Free Broken Trust by Leigh Bale Page B

breakup, she felt
the same. “Even a city girl can appreciate the beauty of God’s creations out
here.”
    “You’re right. If there’s a real
heaven, it must be here at Crystal Lake.”
    “If?”
    He wiped a drop of water from his
nose. “After all that’s happened, I don’t know if I believe in God anymore.”
    Her insides clenched. “Mac, don’t
say that. I have no doubt God was with you when he helped pull you out of that
ambush.”
    “Where was He for the rest of my
men? Where was He for Eric?”
    She had no response. If only the
Lord had helped get Eric home safe. She wished she could understand God’s ways,
but that didn’t dim her faith that He did what was best for all His children.
    A deep sigh trembled from Mac’s
chest. “I’m sorry you overheard Hooper talking about the ambush. I didn’t
intend for you to find out.”
    He took things way too seriously.
“Don’t worry. I’m not a spy, so I doubt I’ll ever divulge that info to anyone.”
    He snorted, refusing to meet her
eyes.
    She touched his arm. “Everything is
going to be okay, Mac.”
    He stared into her eyes and she got
the impression he was keeping something from her. Something big. “I hope so,
Toni. I really do.”
    As he turned and shuffled away,
Toni stared after him, wondering what deep emotions lay hidden beneath his
words. What wasn’t he telling her?
    Grunt’s barking came from the
vicinity of the cabin and she tensed. “Barking means an intruder, right?”
    “Maybe Mom and Dad are back early.”
Mac paused, staring at the thin trail of smoke rising from the cabin over the
treetops. His brows knit together in concern.
    “What is it, Mac?”
    “Grunt’s probably found another
skunk. Let’s take the back trail, just in case.”
    She didn’t question him as he led
her along a narrow path up to the cabin. Her thigh muscles burned as she
climbed the steep grade. In spite of his bad leg, Mac’s breathing never became
labored; an indication of his great physical conditioning. But he wasn’t too steady
as they progressed up the hill. A feeling of urgency settled over Toni. Fear
caused her to take a wobbly step and she stumbled. This time, Mac caught her
arm, taking her hand as he guided her along the trail.
    “Don’t worry,” he spoke low. “I
won’t let anything happen to you.”
    He was now comforting her. His
words of assurance helped her feel better, but she knew he was still just one
man and injured at that.
    Woof! Woof!
    The dog’s call came from lower down
the mountain, deep in the forest heading away from the cabin.
    “Grunt has something on the run and
they’re moving fast,” Mac spoke softly.
    Toni’s nails bit into his palm.
“What do you think he’s chasing?”
    He shook his head. “Just stay close
and don’t worry.”
    Hah! Easier said than done.
    She followed behind as he made his
way over the bumpy terrain. The route he chose took them off the main trail and
deep into the forest. They came out behind the cabin, just beyond the privy.
Several times as they walked, Mac paused, listening to Grunt’s barking. The
dog’s sounds faded as the animal moved farther away from the cabin. Toni held
her breath, sensing now was a good time for silence.
    When they entered the clearing,
they froze. The wicker chairs had been knocked over, the cushions tossed aside
on the deck. The door to the cabin stood wide open. Clothing and papers
littered the yard. Grunt’s barking could be heard coming from the trees far
below.
    “Stay here.” Mac hopped over to the
shed and returned with a rifle.
    Toni stared with horror. When he
cocked the gun, she flinched and prayed Hank and Inez were safe.
    As Mac approached the door, he
raised the weapon. He placed his finger on the trigger, his eyes narrowed to
black, piercing points.
    Toni held her breath while he
disappeared inside. When he reappeared, he lowered the gun and jerked his head
toward the cabin. “You have got to see this.”
    Toni exhaled, dreading