nodded. “Get us that new identity, Hunter. Brandon has to be safe.”
Hunter nodded and returned to the shack. Doc held up the packed duffel. “Supplies, ammo and your antibiotics. I swept it for bugs. Clear. You’re good to go.”
“Thanks.” They searched the premises for any identifying items and eliminated the fingerprints.
Hunter took one last look. “So much for this place being safe.” He kneaded the muscles at the base of his neck. “Doc, my plan is completely screwed. I was supposed to meet someone to have their new identification finalized today. Pictures, fingerprints, birth certificates, the works. No way that’s happening. I have to find an alternative source.”
“Then you know who to call.” Doc tugged out a phone. “One of Logan’s specials. For emergencies.”
Hunter grabbed the secure equipment and dialed a number.
“Carmichael.”
“Should I call you Your Highness?” Hunter said.
“Shove it, Graham,” Logan grumbled. “My life is a pain in the butt tonight. I have to attend a meet-and-greet with a bunch of muckety-mucks from France and Germany in a few minutes. Luckily, Kat promised to make it worth my while later if I behave,” he said. “I plan on smiling until my cheeks hurt tonight so she’ll misbehave later. Now, what do you want so I can get on with the torture of my evening?”
Hunter had to smile. Despite the frustration, he could hear the contentment in his friend’s voice. The man was so in love with Kat and his kids he couldn’t see straight.
“Logan, I need help. I set up a rendezvous with your Texas contact. I missed the deadline and the contact number is no longer valid.”
“Yeah, that’s pretty standard.” Logan paused and mumbled something to someone on his end. A few seconds later a door shut. “What aren’t you telling me? You should have the resources to do this job in less time than I can find another option.”
Hunter hated what he had to admit, but now was not the time to hold back from those he trusted. “I didn’t give you all the information, Logan. I’m sorry, but this entire operation is unsanctioned. It’s personal.”
Logan didn’t respond, but Hunter knew his friend was still on the other end.
“I have a son,” Hunter said. “He’s one, and his mother is in big danger. She’s been mentioned in chatter.”
Logan let out a low whistle, and Hunter knew the ex-CIA operative understood the implications.
“She and my son have to have new identities, but I need someone below the radar. Way far off so that no one could ever connect me to them.”
He could hear Logan’s fingers drumming on the table. “I may have an option. Where are you right now?”
“Florida Panhandle, but I need to get to Carder. I have to see that lawyer you recommended.”
“Then this will work. Noah Bradford has a contact from when we worked a drug cartel job just across the border. She’s a bit of a hermit, but the gal can get you anything you need. She’s another Carder, Texas, connection and doesn’t live too far from what used to be my ranch.”
“Oh, man, I’m sorry about the Triple C.”
“I made it out with my kids and Kat,” Logan said. “That’s all I care about.”
“I may need more than one day in Carder to get everything done. Is there someplace out of the way where no one would think to look?”
“The ranch burned to the ground, but I have a small cabin near the back acre, not too far from a stream. The cowhands stayed there to guard the herd from rustlers back in the day. It’s not much, but it’s a roof.”
Hunter let out a slow breath, one he’d been holding. At least his small family would have a place to sleep. “Thanks, Logan. I owe you.”
“You helped me save Kat’s life. You owe me nothing.” Logan paused. “Just keep your son safe. In the end, family is all we have to hold on to.”
Hunter ended the call and met Doc’s gaze. “All I have to do is find a completely anonymous and unexpected way to get to Carder, Texas, without getting killed between here and there.”
Chapter Seven
The rhythmic sound of the sea pulsing into the pier was the only sound. The desolate marina was eerily quiet. Darkness hung over the deserted area.
At Doc’s signal, Hunter pressed Erin next to a foreclosed office building. “Don’t come out until I motion to you.”
She nodded. She’d been quiet. Too quiet. Hunter understood.
She’d still been upset with him when they’d returned the airboats.
Then Hunter had seen