Page 110 of Night Hawk
Perhaps she would normally stay away, but with Hibbard and Sharkey in jail, she had no choice. Just what Clay had counted on when he’d jumped into the back seat of Trent’s cruiser after grabbing his vest and assault rifle from his borrowed SUV.
Clay’s phone dinged. He looked at the satellite view Erik sent of the address Trent was racing toward.
Clay read the message. “Place belongs to the RRH Corp. Erik dug into the corporate documents. RRH stands for Richey Rich Hibbard.”
“He didn’t mention this place,” Blake said.
“Looks like he’s trying to hide behind his company.” Another text came in, and Clay read it. “Hibbard has six properties under this company name. He isn’t mentioned in any of the corporate filings, but Erik dug deep and found the ownership information.”
“No wonder you couldn’t find Hibbard,” Blake said. “He had all these hidden places to retreat to.”
“Erik also sent the satellite image for our target location. Three buildings, a house, and two barns. One looks temporary. Lots of brush overgrowth. Place doesn’t look like it’s been cared for.”
“What are our options to breach the perimeter?” Trent asked.
“One entrance. Mile long drive. Surrounded by wooded land. We should be able to approach on foot from the highway. There’s foot access about a half mile beyond the drive and then a mile hike to the place.” Clay would hand the phone to Blake to view for a second opinion, but the metal mesh meant to keep a prisoner at bay was in Clay’s way. “I can text the image to you, Blake, if you want to confirm my suggestion.”
“Sure thing,” Blake said.
Clay forwarded the satellite image and sat back to think about their approach. “The trafficked girls—if we’re right on the large number—would have to be housed in one of the two barns. They could be escorted to the house when a john comes around. Or maybe they have rooms in the barn too.”
“Either way, it’s likely we’ll find them in one of the barns.” Trent pointed out the front window. “Driveway’s just ahead.”
Clay watched the road as Trent’s headlights cut through thick fog trying to smother the dark roadside.
“Satellite is just as you described it, Clay,” Blake said. “I concur with your plan.”
“Okay, I’ll park ahead, and we’ll go in on foot,” Trent said. “We need to be prepared for armed guards.”
“Fog should help us,” Clay said, imagining what was at the end of the driveway and praying that Toni was there.
Because if not, he’d tossed the dice and made a fatal choice.
27
“Yeah, I’m, Lisa.” The woman eyed Toni. “Who are you?”
“Your sister.”
“Surprise.” Ursula’s sarcastic tone grated on Toni. “Isn’t it nice that the two of you could meet before you leave this earth?”
Lisa snapped her gaze to Ursula. “Richey won’t let you do anything to harm me.”
“The fool’s gone and got himself arrested. With everything he’s done, he won’t be coming back, and I have no use for you. But Rachel’s another matter. Take her, Tanner.”
The guard stepped in, jerked the girl from the bed, but left the boy behind. She looked to be ten or eleven and resembled pictures Toni had seen of herself at that age.
“Mom,” the girl cried out.
Lisa charged forward, and Ursula pointed her gun at Lisa. “One more step and Henry won’t have a mother.”
Lisa looked at the bed where a boy who seemed to be about five lay unmoving. She shifted her focus to the guard dragging the girl in fuzzy footie pajamas out the door. She was sobbing and calling out to Lisa. Over and over. Her voice was strained and pitiful.
Toni ached to go to her. To the girl who had to be Toni’s niece.
Please don’t let them take her. Don’t let them hurt her. Help me to free everyone.
Ursula backed to the door. “I’ll give you some time to get acquainted.”
