Page 82 of Concrete Evidence
“Agent Wilkins, I’m here at the Brazos River Ranch. Craig Holcombe hasn’t been located, and he’s not answering his phone.We contacted the woman he’s been dating, Leanne Archer, and she claims not to have heard from him since he left her home around midnight last night. Doesn’t appear he made it back to the ranch or contacted anyone here.”
“Would you send a couple of deputies to scout outside the ranch’s perimeters?”
“Already on it. Also doing a search on the property.”
Another murder or a man on the run?
46
DISTRESS FOR CRAIG ENFLAMEDAvery’s face. She refused to believe this tragedy had dug another trench, but his disappearance lent itself to another murder. Or his involvement... Craig had filled the big-brother role to Avery for years, and to think of him gone or behind the crimes made her physically ill. She’d be a stronger woman for having gone through this and would one day help others who faced life’s challenges. But not today.
She breathed in sharply and prayed for strength. “Ask the sheriff if his deputies or the ranch hands have searched the property.” A peculiar calmness settled within her. “Craig could be anywhere on a stretch of thirty-five thousand acres. Is his truck on the property? Are any of the horses missing? Has one of the ranch hands been hurt? Have they talked to Mia?”
Marc relayed Avery’s questions to the sheriff. Her mind raced as though she were riding Darcy. No, more like Zoom.
She gathered her phone from the console and pressed in a text to Craig.Please call or text me. I’m worried about you.
Leanne... Avery texted her.Have you heard from Craig?
Not since last night around 12. I tried calling him earlier, but he didn’t pick up.
Would you let me know if he reaches out?
Sure. I’m sick about this, Avery. Please find Craig.
Craig, Granddad, where are you?Her anguish moved her to prayer again. She craved answers, solid ones about what he, Colonel Wilkins, and Liam had discovered—if anything. But if they hadn’t uncovered a crime, then why all the secrets? She recalled the threatening call from last night. Had Craig met up with the assassin?
She glanced at Marc, who captured her gaze, then pored his attention into his phone. “Yes, sir. We’re within five minutes of the ranch. If I understand correctly, Craig hasn’t responded to phone call attempts. Deputies and ranch hands are combing the ranch. No one’s been hurt, and neither Mia nor any of the others have seen him since last evening. His truck is gone. In short, we have no idea where he might be. Yes, sir. You’re right.” Marc concluded his call.
“We need to face the facts,” she said. “I’m not sure I can do it.”
Marc pulled up to the secured gate entrance. “Hold on until we’re inside the property.” A deputy waved them ahead, and Marc continued. “Any places on the ranch without cell coverage?”
“Yes. The ranch hands know those spots too.”
“The deputies and some of the hands have been looking for him for over an hour. Searching the acreage will take much longer.”
She swallowed a sob. “What if he’s hurt badly?”
“Avery, force yourself to get a grip. I’m sure there’s a logical explanation.”
She nodded, embarrassed about her breakdown. Marc’s scenario in no way reflected Craig’s habits. “How do you work day after day with such horrendous crimes? My emotions are shot.”
“That’s because you care deeply for those who’ve been hurt, killed, or wrongfully accused of crimes. I have compassion for victims and a commitment to protect and keep people safe. If I added a heart connection, I’d be a candidate for sedation. My work is a calling, and God gives me what I need when I need it.”
She studied his brown eyes, an intensity of warmth and intelligence. “I haven’t heard you talk about faith, except your actions reflect godly character.”
He shook his head. “Not always. A lot of not always. Someday I might tell you about a few of my failures. Until then—” he took her hand—“we have to find out who’s behind the killings and why the dam wasn’t constructed according to design.”
She stared at the hand firmly holding hers. Friendship, reassurance, or something more? “Before this is over, we might go our separate ways. I—”
“I hope not.” He offered a tender smile. “Do we have the beginnings of a relationship? More than just two people caught in the middle of a series of crimes?” Staring back at the road, he inhaled deeply. “Bad timing. I apologize.”
“Why?”
“Why the beginnings of a relationship, or why my timing is bad?”
“Both.” The hand around hers tightened, taking her heart for a wild ride. Wasn’t this what she wanted?
