Missing in Cottonwood Springs Page 11

  “Right, right. That makes sense,” Lewellen said nodding.

  “As for the cake and everything,” Brigid said, “I’ll contact you when I make a final decision. I’m pretty sure I emailed you the date and the location of the wedding, correct?” Brigid was starting to lose track of who she’d told what to.

  “Yes, you have. There’s no hurry. I just like to know a week before the wedding what I’m going to be making, so I’ll be sure I have everything I need to prepare it. Think about it. What selection do you think you’re going to make? Do you have a few that you’re trying to decide between? I can send some more samples of those if you want to talk with your fiancé about them.” Lewellen stood up and went over to a cabinet and pulled down a collapsed and folded flat bakery box.

  “Yes, that would be fabulous. I’m really trying to decide between these four right here,” Brigid said as she showed Lewellen the list.

  “Is the devil’s food on there with the cherry filling?” Holly asked, looking up from her phone. “Personally, I think that’s the best.”

  I’ll tell you what,” Lewellen said as she built the box and began to place cupcakes inside. “I’ll add a couple of those just for you Miss Holly.”

  “Thank you,” Holly said, “but you don’t have to do that.”

  “Oh, pish posh,” Lewellen scoffed. “I know how teenagers are. You’ll eat them, won’t you?” she asked.

  Holly nodded enthusiastically. “You can count on it.”

  That’s all I want, then. My grandkids usually help polish off any extras I have, but they’re all busy right now. You take them. My treat.” She placed the extra cupcakes inside the box and closed it before handing it to Holly.

  “Thank you so much,” Brigid said. “You’re too kind.”

  “It’s no trouble. Let me know if I can do anything else for you.”

  Brigid and Holly said their goodbyes before heading out to the car. As Brigid was buckling up, she looked over and saw that Holly was already eating one of the extra cupcakes.

  “How can you eat that many cupcakes and not have an upset stomach?” Brigid asked in wonder.

  “Just lucky, I guess,” Holly said as Brigid backed out of the driveway.

  “Well don’t spoil your lunch. Remember, we’re going shopping and out to lunch. You can pick the place.”

  “Best. Day. Ever,” Holly said as they drove away.

  “Where to first? Should we see what they have at the antique mall? I know how much you love looking at all kinds of stuff,” Brigid said. “Maybe they’ll still have that antique writing desk you liked so much last time.”

  “Do you think?” Holly asked. “Although, I don’t know what I’d use it for.”

  “Okay, we could go somewhere else. Maybe go try that new restaurant in Great Bend?” Brigid suggested.

  “Oh, that sounds great. I heard they have really great pizza,” Holly said.

  “How can you possibly still be thinking about eating?” Brigid asked in amazement. “I was kind of thinking a little later.”

  “Oh, well, I am a growing girl, you know. I need all my vitamins and minerals,” she said beaming.

  “You are one goofy kid, you know that?” Brigid said with a laugh.

  “Yeah, I know,” Holly said proudly.

  CHAPTER 18

  That evening, Linc came over to Brigid’s for dinner, and she prepared a warm steak salad which Linc and Holly both declared was the best salad they’d ever had. They loved the addition of cherries to complement the steak with arugula. Brigid thought she might have to leave and go with Sheriff Davis, so they were eating earlier than they normally ate. She’d been anxiously awaiting a call from him.

  “Calm down, honey,” Linc said as Brigid paced and fidgeted with various things around the kitchen. She’d only picked at her dinner, barely able to eat.

  “I’m trying,” she admitted. “It’s just I’m surprised I haven’t heard from him yet. I’m worried something’s wrong.”

  “I’m sure he’ll call soon,” Linc said trying to console her. “Didn’t you say you had some cupcakes from this morning for me to try?”

  “Oh, yes,” Brigid said as she hurried over to the refrigerator. She slid the box out and carried it over to the table. Just then her phone began to ring, and as she picked it up off the counter, she saw it was the sheriff.

  She said, “Hello?” as Holly began to point out to Linc all the different cupcake flavors and explain about each one.

