Rick pushed yet another branch out of his way as they climbed up the shaded hillside. Tall grasses, weeds, and all manner of waist-high plants battled with trees in some of the densest forest they’d been in yet. With what felt like the millionth tree behind him and a short reprieve before the next, he wiped the sweat from his brow with his forearm. Even at this early hour, the humidity soared at ninety-two percent. He never could figure out how the air could be filled with so much moisture and not be pure water.

But then, the weather portion of science hadn’t been his best subject. He’d been more concerned with figuring out what he’d done to make his father hate him.

Making sure his path was clear for the moment, he glanced to his left. About fifty yards over, James didn’t look any less miserable than Rick felt. The pretty boy’s face was already grimy, his olive-green tee soaked with sweat. Dark glasses shaded his eyes, adding to his grim appearance.

Rick had made the right decision in asking James to stay outside the cave and wait. He’d planned on going in to greet Addie alone, but they all unanimously nixed that idea. Under the force of all their glares, he’d agreed that Cara could go in with him. She’d briefly met Addie previously, and the girl had seemed comfortable in her presence.

He swatted a fly away and bit back a curse.

He just hoped like hell that they’d have one extra seat filled on the way back to Walker Farms. There, the girl would be safe and have plenty of loving with just downright good, women to care for her. He couldn’t ask for a better family to care for her.

If they could only find and catch the wily thing.

Yeah, no question, she’ll fit right in with the MacDonald women.

Once he managed that, he would be able to devote his attention to finding Marcus Sutton.

A glance to his right showed Cara easily keeping pace with him and James. Fifty yards over, he could just barely make out her small form moving through the brush and trees.

Pete waited back at the rendezvous point manning a computer that tracked them. He also watched the entrance to the overgrown gravel road where they’d entered the property and parked.

They’d given Noah and Trent a few minute’s head start. They’d gone farther out in order to find a good vantage point. He wanted alert eyes up high, aware at all times of what was going on around them.

Noah had taken up a position on a rocky outcropping, lying low, overlooking the hillside. Trent had climbed a sturdy old oak halfway up the rise, where he also maintained lookout.

Rick couldn’t afford any surprises this time.

If the girl was there, he wasn’t going home until he had her. He didn’t care how long it took. He’d stay out in the heat and misery a week, if that’s what it took.

He stepped over a nasty tangle of vines, careful not to trip as he had by the pond. Could he have made a bigger ass of himself? Tripping, drawing attention to himself? Showing his weakness?

Of course, Leigh only cared about whether or not he’d hurt himself. Everything else had been his own critical perception. He held himself to a higher standard because of his belief in his capabilities, always pushing his own boundaries.

But memories of her sweet taste, the silken feel of Leigh’s skin against the palm of his hand? The soft whimper of pleasure she’d made against him?

He’d never experienced finer and suspected he never would again.

Above all else, the memory that haunted him most was her utterly gorgeous, tear-filled eyes. The hope and happiness that filled them when he’d promised her that she could come with them.

He didn’t doubt that she could keep up. If fact, she could probably kick his ass with those long, lean legs of hers.

He just couldn’t bring himself to put her into any situation that might be remotely dangerous. Her safety had to come before all else. Although he hadn’t done it on purpose, if she hated him afterward, well, that would be one less thing he’d have to worry about.

She wouldn’t look at him like he was the strongest man in the world any longer. One half of their attraction would die.

“Boss.” James spoke quietly across their connection through the headsets. “I see a rough trail, just a little to the east. Appears to head up the rise. It’s small, but looks recently traveled. It’s not much more than a small game trail, but it goes in the right direction.”

He fought the relief swelling, threatening to break loose and overcome him. Though the signs pointed in the right direction, they were far from home free. He replied softly. “Stay on course, but keep an eye on it.”

“Copy.”

Well aware of the time, he checked his watch as a matter of principal. 0900. “Team one, report.” Considering he could see everyone on team one, the rollcall might seem unnecessary, but they never strayed from protocol.

Cara responded immediately. “Here. I’m good, boss.”

James chimed in next. “I’m here. Sweaty and sticky, but I’m here. I don’t remember volunteering for a job in the bayou, boss.”

The mouth of the cave came into view between a cluster of scraggly trees. He beat his hope mercilessly into submission. There was no room for anything other than precision and stealth. He slowed his steps and doubled his caution. Another few steps and he wouldn’t risk speaking. He couldn’t give her any warning. This was it. He couldn’t afford to breathe wrong. “Team two.”

