The Crying Season (D.K. Hood)

THECRYINGSEASON
ANEDGE-OF-YOUR-SEATCRIMETHRILLER
D.K.HOOD
ALSOBYD.K.HOOD
Don’tTellASoul
BringMeFlowers
FollowMeHome
TheCryingSeason
CONTENTS
Prologue
Chapter1
Chapter2
Chapter3
Chapter4
Chapter5
Chapter6
Chapter7
Chapter8
Chapter9
Chapter10
Chapter11
Chapter12
Chapter13
Chapter14
Chapter15
Chapter16
Chapter17
Chapter18
Chapter19
Chapter20
Chapter21
Chapter22
Chapter23
Chapter24
Chapter25
Chapter26
Chapter27
Chapter28
Chapter29
Chapter30
Chapter31
Chapter32
Chapter33
Chapter34
Chapter35
Chapter36
Chapter37
Chapter38
Chapter39
Chapter40
Chapter41
Chapter42
Chapter43
Chapter44
Chapter45
Chapter46
Chapter47
Chapter48
Chapter49
Chapter50
Chapter51
Chapter52
Chapter53
Chapter54
Chapter55
Chapter56
Chapter57
Chapter58
Chapter59
Chapter60
Chapter61
Chapter62
Epilogue
HearMoreFromD.K.Hood
AlsobyD.K.Hood
AletterfromD.K.Hood
Don’tTellaSoul
BringMeFlowers
FollowMeHome
Acknowledgements
ToGary,forhisendlesscupsofcoffeeandreminderstoeat.
PROLOGUELASTFALL
“Runanddon’tlookback.”
Shotspepperedtheundergrowth,andsplinteredtreesshoweredPaigeAllenwithbark.Shestrangledascreamandgapedatthecrimsonpatchspreadingacrossthefrontofherfiancé’sshirt.“I’mnotleavingyou.”ShegrabbedDawson’sarm,willinghimtomove.
“Go!”Dawsonstaredatherwithunfocusedeyesandbloodtrickledfromthecornerofhismouth.“Please…go.”
Terrified,shewilledherfeettomoveandrolledintothebushes.Shecouldhearsomeonecrashingthroughthetreesthenmoreshotsrangout.Dawson’sbodycontortedasbulletspiercedhisflesh.Hetooktwounsteadystepsforwardthenfellfacedownonthetrail.Hisfingersclawedthedirtinafeebleattempttosurvive,thenhelaystaringatherwithunseeingeyes.Sheknuckledthesobthreateningtoescapehermouth.OhmyGod,he’sdead.
Inthedistance,shecouldhearsomethingbigmovingtowardherthroughtheundergrowth.Indisbeliefandunabletomove,sheglanceddownthetrackbutnoonecameintosight.Whatwashappening?Terrorhadherbythethroatandithurttodragairintoherlungs.Shepeeredthroughthedensevegetation,lookingforanescaperoute.Ihavetogetoutofhere.Teethchattering,shescrambleddeeperintotheforest,movingfarawayfromthetrail.Tosurvivesheneededtobesilentbuteachtwigshesteppedoncrackedlikeawhip.
ThesightofDawson’sblood-splatteredbodyandhisdeadstaringeyesflashedacrosshermindinhorrificreruns,slowingherresponses.Thewindrustledthetrees,liftingtheleavesunderfootandcreakingthebranches.Eachnoisesoundedlikethefootstepsofthekiller.Sheraninblindpanic,weavingthroughthetreesandtrippingoverroots.
Hersenseofdirectiondescendedintochaosbutsheranon,draggingherfeetthroughthethickbushes.Asshebrokeoutofthetrees,asobescapedherthroat.“Oh,no.”ShehadruninanarcandwasnowbackonthetrailtwentyorsoyardsfromDawson’sbody.
Sheturnedonherheelandboltedupthepathtowardthemountain.SomeonehadkilledDawson.Themanshelovedhaddiedlikeananimalinhuntingseason;runtogroundandshot.Tearsstreameddownhercheeksandthesaltyflowleakedintohermouth.Shehadtogetawayandtellthecops.Desperate,shescannedtheareaaheadforahidingplaceandfoundahugeboulderbathedinshadowsoffthemaintrail.Ifshecouldmakeitafewmoreyardswithoutthegunmanseeingher,shecouldhide.
Thebushestuggedatherhairandtoreatherclotheswitheachstep.Panting,shemadetheshelteroftherockyoutcropandtookaquickglancebehindher.Thebushesononesideofthetrailquiveredandthecrunchofbootsontheforestfloorsoundedlikeastampedeofbuffalo.He’scoming.AfigurethunderedthroughthenarrowpathwaythenstoppedandkneeledbesideDawson’sbody.Dressedinarmycamouflagewithmatchingfacepaint,heturnedtolookinherdirectionandsheheldherbreath.Herpulsethumpedinherearssoloud,shethoughthewouldhearit.Withoutoneounceofcompassion,themandraggedDawsonintoasittingpositionagainstatallpinetreethenturnedslowlyinherdirection.
Sheerterrorgrippedher,makingithardtobreathe.Shehadtogethelp.Withshakinglimbs,shepulledouthercellphoneandduckeddeeperintotheshadows.ThelightonthescreenlitupthedarkspacelikeabeaconthenslippedfromhertremblingfingersandsmashedontherockShegapedatthescatteredremainsindisbelief.I’malone;nooneiscomingtohelpmeThefootstepscamecloser,slowerandmoredeliberate,stalkingher.
Shestaredatthesmallopeningbetweenthesheerrockfaceandtheboulder.Ifshereachedtheothersideofthemassivestone,shecouldrunintheoppositedirection.Surely,hewastoobigtofollowherthroughthenarrowgap.Trembling,sheeasedaroundtheedgeoftheboulder.
Toolate.Onelargehandgrabbedherbythehairandliftedherthenthrewherontotheground.Themanstareddownatherandawidegrinsplithisface.
“Whatareyoudoingonyourlonesomeoutintheforest?”Hisvoicewasstrange,distorted.
Paigespatthepineneedlesfromhermouthandstaggeredtoherfeet.Angerandrevulsiongavehercourage.“Areyoucrazy?YoushotDawson.”
“Hecan’thelpyounow.Tellme,canyoucounttoten,sweetheart?”
Noticingtheamusementinhiseyes,shetookastepbackwardandswallowedhard.Themangavealowchucklethenraisedhisrifleandpointeditather.Shegapedathimindisbelief.“Whatdoyoumeanbythat?”
“One…”
Paigeturnedandran,crashingthroughtheundergrowth.Shefoundthetraildownthemountainandtookoffatfullpelt.Nosoundoffootstepscamefrombehindher.Shecouldescape.Heartthundering,sheleaptafallenlog.Mid-flight,painrippedthroughherbackasifoneofherlungshadburstwiththeeffort.Sheforcedherlegsonwardbuttheforestdissolvedintoakaleidoscopeofgreen.Falling,thegroundcameuptomeether,pushingtheairfromherpainfullungs.Flatonthesandytrail,sheblinkedasawildflowercameintoperfectfocusthenfadedintoblack.
1MONDAY,PRESENTDAY
DeputyDavidKaneduckedoutofthewayofabeerbottlecartwheelingandspewingfoaminalldirections.Thebottleflewoveroneshoulderandsmashedintothewall,showeringhisbackwithglass.Instinctonfullthrottle,hespunaroundintimetograbtheswingingfistofaburlymaninhispalmandtwisthiswrist,bringingthearmupbehindtheman’sback.Heswepthisassailant’sfeet,sendinghimdownhardonhisknees.ThemanhowlinginpaindidnotresembletheusualroughtypewhofrequentedtheTripleZBar.Kanedraggedthemantohisfeetthenslammedhimagainstthewall,takinginhisexpensivejacketandhikingboots.“Youplanningonspendingthehuntingseasoninjail?”
“Gotohell.”
Kanepulledtheman’shandsbehindhim,readhimhisrightsthendraggedhimoutsideandsecuredhimtoanoldhitchingpost.“I’llseeifIcanarrangethatlater.”Hesidesteppedthegrowingmoundofbrokenglassattheentranceandheadedbackinsidethebar.Onedown.
HisworkasadeputyinBlackRockFallswasverydifferentfromhistimeasasniperfollowedbyfiveyears’serviceinDC’sSpecialForcesInvestigationCommand.HehadhadnootherchoicebuttoleaveDCafteraterroristplantedabombunderhiscar,killinghiswifeandleavinghimwithatitaniumplateinhishead.Offthegridinthenot-so-smallbackwoodstownofBlackRockFallsshouldhavebeenawalkinthepark.However,thedynamicsofhislifehadchangeddramaticallyondiscoveringhisbosswasanex-undercoverDEAagent.SheriffJennaAlton,withanewnameandface,washidinginplainsightinwitnessprotection,andBlackRockFallswasanythingbutthequietlittletownheenvisaged.
Anargumenthaderuptedbetweenhisprisonerandtwolocalmenoverthecarcassofaneight-pointbuck,thenescalatedintoanall-outbrawl.Thered-facedownerstoodbehindthebarbrandishingashotgun;hismouthwasmovingbuthiswordswerelostoverthenoise.Menfoughteachotherlikeanimals,usingchairs,tables,andpoolcuesasweapons.Awomanwearingashortskirtandhighheelsjumpedontoaman’sbackandrakeddownhisfacewithpolishednails.
Amiasmaofbeerandsweathunginthesmoke-filledroom.Kanesidesteppedapunchfromamanwearingaredbandanatiedaroundhisbaldinghead.Hepivotedononefoot,aimingakicktothehugebellyswingingoverhispants,andhisbootsankintoJell-O.Whenthemanbuckled,Kaneshovedhimintothepooltablethenduckedandweavedthroughthefight,heavingbodiesoutofhiswaytohelpDeputyRowley.
Theyoungdeputywasinabrawlwithtwomenandothershadmovedtojoinin.Rowleywasholdinghisownbutanidiotwithbloodstreamingdownhisfaceandholdingachairhighintheairwasheadinghisway.KanedrewhisGlockandfiredthreeshotsintotheroof.Theroomfelleerilyquietandtheangrycrowdturnedtolookathim.“GetoutofherebeforeIhaulyoualldowntown.”
Themassexoduswasswift,andheholsteredhisweaponthensteppedinfrontofthetwomenwhohadbeenattackingRowley.“Youdoknowit’sanoffencetohitanofficerofthelaw,right?”
“Hetriedtoarrestmeforstealingthebuck.”Themangavehimanindignantlookthentriedtostraightenhistornshirt.
“Youcanaddresistingarresttothecharge.”SheriffJennaAlton’sravenhairglistenedunderthelightsasherannoyedscrutinymovedaroundthebar.Unruffledandincompletecontrolofthesituation,shemovedtoKane’ssideandwhenshelookedathisprisonerhermouthturneddown.“Cuffhimandbringhimin.”Sheindicatedtowardtheothermanwithanastycutunderoneeyeandbleedinglikeastuckpig.“Himtoo.”Shereadbothmentheirrightsinaclippedmonologue.
“Yes,ma’am.”Rowley’smouthtwitchedatthecornerashepulledtheziptiesoutofhispocket.HeturnedtoKane.“Didyougetthebigonewhocameatyouwiththebottle?”
“Oh,yeah.”Kanesmiled.“Heiscoolinghisheelsatthehitchingpostoutfront.”
“Andsquealingabouthis$2,000Stetsonhemisplacedinhere.”Jennagavehimherpatented“Idon’tgiveashit”stareandshrugged.“Sayshe’llmakeacomplainttothesheriffaboutyouthroughhislawyer.Apparently,I’llskinyoualive.”Sheclearedherthroat.“Morepaperwork.”
“Whoisgonnapayforthisdamage?”Thebarman’sangrystarerestedonKane’sfaceandhestillheldtheshotgun.
“Laydownyourweapon–now!”Jennaglaredathimandtheownercompliedsheepishly.“Whostartedthebrawl?”
“I’mnotsurebutthosetwoandthecitydudewerethrowingbottlesandchairs.”
“Okay.”Sheturnedtotheothermen.“Doyouhavejobs,property,orcashtopayforthisdamage?Youhavetheopportunitytosettlenowbeforeitgoestocourt.”
“Nope.”TornShirtwethislips.“Onlymycarandwecan’twalkhome;ourcabinisinthemountains.Thebuckisourslegal.WehaveaVehicle-KilledWildlifeSalvagePermit.I’mwithinmyrights.”
KanesnortedandsecuredTornShirt.“Isthatyourcaroutsidewiththebucktiedtothehood?”
“Sureis.”