  “Hey, Brigid, it’s Corey. I’ve been runnin’ around like crazy today, but I finally got some news fer you.”

  “Great, I’ve been getting antsy,” she said chuckling.

  “I’ll bet, and I apologize. It seemed everybody and their brother was havin’ troubles today. My deputies and me been runnin’ all over the county. I found out those men we saw last night don’t have permission to be on that property. When I told old man Simmons he had some guys pokin’ around on his land and they may be storin’ stuff in that shippin’ container of his, he went ballistic. Used some mighty colorful language, but long story short, he wants ‘em arrested,” Sheriff Davis explained.

  “Well, that’s great. Isn’t it?” Brigid asked.

  “It is. Know it may seem I’m being overly cautious,” he began, but Brigid cut him off.

  “No, I understand. If these guys are really into what you think, we don’t want to let them get away,” Brigid insisted.

  “Exactly. If they’re part of some sort of human traffickin’ ring, we can’t let ‘em slip through our fingers. Who knows how many other people they may have hurt before or could hurt in the future? I’m worried about Olivia and her unborn baby, but I gotta’ keep everyone else in mind, too.”

  He sighed so deeply it sounded as though it was coming from the depths of his soul. “You know, murder investigations are one thing. But this, this is another level. This is my best friend’s wife. Could even be my godchild.”

  “I thought about that too,” Brigid said, “but their lives aren’t already lost. We just don’t know what’s happening out there.” She knew the weariness that Sheriff Davis was experiencing, but for her, that feeling manifested as nervous energy.

  “That’s right. And I’m sittin’ here wonderin’ if I’m takin’ too long to get to the bottom of it. So help me, if anythin’ happens to her, I’ll never forgive myself.”

  “You can’t think like that, Corey” Brigid said, trying to console him. “You have to believe you’ll find her, and she’ll be okay.”

  “Yeah, yer’ right. That’s what I like about ya’, Brigid. Ya’ help me keep things in perspective,” Corey said sounding a little more optimistic.

  “So, what’s the plan?” Brigid asked.

  “I’ve had a coupla’ deputies watchin’ the container since around 8:00 this mornin’. So far, nobody’s gone out there. Don’t know if we spooked ‘em or if they’re just bein’ careful. Either way, I thought you and me could take the watch tonight. Ol’ man Simmons says there’s a huntin’ blind in the treeline right near there. He says it’s good size and solid, so it’d be a good place to get a better view of ‘em if they come back,” he explained.

  “That sounds like a good plan. You can arrest them for trespassing and then see what’s going on in that storage container.” Brigid liked the plan. A hunting blind would allow them to blend in much better than sitting in a parked vehicle. Even out in the country that could raise suspicions. They wouldn’t want anyone to think they were just having problems with their car and stop to help. While that was usually a good thing in this area, it could completely blow their cover tonight.

  “Ya’ got it,” Sheriff Davis said. “We’ll take one of them unmarked sheriff trucks, so we can pull out into the field on the other side and hide it. I was thinkin’ of headin’ out there in about thirty minutes. If yer’ free, I’ll swing by and pick ya’ up.”

  “I wouldn’t miss it,” Brigid said as she turned and looked at Holly and Linc sampling cupcakes.

 
“Good, and Brigid? If ya’ got some sort of a gun or somethin’, I want ya’ to bring it. I’ll do all I can to keep ya’ safe, but I like to have multiple contingencies in place. If these guys get violent and somethin’ happens to me, I wanna’ make sure ya’ got a way to protect yerself’.”

  “I hear you. I’ll see what I’ve got,” Brigid said before hanging up.

  “What’s going on?” Linc asked when she returned to the table.

  “That was Corey. He wants me to go with him to the stakeout where we saw the men last night. He said they don’t have permission to be on that property, and the plan is to arrest them for trespassing, and then see if we can find out what else they’re doing after they’re in custody. Only thing is, he wants me to bring a gun or something for protection.”