Trent answered. “I’m here. Despite the canopy, I have clear visual.”

Noah’s response came next. “It’s all good, boss. I have you all in view.”

“Team three?” Rick closed his eyes and waited a single beat for his last check in.

“Team three? Really? I want to be command center next time. I can’t be a team all by myself, but I can be in command.”

Rick reined in his exasperation. “Pete.”

“Everything is good. Go get her, boss.”

“Holloway, guard the entrance. Mayhem, you’re with me.” He didn’t wait for their replies as he walked to the opening. The poor excuse for a cave wasn’t much more than a tumble of enormous boulders, the largest of which had an overhang serving as a ceiling. It might be enough to keep the rain at bay.

Keeping silent when all he wanted to do was rage at glaring injustice that filled this girl’s life, he dared spare a glance in Cara’s direction. She was right beside him, rock steady, despite the suspicious moisture in her eyes. She nodded once in his direction, confirming her readiness.

Ducking beneath the shelf-like overhang, he peered inside the shadowed alcove. An old, battered backpack, a neat pile of trash, and a bundle of rags greeted him. He blinked damp eyes, and bit back another curse. He felt a light touch on his wrist and looked down to find Cara’s hand, staying him.

He looked up at her in confusion as she spoke to the cave. “Addie? Sweetheart, don’t be scared. It’s me, Cara. Rick’s here, too. You’re safe.” Movement in the dim hollow snagged his attention.

Up under the narrowest section, where the stone met the earth, the pile of rags moved. “It’s about time you guys found me. My phone died days ago, and I’m running out of supplies. The family down the hill started locking their doors three nights ago.”

Every molecule of air rushed out of him in one enormous gust. He braced a hand on the rock beside him and sucked in air, trying to fill the vacuum in his chest.

Cara turned to him with a bright smile, relief shining in her expression. She paused for a moment staring at him before she wiped dampness he hadn’t been aware of from beneath his eyes.

Fucking tears. No wonder I couldn’t tell it was her.

Cara took charge. “Come on, kiddo. Let’s get out of here.” She held out a hand to Addie and helped the girl up. “No games today, okay? We just want to get you out of here and to a safe place.” Cara tilted her head toward the cave’s opening, indicating that he needed to move.

He snapped from his stupor and nodded once.

Cara continued to speak, as if they were just ambling about on a Sunday afternoon stroll through the park. “Listen up, one of my Army friends is just outside the cave. Tall, dark glasses. He’s with us. He’s just extra protection. A little farther out, when we get to our trucks, you’ll meet a couple more guys. They’re on our team, and we couldn’t ask for better. Okay?”

The dirty faced girl appeared to consider Cara’s words for a moment before nodding her acceptance. But Cara had been burned once before. “I promise you, they’re on our side. One more thing, sweetheart. They can run fast, too. The only reason you got away from me last time was a banged up knee. This time? It won’t happen again. No tricks. The path out of here should be safe, but no matter what happens, you stay beside me, Rick, or James. You got me?”

“You said he’s Army?” Addie fiddled with the long messy braid that hung over her shoulder.

“Yes, former Army. We all are. We’ve moved on now, but we served together a few years ago.”

“So you trust him? Them?” Addie looked up at Cara and then to him, as looking if for his reassurance.

He spoke up. “Absolutely. That’s why they’re here. There’s no one on the planet I trust more than my team. Mayhem, or Cara is right. It should be safe, but no matter what, you stay with one of us. We’ll get you out of here.”

Addie looked up to Cara with a frown of confusion. “Mayhem?”

“Yup. That’s what they call me. If you want, when we’re in the truck, I’ll tell you the story.”

“Cool.” She nodded as if they’d all agreed upon a restaurant for lunch, not heading out into a crazy, messed up situation.

Rick led the way until they were out and there was enough room to walk mostly side by side. James swept the wooded area around them with an intense gaze before he greeted her with a smile. “Hey there, sweetheart. Welcome to the party. Let’s go get some grub, huh?” His words were friendly, but his posture stayed alert, tense.

“Yeah. I could eat.”

James led the way, and Cara gestured to the girl that they should follow. Cara stayed, tight to her side, but she wore a friendly smile. Rick followed, bringing up the rear. They made their way down the wooded slope in silence.

Near the bottom, when the greenery thinned a bit, James looked back over his shoulder, companionably. “We’ll call ahead to Walker Farms. I know a couple of women there who will be more than happy to put together lunch. Hell, maybe we can throw together a cookout this evening. I’ll spring for the—”

Addie stopped dead in her tracks and interrupted, “Where?”

