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Bridger could feel the oppressive heat even through the screen. He watched as beads of sweat trickled down the back of Kate’s neck as she conferred with Fenn. The air shimmered above the cracked hardpan, creating a wavy mirage effect. It was like looking through the beam of a heat lamp.
The drones buzzed overhead, scanning the area with infrared cameras. Nothing but dust and creosote bushes for miles, and a handful of heat signatures from small desert creatures.
“Area is clear,” Kate confirmed. “Let’s scout the perimeter.”
Fenn nodded, signaling Mason to fan out. The three agents moved with military precision, constantly scanning for threats or clues. So far the abandoned airfield was living up to its reputation. The only signs of life were the occasional lizard darting between creosote bushes.
Bridger glanced at Jane. She was sitting very still, hands clasped tightly in her lap. He could see the tension in her shoulders, the apprehension in her eyes as she watched the screens. This was their first solid lead in months, but that only cranked up the pressure. Failure was not an option.
On screen, the team headed for the building.
Tai’s voice crackled over the speaker. He and Paige were back at the new ranch, watching their own live feed. “How’s it looking out there, team?”
“No five-star amenities, if that’s what you’re asking,” Kate said. “Proceeding inside.”
Tai scrolled through a few different drone feeds, zeroing in on the shack. Between the busted-out windows, the sagging roof, and the crooked door—warped and desiccated from decades in the harsh desert weather—the place gave off a sad, lonely air.
He leaned closer to the screen, watching intently as the team entered the dim interior. Dust motes swirled in the beams of light streaming in the broken windows, giving the place an otherworldly feel.
The team fanned out, searching for clues.
Bridger tensed as Kate’s light illuminated a set of footprints. The tread was familiar. His eyes cut to Jane, but she was focused on the screen.
Mason planted a foot next to one print. The older imprint was easily two sizes bigger. “Jason’s boots,” Mason confirmed.
Tai focused a drone camera in on a single print. Yup. The tread was the same on Bridger’s combat boots. The rest of the team’s, too. Only the size was different. Jay-man had big feet. Almost the size of Tai’s. Jason had been there. Recently.
Jane let out a shaky breath. Giving in to instinct, he wrapped an arm around her shoulders. She leaned into him, warm and solid. He caught the faint scent of her shampoo.
“We’ll find him,” he murmured, savoring the feel of her against him.
Jane nodded, unspeaking. But she didn’t pull away.
Small victories.
The interior of the building was dim and dusty. Old wooden crates, rusted oil drums, and broken furniture littered the space.
Kate swept her flashlight around, highlighting the grime and debris. “It’s been decades since anyone human spent much time here.”
Mason knelt down, examining the floor. “Got some more footprints here.” He gestured to faint impressions disturbing the thick layer of dust. “Several sets. A couple older ones. Jason’s appear to be the most recent.”
Bridger leaned forward, peering closely at the screen showing a closeup of the prints. The tread pattern looked familiar. His pulse quickened.
Jane gripped his arm.
Bridger placed his hand over hers, giving a reassuring squeeze. “We’re on the right track.”
Jane let out a shaky breath, relief washing over her face. “We have to be getting close.”
The footprints were like a message from Jason himself. Bridger lifted a quick prayer of thanks, and a message for Jay-man.
We’re coming, buddy. Just hang on.
His gaze remained fixed on the video feeds as the team fanned out through the derelict building.
“Hey, got something over here,” Mason called out. He crouched down, reaching toward a dark object nestled in the shadows beneath a rotting wooden counter.
Pulse pounding in his ears, Bridger squinted at the screen.