“Thebuckouttherehasabulletwoundandsomeotherdamage.”Kaneraisedaneyebrow.“Caretoexplain?”
“Heranoutinfrontofmyvehicle.Youcheckforyourself.ItslegisbrokenandIhaveadamagedheadlight.”TornShirtlookedatJennapleadingly.
“IhaveaVehicle-KilledWildlifeSalvagePermittoo.”TheownergaveKaneanoptimisticlook.“I’lltakethebuckformyownconsumptionasrestitutionfortheirpartofthedamagebutIwantacashsettlementfromtherichdudeyouarrestedoutside.”
“Thatseemsfairtome.”JennalookedatKane.“Fixit.”
“Noway!Ifounditlegal.Itdon’tbelongtoanyone.Idon’tknowwhythatcrazymanstartedafight.”TornShirtsmirkedatKaneoveroneshoulder.“Ain’tnolawaboutpickinguproadkill.Mypermitisuptodateandpaidfor.”
Kaneturnedtotheproprietor.“Takethebuck.Ashesaid,‘Itdon’tbelongtoanyone.’”
“Sure,it’sbetterthannothin’.”Thebarownerheadedoutthedoor.
“Thatain’tfair.”TornShirtgaveJennaapuppy-dogstare.“Sheriff,youtellthatsonofabitchhecan’tdothat,itain’tfair.”
Oh,thisisgoingtobefun.KanebitbackagrinandraisedoneeyebrowatJenna.
“Okay,butitwon’tbegoodeatingafteryouleaveitoutinthesunforweeks.”JennagaveTornShirtatightsmile.“Youcouldremaininjailuntilyourcourtcase.”
“Oh,man.”TornShirtbithisbottomlipasifconsidering.
“Well,what’sittobe?”Jenna’seyesflashedassheglaredatTornShirt.
“Iain’tgotmuchchoice,haveI?”
“Youhadthechoicenottofightinthefirstplace.I’mgoingeasyonyou.”SheturnedtoKane.“Getthemintothebackofmyvehicle.I’lldriveyourrigbacktotheoffice.”Sheheldoutherkeys.
“Yes,ma’am.”Kaneswappedcarkeyswithasmile.JennacalledhisblackSUV“thebeast”aftertheupgrades.Itwasfast,veryfast.
WiththethreemensecuredinJenna’svehicle,KanewatchedherdriveawaythenwentbackinsidetoexamineRowley.Hewouldhaveashinerbutlookedokay.“GetsomeiceforthateyebeforeweleaveandaskthebarmantolookoutforaStetson,andtocallifhefindsit.”
“Yes,sir.”
WithRowleyholdingabagoficetohiseye,theyhurriedbacktoJenna’srig.Themensecuredbehindthebulletproofglassarguedtheentiretripbacktothesheriff’soffice.TornShirtandthemanwiththecutunderoneeyegaveKanetheirinformationwithoutaproblembeforehehandedthemovertoDeputyColeWebberwhotookthemtoseparateinterviewrooms,butthemanwhohadattackedKaneglaredathim,eyesblazing.
Kanepushedhimdownintotheseatinhiscubicle.“Name?”
“EthanWoods.Thosementookoffwithaneight-pointbuckI’dbagged.”
Kanesighed.“DidyoutagyourkillorreportthemaspoacherstoanFWPofficeratthecheckstation?”
“No.”Woodsshothimanangryglance.
“ThequestiononmylipsforanexperiencedandIhopelicensedhunterwouldbe,‘Why?’”
Woods’facereddenedandhegaveKanealookcoldenoughtofreezeBlackRockFalls.“Iwantyoutocallmylawyer.”
“Sure.”Afterenteringthenameinthearrestreport,Kanelookedhimover.“Areyouinjured?”
Woodsgavehimastonystare.Ohboy,hewascomplyingwithhisrighttoremainsilent.Kaneshrugged.“Dutyofcare,sir.Wehavetheparamedicscominginanyway.Ifyouneedthemtolookatyou,letmeknow.”Heleanedbackinhischair.“Lawyer’sname?”
“JamesStone.”
Kane’sdaywasdeterioratingbythesecond.Hegroanedinwardly.TheBlackRockFallslawyerhadbeenapainintheass.Apparently,beforehisarrival,heandJennahaddatedacoupleoftimesanditdidn’tworkout,butStonewouldn’ttakenoforananswer.KanehadspokentoStoneandimpliedhewasinvolvedwithJennatoconvincethemantobackoff.Sincethenthecooperationbetweenthesheriff’sdepartmentandStonehadended.Suckinginadeepbreath,hemadethecall,andfromthewayStonewentintoactionthemomentKanementionedtheprisoner’sname,hefiguredWoodsmustbesomebig-shotclientofhis.HecouldalmostpictureStonedashingtohiscartogettothesheriff’sofficebeforehedisconnected.Smotheringagrinofsatisfaction,KanemovedhisattentionbacktoWoods.“I’lltakeyoutoaninterviewroomtowaitforyourlawyer.”
“DidyoufindmyStetson?”
Kanehaddealtwithpeoplemanyatimewhobelievedlawenforcementwerethescumoftheearthandtheirmoneycouldbuythemoutofanysituation.TheattitudeWoodswasgivinghimcamefromyearsofprivilegeandgettinghisownway,likelyoldmoney.Heshrugged.“I’veaskedthebarmanattheTripleZBartolookoutforit.”
“That’snotgoodenough.”SpittleflewfromWoods’mouth.“Getbackdownthereandfindit.”
“Nocando.ImakeapointofstayingoutofplacesliketheTripleZBarunlessthere’saruckus.Ifsomebodyhandsitin,we’llletyouknow.”
Woods’faceturnedapeculiarshadeofpurple.“Thoselowlifeswillstealitandyouknowit.Ipaidthemgoodmoneytotrackformeandtheydesertedmeoutintheforest,saidthey’dhuntdownthebuckIclipped.”
“Youshouldhavehiredprofessionaltrackers.”Kanelookeddownattheman’senragedfaceandsmiled.“Don’tyouknowifyouliedownwithdogs,you’regonnagetfleas?”Hegavehimalightpushtowardtheinterviewroom.“Thisway.”
“IdemandyougototheTripleZandfindmyhat.”Woodsthrewhimanindignantstareoveroneshoulder.
AsKaneusheredWoodspastDeputyRowley,hegrinned.“SeemslikeMr.Woodshasgivenuphisrighttoremainsilentandrefusedmedicalassistance.Informthesheriff,willyou,please?”
“Yes,sir.”
2
JennaglancedupfromhercomputerscreenasRowleyknockedonthedoor.“Problem?”
“No.”Rowleylookedatherthroughaswollen,streamingeyeandgaveherKane’smessage.“Woodsisininterviewroomthree.”
“Okay.”Shepushedtoherfeet.“Theparamedicsareontheirway.Gositdownandkeepiceonthateye.Idon’twantyoudoinganythinguntilyou’vebeencheckedout.”
“Yes,ma’am,butI’mfine.”
Shemovedcloser,peeredathim,thenfrowned.“Youdon’tlooksogoodandI’mworriedaboutyou.Letmeseeyourhands.”
Whenheliftedhisbruisedandskinnedknuckles,sheshookherhead.“Oh,Jake,they’renotfineandneitherareyou.Willyouatleastsithereinthequietforawhile?”Shepulledoutachairinfrontofherdesk.“I’llaskMaggietobringyousomeiceandsendtheparamedicstocheckyouover.Letmeknowifyouneedanything.”
“Sure,thanks,butI’mokay.”Rowleyturnedhishandsoverandsighed.“I’vehurtmyselfworsethanthisworkingout.”
Jennaignoredhim.Rowleyhadnotcomplainedoncesincethefirstdayhewalkedintotheofficeasarookie.Hewasdependableandefficient,andshewasproudtohavetrainedhim,butthistimeshehadtoputherfootdown.Shewentstraighttothecountertospeaktothereceptionist,Magnolia“Maggie”Brewster.“Rowleyisabitbangedup.Ihavehiminmyoffice.Canyougethimsomeiceandkeepaneyeonhimuntiltheparamedicscheckhim?I’msurehehasaconcussion.”
“Rightaway.Youknow,Ican’tfigureouthowDeputyKanecamebackfromthatbrawlwithoutascratch.”Maggierolledherbrowneyesskyward.“Idon’tbelievehewouldsendJakeinalone.”
Jennabitbackasmileatherindignation.“No,Kanewasthereinthemiddlethrowingbodiesinalldirections.IthinkKaneknowshowtoduck.”Sheglancedtowardherofficedoorandloweredhervoice.“KaneclearedapaththroughthefightandIfollowed.Rowleyjumpedstraightinfistsflying.”Sheleanedcloser.“Ifigurehewashavingthetimeofhislife.”
Thedoortothesheriff’sdepartmentswungopenandJamesStonestormedinsidewithanexpressionofdoom.Hemarchedtowardher,grippinghisbriefcaselikeashieldbeforehim.
“SheriffAlton,youhavemyclient,EthanWoods,incustody.”
Howdidhegetheresofast?Jennatookinhiscasualclothesandhikingboots.Thelawyerusuallyarrivedwearinganexpensivesuitandpolishedleathershoes.“Wedobuthehasalreadywaivedhisrights.”
“Idon’tbelieveit.”Stonegaveheracoldstare.“Takemetohim.What’sthecharge?”
Jennaliftedherchin.“HeattackedoneofmydeputieswithabottleandincitedabrawlattheTripleZBar.”Sheledthewaytotheinterviewroom.“Thenthere’sthebuck.”
“Buck?”
Astheyenteredtheroom,Woodssprangtohisfeet.
“James.ThankGodyou’rehere.Thisidiotarrestedme.”WoodswavedahandatKane,wholookedupfromhisnotes.
“You’reluckyI’mhere.IplannedtotakeatriptoNewYorkthisweek.”StoneplacedhisbriefcaseonthetableandpulledoutaseatthengaveJennaandKaneadismissivewave.“I’dliketospeaktomyclientalone.”
“Sure.Pressthebuzzerwhenyou’refinished.”JennaglancedatKane.“Youcanbringmeuptodatewiththeothertwoprisoners.Igatherthey’renotbeingrepresentedatthistime?”
“Nope.”KanestoodandhiscoldstaremovedoverStone,buthefollowedheroutthedoorwithoutanotherword.
Inthehallway,shestoppedandleanedagainstthewall.“Whathavewegot?”
“LeroyandAbelFinch.TheyarebrotherswhoownacabininthemountainsnearBearPeak.Theirlicensescheckoutandarecurrent.Thereisnoevidencetoindicatetheyarepoachers,noinfringementswithFish,WildlifeandParks.”Kaneglancedathisnotes.“Ihavenoproofofwhostartedthebrawl.Thebuckhasathrough-and-throughwoundsonobulletevenifwetookthetimetodoballistics.Itdoeshaveabrokenleg,soitcouldhavestaggeredoutontotheroadbeforeWoodshadtimetoreachit.Woodsdidsaytheylefthimintheforesttochasedownthebuck.”Heshrugged.“It’shearsayatbest.”
Jennatappedherbottomlip,thinking.“I’mnotsurethechargesofstrikingalawofficerwillstick.Ifigurethey’llhavewitnessescomingoutthewoodworktoturnaroundthechargetopolicebrutality.Ifitsticks,allthejudgewillgivethemisafine.I’dratherlockthemupforthenightandletthemgowithawarning.”
“Thatsoundslikeaplan.I’llgotalktothemnext.”HetippedhisheadtowardtheinterviewroomwithWoodsandStonetalkinganimatedly.“WhataboutWoods?”
“We’llseewhathehastosay.Ifigurehe’lloffertobuyhiswayoutoftroubleandwecansendhimonhisway.HowmuchdamagedoyouthinktheydidtotheTripleZ?”
“IfigureifWoodsofferedtheownerfivegrand,he’dbedancingnakedinthestreetwithjoy.”Kane’smouthquirkedupintoasmile.“Mostofhistablesandchairsarefromyardsales,thenaddafewglasses.AdaytocleanupthemessandIthinkhewouldcomeoutahead.”HeflickedaglancetowardJamesStone.“Hislawyerisprobablycharginghimmorethanthatanhour.”
“Okay,we’llseeifhe’lldoadeal.”ShesighedasDeputyWebbercameintoviewlookingglum.“ItlookslikeI’mgoingtobebusyforawhile.CanyoudealwithWoods?”
“Sure,I’llcuthimadealtopaydamagesandlethimgo.”Kanegrinned.“ItmighttaketheedgeoffMr.Freezeforawhile.HeisonelawyerIdetestdealingwith;heissuchanarrogantass.”
“Icouldn’tagreemore.”
