Justin knewDecker’s escape nagged at Raine, and he tried to think of a way they could pick up the guy’s trail. If the thunderstorm lasted long enough, it should be enough to douse the fire.
But he also knew there was no guarantee. Pockets of smoldering fire could reignite if the wind picked up. Wyoming was well known for its brisk wind.
Trevor’s phone rang, jolting him from his thoughts. His brother hit the answer button with his thumb. Griff’s voice came through the speakers. “What’s your status?”
“I have Justin and Raine.” Trevor raised his voice to be heard above the rain pounding against the hood of their SUV. “Sorry, I should have called sooner but was anxious to hit the road.”
“Thank you, God.” Griff’s voice was a reverent prayer. “I’m so glad they’re safe. The firefighters had to back off the cabin; the fire spread too fast for them to contain it.”
“It’s raining now,” Justin spoke up. “Hopefully that helps.”
“It should. Especially if it rains for at least an hour or two. Sounds like it’s coming down pretty hard, which is nice.” Griff sounded relieved. “I’m glad I don’t have to tell Chase we lost you.”
Justin’s oldest brother, Chase, tended to act like an overprotective father when the younger siblings were in danger. Not that he hadn’t supported their search and rescue missions, because Chase had. Yet tracking a convicted felon who was armed and desperate was not their usual quarry. Justin was glad he’d been called while he was away from the ranch so Chase couldn’t protest. Not that Justin would have listened. Decker was a menace and needed to be stopped before other innocent lives were lost.
Over the past several months, the Sullivan K9 routine search missions had proven to be anything but normal. Oh, they still searched and found lost hikers, kids, hunters, and other people who were reported missing. But lately his older siblings had taken on searches that had led them straight into danger, and Chase had not taken those perilous circumstances in stride.
“Tell Chase we’re fine,” Justin said. “That a bomb exploded as we were searching the place wasn’t something we could have anticipated.”
“I hear you,” Griff agreed. “I still can’t believe that happened. I mean, why blow up your own cabin?”
“It’s a mystery,” Justin agreed.
“Any news on Decker’s whereabouts?” Raine asked from the back seat. “I know Logan had to abandon his search, but has anyone else reported seeing Decker?”
“There have been a few reports coming in, but none have panned out.” Griff sounded weary. “We’ll follow up on them regardless, but I’m sure Decker is still in the Bighorn Mountains.”
“What about Jim Kluck?” Raine asked. “Have the locals found him yet?”
“Negative,” Griff replied. “But Logan was able to verify that Decker was alone on the ATV. That was shortly before he had to turn around, abandoning the search.”
“That’s interesting.” Justin frowned and turned to glance at Raine. “I wonder if he killed Kluck once he was no longer useful. Maybe he even left the guy in the cabin.”
Raine nodded slowly. “That fits his pattern. He’s a ruthless killer who only cares about himself.”
“That’s a possibility, but we’re still trying to follow up on leads,” Griff said. “Kluck owns the cabin but had another address listed on an earlier driver’s license. I sent deputies there to check the place out.”
“The name doesn’t sound familiar to me.” Justin arched his brow at Raine who shook her head. “I hope the deputies find someone there who can help verify Kluck’s whereabouts. Maybe we’re wrong about him being at the cabin.”
“We’re not wrong. Kluck had to be the one to set the bomb,” Raine quickly interjected. “I guess he could have left, but why would he? I have a feeling he stayed and waited for Decker to arrive.”
“You’re probably right, but it would be nice to know for sure.” Griff paused, then added, “I’d better call Chase. We’ll see you soon.”
“Thanks, Griff.” Trevor hit the button on his steering wheel to end the call. “I hadn’t realized Logan only saw one man on the ATV. I’m sure Decker got rid of his accomplice. No reason to have Kluck dragging him back from his escape efforts.”
“Exactly.” Raine’s tone was bitter. “They’re both scum of the earth, likely finding each other on the dark web, but I’d rather have arrested Kluck for aiding and abetting than to know Decker killed him in cold blood.”
Justin knew she was right. “It’s going to be hard to arrest Decker for murder if we don’t find Kluck’s body.”
“There are two murders we can charge him for now, which should be enough to put him away for the rest of his life.” Raine sighed. “Once we find him.”
Justin felt Trevor’s gaze and knew his younger brother didn’t want him to head out to track Decker again. But really, what choice did he have? Letting the guy go wasn’t an option.
Not when they knew he would likely find another young girl to kidnap.
“Are we going back to my sister’s house?” Raine asked.
“Yes. Griff is still using the place as a home base,” Trevor said. “Why, is that a problem?”
