Chapter Fourteen
Bart’s truck and the enclosed trailer were gone when they pulled up in front of his house. Jadyn scanned the property, but didn’t see any sign of activity.
“Looks like he’s gone,” Colt said.
“You did tell him Agent Ross would be by. Maybe he’s looking to avoid that conversation.”
“Well, it’s not like you need permission to look around.”
They climbed out of the truck and made their way to the shop. The shop had a padlock on it but Colt made quick work of it with a pair of bolt cutters he carried. They pulled open the huge swinging doors and walked inside.
Jadyn was surprised to see how neat the inside of the shop was. Toolboxes and cabinets lined one wall and workbenches lined the other. The back wall contained windows that let in natural light, and the front of the shop contained a refrigerator and tiny table with chairs. The center of the shop was completely empty.
“Whatever he was working on is gone now,” Colt said.
Jadyn walked over to the workbenches and pulled out one of the plastic containers stored beneath. She pulled the lid off and whistled. It was piled high with car parts. Colt peered inside and pulled the lid of the next container, then another, and another until they’d opened all six containers.
They were all filled with car parts.
Colt stared into the container, not speaking. Jadyn had a good idea of the things roaming through his mind. She barely knew Bart but felt a sense of betrayal. The man had pursued her knowing he was committing a criminal offense on the very land she was paid to protect.
“Do you think he’s the one who shot at us?” she asked.
Colt’s jaw flexed. “I don’t want to think so, but I can’t help feeling all of this—the stolen cars, Raissa’s kidnapping—are all part of the same thing.”
She nodded. “I agree, but I can’t make any of the pieces fit.”
“Me either.” He put the lid back on the container and sighed. “Let’s put these back and pay Mr. Pickett a visit. Might as well collect another piece to our puzzle.”