WhenWebbermarchedtowardthem,Jennacouldtellbyhisexpressionthatsomethingwaswrong.Sheturnedtomeethim.“Problem?”
“Maybe.Acoupleofhikersfoundahumanskullnearthereservationborder.Iaskedthemtowaitinthefrontreceptionarea.Rowleyisstillinyourofficewiththeparamedics.”
Jennaconsideredheroptions.“Bringthemdowntointerviewroomfourandsendtheparamedicsdownhereassoonasthey’vefinishedwithRowleytochecktheFinchbrothers.Ifthebrothersareokay,locktheminthecells.I’llspeakwiththemlater.”
“Yes,ma’am.”Thedeputyturnedonhisheelandhurriedbackalongthepassageway.
Canmydaygetanyworse?Jennasighedandpushedahandthroughherhair.ThebrawlattheTripleZslidintoobscurity.ShelookedupatKane.“I’llgointerviewthehikers.”
“Sure.”Herubbedhischin.“Ahumanskull,huh?YouwantmetocallinWolfe?”
Sheshookherhead.Shecountedherselfluckytohavethemedicalexaminer,DeputyShaneWolfe,onherteam,anddiscoveringhehadservedinthemarineswasanaddedbonus.“Notyet.I’llseewhattheyhavetosayfirst.Ihopeitdidn’twashdownfromthereservation.Therearesomeancientburialsitesthereandtheydon’tlikepeoplewalkingontheirsacredland.”
Footstepsheraldedthearrivaloftwoparamedics.Webberfollowedbehindwithayoungcouple.PushingdowntheneedtoasktheextentofRowley’sinjuries,Jennaenteredthecodeonthedoorthenusheredthemintotheinterviewroom.Shetookaseatandrestedherhandsonthetable.“I’mSheriffJennaAlton.CanIhaveyournamesandcontactdetailsfortherecord,please?”
“JimandBaileyCanavaroutofKansas.”
Jennatookinthecouple’sappearance.JimCanavar,atallmanwithglassesandwearingclothesthatlookedtoosmallforhim,wasastarkcontrasttotheyoungwomanbesidehim:veryattractive,shoulder-lengthravenhair,withmanicurednailsandwearingbrandedoutdoorsclothes.SheshoutedmoneywithacapitalM.Pullingherattentionawayfromthem,shefilledthedetailsinthereport.“Doyouremembertheexactlocationoftheskull?”
“Yeah,Itookdownthecoordinatesandtooksomephotographs.”Heglancedathiswife.“Itscaredthehelloutofmywifewhenshewenttotakeapee.”
“I’msureitwould.”Jennawrotedownheremailaddressandpassedittohim.“Didyoutouchtheskullordisturbthearea,Mrs.Canavar?”
“No,IsawitjustoffthepaththenranbacktotellJim.”BaileygrippedJim’sarmandlookedmournful.“Ididn’tevenwanthimtotakephotographs.Idon’twanttheminourhoneymoonshots.”
“I’msurehewilldeletethembutbeforeyoudo,pleasesendthecoordinatesandimagefilestothisaddress.I’llpinpointthearea.”Shewaitedforhimtocomplythensmiled.“WhatbringsyoutoBlackRockFalls?”
“We’reonourhoneymoonandstayingattheCattleman’sHotel.WedroveuptotheparkingareaatDeadman’sCreekthenhikedallday,planningtocampintheforestthencomedowninthemorning.”Jimshrugged.“Thewardenstoldusitwasn’tadesignatedhuntingareabutwecouldsurehearthegunsblazinginthedistance.I’mprettysurethetrailbordersthereservationbutwefoundtheskullonthissideoftheboundaryjustoffthemaintrail.”Heraisedoneeyebrow.“Ifigureit’samurdervictim.”
“Wedon’thaveanyopenmissingpersons’filesatthemomentbutI’llbesuretocheckwithothercounties.”Jennasmiled.“It’slikelyitwasheddownfromanancientburialsiteintherain.”
Heremailpingedafewmomentslaterandsheopenedthefiles.Agruesomeimageflashedontothescreen.Theskullwithtuftsofblackflowinghairstaredatherfrombottomlessblacksockets.Sheswallowedthebilerushingupthebackofherthroatattheunmistakablesightofabulletholerightbetweentheeyes.Withthefrontteethmissingandacrackfromjawtocheek,theopenmouthmightaswellbescreaminghomicide.
3
JimandBaileyCanavarwaitedatreceptionintheCattleman’sHotel.AsBaileyenjoyedstayingatthisfive-starhotel,Jimhadthechancetoslipawayonhisowntogohunting,buthiswifewantedtocutoffthatavenueofpleasure.Hehadrenewedhishuntinglicensejustincase.HemighthavelivedinKansasforthepasttenyears,butasabornandbredMontanan,hevisitedthestatemanytimes.BlackRockFallswasinthemiddleofnowherebutthehotelhadabarandfirst-classrestaurant.Helovedroughingitoutdoorsbuthisbridehadfoundtheideaofhikingandcampinginthewoodsakintosleepingunderabridge.AtleastbycombiningoneortwodayshikingwiththeequivalentluxuryoftheCattleman’sHotel,hewouldkeepherhappyforawhile.Whenthepersoninfrontofhiminlinesteppedaway,hemoveduptothecounter
“Howwasyourday?”Thereceptionist,dressedinasuitandtiewithagoldbadgedisplayingthenameNigelonhislapel,smiledatBailey.“Didyouenjoythehike?”
“Notparticularly.”Baileydidherusualpoutofdispleasure.“Findingaskullruinedmyentireday,maybemyentirehoneymoon.”
“Askull?”Nigelblinkedafewtimesthenleanedonthecounter.“Dotell.”
Notsureifthesheriffwouldapproveofthemblabbingtheinformationaroundtown,Jimloweredhisvoice.“Wefoundahumanskullupneartheborderofthereservation.We’vejustreturnedfromthesheriff’soffice.”
“Oooh,howexciting.”Nigelgavehimaconspiratorialwink.“YoudoknowBlackRockFallsisbecomingfamousforserialkillers.”Hegrinned.“Peoplelovetohearthestories.Wehavestrangegoingsonfromwayback,hauntedbarns,anddidyouknowaroundthesepartspeoplegomissingandareneverseenagain?”Hewavedtotheadvertisementforacrimethrilleronthebackofatouristhandout.“They’reevenwritingaboutusnow.It’sgreatfortourism.”
“Really?Thereisnoaccountingfortaste.”Hewasfamiliarwiththeareabutscrutinizedthemapsonthecounter.“Canyourecommendanothertrail,niceandquiet,wecantry?Someplacewecanmakecampovernight.”
“Yousaidwecouldhavetwodaysinthehotel.”Baileyflickedalockofhairoveroneshoulder.“Thatwasthedeal.”
“Yeah,honey,we’llstayhereacoupleofnightsthenheadbackupthemountain.Theweathermightnothold,thenwe’llbestayinghereagain.”
“Okay.”Baileyletoutalongsigh.“Atleastallthiswalkingisgoodformyfigure.”
“AndIhavejusttheplace.”Nigelopenedamapwithaflourishandpointedatawindingroadintothemountains.“Youcandrivethroughthemountainhereandfollowtheroadtothisparkinglot.It’sanewoneandhasaconveniencestorewithagiftshopon-site.Thefamilywhoownstheplacerunsacoupleofcabinsforhikersoutback.”
“Iwaslookingmoreforacampingsite,somethingwellawayfromthetouristareas.”Jimpointedatthemap.“Wheredoesthistraillead?”
“Ah,yes,BearPeak.Thereisanoldtrailupthere.It’shalfamilefromtheparkinglotandabitisolatedbutthereisaplateausomewaysupandithasanicesecludedplacetocamp.Greatviewsfromuptheretoo.”
Jimgrinned.“Thanks.Thatsoundsperfect.Ilikeisolated.”Hesmiledathiswife.“IthinkanicehotbaththenafinedinnerwillputyouinabettermoodplustherewillbeplentyoftimeforyoutogoshoppingandvisitthebeautyparlorwhileIgatherwhatweneedforthetrip.”
“I’minabettermoodalready.I’llheadonuptoourroom.”Baileysmiledathim,brushedpastamanstandingbesideheranddrumminghisfingernailsonthecounter,andmadeherwaytotheelevator.
4
Perfectwouldbecomehiswordoftheday.HisattentionmovedoverBaileyandhissmilefixedinplace,coveringhisinnerturmoil.Nothingbeatthethrillofwatchingawoman—particularlyaspoiled,obnoxiousyoungwomanlikeher—runningforherlifeintheforest.Howsatisfyingitwastowatchtheirhorrifiedexpressionswhentheyrealizednomatterhowfartheyranorwheretheytriedtohide,hewouldfindthemandtheywoulddie.
Hetookamapfromthecounterandapenfromanornateholder,markedthetrailleadingtothecampsite,thenfoldedthemapneatlyandpusheditintohispocket.HenoticedNigelwasstaringathim.“Couldyoubookmeatableintherestaurantfordinnerateight?”
“Yes,sir.”Nigelpickedupthephone
Heturnedawayfromthecounter,pulledoutasmallblackbookfromhisinsidepocket,andsearchedacodedlist.Heranthetipofhisfingerdownthepagetoselectafewsuitablenames.Ashiverofexcitementrushedoverhim.Helovedthechaseandfinallythekill.Nootheradrenalinerushmatchedtheexhilarationofrunningdownawomanandkillingherslowly.Itwasaddictiveandnexttimethethrillwouldn’tbehisalone.Nexttime,he’dhaveaspecialguest.
5TUESDAY
JennaslidfromthecabinofKane’sblackrigandsurveyedthenewparkinglotatthetopofthemountain.MayorPetershamhadspentagreatdealofmoneyclearingalandslideblockingtheroadtothepopularfishingspot.Althoughfishingandhikingweretwoattractions,thetown’shistoryofbrutalmurdersluredsightseersbythethousands.WithtouristsbringingprosperitytoBlackRockFalls,havingtheroadopenagainwasasoundeconomicmove.Anewownerhadrefurbishedtheoldcabinsandlivedon-site,offeringaconveniencestore,whichsoldeverythingfromhotcoffeetoammunition.
Jennatookinthespectacularviews;atherback,mountainpeaksroseuptoformanimpenetrablebarrier,darkagainstabrilliantbluesky,andwaterfallssprangfromthemanyfissuresintheblackrocks,feedingintoalake,whichspilleddownthemountainsideinathunderousroartowardtown.Byturningafewdegrees,shecouldtakeinavistaofthepineforestanddowntothewide-openspacesleadingtothetownofBlackRockFalls.
Acoldwindliftedherhair;soonwinterwouldarriveandlifeintownwouldchangedramaticallybutforthenextfewweeks,thecrisp,freshmountainairdrewhuntersandhikersgalore.SheturnedtoKane.“Thishaschangedsincewewerelasthere.I’mgladwedon’thavetorideupthatsteeptrackbesidethefallstoreachthecrimescene.”
“FromwhatWolfesaid,it’sstillabouthalfanhouronhorseback.”Hewalkedtothebackofthehorsetrailerthenturnedandhisfacebrokeintoawidesmile.“Itsureisprettyuphere.I’dlovetoexploreitsomemore,maybehikealongsomeofthelesser-knowntrailsandcampovernight.”
Jennagapedathim;surely,hewasoutofhismind.“Campuphere?You’llfreezetodeath.”
“Nah,notthesedays.”Hecockedoneeyebrowandwenttoopenthetailgateofthehorsetrailer.“PeoplesurvivefineintheAntarctic.It’sabouttakingtherightequipmentandclothes.”
“Well,countmeout.Idon’tcallfreezingmyassofffun.”SheturnedandopenedthebackdoorofKane’srig,andDuke,Kane’sbloodhound,floppedontotheroad.ShegrabbedtheirbackpacksandheardKanechuckling.Afterclosingthedoor,shewalkedtowherehestoodholdingthehorses.“What’ssofunny?”
“Notathing.”Hetookhisbackpackfromherthenswungintohissaddleinonefluidmovement.“Ijustthought,afterbeingstuckintheofficeweekinandweekout,you’denjoyabreak.”
“Idoandit’sjustaswellwehaveWalterstoholdthefortwhile,we’reuphere.”Jennapulledonhersunglasses.“I’msuregladhedidn’tretirealtogether.”
“Ifigurehelikestakingcharge.”Kanenoddedtowardtheothers.“Theylookwaytoohappy.”
JennatookinthesunnysmilesofDeputyJakeRowley,whomovedhishorsebesideKane,andDeputyPaulaBradford,whofollowingclosebehind.Jennafrowned.“Fordeputiesabouttoscoutanareatosearchforhumanremains,youallseemalittletookeen.What’sgoingonhere?”
