“Veer left at the next dirt road. We’ll see three red reflectors nailed to a tree along the driveway we’re supposed to turn in to. The cabin is at the end of that driveway, according to the directions you wrote down. We’re going to need a flashlight to find the house key.”
Anthony tipped his head toward the glove box. “There’s a flashlight in there, boss.”
Carden pulled the handle and opened the van’s glove box. “Ah, there we go.” He pressed the button, and the light illuminated the dash. Then he turned in his seat and shined it at Julie’s face. She flinched. “So you are awake under that blindfold, eh? Listening to everything we’re saying, aren’t you?” He chuckled. “That’s right, your mouth is taped closed so you can’t respond. We’re almost to our destination, Julie, so I’m giving you fair warning. No misbehaving or your brother will be severely punished. Understand?”
Julie nodded, and a muffled sob sounded from behind the tape.
“Good.”
The van bounced down the rutted drive. Julie’s car followed close behind, and both sets of headlights lit the pine forest. The cabin was straight ahead.
“Humph,” Carden said, “the place looks surprisingly welcoming.” He pointed at the movement in the woods. “Did you see that deer? I guess we are in the wilderness, just the way I like it. This is the perfect hideout and much more inviting than an abandoned warehouse. I think you’ll feel right at home here, Julie, but I don’t know if I can say the same about your brother. He’s always so abrupt with us. Is that just his personality, or did I do something to offend him?” Carden let out a belly laugh. “I even surprise myself at the funny quips I come up with.” He punched Anthony’s shoulder. “I’m funny, right?”
“You sure are, boss, damn funny.”
“That’s right. Now hang out here until I open the overhead. We’ll get the vehicles secured in the garage and take the supplies inside. We’ll come out for the Fed and his sister after we stow the weapons.”
Antonio pulled up alongside the van and got out.
Carden held up his hand. “Stay put until I open the garage door, then you can give your brother a hand with the supplies. I have to find the key first.” He disappeared into the darkness. Only the flashlight bobbing up and down gave away his location. Minutes later, and with a few choice words, Carden found the key under the wooden bear. He rounded the garage to the right, found the side door, and unlocked it. With groans of protest, the heavy garage door lifted and the light went on. “Get those vehicles in here so we can shut it down. We don’t need anyone nosing around.”
“Where do you want the supplies, boss?”
Carden scratched his chin while he thought about his options. They could take the guns inside and risk the chance of the Fed or his sister breaking free and turning the weapons on them, or they could leave the supplies in the van and lock the doors. “Let’s leave everything where it is for now. We have to decide where to secure our guests. After they’re restrained, you boys can head to that grocery store we passed on the edge of town and pick up some food. I’m starving.”