Katie checked her phone, but no one had called or sent a text. She had changed her clothes into her Army gear. Making sure she had layers, she tied her military boots tight. On the bed lay a backpack, where she meticulously secured items inside, anything she might need to work for her plan. There were extra magazines, a flashlight, batteries, gloves, rope, repelling hardware, bear spray, infrared binoculars, and first-aid items. Extra water, high-protein power bars, and backup leashes and a thin harness for Cisco.
Katie carefully fastened the e-collar that would call Cisco from any location she needed him. She made sure his tracking vest was secured and her remote was safely tucked into a pocket. He was her backup if anything went wrong. His senses were acute and much more sensitive than hers, but she hated to bring the dog with her. Cisco waited at the door. He sensed they were going into something big and he was extra alert.
Katie made sure the weapons she carried on her hip and ankle were secured along with her hunting knife. She caught aglimpse of herself in the mirror. She flashed back to being in the military and all those memories, but what caught her attention was the haunted look in her eyes. She had lost family members and even though Chad chose to move away, it felt like he was gone too. Her uncle was the only family she had left—she had to fight with everything she had to keep the balance.
Katie put on her backpack and spotted Buck’s dog tags. She snatched them up and put the chain around her neck. She was going to find Buck and make him help her find her uncle. The broken soldier knew more than he had told her—and she wasn’t leaving until she had answers.
She grabbed her phone but turned it off so she couldn’t be tracked until she was ready. She was taking responsibility for herself and didn’t want anyone else to suffer the heat by wanting to help her.
Katie and Cisco went through the kitchen and out the sliding door. She quietly shut it and stood a moment on the deck, gazing out at the darkness. Her gut told her she was heading in the right direction to get answers and find her uncle, but some doubt managed to float into her mind. Still, she followed her instincts and stepped out. She knew she could make her way to the construction location via the wooded areas and paths behind various properties, which was approximately three miles or more. It was obvious that was how Buck accomplished to get to her property without being seen. It was a trail as the crow flies.
Katie and Cisco walked through her gate heading east. Her pack seemed heavier than she’d planned as she began a slow jog with Cisco at her side.
McGaven burst into the forensic lab where John was finishing up somework.
John looked surprised, and immediately said, “What’s wrong?” He stood up.
“You tell me,” said McGaven.
“What do you mean?”
“Where’s Katie?”
“She was at home when I last saw her.” John looked around. “You saw her too.”
“She’s not there now.”
“Where is she?”
“That’s why I’m asking you,” said McGaven, trying to keep his tone. “She confides in you. You’re together now.”
“You know Katie. If she doesn’t want to tell you something, she’ll keep it to herself.”
“This is different. It’s her uncle and I know she’s got something planned.” McGaven paced. “Her phone is turned off.”
“I see,” said John.
“Did she say anything to you about what she might be thinking or planning?”
“No, but she was pretty broken up and so I gave her space to get her thoughts together. You know she’ll shut down if she’s pressured or feels like she can’t do anything to help.”
“She’s off the grid now and we don’t know where she’s at or where she’s going.”
“Any updates on the sheriff?” said John.
McGaven paused as his emotions tried to get the best of him. “No. Everyone is on standby. SWAT is taking charge.”
“That’s why Katie is going rogue. And it’s not the first time…”
“That’s what I’m afraid of,” said McGaven.
FIFTY-FOUR
Wednesday 2345 hours
Sheriff Scott opened his eyes with a start. Excruciating pain traveled down his arms and made his chest hurt. It almost as if it was burning. He looked around the room and everything seemed the same, with the oil lamp still burning, giving a dim glow around the room. He worked and reworked in his mind why he was there and where and who the kidnapper was. He tried to move his head, but whatever was around his neck wouldn’t allow him. Looking up and then down, he caught a glimpse of his hands. They seemed to be attached to something. The feeling was slowly coming back into them and the pain was becoming real. Had he seen nails or screws through them? That had to have been his imagination.
There was a creak from the back of the room and Wayne felt cool air rush inside. It must’ve been the back door.
