As I climbed out of the SUV, I heard what almost sounded like a crack from far away. My gaze jumped to Hayes as he exited the vehicle. “Did you hear that?”
He was instantly on alert. “What?”
“Sounded like it could’ve been a shot.”
We were both quiet for a moment, straining to hear, but there was nothing else.
Hayes shook his head. “Keep your ears open while the search is ongoing.”
I gave him a jerky nod.
“You have to wait out here while we conduct the search. Stay with Hads.” He inclined his head towards the ambulance.
I scanned the property around us. It was too quiet. People should’ve been working. Hands tending to the cattle or dealing with other projects. But there was nothing.
A screen door slammed, and I turned towards the noise. A woman I didn’t recognize stepped out onto the front porch. “This is private property. Can I help you?”
“Hello, Cybil,” Hayes greeted in a cordial tone.
The woman simply scowled at Hayes. “I asked you a question.”
He crossed to her and held out one of the papers. “We have a warrant to search the premises and all vehicles on site.”
“Buncha corrupt pigs,” she hissed.
“Where’s Allen?” Hayes asked.
Cybil’s expression went blank. “He went camping.”
One of the officers behind me scoffed. The winter nights were now well below freezing. No one in their right mind would go camping for fun right now.
“Where’s his campsite?” Hayes pushed.
She shrugged. “I’m not Allen’s keeper. He didn’t tell me, and I didn’t ask.”
Hayes’ jaw worked back and forth. “You must have a way to contact him if there’s an emergency.”
“Nope.” Cybil popped the p in the word. “He trusts me to keep things running in his absence.”
There was such pride in her words. As if Allen trusting her was the highest compliment she would ever receive. Cybil had drunk the Kool-Aid and was coming back for thirds.
“All right, then. Please wait with Officer Williams while we conduct the search.”
Her shoulders stiffened. “I need to watch you. Make sure you don’t steal anything.”
“You can watch from the doorway. But if you interfere, we will arrest you. Williams.” Hayes motioned to the younger officer. He stood next to Cybil.
“Don’t touch me,” she said in a shrill voice.
Officer Williams kept a pleasant expression on his face. “I didn’t touch you, ma’am. Please wait here.”
Officers poured into the building—at least twenty of them. I couldn’t tear my eyes away. I silently prayed for shouts letting us know that Addie had been found and that she was safe.
A smaller form leaned into my side. “You hanging on?”
I didn’t look at my sister. “What other choice do I have?”
“None.” She was quiet for a moment. “I wish I could fix this for you.”