Page 65 of Lost Truth
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With heavy clouds overhead hinting at the evening’s forecasted rain, Hayden drove to a secluded stretch of beach just beyond the Lost Lake Locators’ headquarters and cut the engine. Fortunately, the inn sat near a boat launch, making this section of the beach legally accessible by vehicle.
He’d gone off-roading on beaches in Oregon before. Plenty of times. Only in legally designated, drivable areas. Still, it always felt odd not to have a road or rules to follow. Other than to obey a slow speed limit, the only real unwritten rule of driving on the beach was simply not to hit anyone or come close enough to beachgoers to spray them with sand. He’d like to say that rule was easy for him to follow, but his innate sense of adventure had him wishing he could press the gas pedal to the floor.
“Done.” Cady set her phone on her lap. “Code names and websites off to Nick. Hopefully he’ll figure out who these men are.”
“As I’ve said, he’s the best.”
“So we’re here.” She sat forward and looked through her window. “You’re sure no one followed us?”
“Positive. And even if they did, they’d never expect us to come to the beach.”
“I sure didn’t.” She shook her head. “I mean, who would think you have some sort of secret tunnel leading out of that rocky wall?”
“I know, right?” He grinned. “It goes back to the days when supplies arrived on a ship, and it was easier to carry them in here than traverse a steep cliff wall.”
“Whatever the reason, it’s fun and exciting.”
“I suppose.” Hayden tried to remember his feelings when they’d first discovered the tunnel. He probably had a jolt of surprise, but then began thinking about how it could be useful to them. Today was the first day it had come into play. Nolan suggested using this entrance so if anyone was watching the inn, they wouldn’t see Hayden and Cady arrive.
He tapped a text to Nolan.We’re here. Open the door.
On it, came the reply within seconds.
He glanced at Cady. “You ready?”
She nodded, but her expression held a healthy dose of fear.
“Nothing to worry about. We’ll head into the tunnel. Easy peasy.” He smiled to help her relax.
She gave him a flat smile and opened her door to get out.
He exited the vehicle and retrieved his rifle from the back, shouldering it while keeping his other hand free in case he needed his sidearm. He might’ve told her they were fine, but that didn’t mean he was foolish enough to believe they couldn’t run into danger.
He closed and locked the vehicle and met her at the hood of his poor, injured Raptor. Would it ever be the same again? It had to be. He’d put all of his savings into the business and couldn’t afford a new vehicle.
They trudged through the thick sand together toward the craggy outcropping.
“I don’t see a door,” she said.
“It’s hidden. Just keep going.” Normally he’d tell her to follow him, and he’d show her the way, but with the potential danger, he would have her back.
She set off, and he stayed close to her, but kept scanning the beach behind them. Nearing eight o’clock, the beach was deserted except for a few couples walking along the shoreline in the setting sun.
“Just ahead,” he said as they arrived at the worn wooden door with original antique hardware. It stood open just as he expected.
Nolan waited inside. “Any trouble with being followed?”
Hayden shook his head. “But I’ll feel better when we’re safely inside and the door secured.”
Nolan stood back, and they passed him.
“The equipment bags are still in the truck,” Hayden said. “I don’t want to leave them out there overnight, but wanted to make sure my hands were free until I got Cady safely inside.”
“You stay with Cady. I’ll get them.” Hayden gave him the key fob and Nolan took off.
Hayden waited by the door, and Cady remained nearby until Nolan returned with the bags. He pulled the door closed and settled a solid wood beam across it. Even if someone stumbled upon the door, they’d need power tools to get it open. And if they did, Hayden had put alarm sensors on it and also had a camera with an alarm positioned outside.
