Free Radiant Surrender (CSA Case Files Book 6) by Kennedy Layne Page B

The completely dark log cabin didn’t appear too welcoming, but it was better than the alternative. He pulled his vehicle in front of the small structure and cut the engine.
    “Stay here.”
    Crest used the handle and then shoved the door open, not bothering to see if Jessie followed his orders. She’d worked for him long enough to know when he’d had enough insubordination. He closed the door, using as little strength as he could so the noise didn’t resonate in the forest. He’d borrowed Townes’ car after having changed out the license plate. It would get them through until tomorrow when they were back in the city.
    It didn’t take long to gain access to the old fishing cabin. Crest surveyed the one room structure. It would do. He turned on the side lamp that was directly to the left of the door on an antique table. The rustic motif was apparent with the handmade pine furniture. A couch and chair created a living area that faced the fireplace and the bed was positioned in the far right corner. As for the bathroom, the outhouse was around back but it was better than nothing.
    Once Crest had Jessie safely inside with a good-sized fire to keep the small interior warm, he returned to the vehicle and obtained his emergency bag. He was grateful that she hadn’t tried to say anything else. As it was, he would have to use a couple of burner phones that he had on hand to clean up the mess she’d made in her old neighborhood. Reentering the cabin, he took his time looking around. The front door was the only entrance and exit with the exception of the window to his right.
    “Here.” Crest handed her a bottle of water and a protein bar that he’d packed before leaving the city. It was the best he could do considering they were in the middle of fucking nowhere. “Drink. I have calls to make.”
    Crest was aware he was coming across as a prick, but he didn’t give a damn at the moment. If he thought of anything other than the danger she’d put herself in, the delay she’d caused in the investigation, and the across-the-board terror that had gone through him when he realized how she’d gone about fleeing the apartment, his hand would be connecting repeatedly with her ass at this precise moment. Right now he needed to cover the window with a blanket and then contact the people who would clean up this mess.
    “Use this,” Jessie said, grabbing the afghan that had been on the couch and holding one of the corners out to him. “We can loop this material around the curtain rod and that should be enough to cover the window.”
    Crest compressed his lips and accepted the blanket without a word. He quickly did what needed to be done and then he walked away to where he’d set his bag on the table. Even though his usual 1911 was secure in his shoulder holster, he always kept additional ammunition magazines, MRE rations, a first aid kit, and miscellaneous supplies in his emergency bag. He chose a burner phone and made the first call. After he was done giving instructions, he then shut off the device, removed the battery, and then the SIM card so the cell couldn’t be used to track them down. He snapped the SIM card in half for good measure.
    “Um, is there any way to get the car I used back to its rightful owner?”
    “The vehicle will be in Nick Klaus’ parking garage by morning.” Crest said the name of the individual she’d refused to say aloud. If she thought it would make him envious that she’d gone to another man for help, she was right in every sense of the word. It wasn’t something he was going to discuss though. She was free to do whatever the hell she wanted with the man who’d become popular at the local club. Masters was upscale and vetted out the fakes and wannabes, although Crest didn’t play there for many reasons. He preferred more of a private setting, but even that wasn’t going to happen in the near future. “Anything else you’d like to request? Maybe the return of the clothes you