... here it is."
"Right.” He stood, giving her no time to dwell, no time to fear. “Where are all the tunnels situated?" She frowned, studying the map. “If it was a rail tunnel, there are three.” She pointed them out with a trembling hand.
He ignored the sudden desire to comfort her again. They had no time, nor was it right for him to keep touching her like he cared. “What about old caves? Mine shafts?"
"This section of the mountains is literally littered with old mines. I know a lot of them were filled to stop people falling down them, but there are about a dozen that still remain. Jake could be in any one of them." But Jasper couldn't. The shaft would have to be deep and long to provide the protection he needed.
“The tunnel was wet. We heard drips, remember?
She nodded, chewing her lip thoughtfully. “There are two old mines near the new dam they're building here.” She pointed to an area on the western edge of the map. “I'm pretty sure one of them goes into the mountain rather than down."
He saw her glance at the watch in her hand, saw her fingers twitch against it.
"Is he there, Nikki?"
"I think so,” she whispered. “But I've been wrong before." And it had resulted in death, Michael thought. Too much of her young life had been affected by death, and there wasn't a damn thing he could do about it. But he'd do everything it took to stop Jake dying on her as well.
"We'll need some supplies,” he said.
"Out back."
She stood, but rather than brush past him, took the long way around the desk and walked across to the storeroom. He shook his head and followed her. She'd trusted him with her soul, but still wouldn't trust him with her heart. He wondered if she ever would.
But what in hell would he do if she ever did?
He leaned against the doorway and watched her collect some chocolate and a few cans of soda and throw them in a backpack. She pulled on a heavy coat and turned to face him. Fear was everywhere, in her thoughts and in her eyes.
"Ready?” he said softly.