“Nothing,ma’am.”Bradfordtossedherblondeponytailoveroneshoulder.“It’sjustnicetobeoutinthefreshairaftertheauditingwe’vebeendoingallweek.”HermouthcurledintoasmileassheglancedatKane.“Anytimeyouwantsomecompanyonacampingtrip,countmein.Ijustlovesleepingrough.”
“Metoo.”Rowleychuckled.
“Rogerthat.”KanethrewJennathereinstoherhorse.“Ready,ma’am?”HewhistledtoDukeandthebloodhoundboundedoutofthebushestogreethim.
“Sure.”AsJennastruggledtoclimbintothesaddle,shenoticedKane’smouthtwitchwithamusement.Okay,sothelasttimetheyhadridden,afterinsistingshewasjustfinemountingahorsewithoutaleg-up,hehadnotofferedagain.Thetruthwas,afteranotherviciousworkoutwithhiminthegym,everymuscleachedandshewouldhaveacceptedhishelp.Tryingtoactnonchalant,sheheavedherselfintothesaddlethenlookedathergrinningdeputies.“Whatnow?Doyouneedagrouphug?”SheturnedtoKane.“Youhavethecoordinates;leadthewaybeforeweallgetmushy.”
“Yes,ma’am.”Kanemadeaclickingsoundwithhistongue,andtheblackhorse,namedWarrior,movedforwardintotheforest.
ThetrailaheadwaswideenoughfortwohorsesandJennamovedhermareclosetoWarrior.“Whyisiteverytimewecomeintothisbeautifulforest,someonehasdied?”
“ForestscoveroveramillionacresofMontana,andwhenyouconsiderover2.5millionpeopledieayearintheUSA,thefewfatalitiesthathappeninthisvastforestarenegligible.”Heflickedheraglance.“Murderanddeathhappen,butitshouldn’ttakeawayfromthebeautyofaplacelikethis.Isureamgratefultonotbeworkinginacity.”
Jennastaredathimindisbelief.It’slikeridingbesideGoogle.“Itisbeautifulhereanditchangessomucheveryseason.”
“LikeIsaid,weshouldtakeaweekendandspendthenightupherebeforethesnowcomes.”Hepointedtothemountain.“Therearetrailsalongsidethemountain,placestoclimbupontoplateaustoseerightacrossMontana.”
TheideaofarealbreakwouldbewonderfulbutshoppinginManhattanwasmoreherideaoffun.“I’dcomewithyoubutjustus,orit’snodifferenttotoday.”
“Yousayingyouwanttobealonewithme?”Kanewiggledhiseyebrowsather.
Shegapedathim.“I’malonewithyoumostofthetime,Kane.Ijustdon’twanttotakeworkwithmeonvacation,ifyouknowwhatImean?”
“So,you’llcome?”Kanegrinned.
Jennalovedtheireasyfriendshipandlaughed.“Okay,ifwecanfititinbeforethesnow.”Sheglancedatthetwodeputiesinanimatedconversationbehindthem.“Didyoufindoutanythinginterestingabouttheareawheretheskullwasfound?’
“Yeah,thistrailisonanoldmap,whichmakesmewonderhowlongthatskullhasbeenhere.”Kaneglancedather.“Therecommendedtrailsarechosentomakesuretheyarewellawayfromthehuntingzones.FromwhathappenedattheTripleZ,Ithinkit’stimeIcheckedoutacopyofthecurrentMontanaFish,WildlifeandParkshuntingregulations.”
Jennaconsideredhiswords.“I’msureWolfewillknow.Heisawalkingencyclopediaonlocallaw.”
Duke,whohadrunaheadnosetotheground,letoutaloud,whinybark.Thebrackenopenedandhecametowardthem,longearsswinging,yappinglikeapuppy
“He’sfoundsomething.”KanedismountedandhandedJennahisreins.“Goodboy.Whatisit?”
Thebloodhoundboundedoffintotheundergrowthdisappearingintothetrees.Jennascannedtheareaandcouldonlyseethelongshadowsoftreesandbrownandgreenbracken.“Itcouldbeabobcatorabear?”
“Unlikely.Dukedoesn’tusuallyreacttowildlife;abobcatorbearmaybeifitwasathreatbutmosttimesherunsintheoppositedirection.”Hechuckled.“Self-preservationisatthetopofhislist.”Kanelookedather.“Doyouwantmetotakealook?”
“I’llcomewithyou.”SheslidfromhersaddleandturnedtocalltoRowley.“Waitherewiththehorses.Dukehasfoundsomething.”
“Yes,ma’am.”Rowleygaveherawave
JennaglancedupatKane.“Ihopeit’snotanotherbody.”
ThebondbetweenKaneandthehoundhadbeeninstantaneous.JennahadneverbeenadogpersonbutDuke’sbigsadeyesandthewayhebumpedhisheadonKane’slegingreetinghadchangedheropinion.AfterKanehadrescuedhimlastsummer,Dukecertainlyappreciatedhisloveandattention.Thebloodhoundworkedwithhimasiftheyhadtrainedtogether,andwhatwassostrangewasDukeseemedtounderstandeverywordhesaid—evencoveringhiseyeswithbothpawswhenKanementionedtheword“bath.”
Justthen,Dukecameback,crashingthroughthescrubwithbitsofforestdebrisstucktohiscoat.Hegaveanexcitedbark,bouncedonhisfrontlegs,lookedatKane,andwhinedalmostmournfully.JennamovedtoKane’sside.“Youtalkdog,whatishesaying?”
“He’sfoundsomethingandit’snotadeadanimal.”Kaneledthewaydownanarrowpathbetweenthetrees.“Hisfirstownermusthavegivenhimextensivetraining.Iknowhetracksscentsbutthisisthesecondtimehehasreactedlikethis,asifheistryingtotellmesomething.Lasttimewefoundagrave.”
AshiverrandownJenna’sbackasshefollowedKanedowntheroughtrail.Sheclamberedovertreerootsandpushedthroughbrushthattoreatherclothes.Theleavesonthevarietyofbusheshadturnedarichcopper.Underfoot,twigs,leaves,andpineconeslitteredtheground,makingthewayhardtonegotiate.Shescannedtheareabuttheforestwasdenselypackedandtreesinallstagesoflifeblockedthelight,leavingtheoddshaftofsuntodappletheforestfloor
Whenthewindrustledthetrees,dustandseedsappearedtodanceinthesunbeams.Itwasbotheerieandbeautiful,almostmagical.Sheheardasquawkandstoppedwalkingtostareintothecanopyintimetoseeabaldeagletakeflight.Thebirdlifeinthemountainsandsurroundingforestswasincredible.Ishouldfeelsafeherebutnooneissafewithalunaticstalkingtheforest.
“Jenna.”
Kane’svoicegotherattentionandshestaredathisseriousexpression.“Haveyoufoundsomething?”
“Overthere.”Heindicatedwithhischin.“Wehaveahomicide.”HebentandpattedDuke.“Goodboy.”Hewavedahandathim.“Seek.”Thedogwanderedoffintothebushes.
Shepeeredthroughthetreetrunksandswallowedhard.Tiedtoatreewithyellownyloncordsattheskeletonofatallman,heldtogetherbytheremnantsofathickpaddedjacket,thermalunderwear,T-shirt,andjeans.Hismold-coveredhikingbootshadtippedover,leavingthetatteredfragmentsofbluejeanscoveringtheendofthebones,andbothhandsappearedtobemissing.Inanefforttoremaincalm,shesuckedinadeepbreaththenmovedherattentionbacktotheskull.Lookingintothefaceofavictimwasthehardestpartofamurderinvestigation.Theexpressionsofvictimshauntedherandmadeherdeterminedtofindthemjustice
Anarrowcompletewithfletchingpinnedtheheadtothetreeandaroundtheshaft,theskullhadfracturedlikethecrazingonanoldpieceofporcelain.Sheswallowedthebilerushingupthebackofherthroat.Pineneedlesandleaveshadcollectedonthetopoftheskullandfoliagegrewfromeyesockets,givingitasurreal,grotesqueappearance.Shemovedcloserandsquattedinfrontofthecorpse.“Don’ttouchanything;thatcouldbebloodonhisshirt.Itlookslikebulletwounds—hardtotellbutitwouldbeshreddedifananimalhadeatenthefleshpost-mortem.”
“Bullets.I’veseensimilarcorpsesduringmytourofduty.”Kanewipedhismouthwiththebackofhishandasifdisgusted.“Whatitlookslikeissomeoneusedthismanfortargetpractice.Thisisoverkill.”
6
Horrifiedbytheremains,Jennaforcedherprofessionalsidetotakeinthedetailsbeforeherbutitwasdifficulttoconfronttheresultsoftorture.Thiswasthemedicalexaminer’sfieldofexpertise,andasnopersonalpropertylayscatteredaroundthebody,shewouldleaveeverythingtohim.Duke’sbarkstartledJennaandshestraightenedtowelcomethereturnofthedog.“Whatisit,Duke?”
“Hehaslikelyfoundsomethingelse.”Kanefrowned.“Coming?”HeheadedinthedirectionDukehadtaken.
“Yeah.”Jennafollowedhimawayfromthetrailandintotheforest.
Thebloodhoundhadtakenthemclosetotherockfaceandthetemperaturedroppedconsiderablyasifcoldseepedfromthemountain.Notfiftyfeetfromthecrimescene,Dukebarkedagain,andaheadKaneduckedashepushedbushesasidetolookatsomething.
“Whatisit?”
“It’sabackpack…no,twobackpacks.”
ShetookthepairofsurgicalglovesKanehandedherandpulledthemonthenbenttoexaminethetwobagshalf-hiddenundertheforestdebris.Sheliftedapurpleandpinkbackpackfromabedofleaves.“Iwouldsaythisbelongstoawomanorkid.”
Sheturneditover,andafteralittlepersuasion,oneofthezippersslidopentorevealawallet.Shepulledoutthewalletandopeneditwithcaretoexaminethecontents.“Therearebillsinhere,sothiswasn’tarobbery.”Sheliftedthedriver’slicense.“Californiandriver’slicense,PaigeAllen,agedtwenty.Shehasshoulder-lengthblackhair.”ShelookedoveratKaneandfrowned.“Maybethisbackpackhasaconnectiontotheskull?”
“IhaveDawsonSanders,twenty-four,samestate.Hehasfivehundredbucksandchange.”Kanepushedthewalletbackintothebag.“Ifiguretheyhadacampsitesomewhere;thisbaghasessentialsforoneday’shiking.Didyoufindacellphoneorsatellitephone?”
Jennashookherhead.“Nope,andwhatidiotgoeshikingwithoutaphone?”
“Nooneandthereareotherinconsistencies.”Kane’seyesnarrowed.“Whyhasn’tthebodybeendisturbedbyanimals?Iftheskullbelongstothewoman,Iwouldfigurewildlifedisturbedherremains,which,withthenumberofcarnivoresintheforest,isusual.Hisshouldhavebeenscatteredtoo;itdoesn’tmakesense.”
“Noattemptatburialeither.Thisisthe‘useanddisposalwithoutfeelings’you’vedescribedtomeaspsychopathicbehavior.”Jennaremovedhergloveswithasnap.“Remindmetocheckthebillboardsnexttimeweleavetown.I’mstartingtobelievewehaveonesaying‘PsychopathsarewelcomeinBlackRockFalls’postedalongtheroadsomewhere.”
Jennatookthecoordinatesofthebodyandthebackpacks.“We’llmarktheareabutleavethebagshere.Wolfewillneedalltheinformationwecansupply.”Sheshruggedoutofherbackpackanddelvedinsidetofindthepolicetapethenpassedafewbright-orangeflagstoKane.
Aftersecuringthesites,shepattedDukeonthehead.“You’reanassettomyteam.Wewouldhaveoverlookedtheremainswithoutyou.”
“Maybenot.”Kanehadamapoftheoldtrailsonhiscellphoneandshowedittoher.“Idownloadedthesemaps,toplanmyownhike.ThisovergrowntrackisonalistfromsomeyearsagoandleadstoaspotnearwheretheCanavarsfoundtheskull.Iwasgoingtosuggestwesearchforremainsinthisarea.”
“Howlonghasthatoldmapbeenhandedout?”
“Fiveorsoyearsbutlookingatthestyleofhikingbootsonthevictim,hehasn’tbeenhereformorethanayear.”Kane’sbrowwinkled.“Ihaveapairinthesamestyleandthatwaslastwinter.”
Interesting.Jennapulledonherbackpack.“DoyouthinkDukewillbeabletofindtheircamp?”
