Page 88 of Solid as Steele
“Sun will be down in a few minutes. We’ll wait there until dark to go in.”
“Sounds like a plan.” She bent down to her backpack and pulled out two protein bars. She handed one to Owen. “Tovar has a long driveway. Wouldn’t hurt to fuel up for the hike.”
“Thanks.” He smiled at her thoughtfulness. “Mind opening it for me?”
She tore off the end of the package and handed the bar to him.
He chomped a bite of the chocolate bar, a gooey caramel layer melting in his mouth. “Good.”
“I eat them at work a lot when I stay late and don’t want to order in dinner.”
He swallowed his bite. “Do you work late often?”
“I did, but this trip was meant to be a start toward living life outside of work again.”
“You can change just like that?” He gave her a long look before focusing back on the road.
“If I restructure some things, I hope to. I’ve also been trying to get Ryleigh to join the company. If she agrees, she’ll lessen the work load for all of us. But she’s holding out.”
“What’s her hold up?”
“She likes her position at the FBI too much.”
“You don’t want to pressure her into the change because she wouldn’t be happy.”
“Exactly. She’ll have to come to the decision on her own. But it doesn’t stop me from pointing out the benefits on a regular basis.” She laughed.
He laughed with her.
She glanced at her phone. “That stand of trees is about a mile on the left.”
He slowed to scan the edge of the road for a safe place to pull over. Tovar continued ahead, and Owen lost sight of the man’s vehicle. What if Tovar kept driving instead of going home? Odds were in their favor he wouldn’t, but Owen couldn’t guarantee that.
He located a wide spot shielded with trees, slowed to a crawl, and waited for a car coming toward them to clear. He backed into place, putting his vehicle in position for a fast getaway if needed.
He shifted into park. “We’ll go in to get a better look. We’ll wear vests and take a rifle.”
She shot him a look, her eyes wide. “You think we’ll need the firepower?”
“I was thinking more about using the scope for clear distance views, but the rifle might be needed too.” He turned the key and got out to open the back door, making sure his door latched with quiet precision.
Mackenzie joined him, and he retrieved the same vests they wore when they went after Leach. Ryan had insisted Mackenzie keep the one he provided with her at all times. Owen wanted to be her protector—not let Ryan do the job. Too bad. Ryan had the right supplies. Mackenzie was blessed to have a friend who cared so much about her. As long as they only had a friendship, Owen could deal.
She slid into the vest and gasped.
“Your arm?” he asked.
She nodded, but didn’t speak.
“If you’re not able to handle your firearm, I’ll need you to stay here.”
“I’m good,” she said. “It might hurt, but I can manage it.”
He looked past the tree line to a sky littered with a million stars and full moon, the diffused light helping illuminate the area. Perfect for finding their way in the dark. Not perfect for camouflage as they moved.
“We should stay close together. Make our footprint less obvious.” He slung his rifle strap over his shoulder and soundlessly closed the back door.
He started off, silently letting his boots hit the packed earth. Mackenzie fell into step close by.
