Page 82 of Driven to Love

Nash ended the call.

One line from Simon was spinning in his brain. Miller was a prepper. Nash didn’t know much about survivalists, but what he did know was the best thing when the shit hits the fan wasn’t bugging out. No, it was bugging in.

With his hands on his hips, he turned, scanning the farmyard. Miller could have a hidey-hole in the basement or the outbuildings.

Nash had already checked the barn and shed. He eyed the house. From this side, he could see the basement access door, the kind that angled like a storm cellar.

Good thing he hadn’t promised Simon he wouldn’t break the law. Nash pulled out his phone and called Cade.

“Did you find her?” His friend answered with concern in his voice.

“Not yet. But I might need you to have bail money ready.”

“And let you have all the fun? No way. Where are you?”

“I’m at the Miller farm. So far, I’ve got nothing, but… Something in my gut tells me this is our guy.” He had learned long ago to trust his gut.

“I know a guy who might be able to track his phone.”

Nash heard Cade typing on the other end of the line.

“Who?”

“Sawyer. He’s IT for a mobile phone company. Let me see what he can do before you break down the guy’s door.”

“Five minutes.” Liar. In two minutes, he’d be busting in. The thought of what could be happening to Addison right now had him fidgeting like back in his first training exercise.

“Sawyer replied. What’s the guy’s number?”

Nash’s phone rang. Sawyer’s number popped up. “Gotta go. Sawyer’s on the other line.” He clicked over to the other call.

“What’s the guy’s number?” No hello from his friend. All business.

Nash rattled it off. “Thanks, man.”

“Don’t mention it. Really. I could lose my job for this.”

The clicks of Sawyer’s keystrokes in the background had Nash’s leg bouncing.

“Got it. Texting it to you now.”

Nash hovered his finger over the screen, waiting. It wasn’t long, but to him, it felt like hours. “No way! They’re here! Or at least his phone is.”

Nash cupped his hands to the side of his face as he peered through the glass of a back window. Everything was dark inside, even though it was the middle of the day. He was right about Miller fixing up the place. There were sawhorses sitting in the center of the room and some lumber on the floor.

The crunch of tires drew his attention. Cade jumped from the vehicle seconds later. “Sawyer texted. He’s in the office today but can bust out of there and help.”

“If I’m right, they’re here.” Nash turned his focus to the slanted double doors that led to the basement. “Simon talked to the coworkers. They mentioned a cabin up north.”

“But?” Cade turned in a slow circle as he scanned the property. “You already checked all the outbuildings?”

“Yeah. Nothing but a cat.”

Cade looked around on the ground, finally picking up a large rock. “Okay. I’ll go ring the doorbell, make a distraction, and you bust the lock. Wait for my signal.”

“I can’t ask you to help me with this. You’re on parole as it is.”

“If we’re wrong, I’ll duck out. But if we are right, and she’s here—”