“Maybe—I’mnotsurehowmuchscentisleftinthecouple’sbelongings,buthedidfindthebackpacks.”
“Okay,I’llgetWolfetotakealookatthebagsandremainsthenwecanfanoutandsearchtheimmediatearea.TheremightbesomethinginthebackpacksforDuketouseforascent.”Sheturnedtowalkbacktothehorses.“Iknowyou’replanningtoexploretheoldtrailsbutifsomethinggoeswrongyouhavepeopleintowntolookforyou.Whydoyouthinkthiscouplecameuphere?ItseemsabitstrangeforacoupleoutofCaliforniatowandersofarofftheusualtouristtracksandwithoutacellphonebetweenthem.”
“IhavenoideabutIfigureifthiscouplewentmissingayearago,weshouldhavebeennotified.”Kanemovedaheadthenstoppedandheldalargebranchbackforhertopass.“Unlesstheydidn’ttellfriendsorfamilywheretheyweregoing,andthatwouldseemabitstrange.”
“Maybetheydon’thaveafamily.”Jennaliftedoneshoulder.“Butsomeonemusthavemissedthem.Problemis,peopledon’twanttogetinvolved.”
“Yeah,butthesepeoplemusthavejobsandplacestolive,billstopay.Someonemusthavenoticedthemmissing.”Kanerubbedhischin.“Atleastwehavenames.I’llsearchthedatabasewhenIgetbacktotheofficeandseeifanyonelodgedamissingperson’sreport.”
JennafollowedthepathtomeetRowleyandBradford.WhatKanehadmentionedaboutseeingsimilarscenariosduringhistourofdutyhadpiquedherinterest.ShehadatopprofilerinKaneandvaluedhisexpertise.“Yousaidyou’veseenthistypeofmurderbefore,sowhat’syourtakeonthekiller?”
“It’stooearlytotellbutI’mnotjumpinginonapsychopathprofilejustyet.”Kanemovedtohersideandstaredintothedistance.“Icouldgiveyouafewdifferentmotives.Forinstancealovetriangle,thekillerstalkingthecoupleandtakingrevengeontheguyfortakinghisgirl.”Heshrugged.“OrperhapsamilitaryveteranlivingintheforestandhavingflashbacksofhistourinAfghanistan.Somesuffersobadtheyseepeopleastheenemyandactaccordingly.Hecouldstillbeherelivingoffthegridinoneofthecaves.Therearehundredsofplaceshecouldbeusingallalongtherockface.”
Jennastaredintothedistance,contemplatinghiswords.“Yeah,thatmakessense.Iguesswecanaddthrill-killtothelist.”
“Anythingispossibleatthispoint.”Kaneshrugged.“Thebillboardnotwithstanding,weseemtoattractthecrazies.”
Jennanoddedinagreement.“Yousurehavethatright.”
WhentheymetupwithRowleyandBradford,thedeputiesweresittingonalogchatting.Shehadbeenrighttoteamtherookie,Bradford,withRowley.Theyhadbecomefriendsandworkedouttogetheratthelocaldojo.DeputyWebber,anotherrecentrecruit,wasexperiencedbuthadrequestedtoworkwithWolfe.HehadvoicedaninterestinforensicscienceandwasprovingtobeanassettoherdeputyslashME.Sherecognizedthebenefitsofhavingapartneronthejob,andhertwonewdeputiessurehelpedthedepartmenttorunsmoothly.Shestrolledintotheclearing.“Wefoundabodyandtwobackpacks.We’llheadtoWolfe’spositionthendoasearchofthearea.Therehastobeacampcloseby,sokeepalookout.”ShewalkedtoherhorseandheardKanebehindher.
“Legup?”Kanecuppedhiswidepalmsandofferedthemtoher.
Relived,shenodded.“Yeahthanks.I’mabitstifffromourworkoutthismorning.”
“Myfault,Ididn’tleaveusmuchtimetocooldownbeforeweheadedout,butyouhavetoadmit,gettingupahalfhourearlyforaworkoutkeepsthestresslevelsdown.”Hesmiled.“Aspellinthehottubtonightwillhelp.”
Jennanodded.“ThewalkeasedthepainbutI’llkeepthatinmind.”Shegatheredherreins.“I’vealwaystriedtosqueezeinenoughtimetoworkoutnomatterhowhardthecase,andIencouragemydeputiestodothesame.It’spartofmytrainingIvaluealot.Apartfrombeingfitenoughtohandlethelonghoursitdoeshelpmefocus.”
“Thereisalwaystime.Thewayyouhavetheteamorganized,someoneisalwaysworkingonthecase.”Kanesmiled.“Werunlikeawell-oiledmachine.”
Hoistedintothesaddle,shewaitedfortheotherstomountthenfollowedKanealongthetrail,searchinginalldirectionsforanysignofacamp.Atfirst,shehadimaginedtheskullmighthavebeensomeonelostintheforestmanyyearsago,andbeingsurroundedbythousandsoftreesnow,sherealizedhowfrighteningthatwouldbe.BecomingdisorientatedinStantonForestwouldbeeasy.Apartfromknowingwhichdirectionwasupordownthesideofthemountain,everythingwasmuchthesame.Pinesasfarastheeyecouldseeandawallofmountains.WithoutaGPS,theonlydirectionaladvantagewasgainedbytakingthetrailsclosertothewaterfallandfollowingthenoise,butheresomewhereinthemiddleshemightaswellbeinanyforestonanynumberofcontinents.
Theimageofthemantiedtothetreeflashedintohermind.Somanyquestionssurroundedhim.Whathadbroughthimandhiscompaniontothisdesertedpartoftheforest?Thekiller,asKanementioned,couldbeamilitaryveteran,livingoffthegridandbelievingeveryonewastheenemy.Hecouldbelurkingsomewherecloseby,believingtheywereamilitarypatrol.Theideamadethehairsonthebackofherneckstandtoattention.Sheturnedinhersaddletoaddressherdeputies.“Keepalert.Wedon’tknowifwehaveakillerlivingcloseby.”
TherewouldbenoneedtospeaktoKane;hewouldalreadybescanningthearea,searchingforanymovement.Onethingforsure:onceamarinealwaysamarine.Sheglancedaround,lookingforanytraceofhabitation,andsighed;inthespaceofoneyear,theforestcouldswallowupacampsite.Bearscouldteardownatentandscatterbelongingsinalldirections.Thekillercouldhaveransackedthecampaswell.Really,findinganythingintactwouldbeamiracle.
Nottenminuteslater,sheheardhorseswhickeringthenWolfe’sblondheadcameintosightabovethebushes.Heturnedandheldupahandlikeatrafficcop.Threehorses,nottwo,werewaitingpatientlyinasmallclearing.TwosherecognizedasbelongingtoWolfeandWebber,whoownedthethird?Hadsomeonestumbledontothecrimescene?Wolfehadnotcontactedherinhours,andthispartoftheforestwasnotonarecommendedtrail.DeputyWebberwasnowhereinsight,norwasthepersonwhoownedthethirdhorse.HerinstinctswentonfullalertandshenoticedKanestiffenandrestonehandonhisweapon.Thiscan’tbegood.Sheclearedherthroatanddroppedhervoicetojustaboveawhisper.“Okay,dismount.Wegoonfootfromhere.Spreadout,andkeepalert.Itseemswehaveavisitor.”
7
HetooklunchattheCattleman’sHotelandhisattentionsettledonBailey,dressedinagarish,bright-pinkjoggingsuit.TheywouldbeleavingafterbreakfastonWednesdaymorningandtakingtheoldtrailthroughtheforestthatNigelhadrecommended.
Theareawasfamiliartohim.Infact,thedeeperintotheforesttheywent,thebetter.Theywouldbeclosertohissecretcave,andthelikelihoodofseeinganyoneelsewouldberemote.Helikedtospendtimeenjoyingthechase,althoughthethrillofstumblingoverotherhikersonlyaddedtotheexcitement.
WhenBailey’shaughtytoneofdispleasureroseabovethelowhumofconversationintherestaurant,heloweredhisgazetohisplate.Sospoiledandusedtogettingherownway,sheusedheramplecharmstogetwhatshewanted.Hemoanedandrubbedhistemples.Herwhiningvoicewasdrivinghiminsane.Heneededadistractionbeforehelosthiscool,andhismindfilledwithherrunningthroughtheforest,trippingoverthentryingherfemininewilesonhim.Shewouldbeghimnottoshootherorslitherthroat.Hebitbackalaugh.Shewouldbeconfusedwhenhegaveherareplyinthenegative.Noonedaredtorefuseher;shethoughtshewastoodamnprecious.Nottome.
Killingherwouldsoothehisbrain.Hecouldnotallowhertocontinuetopollutetheworld.Itwastimeforhimandothersoflikemindtoridthepopulationofthesematriarchal,emasculatingwomen.Womenwereonthisearthtoservemenandgivethemchildren,period.Heclosedhiseyesandcouldfeelthehandleofhisweaponagainsthispalm.SeethemuzzleofhisgunpressedhardagainstBailey’sforehead.Hewouldwatchherbewilderedexpressionashesqueezedthetriggerrealslowandputabulletrightbetweenhereyes.
Sharingthethrillhadcomealongbyaccident.Hehaddiscoveredthedarkwebsomeyearsago.Untraceableandsafe,hemovedlikeaghostincompleteobscurityinaplacewhereeverything,includingaperson’slife,wasforsale—ataprice.
8
OnJenna’swhisperedcommand,Kaneslidintothebushes.Hecouldhearherbehindhimmovingassilentlyaspossiblethroughthedryundergrowth.Heusedthetrunkofawidepineandturkey-peekedaroundthecorner.Wolfe’sshortwavetowardthemoffcouldbetwothings:Eitherhewasintroubleorhedidnotwantthemcontaminatingacrimescene.Notbeingamantotakechances,hereactedthesamewayasJennaandmovedforwardwithcaution.HepattedhislegandDukecametohisside.Hefounditstrangethedoghadgivennowarning.
“Canyouseeanything?”Jennahadpressedherbackagainstatree.
“Nope.”HescannedtheareawherehehadlastseenWolfebutnothingmoved.“Orders,ma’am?”
“Moveoutwithcaution.I’llwatchyourback.”
Kaneturnedtolookather.“Rogerthat.KeepDukewithyou;he’llmaketoomuchnoise.”
Heslidbetweentheclose-growingtreesusingtheshadowsascoverandmovedtoWolfe’slastlocation.Tohisreliefheheardvoicesandroundedaclumpofbushestoseethreemencroucheddownandexaminingtheground.TwoherecognizedasWolfeandWebberbutnotthethird.“Wolfe,arewecleartoenterthearea?”
“Yeah.”Wolfestoodandhismouthquirkedupatthecorners.“Sorry,man,IshouldhaveshoutedoutbutAtohifoundsomethingandIwasengrossed.”
KaneturnedtolookbackinJenna’sdirectionandcalledout,“Clear.”
Hetookinatall,leanmanwithblackhairflowingpasthisshoulders.Theman,aNativeAmerican,walkedtowardhim,hisbrownintelligenteyesdancingwithamusement.Hewasaboutthirty,wearingathickhuntingjacket,plaidshirt,andjeans.
“YoumustbeDaveKane?AtohiBlackhawk.”Heheldouthishand.“Man,youcameinherewithoutasound.I’mimpressed.”
Kaneshookhishand.“Nicetomeetyou.Havewemetbefore?”
“Ah,no.Shanedroppedbytherestoaskaboutsacredburialsitesclosetotheboundaries.Hementionedyoumovedlikeaghost.I’matrackersoIcamebackherewithhimtocheckouttheskullincaseitwasoneofours.Ihadapokearoundandfoundafewinterestingitemscloseby.”Blackhawksmiled.“I’mhappytohelpoutwhenneeded.”
“We’llbegladofanyhelpyoucanoffer.”KaneheardfootstepsandturnedatJenna’sarrival.“Ah,AtohiBlackhawk,SheriffJennaAlton.”Hewavedahandtowardtheotherdeputies.“JakeRowleyandPaulaBradford.”
“Nicetoseeyouagain,Atohi.Whatdidyoufind?”Jennamovedtohisside.
“Acellphoneandmorebones.”Blackhawkfrowned.“I’dsaytheanimalsgottothebody—theyarespreadallover.Weonlyfoundafewofthem.”
“Isee.”Jennawrinkledhernose.“Whatdowehave,Wolfe?”
