Page 109 of Stolen Dreams
Where are you?
Setting my phone on the table, I keep my eyes on the screen. “It’s him. He’s okay.” I point to the image. “Wish I knew where this is.”
Everyone leans closer and squints at the picture. Time stretches out as they stare and pick apart the background. The solemn look on their faces as they stand back up is all the answer I need.
They don’t know the place either.
“Can I?” Kaya points at the phone. When no one responds, she picks it up and narrows her eyes as she brings the phone closer. Her brows pinch as she tilts her head. A beat later, her eyes widen.
I crowd her. “Do you know this place, Fire Eyes?”
Slowly, she shifts her attention to me and nods. “Think so.”
Relief slams into my chest. “Where is it?”
“Several years ago, I went hiking with my family just north of the Stone Bay border. We happened upon this old cabin in the woods. Looked like no one had lived there in a while.” She stares back down at the image. “We hiked the same area a few months later and someone was cleaning up the place. We stopped and spoke with them. They showed us the inside and said they planned to rent it to tourists.” She points at the painting on the wall in the picture. “This floral painting… I asked about it.” She meets my gaze. “It’s the only reason I remember this place.”
Clasping her arms, I bite the inside of my cheek to resist sounding impatient. “Where is it?” I ask again.
“A couple miles outside of town, there’s a dirt road”—she closes her eyes and pinches them tightly—“I can’t remember the name.”
“It’s okay,” I assure her as hope trickles into my bloodstream. “What else?”
“There’s maybe a mile between the highway and the cabin. The train tracks are another half mile or so east of it.” Kaya winces. “Rough guess.”
I drop my mouth to hers in a chaste kiss. “It’s more than any of us had. Thank you.”
Papers shuffle on the table. I turn to see Travis spreading out a map. Everyone leans in as he points at an area.
“From her description, I estimate the cabin is here.” Travis draws a circle on the map with his finger. “Train yard is here. We have”—he checks his watch—“forty-eight minutes until the meetup. Tré?”
I meet his gaze across the table.
“Go to the train yard. Take your family or anyone Tucker is comfortable around. If they make the exchange, we need someone he feels safe with to protect him.”
It’s on the tip of my tongue to argue. Knowing Brianna, she will hide Tucker at the cabin with the intent of using him again in the future. But I don’t get a word out.
“I’ll go to the train yard,” Kaya offers. “Tucker feels safe with me.”
Her bravery makes my pulse soar. Just another reason to… care deeply for her.
“We’ll be there, too,” Dad states as he hugs Mom to his side.
“Perfect. Officers will be split between the cabin and train yard. Tré’s the only one visible for the exchange. Everyone else hides in the tree line or shadow of the buildings. You’ll have a duffel filled with bundled paper that looks like cash.” Travis levels his gaze with mine and holds it. “You donothand over the bag until Tucker is released. Once they know there’s no money, shit will go sideways. Tucker needs to be out of the way first.”
“Got it,” I say.
“Once Tucker is safe, officers will make their presence known. I suggest you get as far away from Brianna and the man as possible. We want to apprehend them but will take them down if necessary.”
Sweat dampens my skin as my stomach cramps. All I can do is nod.
“Let’s head out,” Travis orders. “Best if we get there early and hide any signs of other people.” Travis turns to Tymber. “You good going to the cabin with my group?”
“Absolutely.” Tymber pulls out his phone. “Let me update Levi and hit the head before we go.”
“Meet you outside in five,” Travis says then exits the conference room.
I turn to Kaya. “Sure you’re okay with this?”