“I know the feeling.” He looked at the window. “I want to check that and make sure it’s locked.” Satisfied it was secure, he backed out of the room. “Get some rest, and we’ll talk in the morning.”