“Fromthesizeofthepelvis,afemale;fromtheteeth,shewasinherlateteens,earlytwenties.”Wolfe’sfairbrowsnarrowed.“IwouldsaythebulletwoundinherskullisthecauseofdeathbutI’vefoundwhatisconsistentwithknifewoundsacrosstwooftheboneswefound.Ineedtotakeacloserlooktodetermineifthishappenedpost-mortemornot.”Herubbedhischin.“Thecellphoneistoast.Thescreenisbrokenandit’ssoakingwet.IdoubtI’llbeabletopullanythingfromitatall.”
“Wefoundabodyonthewayhere;well,Dukefoundaskeleton.Fromtheclothesandsize,Iwouldsayitismale.Itispinnedtoatreebyanarrowthroughtheforehead.”Jennarestedbothhandsonherhips.“ThenDukefoundacoupleofbackpacks.WehaveIDandKanefigurestheymusthaveacampcloseby—theyonlyhadoneday’ssupplieswiththem.”
Kanecalledthedogtohisside.“Dukeisbecominganasset.Wewouldhavemissedtheskeleton;heissomewaysoffthemaintrail.”HeglancedatWolfe.“Iftheskullbelongstothewomanhewastravellingwith,thenI’dsayhewaskilledfirst.Shedroppedthebackpacksandranforherlifeandthekillercaughtherhere.”HeturnedtoBlackhawk.“Wheredidyoufindthecellphone?”
“Abouttwentyfeetinthatdirection.”Blackhawkpointedtowardthemountain.“Itwasclosetoaboulderatthefootofthemountain.Don’tworry,Ididn’ttouchanything.Wolfetookphotographsandbaggedtheitems.Ifoundabuttonaswell.”
“Ithinkshetriedtowedgeherselfbehindtheboulder,sheprobablydroppedherphoneandsmashedit.”Wolfe’sexpressionwasgrim.“Anysignsoftortureonthemalevictim?”
“I’mnotsure,there’snotmuchleftandwhatisthereisheldtogetherbyclothes.”Jennapushedastrandofhairbehindoneear.“Apartfromthemissinghands,itappearstobeintact.”SheglancedatWolfe.“Whyaretheirhandsmissing?”
“Smallbonesaredifficulttofind;theyareeasilycarriedoffbybirdsorrodents.”Wolfeshrugged.“Findingtheminaforestthissizewouldbenearimpossible.”
“I’mwonderingwhythemalevictim’sboneshaven’tbeenscatteredbyanimals.”Kaneletoutalongsigh.“Iwouldsayhewasshotaswell;hisshirtlooksliketherearebulletholesinthematerial.”
“Let’snotjumptoconclusions.”Wolfefrowned.“Decompositioncausesstainsofalldescriptionsonclothes,butbeinguntouchedbyanimalsisunusual.”
“TheonlythingIcanthinkofthatkeepsanimalsawayisgasoline.”Blackhawk’seyebrowsdrewtogether.“Maybethekillerplannedonburningthebodythenthoughtbetterofit.”
“Yeah,ifhestartedawildfireuphere,hewouldn’tbeabletooutrunit.”Kanestaredintothethick,dryundergrowth.“Ican’timagineanyonewouldbestupidenoughtoevencontemplatesuchathing.”
“Icantestwhatremainsofhisclothesforresidue.”Wolfeliftedhischin.“Ifheiscoveredwithgas,ourkillermighthaveusedittowardoffanimals.Hemighthavelikedtovisithisvictim.Manyofthemgetathrilloutofwatchingacorpsedecay.”
“Howdisgusting.”Jennagrimaced.“Although,IguessIshouldn’tsaythatasit’sacrucialpartofyourjob.Kane’stoldmeallabouttheforensicbodyfarmyouvisited.”
“Iwouldn’tmakeaverygoodMEifIcouldn’tidentifythedifferentstagesofdecomposition.”Wolfelookedabashed.“Ihappentofindthedifferentvariants,includinginsectinfestation,animalintervention,andtheeffectsoftemperature,extremelyinteresting.”
“JusttheimageIneedbeforelunch.”Jenna’sstomachclenched.“Howmuchlongerdoyouneedhere?We’llneedtogettotheothercrimesceneASAP.”
“I’mdone.”WolfeturnedtoWebber.“Collectuptheequipmentandgetitpackedawayonthehorses.”HeglancedatJenna.“Unlessyouwanttoseewherewefoundtheskullandotherbones?”
“No,that’sfine.”JennaindicatedwithherchintowardKane.“We’llgoonKane’stheoryandgobacktothemalevictimandworkbackinthisdirection—butfirstwe’lleat.”Sheturnedandheadedtowardthehorses.“Rowley,Bradford,withme,andkeepalert…Wehaveakillerinthemountains.”
KanewatchedhergoandturnedtoWolfeandBlackhawk.“Ithinkhe’slonggone.Although,Dukedidn’tmakeasoundbeforewespottedyou.”
“That’sbecauseheknowsShaneandCole.”Blackhawksmiled.“Heissmartenoughtoknowwhoisafriendbytheirscent.”
“Maybebuthedoesn’tknowyou,doeshe?”
“DukeandIareoldfriends.”Blackhawkrubbedthedog’sears.“Hewasbornontheres,andhisownerwasacousinofminewholivedinBlackRockFalls.Wetrainedhimtogether.”Hesighed.“Iwenttotheanimalsheltertocollecthimwhenmycousindiedbutsomeoneelsehadtakenhim.I’mgladheendedupinagoodhome.”
Kanedecidednottoexplainwherethedoghadbeenbetweenownersandnodded.“Great,maybeyoucanletmeknowtherangeofhisskillssometime?”
“Yeah,I’dlikethatandwe’llhaveplentyoftimetochat.I’llbearoundforacoupleofdays,maybemore.Shanehashiredmeasatracker.”
“Oh,I’msurewe’llhavealottodiscuss.I’dliketoknowmoreaboutthehistoryofStantonForest.”
9
Aftereatinglunch,JennasurveyedtheareaWolfehadsecuredandglancedoverhisimagesthenorderedherteamtoheadtothenextcrimescene.Thetimetheyhadinthemountainsinlatefallwaslimited.Snowalreadycoatedthepeaksofthemountainrangeandacoldwindrustledthroughthetrees.Allvegetationapartfromthemajesticpineshadshedtheirleavesfortheonsetofwinter,andunderfootmulticoloredleaveslitteredtheway.Findingevidenceatthistimeoftheyearwouldbenearimpossible.Itwasasiftheforestwashidingitssecretsbeneathacloak.
WithKaneleadingtheway,deepinconversationwithBlackhawk,shemovedherhorseclosertoWebber’s.ColeWebberhadturnedouttobeasolidalbeitquietmemberoftheteam.Hisattentiontodetailimpressedherbutitwasasifhehidinsideaprotectiveshell,notallowinganyonetogettooclose.Shehadtoadmit,thejobhadgotteninherwayofgettingtoknowthedeputybetter.Ontheridetothenextcrimescene,shewouldremedythaterror.“HowdoyoulikepartneringwithWolfe?”
“Ilikeitfine.”Webber’smouthtwitchedupinthecorners.“I’mnotsurehowhekeepssomuchknowledgeinsidehisheadatonetime.”Heclickedhistongueathishorseandmovedcloser.“Atfirst,Iwasn’ttoosureaboutexamininghumanremainsandIadmittospewingacoupleoftimesinthepastatautopsies,butthewayheexplainseverythingmakesitawholeloteasier.”
AcoolbreezebrushedJenna’scheeks.Shepulledupthezipperonherjacketandglancedupthroughthecanopyofgreentocatchaglimpseofthesky.Toherrelief,abluecloudlessexpansegreetedher.Nosnowtoday.ShenoddedinagreementtoWebber’sreply.“Yeah,heknowshisstuff.Whenhefirstarrived,Iknewhehadsomelevelofexperienceinforensicsandcomputersbutnottheextentofhisexpertise.HavingourownMEafterusingMr.Weems,themortician,foryearsmakeslifeeasier.”Sheglancedathim.“Areyouthinkingofstudyingtobecomehisassistant?”
“Yeah,notasingettingadegreeatthisstage.”Helookedpensive.“NotthatIwouldn’twanttogobacktoschoolforthequalificationsIneed,it’smoreabouttimeandmoney.”
Jennanodded.“I’msurewecanworksomethingout.”
“Thankyou,ma’am.”Webbertouchedhishat.
SheturnedinhersaddletogreetWolfeashemaneuveredhishorsetowardher.“Iguessyouhavequestionsaboutthesecondvictim?”
“Yeah,afew.Howfaroffthemaintraildidyoufindtheman’sbody?”Wolfeeasedhishorseclosertoher.“Areyousureit’snotahuntingaccident?Thecouplecouldhavestumbledintoadesignatedhuntingarea.Itshouldbeeasytocheck,I’msuretheFWPkeeprecords.”
“KanesaidhefiguredthekillerusedthevictimastargetpracticeandIagree.Icouldplainlyseeaholeinthesternumthroughthetatteredshirt.Welefteverythinginsituandonlydisturbedtheareaaroundthebackpacks.Fromtheimageofthewoman’sskull,Iwouldsaywithoutadoubtthisisadoublehomicide.”
“Theskullleaveslittledoubt.I’vecalledinaforensicanthropologist,JillBatesfromHelena.”Wolfegaveherasmallandveryunusualalmostsatisfiedsmile.“Isenthersomeimagesoftheskullandshewantsinontheinvestigation.We’relucky,shewasn’tbusy.”
Jennanodded.Heappearedinagoodmoodbutthenanythingtodowithdeadthingsbrightenedhisday.“Willyouneedhertoexaminethebonesbeforeyouremovethem?”
“IcouldcallinateamfromHelena,butastheskeletonisintact,aslongasIfollowprotocolandfilmtheremoval,Idoubtanythingwillbeoverlooked.”Wolfeshrugged.“IamexperiencedinthepreservationofacrimesceneinthissituationandJillinsistedIgoahead.Wecanexaminetheremainsmorethoroughlyinthelab.”
Jenna’sminddriftedbacktothegravesitetheyhaddiscoveredearlierintheyearandthetimeithadtakenforateamofforensicanthropologiststocollectalltheevidence.Wolfehadbeenthereworkingalongsidethemfromdayone.“I’msuretheinvestigationisinsafehands.”
“Thankyou,ma’am.”Hesmiled.
Aftersnakingthroughtheforest,thetrackopenedoutontotheclearingbesidethemaintrail.Thehaironthebackofherneckstoodtoattentionknowingamanmetagruesomedeathnotyardsaway.SheturnedtoWolfe.“Thebodyisontheleftoffthemaintrack,abouttwentyfeetheadingtowardthemountain.”
“Rogerthat.”
“Thisisyourareaofexpertise.”Jennadismounted.“Howdoyouwanttoproceed?”
“I’lltakealookatthebackpacksfirst.Iftheyhavesupplies,thenwecanassumethecrimesceneisthebeginningoftheirjourney,whichwouldmeanwecouldsearchforthecampsiteonthewaybackdownthemountain.Obviouslyiftheyhavenosupplies,theycouldbeheadingtowardthecamp.”
“Okay.”Jennapulledabottleofwateroutofherbackpackandsipped.“Iguessyou’llneedWebbertoassistyouwiththeremainsandeveryoneelsecanfanoutandlookforclues.”
“Ifyousearchfromthecrimesceneandbacktowherethecouplediscoveredtheskull,youmightfindthewaythewomanranfromtheshooter.I’llviewtheremainsandgetthemreadyforremoval.”Wolfeslidfromhishorseandwenttoherside.“I’llneedphotographsandlivefootageofthesceneasImovetheremains.Whohasasteadyhand?”
Asifheneedstoask.“Kane.”Sheraisedaneyebrow.“I’llsearchtheimmediateareawithBradford.RowleycanteamupwithBlackhawk.”
“Thatsoundslikeaplan.”Kanehadmovedtohersidewithoutmakingasound.“DoyouwantmetoshowWolfethebackpacks,ma’am?”
“Yeah,I’llorganizethesearch.MakesureyouarewearingyourearbudssoIcancontactyou.WebberisassistingWolfewiththeremovaloftheremains.”
AsKaneandWolfedisappearedintotheforestwithDukeontheirheels,Jenna’sdeputiesgatheredaroundher.“Okay,listenup.Iwantyouallwearingearbudssowecankeepintouch.Webber,youwillbeassistingWolfe,sounpacktheequipmentforabodyretrieval.Therestofuswillworkagridbackfromthecrimescenetothepositionofthenextbody.Therearedarkareassouseyourflashlightsifnecessary.Lookforanything,scrapsofmaterial,hair,bulletcasings.Weargloves,takeapicturewithyourcellphonesofanythingyoufindbeforeyouremoveitandbagit.Makesureyoulabeleveryevidencebagwithlocation,time,anddate.”Shetookadeepbreath.“Ifyoudiscoveranybones,animalorhuman,leavetheminsituandnotifymeimmediately.Donot,Irepeat,donotinterferewithanybones.”Sheglancedaround.“Questions?”
