Page 55 of Refuge for Cherilyn

“And we’ve come up with nothing in the way of photos,” Aaron added. “If he really was a trucker, that’s a wide, crazy selection pool with no idea where to start.”

Cruz shrugged. “We’re in the same boat. There are literally thousands of trucking firms out there, and without more information, we don’t even know where to begin. Now that FrankieTravis is dead, we’re at even more of a loss. Didn’t you say he has a brother?”

“Who? Frankie? Yeah. Marlon.” Aaron was leaning against the door jamb on one shoulder, and he folded his arms across his chest. “He’s seen Frymire.” Aaron leaned out the doorway. “Hey, English!”

“Yeah?”

“Need you to pick up somebody. MarlonTravis. We’re not arresting him, but he’s got to come in here and talk to us. Appropriate threats can be made.”

“Roger that. Right now?”

“The sooner, the better. Case file is on my desk, and the address is on the… third sheet.” How Aaron could remember that stuff, Shaw couldn’t imagine, but the guy was really on the ball. Aaron pointed toward the other officer’s voice. “Marlon’s not far from here, so unless he had something to do with this and he’s fled, English should be back with him in just a few minutes.”

The men continued to talk, and Shaw realized something unsettling. They reallydidn’thave a damn thing to go on. Nothing. “Oh, forgot something,” Aaron said, turning to Shaw.

“Yeah?”

“There were skin cells and some hairs and fibers under Frankie’s nails,” Aaron informed the men. “The medical examiner is hoping to get something from that. If we can get the DNA run, we might have more to work with.”

“Oh, we can get the DNA run,” Cruz said with a snort. “I’ll make sure of that.”

“Good. We need to get this under control.” At first, Shaw had been wary, but now he was glad the FBI and the Texas Rangers were involved. Maybe they’d get some much-needed technical help that way. “The girls are oblivious, but Cherilyn is scared half to death.”

“You got somebody watching her?” Aaron asked.

“My mom and dad are there this evening with dinner, but that’s about it.”

“I’ll talk to SheriffMcEvers and see if we can get some surveillance for her, if that would make you feel better,” Aaron offered.

“A lot better. I mean, as of right now, they don’t even feel like they can go out in the yard. First, holed up in a damp, cold cave in the woods, and now… At least they’re in a comfortable home, but it’s like they’re prisoners and they haven’t done one damn thing wrong.” Shaw worked to tamp down his rage at the situation. It was unfair?grossly unfair. “So how long are you guys staying?”

“Until we find something or there’s another similar murder nearby. Got any suggestions for places to stay?” Dax asked.

Aaron nodded. “We can help you find a room, or you could come stay with Maisey and me. We wouldn’t mind, and Murielle would be thrilled.”

Cruz smiled. “We don’t want to be a bother to anybody. We’ll just get a room.”

“Bother? After what you did to help us, Cruz, we’re family. But suit yourselves. I have to tell you, Murielle is a lot of fun.”

“Your little girl?” Dax asked, smiling so hard that his eyes crinkled.

“Yeah. She’s a doll. She’s got a stuffed dragon named Donnie that she totes around with her everywhere.” Shaw watched Aaron’s face as he talked about his child, and he looked like he’d burst with pride.

“Bring her down here sometime. I’d love to meet her.” Shaw could tell Dax wasn’t blowing smoke up Aaron’s ass. Did he have kids? If he didn’t, he should, because he seemed like a great guy.

Aaron nodded. “I’ll do that.”

“You’ll love her. Murielle’s adorable,” Cruz added with a grin. Then he sobered. “Shaw, how’s the woman doing?”

“Cherilyn’s okay. They’re scared and still recovering from being out in the damp and cold for so long, but they’re all right. Maisey’s helped them, and my mom and dad are pitching in.”

Cruz’s smile was gentle. “That’s really nice of them. I hope we get this taken care of soon so they can have their lives back.”

“I think Shaw wants to give them a new life,” Aaron said and rolled his eyes.

That got a chuckle out of Cruz. “There are worse ways to meet a woman!”

Shaw was about to say something when there was a commotion out in the main part of the office, and they could hear somebody shouting. “I ain’t done nothin’, and you can’t haul me down here and make me talk if’n I don’ wanna!”

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