James kept his voice quiet, friendly. “Walker Farms, Trent and his families’ horse farm. Big place, more than enough room for an army.”

“No.” Addie shook her head. “I’m not going there. No way.” She turned to Rick.

A rock in his belly plummeted to the ground when he saw the fear in her pale eyes. “Addie, honey. It’s the safest place. There are plenty of people to keep watch for strangers, and it’s gated with top of the line security. It’s the best place to stay until we’re certain Marcus is behind bars.”

She crossed her arms over her chest. “I’m not going. And if you think I won’t fight you or find a way to sneak out, you’re crazy. I don’t want to be around a bunch of strangers.”

Rick softened his tone. “It’s only temporary. They have more than enough room for us there. You’ll have your own room next to Leigh.”

Her little chin jutted out, one hundred percent stubborn teenager. “No. I said I don’t want to be around a bunch of strangers. Take me to your place, or I’ll find a way out. I swear it.” Rick knew that look of determination. He saw it in his own eyes every damn morning. He didn’t know the first thing about teenage girls, but something told him he’d lose this battle.

Fuck. Me.

He bit back his urge to refuse. The last thing he wanted was to be cooped up with Leigh who would be anything but happy with him after he’d left her out of this. “Fine,” he sighed. We’ll go to my place. Cara will stay with us until someone can go and get Leigh.” Damn, but she would be pissed at him. It couldn’t be helped.

He’d kept one of his promises. He’d found Addie.

* * *

Leigh set a plate with a sandwich and fruit in front of her niece, then sat at the bar beside her. Little legs swung back and forth beneath the stool. “Awn’t you eating?” Kylie poked an orange slice as if she expected it to crawl off the plate.

In a rare example of poor table manners, Leigh propped her elbow on the counter and put her chin in her hand. “Don’t knock your feet against the cabinet.” The little legs slowed as her niece picked up the sandwich and peeked between the slices of bread.

“If I have to eat wunch, why don’t you have to?” Finally satisfied that her food was edible, Kylie took a bite.

“I’m an adult, and I’m finished growing.” Not to mention I’d likely vomit if I tried to eat.

Kylie swallowed her bite then washed it down with a drink. “That’s not fair.”

“Nope, but that’s just the way it is.” She’d tried so hard to be her usual upbeat self with Kylie, but her insides tangled in mess of worry, heartbreak, and anger. It took everything she had just to engage her niece.

“Can I have a cookie? Me and Sandy made some wast night.” Big, puppy dog eyes stared up, pleading.

Leigh ran a hand down one of the girl’s chocolate brown pigtails and lightly tugged. “Say Sandy and I. And it’s last, with an l. Last night.”

Kylie scrunched her nose. “That’s what I said.”

Leigh sighed. “We’ll see, if you eat your lunch.”

Kylie took another bite of her sandwich and poked another orange slice while she chewed.

Heavy footfalls entered the kitchen. Leigh assumed it was Harlan coming in to have lunch with Sandy. She absentmindedly watched her niece until Kylie beamed a smile in the door’s direction. “Daddy!” She threw her arms up in the air.

Joe walked straight to his daughter and picked her up. “Hey, pickle. How’s my girl?” He never shied away from showing her affection, but there was something a little more poignant in the way he held her close this time.

He’d come home early.

Unease boiled until Leigh had to choke back her panic. She waited, knowing Joe would tell her as soon as he was able. In less than thirty seconds that felt more like thirty minutes, he looked her directly in the eyes. “Go pack, get everything. You’re moving in with Rick. They found her.”

A bubble exploded deep inside, freeing all the emotions she’d kept in a stranglehold. If she’d been standing, she likely would have collapsed from the overwhelming release.

Yet, she couldn’t let them go just yet. She had too much pride to expose herself, even to two of the most important people in her life. She attempted to draw in a breath, made herself blink, and said the only word she could force out. “What?”

“Sis, they have Addie. Rick and Cara are taking her to his place. She’s fine and so is everyone else.”

“Aunt Wee? Awe you okay? You wook funny.”

Leigh swallowed and forced out some words, hoping they satisfied her niece. “Yeah, baby. I’m okay. Uh. I’m going to get my things.” She chanced a glance to her brother. The frown lines on his handsome features told her all she needed to know. She hadn’t hidden anything from them.

With each step she took, she came alive. Her brain fired to life with questions and plans. Only one thing mattered. They had Addie, and she was safe.