Whentheyallstaredatherinsilence,shegavethemacurtnod.“Okay,grabyourgearandgetreadytomoveout.”
Thedeputiesmovedtothehorses,andalthoughtheywerenotmorethanafewfeetaway,afeelingofuneasespreadoverher.ShehadseentheresultsofanumberofviciouscrimesinStantonForestandhadnotforgottenanyofthem,butallhadbeenclosertotown.Here,milesfromcivilization,withnocellphonetocallforhelp,itdidnottakeanoveractiveimaginationtoenvisagewhatitmusthavebeenlikerunningthroughthethickundergrowthwithakillerclosebehind.Onaslowwalk,shehadtrippedanumberoftimesnegotiatingtheroughterrain,gnarledtreeroots,andfallenbranches.Theideaofrunningblindlythroughthemwouldbeterrifying.Shechewedonherbottomlip,determinedtodiscoverwhohadkilledtheyoungcouple.WhydotheselunaticskeepchoosingBlackRockFalls?
10
AsKaneledthewaytothebackpacks,hesurveyedtheground,hopingtofindsomesmallshredofevidencetolinktothekiller.Behindhim,Wolfewalkedslowly,oftenpausingtopeerintentlyatsomething.KanestoppedandturnedtoWolfe.“IconsideredofferingDukesomeoftheclothinginthebackpacktoseeifhecantrackthewoman.Doyouthinkascentwillstillbearoundaftersolong?”
“Doubtful.Iwouldsayit’sbeenatleastayearsincethewomandied,andnotmanyscentswouldsurvivethesnowfall;evenherewiththeprotectionofthetrees,whenthemeltcomestheentireareaisprettywellwashedclean.”Wolfepushedbackhishat.“I’mhopingIfindsomeevidenceunderthebody.Killersoftenmakethemistakeofleavingevidenceunderabody.Ihopewefindsomethinguseful.”
“Howlongwillittaketomovetheremains?”
“Notlong—it’sonebody,andnotanarchaeologicaldig.FromwhatJennasaidbefore,itappearstobeintact.Itwasn’tburied,sothiswillmakeiteasier.”Wolfewavedtowardthebackpacks.I’mgladyoutooksomephotosoftheareabeforeyouwentin.Getsomeshotsofthebagsfromallangles.I’minterestedtoseewhathasgrownonandaroundthem;itgivesmeabetterideaofhowlongtheyhavebeenhere.”Hesighed.“I’mhopingIcangetsomethingfromthecellphonerecords;adateandtimewouldbeveryusefulbutfromwhatIcanseethedamnthinglookslikeaburner.”
“Aburner?”Kanescratchedhischeek.“Whowouldtakeaburneronatriplikethis?”Hepulledouthiscellphoneandtooktherequiredphotographs,snappingeveryitemWolferemovedfromthebackpacks.
Wolfewasbendingandplacingitemsfromthebackpacksintoevidencebags.“Food,energybars,andwater.Theyweremovingawayfromtheircamp.”Hestraightened,handingoffthebagstoKane.“Weknowthey’renotfromthelocalarea,sohowdidtheygethere?I’msureavehicleleftabandonedontheroadwouldhavesentuparedflagfortherangers.Theywouldhavemadeasearchoftheareaandtherewouldbearecord.Makeanotetocallthemincasetheyfoundone.Itcouldhavebeentowedtotheimpoundlot.”
Kaneshookhishead.“Nope,wehavethekeystothelotandit’semptyasfarasI’maware.”
“Didyousearchtheremainsforkeys?”
“Nope.Ithoughtitbetternottotouchanything.Ididfindthewalletsinsidethebackpacks,whichIthoughtstrange.Ikeepmineinmybackpocket,niceandsafe.Thewomanmaybe,butIcan’timaginewhytheykeptbothsetsofIDinthebackpacks.”Hefrowned.“Unlesstheyplannedtoswimsomewhere,butthereisn’tanythingcloseonthissideofthemountain.”
“TheCanavarsfoundtheskulloffthemaintrailinthebushes.”Wolfeturnedandlookedbackthewaytheyhadcome.“Aretheremainsofthemanonoroffatrail?”
Kanepointedinthedirectiontheyhadtraveled.“Onanoldtrail.Backthewaywecameandtotheleft.Ifoundthetrackonanoldmaplistedasanauxiliarytrailoranimaltrackthatrunsalongthefootofthemountain.Thereisaplateautoclimbtoiftheyplannedontakingintheviewbutit’ssomewaysaway.”
“Whywouldayoungcoupleriskgettinglostuphereoreatenbywildlife?”Wolfebentagaintocollectsoilsamplesandpiecesofvegetationfromthearea
ThesameworryhaddriftedthroughKane’smindwhenaskingJennaonasimilartrip.“Ifiguretheyneededtogetawayfromcivilization,justthetwoofthem.”Heshrugged.“Iknowhowtosurviveouthere,andformeitwouldn’tbeaproblem.I’dcomewithasatellitephoneandplentyofsuppliesdroppedoffalongtheway,plusI’dmakesureIarrangedtocontactsomeoneatleastonceaday.”HetookanotherevidencebagfromWolfe.“Perhapsthismanhadsimilartraining?”
“Orhewasanidiot,”Wolfeheldupacoupleoftheevidencebagsandfrowned,“lookingatwhathehadwithhim.”Hesighed.“Okayshowmetheremains.”Hehoistedahugebackpackoverhisshoulders.“We’llgrabWebberontheway,I’llneedhishelp.”
“Howisheworkingout?”
WolfeletoutasnortandgaveKaneapensivelook.“Heisafineyoungman,keen,workshardbuthaseyesforEmily.”Hisexpressionchangedtoborderlineangry.“IknowsheisstudyinghardandwillbegoingtotheUniversityofGreatFallssoonbutIcan’tstophimvisitingherthere.Iwanthertofinishherdegreeandworkwithmebeforeshegetspinneddownwithafamily.”
“Whoa,heiswaytoooldforher.”Kanestoppedwalkingandgapedathiminastonishment.“ThatworriesmeandI’mnotherfather.”
“Yeah,andsheisaheadstrongwomanasyouwellknow.”Wolfegaveastrangledhalflaugh.“Shetakesafterme,I’mafraid.”
“Iwouldn’tsayawordtoher…Shehasyourstubbornstreak.”Kanestraightened.“I’dtellhimyou’renothappywiththesituationatthemomentbecauseofherage.Givehimareasontopullbackabit,maybeaskhimtoconsiderwaitinguntilshefinishesherstudies.Thatwilltakeyears.Hewantstoworkwithyou,soIfigurehe’dcomply.”Hesmiled.“Withluck,shemightmeetsomeoneclosertoherownageatcollege.”
“I’llliveinhope.”
Attheclearing,Webberwasatworkcollectingthecrimescenekitsfromthepackhorse.Kanemovedtohisside.“I’mgladyouthinkahead.”
“Timeisourenemyrightnow;removingtheremainsthengettingbacktotheroadbeforedarkwillbedifficult.”Wolfeglancedaround.“I’vebeenhearinggunshotsinthedistance.Justhowfararewefromthenearesthuntingarea?”
“Probablyamileortwo.”Kanestowedtheevidencebagsintooneofthesaddlebagsonthehorse.“Soundcarriesuphereandechoesonthemountain.Weareoutofrangeofmostrifles.”
“Howfartotheremains?”Wolfewalkedtohisside.“Grabwhatyoucan,Webber.We’llcarrytherest.”
Kanepickedupacoupleofthebags.“Justthroughthere.”Hepushedhiswaythroughthebushes.“Comeon,Duke,keepup.”
Thedogletoutayapofreplyandfollowedhim,peeingontreesalongtheway.Astheygotclosertotheremains,Kanepickeduparancidsmellonthebreezehehadnotnoticedearlier.Heslowedhisstepanddidavisualscanoftheareabutfoundnothingmovingwithinthemottledshadows.
“Hasthetemperaturejustdroppedorisitme?”Webbertrailedalongbehindthem,luggingtheequipment.
Kaneglancedbackathimandsmiled.Hecouldrememberhavingthesamefeelingofdreadenteringacrimesceneandhadsquasheditmanyatime.Themorbidfeelingwouldpasswithexperience.“It’sjustyou.Mostlikelyapprehensionatseeingamanpinnedtoatreewithanarrow.”
“Keepyourmindfocusedondiscoveringwhatwecandotohelphimnow.”Wolfe’scoldexpressionmovedtoWebber.“Wearehisonlyhopetogetrevengeonthesickbastardwhokilledhim.Oncewecanprovethisman’sname,heisnolonger‘thevictim’or‘theremains.’Donotforgetsomeonetookhislifeandwhatwedofromnowondetermineshow,when,andhopefullywhyhedied”
“Sure.”Webberdidnotlookconvinced.“Doyouthinkhe’swatchingus,likeaghost?”
Kaneslappedhimontheback.“Ifheis,maybehe’llgiveusafewclues.”HeturnedtoWolfe.“Throughthosetreesisapath;theremainsaredownthereabouttenfeetalong.”
“Okay,weshoulddroptheequipmentoncewehitthepath,suitup,thenmoveinwithjustacrimescenekitfornow.Checktheareaforanythingwecanuse.”
Theyarrivedonthepathwayandmovedslowlyinalinesearchingforanysmallclue.Whentheyreachedtheremains,KaneheardWebber’ssharpintakeofbreath.Kaneturnedtolookathisashenface.“WebelievethisisDawsonSanders,agetwenty-four.”
“That’snotanarrow.”Webbermovedcloser.“It’saboltfromacrossbow:carbonwithabrassinsert.Theyareexpensiveandthatsizecouldtakedownabear.”Hepeeredattheboltwithinterest.“Ithasanilluminatednock.Sowhyleaveitbehind?”
“Yeah,Ithinkwemightneedmoreofanexplanation,Webber.”Wolfeflickedhimaglance.
“Carbonboltswithbrassinsertsoramixtureofcarbonandaluminumareexpensive;theilluminatednocksmakeiteasiertorecoverthebolts.Thenockistheorangepartontheendanditusuallyglows,sothishasbeenhereforsometime.Mosthuntersrecovertheirbolts.”WebberglancedatKane.“Itseemsstrangetoleaveitbehindinacrime.Itwouldlikelycarrytheowner’sprints.”
Kanemethisgaze.“Thatisvitalinformation.Ihadnoideayouwereanexpertoncrossbows.”
“Yeah,it’smyhuntingweaponofchoice.”Webbersmiled.“Silentbutdeadly.”
“Unfortunately,wewouldbeluckytofindanyviableprintsafterayearorso.”WolfesighedthenpulledacamerafromhisbackpackandhandedittoKane.“Filmeverything,thepathway,theareaaroundthebody,andthebody.”HeturnedtoWebber.“Youtakethephotographsandremembertherecan’tbetoomanyimagesofacrimescene.IfyoubothstartwithMr.Sanders,thenI’llexaminehisremains.”
Kanewasfamiliarwiththecameraandzoomedinonthebodyateveryanglebeforewalkingslowlyupanddownthepath.WhenhereturnedtoWolfe,hisfrienddroppedtohisknees,liftedtheraggedshirt,andpeeredattheskeletalremains.Hekeptthecamerasteady.
“Interesting.”Wolfebentcloser.“Thedamagetothethoracicspineisinconsistentwiththedamagetotheribs.Ibelievethekillershotthismanintheback,andfromtheentryangle,thevictimwasstandingatthetime.Thenicksontheribswouldindicatetheshotsenteredhiminthelowerthoracicspineandtravelledatanangleofapproximatelytwentydegrees,exitingjustbelowtheclavicleontheleftside.Therearenobulletswithinthebodycavity,sowe’relookingatthreethrough-and-throughwounds.”Heturnedandlookeddownthetrail.“Thereisnotenoughdamagefortheintentiontokilloutrightwithoneshot.Thepointis,howfarawaywouldthekillerneedtobetoputthreeroundsinamanwalkingalongthistrail?”
Kanetookintheterrainandmentallytriedtorecreatethemurder.Ashooterwouldneedaclearlineofsightbetweenthetrees.Tohitamovingtargetinthewoodswouldtakeareasonabledegreeofskill.Asvegetationchangedwiththeseasons,itwouldbeclosetoimpossibletogaugethepositionoftheshooterwithanyaccuracywithoutalaserscope.“Thatwoulddependontheweapon.Fromtheangleyoumentionedandtheapproximateheightofthevictim,hewouldhavebeenwalkinginanortherlydirection.Toobtainthetrajectoryyouaredescribing,theshooterwouldhavebeendownhill,orlikelykneelingorlyingdown.Manyhuntersbuildblinds,andsetupinside.Ifthewoundsarethroughandthrough,thebulletsmustbesomewherecloseby.”