  Linc knew how Brigid felt about guns. She wasn’t a big fan of guns, although she’d gotten a little more comfortable with them over time. She was starting to view them as something of a necessary evil. While they could cause problems, if they were used correctly, they could also help bring things to a safe and quick end.

  “Well, you could use mine again?” he suggested. “You’re already familiar with it, and you’re a good shot. I agree with Corey. It never hurts to make sure you’re well protected.”

  “I know, but Corey will be with me,” she began.

  “But what if something happens to him, Brigid?” Holly interjected. “You don’t want to rely solely on him and then, for whatever reason, he’s suddenly unable to protect you. What would Linc and I do if these guys took you, too?” The girl’s concern was written all over her face.

  “I know,” Brigid began. “But...”

  “No, buts,” Linc interrupted. “I’ll run home and get it. I’d rather you take it and not need it, than find yourself in a bad situation and wish you had it.” He stood up and hurried out the door with the promise he’d be right back.

  “He’s right, you know,” Holly said. She ran her finger along the side of the cupcake she was working on, swiping off some frosting. “You just never know what these guys may have done, and what they’re capable of doing. I mean, think about it. They stole a woman in broad daylight. That’s pretty bold.”

  “You’re right,” Brigid said as she held up her hands. “I should never assume everything will turn out okay. That’s not a very good example to set.”

  Holly looked surprised that Brigid agreed so readily. “That’s right,” she finally said. “I need you to be around for a long time.”

  Brigid smiled. “And why’s that?”

  “Because I’m going to need somewhere to go when I need a break from college. A place I can go home to. Maybe even call when I get homesick?” she said as she gave Brigid a sideways look.

  “That sounds nice,” Brigid said. “You might want someone to come visit you, too. Let you know you need to clean your dorm room.” Brigid raised her eyebrow and gave Holly a pointed look.

  Holly laughed. “They’re just clothes. All I have to do is put them away.”

  “Then you shouldn’t have any trouble having it done by tomorrow morning. I don’t know how late I’ll be tonight, so I don’t want you staying up.” While she waited for Linc to return, she started cleaning off the kitchen counter and loading the dishwasher. She knew the house wouldn’t clean itself while she was gone.

  “I have a report due tomorrow, so I should probably get it finished first, and then I’ll clean my room.” Holly stood and went over to Brigid, then looked at her with a solemn expression. “Promise me you’ll be careful?”

  “I will,” Brigid said as she turned away from her to clean the sink.

  “Say it,” Holly insisted. Brigid’s first instinct was to balk, but when she saw the sincerity in the girl’s eyes, she knew this was important to Holly.

  “I promise to be careful,” Brigid recited.

  “And that you’ll be here in the morning?” Holly pressed.

  Brigid opened her mouth to object and then caught herself. “I’ll be here in the morning. Wild horses couldn’t keep me from being here for you tomorrow,” Brigid promised.

  “Good,” Holly said as she wrapped her arms around Brigid. “That’s what I wanted to hear.” She said goodnight and headed off to her room.

  Brigid watched Holly as she walked down the hall, Jett following her. She was so very proud of Holly and her big heart, it nearly brought a tear to her eye.

  She continued cleaning as she waited for Linc to return. Not only did it give her something to do, but she was also able to burn off some nervous energy. Her mind raced with the possibilities. Everything that could happen, had happened, and so on, continued to race through her mind. By the time Linc returned, she’d already finished with the kitchen and had begun fluffing the throw pillows on the couch.

  He tucked the gun in her purse before moving over to her. “Are you nervous?”

  “A little,” she admitted.

  “You know, you don’t have to do this,” he reminded her. “You can leave the law enforcement work to the professionals.” He rubbed her arms lovingly.

  “I know that’s an option, but I don’t think I could live with myself if I did. I know I’m no professional, but I feel like I really make a difference when I help. Corey and his deputies have more than just this case to work on. There are always accidents, things getting stolen, and people needing to be pulled over. They have a lot on their plate. I feel better knowing that I can help them out. I can’t imagine turning my back on it all,” Brigid admitted.

  “So, what’s the problem?” Linc asked. “Why are you so jittery?”

