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Doc nodded slowly. As founder and owner of Grayson’s Guardians, his boss was usually in charge of gathering the pertinent information needed for the job at hand. And Rex also excelled at coordinating tasks from the office to help. Now for the first time in over a year, Rex was the one with boots on the ground, heading into a dicey situation.
“Maybe we should do a drive-by,” Rex whispered. “There must be more than one way to get inside the farm. I doubt deliveries go straight up to the front door.”
He nodded slowly. “Good suggestion on the delivery entrance. When do you want to drive past the place? We can’t go too early in case a camera picks up our license plate.”
“We’ll smear it with mud prior to going in. That may raise some concerns, but it should also buy us time.”
Rex made it sound like armed men would spew forward from the house with guns blazing. The reality was more likely to be that they would manage to make their way inside only to find nothing at all.
Fiona mumbled something unintelligible, then lifted her head. “What time is it?”
“Four forty-five,” Rex said. Doc was surprised that he’d gotten over three hours of sleep before Rex woke him.
Now that Fiona was awake, Rex pushed open his driver’s side door. “I’m going to find some mud to cover the license plate. Then we should head toward the farm to see what we’re dealing with.”
“The sun won’t rise for another three hours,” Doc protested.
“I know, but the darkness will help hide us from the cameras.” Rex grimaced. “I realize we won’t be able to see much until later.”
“Okay.” Doc watched as Rex disappeared outside, closing the door softly behind him.
“Did you get any rest?” Fiona looked at him with concern. “You can’t keep going without sleep, Doc. That’s not good for you.”
“I slept, don’t worry.” He searched her gaze in the darkness. “Any new memories?”
“No. Sorry.” She tucked a strand of hair behind her ear. “I’m glad we’re going to the farm early. I want to get this over with.”
He hesitated, wondering if he should mention Rex’s concern about how she’d react upon seeing her father. If the guy was even at the farm. For all they knew, Liam Murphy had stayed in Lexington last night.
“We should have looked at the rest of the race schedule,” he said with a frown. “It would be nice to know if Fiona’s Folly is racing again.”
“A horse rarely races in back-to-back events.” Fiona spoke without hesitation. “If you’re wondering if my father is on the property, it’s very possible he’ll be bringing Fiona’s Folly back to the farm later today.”
“Is that a memory or just general knowledge of the racing world?” he asked.
She frowned, looking thoughtful. “Maybe both. I know for sure horses are given a break after a big race. The last thing an owner would do is risk injuring a horse that’s proven to be a winner. I guess I don’t know for sure if my father came back last night or if he’s waiting until today.”
“Okay.” He saw Rex cross from the woods to kneel beside the front license plate with both hands covered in mud. It wouldn’t take long for both plates to be covered. “We’ll be heading out soon. If you remember anything else about the layout of the farm, let us know. We’d like to avoid being caught on camera.”
“I will.” Her brow furrowed as she considered that request. “According to the website you showed me, the farm extends over four hundred and twenty-five acres. I doubt there are cameras covering the entire fence line.”
He remembered seeing a bit of white fencing from the images on the website. “That’s probably true, but I imagine the buildings themselves have cameras.”
“Probably. Especially the barn, as he would want to protect Fiona’s Folly.”
“He, being your father.” Doc held her gaze. “Are you prepared to learn the truth about him?”
“Yes. I am sure he’s involved.” She thrust her chin forward, her gaze stubborn. “Trust me, I’m tired of being in danger and hiding out in cars and rental properties. I want him tossed behind bars if he’s responsible for this.”
“Okay then.” He smiled reassuringly as Rex opened the back of the SUV to wipe his hands on a rag. “Here’s hoping we get the answers we need.”
“I pray we will.” Fiona reached out to touch his shoulder. “Promise me you and Rex will be careful. I don’t want either of you to be hurt.”
“Would you consider waiting for us in the car?” he asked as Rex opened the driver’s side door to get in. “It would be easier for us to go in without you.”
“No way. Besides, isn’t a big part of this endeavor for me to remember what happened?” She narrowed her gaze. “That won’t work from the car.”
It was worth a try. He exchanged a glance with Rex, then shrugged. “Fine, but you need to stick close so we can protect you.”