Page 153 of Peaks and Promises

We raced down the highway. Fear and anger simmered in the background, but my head was clear. There was no way Axel would succeed. He was not taking my son.

We already knew Nate no longer had his watch. It had stopped moving at a spot where there was nothing but highway, and when we passed it, there was no sign of them.

The tracker in his shoe kept moving south. So we followed.

I wasn’t sure what we were going to do once we caught up. Probably stay on his tail and call the police.

“I wish I knew where he was headed,” Reese said, breaking the silence.

“You don’t think he’s going back to Mayhem?”

He shook his head. “Too easy to find. And the club wouldn’t want the heat of a kidnapped child. Even if they’re helping him, he’ll go somewhere else to hide out for a while.”

“I’m calling my mom. She might know.” I brought up her number and called, but of course she didn’t answer. “Thanks, Mom. Super helpful.”

“Do you know of any other places with a connection to the club? Somewhere the members go regularly?”

“They have something near Reno. I’ve never been there, so I’m not sure what it is. A business they own, or maybe a warehouse or something?”

“He could be headed there. Especially if they have contacts in the area. Someone might be willing to put him up for a while. Anywhere else?”

“Not that I know of. The only other place that comes to mind is Montana.”

“What’s in Montana?”

“Axel has an uncle there. As far as I know, he’s the only family he has. His dad was never around, and his mom died before I knew him.”

“Doesn’t look like he’s heading for Montana. But if he turns east, that might be why.”

I checked the map again. “I think he left the highway.”

Reese glanced over. “Are you sure?”

“It looks like it. There’s an exit into a town. I think he took it.”

“What the hell is he doing?”

“I bet Nate has to pee.”

“That would track.”

I watched the map. Axel had definitely pulled off the highway. He went a short distance into the town and stopped.

“Where is he now?” Reese asked.

“He stopped somewhere.” I zoomed in. “It looks like a restaurant. Must be to use the bathroom. I can’t imagine he’d stop for dinner.”

“No. He has to know we’re following. I’m surprised he’s stopping at all. Although if Nate has to pee…”

“Someday the poor kid’s bladder will catch up with the rest of his body.”

Reese chuckled a little, and something about it eased the tension in my neck and shoulders. It was going to be all right. Axel couldn’t get away.

“Let’s call Garrett,” he said. “I want to see if he can send the local police to that spot.”

“On it.”

Using Reese’s phone, I called his brother. The Bluetooth in the SUV picked up the call.