  “I think it’s the not knowing,” she said. “I’m kind of ready to put this one behind me.”

  “I can understand that,” he said. “I saw Mike Ford at the bank today. The guy’s a wreck, not that I blame him. He told me Corey had said you were helping him, and Mike wanted me to thank you.”

  “I hope his thanks are warranted,” Brigid said. “I just want to find Olivia.”

  “I know you do,” Linc said, “but please understand that Holly and I want you to be safe. No crazy stunts, okay? I’m going to be worried the whole time you’re gone. I’m staying right here until you come home.”

  “You don’t have to do that,” Brigid said gently touching his face. “I’ll be fine, really.”

  “I don’t care,” he said. “I won’t get a wink of sleep knowing you’re out there. At least here, I’ll know when you come home and that you’re safe. I have my laptop in the truck. I’ll bring it in the house and do some work to pass the time.”

  Brigid smiled, thinking how incredibly grateful she was for this man who had showed up in her life. “Thank you,” she said simply.

  “No thanks necessary, sweetheart,” he said. “I love you more than my next breath. Without you in my life, I’d be a mess.”

  They stayed in a long hug until a knock at the door let them know Sheriff Corey Davis arrived.

  CHAPTER 19

  Sheriff Davis drove them to the rural area where they’d followed the men the previous night. It was still slightly light out as they approached the area, making it look completely different than it had the night before.

  “Do you think they’ll come back tonight?” Brigid asked as they drew closer.

  “Sure hope so,” Sheriff Davis replied. “We kept eyes on the area all day, and ain’t no one been spotted yet.” He slowed the truck down as they passed by the field in question. The shipping container was there, painted red, but fading with rust spots covering it. The grass around it was tall, almost waist high. The area was hilly and inhospitable. She could see why the men had picked the location. If you wanted to hide something, this would be a perfect spot.

  Sheriff Davis turned off the road and pulled up in front of a green metal gate. “I got the keys, so we can pull in and hide a bit better. One sec,” he said as he hopped out of the truck. Brigid watched as he unlocked the gate and undid the chain that held it in place. He pushed the gate wide open before climbing back in t
he truck. “Way I see it, they won’t be expectin’ anyone to be around and they might jes’ let their guard down.”

  “Let’s hope so,” Brigid said as they pulled through the gate.

  Corey climbed back out of the truck, returned to the gate and closed it, wrapping the chain back around and playing with the lock. Finally, he climbed back in the truck. “Jes’ so you know, I didn’t lock the padlock. Made it look like it is, jes’ in case they look over and notice, but I didn’t wanna’ lock it in case of an emergency.”

  “Good thinking,” Brigid said, nodding as they bumped along through the grass and circled around behind the treeline that was fairly close to the storage container. They didn’t go far before Corey pulled up so close to the trees that they were reaching over the truck. Looking out of the window, Brigid noticed the grass on this side of the treeline was much taller. It was almost up to the windows.

  “Try not to disturb the grass when ya’ get out,” Sheriff Davis said. “We wanna’ try to leave the area as normal lookin’ as possible, but I’d bet they won’t come here until it gets dark. This being a black truck and the underbrush bein’ so thick, don’t think they’ll notice anythin’ unusual. Still, it’s better to be cautious.”

  Brigid nodded, and they climbed out of the truck. The tall weeds brushed against Brigid, rustling slightly in the breeze. There were no city sounds, and it was extremely quiet. She heard cattle mooing and bawling in the distance. She reached into her purse and pulled out the pistol Linc had put in there, snug in its clip-on holster. She clipped it over the waistband of her jeans before quietly closing the door and carefully making her way around the truck. Sheriff Davis was waiting for her.

  “Jes’ inside these trees is the blind. I came out here earlier to make sure it’d work. Follow me.” He pushed aside a small sapling and began to pick a trail through the underbrush. Brigid was glad she hadn’t worn her best clothes. Thorns and sticks poked her as she pressed through, snagging her clothes and hair. As they continued, she felt they were making a lot of noise compared to the quiet around them.