“Yeah,andbythesizeofhisjackethehadabroadchest,sothebulletswouldn’thavetraveledveryfaroncetheyleftthebody.”Wolfe’sforeheadcreasedintoafrown.“I’llcheckthesoilunderthebodybutiftheroundshadbeenhollowpoints,theywouldhaverippedhisribsapart.”
“Webber,checktheimmediatearea.”
“Yes,sir.”Webbergavehimacurtnod,pocketedhiscellphone,andmovedslowlyupthetrack.
Kaneglancedaroundthesceneagain,notconvincedtheywereinthecorrectposition.“Problemis,weareassuminghewasshothere.Fromhisinjuries,couldhehavecrawledtothetree?”
“Doubtful.Oneoftheshotswouldhavepiercedhisheart,theothertwohislungs.I’dsayhediedwithinsecondsofthethirdshot.”
“So,hecouldhavebeendraggedherefromanywherealongthetrail?”Kanerubbedhischin.“We’llexpandthesearch,lookingforblindsandbulletcasingsfromatleasttwentyyardsinthesoutherlydirection,althoughIdoubtwe’llfindanythingaftersolong.Weshouldhavethoughttobringametaldetector.”
“Therewouldbehundreds,maybethousands,ofcasingsintheforest.”Wolfeshookhishead.“Huntinggoesonjustaboutallyearlong.Fornow,checktheimmediatearea.TimeisgettingshortandIneedtogettheremainsbacktothelab.KeepfilmingeverythingIdo.”Hestood.“Iwantclose-upshotsoftheneckandhead.I’mgoingtoremovethehead;ifthisboltisapproximatelytwentyincheslong,it’snotembeddedtoodeeplyinthetrunkofthetree.”
AsKanezoomedin,acoldwindbrushedhischeek.WhatWolfewasdoingcameclosetothemacabre.HeforcedhismindtoconcentratebutmemoriesofthetargetshehadkilledinthelineofdutyplayedinalooplikeoneofthoseannoyingadsonTVthatdrovehimcrazy.HewonderedhowmanyofthemhadrottedawayaloneinadesertedplacelikeDawsonSanders.AtleasttheonesIkilleddidn’tsuffer.
11
Hemovedalongthetrailwithabagoftrailcamsslungoveroneshoulder.Preparationwasthekeytoagoodhuntandhepridedhimselfonbeingwellaheadofthegame.Hesmiled,feelingsatisfiedhehadfoundtheperfectplace.
Hespenttimepreparingthetrailbymovingafewlogshereandtheretoblockanescapeandclearingtheoldpathwaytoencouragethepreytorunintherightdirection.HewantedfullviewofBaileyatalltimesviathetrailcams.Bestofall,ifahunteroranyoneelsewanderedalongandstumbledoverthecameras,theywouldnotgivethemasecondglance.Somanypeopleusedthem,fromnaturestudiestotrackinggamemovement.
Hummingasheworked,hestoppedtoattachatrailcamtoatree.Hesetitupandcheckedtomakesureitworked.Runonamotionsensor,eachcamerasentanimagetohiscellphoneandhecouldaccessalivefeedanduploadittothenetoranywhereelsehechose.Byusinglivefeeds,hewouldknowexactlywheretofindthewomen.Helovedtowatchthereruns;thechasewasdifferenteverytime,andthepleadingandbegginginthemomentsbeforehefinishedthemgavehimanadrenalinerush.Hehadsomuchentertainmentstoredonbackupdriveshecouldrelivehiskillsatanytime.Thiswasthesecondpartofhispreparation;nexthewouldconstructblindsalongthewaytoconcealhispresencebeforethekill.
Hecheckedtheimagesonhiscellphonetomakesurenoonecouldrecognizehimfromanyangle.Itwasnotworthriskinghisidentityeveninthepreparation.Aftermakinghiswaybackupthepathway,heturnedandwalkedslowly,scanningtheareaswherehehadattachedthetrailcams.Satisfiedhehadhiddenthemalloutofsight,hecollectedhisbagthenheadedbacktohiscamptocollectthenecessaryequipmenttobuildtheblinds.
Hehadfoundthecaveyearsagoanditservedhimwell.Arockformationandalineoftreesconcealedtheentrance,buttobesure,hehadconstructedasturdygateandaportableelectricfencetodissuadebears.Exhilarationandpowertingledthroughhimthemomentheslippedintothecave.Heinhaled,enjoyingthethrillofthestaleodor,andturnedonthelanternhangingfromthewall.“Almostdone.Maybeyou’llhaveanewfriendtokeepyoucompanysoon.”
Hescrutinizedtheskeletonswrappedinplasticsittingproppedupagainstthewallofthecave.Itexcitedhimtovisitthemandheoftenreturnedtorelivethemomenttheyhadbecomepartofhisfamily.Hehadchoseneachoneofthemandnotallhiskillsmadeitintohiscollection.Hereinthecave,thememoriesofwatchingthemdiewithamixtureofsurpriseandshockfilledhismindinbrilliantclarity.Hesuckedinthethrilllikeadrugandlivedoffthehighforweeksbutregardedthesekillsaspricelessandatestamenttohisingenuity.Hemadehisinspection,walkingalongtherow,andbenttopushatuftofhairbackinsidetheplastic.“That’sbetter.”
Someofthemleanedoverasifwhisperingasecrettoanother,anddark,soullesseyesfollowedhiseverymove,buttheylikedithere.Everyoneofthemreturnedhissmile.
12
AchingmusclesplaguedJennawitheachstepthroughtheunforgivingterrain.Sheassumedthatbypushingherbodyduringtheearly-morningworkoutswithKane,hermuscleswouldhaveacceptedhorseriding,buttheyhadplottedrevengeandtheclimbuphillhaddoneherstifflegsnofavorsatall.WhatmadeitworsewasKanerarelyshowedanysignsoffatigue,althoughhesufferedcruelheadachesfromtheplateinhisheadandoftenhidhisdiscomfortfromher.Intruth,henevercomplained.Shehadswallowedacoupleofparacetamolwithherlunchandwouldkeepgoingnomatterwhat.Showingweaknessinfrontofherdeputieswasnotanoption.Sometimesbeingsheriffsucks.
“IthinkI’vefoundsomething.”Bradfordpointedtosomethingmetalpeekingoutfromundertheforestfloor.“I’lltakeafewpictures.”
Jennagaveherselfamentalshake.“Itlookslikeabeltbuckle.”Shepulledoutapairofglovesandpulledthemonwithasnap.“I’lltakealook.Getanevidencebagready.”
Aftertakingapenfromherpocket,shebentdownandliftedafewleavesfromtheendofthebucklethenstopped.Thebuckleshonethroughthedebrisbutitwasnottheleatherbeltattachedthathadhaltedhermovements.Thebeltwasinatightloopwithonelongenddisappearingintotheundergrowth,andinbetween,shemadeoutbones.Shehadseenenoughskeletonstorecognizethemashumanforearms.“Stayback.”Shestood,wavingBradfordaway,thentookarollofcrimescenetapeoutofherpocketandwrappeditaroundthetreetomarkthearea.
“Aretheyhuman?”ThecolordrainedfromBradford’sface.
“Yeah,prettysure.FromwhatIcanmakeout,thesearemorebonesbelongtothefemaleskulltheCanavarsfound.WolfewillconfirmbutIfigurewehavetwobodiesintotal.Themaletiedtothetreeandthepartialremainsofafemale,spreadoutoverthisarea.”Jennaopenedthemiconherearpiece.“Kane,I’vefoundmoreremains.I’llsecurethescene.”
“Rogerthat.”Kane’svoicecameintoherearpiece.
Jennapushedbacktherevulsionofwhatherfindimplied.“Looksliketwoforearmssecuredwithaleatherbelt.Theyaresmall,soitcouldbethemissingpartsofthewomanWolfeandBlackhawkfound.”Shesighed.“Ionlyliftedafewleaves.Idon’tknowhowmuchisundertherebutitisclosetoatree.Maybehehadhertieduphere.AskWolfewhathewantsmetodo.”
ItseemedtotakeagesforKanetogetbacktoherandthenwhenavoicecameinherearitwasWolfe.
“Fromtheevidencecollectedanduntilprovedotherwise,I’massumingwehavetheremainsofDawsonSandersandPaigeAllen.Ofcourse,thisisjustforourownreference,untilIcanverifytheidentitiesbythedentalrecordsandDNA.WehaveSanders’remainsinabodybag.Ihavetakensoilsamples,soI’mprettywelldonehere.Oncewehavestowedtheseontothehorse,I’llcometoyourposition.”
“Rogerthat.I’llsendKanethecoordinates.”
JennacontactedRowleyandBlackhawk,andafewminuteslatertheycamethroughthetreestowardthem.ShenotedhowBlackhawkguidedRowleywellawayfromthepathshehadtaken.Whentheyreachedherside,Blackhawkpeeredattheremains.Shemovedtohisside.“Didyoufindanything?”
“Notyetbutthoseboneshavebeencarriedhere.Canyoumakeoutthemarksontheboneandtheleatherbelt?They’reanimalteethmarksanditlikelydroppedthemheretofeeditsyoung.Seethemarksaredifferentsizes?”
“Yeah,nowthatyoumentionit,Icanmakethatout.”Inanefforttokeeptheimageofthepoorwomanbeingsomeanimal’sdinnerwellandtrulyoutofhermind,sheturnedtohim.“I’mwaitinghereforWolfe.Aswehavethepositionoftheskullandnowthis,willyoubeabletoworkoutwhichwaysheran?”
“Nopebutwe’llkeeptothisanimaltrail.It’smorelikelyifthekillerhadawomanwithherhandstied,itwouldbeeasiertodragheralongapathratherthanthroughtheforest.”Blackhawkturnedwithoutanotherwordandheadedintothetrees.
“Doyouwantmetogowithhim,ma’am?”Rowley’sdarkeyesrestedontheremainsforafewsecondsbeforemovingtoherface.
“Yeah,staywithhimandletmeknowifyoufindanything.”JennapulledoutherGPSandsenthercoordinatestoKane.ShewavedBradfordtoafallentree.“Wemightaswellsitdownandrestupuntiltheygethere.”
Jennashruggedoffherbackpackandpulledoutabottleofwater.Sheremovedherhatandtossedherhair,gladofthecoolbreeze.Theweather,althoughsunny,wasgettingcolderbythedayandyethikerscamefromallovertotrekthroughtheforest.ShehadnoticedhowBradfordmovedwitheaseovertheroughterrainandseemedtohaveunlimitedenergy.Therookiewassettlinginwell;shelistenedand,fromwhatRowleyhadtoldher,wasbecomingverygoodatmartialarts.“Homicidesaredifficult.Howareyoucoping?Anyproblems?”
“No,notatall,ma’am.”Bradfordremovedherhatandsetitonthelogbesideher.“IlikeRowleyasapartneraswell.Heisveryeasytogetalongwith.I’mdoingokaywiththeunarmedcombatsideofthingsbutI’llnevermatchDeputyKane’sskillontheshootingrange.”
Shehidhersmile.“Notmanycan,I’mafraid.”
“IaskedhimtogivemesomeadviceandhewasveryhelpfulbuthesaidIshouldbeabletostripdownaGlockandreassembleitwithmyeyesclosed.”Bradfordgaveheran“isheforreal?”lookandshrugged.“HetoldmeIshouldbeabletodothatwithanyweaponIown.”
“Itcomesdowntopractice.”Jennashrugged.“StrippingitblindissomethingIcando,andIwouldsayRowleyandWebbercanaswell.”Shesippedherwater.“Knowingyourweaponisveryimportant.I’mgladKanetookyoutothepracticerange.Hementionedhewantedtoseehowyouwereprogressing.Don’tbesurprisedifheinvitesyoutothegym.WebberworksoutatoneintownandKanedropsintherefromtimetotimetoputtheothersthroughtheirpaces.Iguesshe’sbeenwaitingforareportonyourprogressfromRowley.”
“I’venevermetadeputylikehimbefore;heismorelikeadrillinstructor.”Bradfordchuckled.
“Whoislikeadrillinstructor?Me?”Kane’svoicecamefrombehindher.
“Yes,you.”Jennaturnedandglaredathim.“Dammit,Kane,doyouhavetocreepuponpeople?Weareatamurderscene,incaseitslippedyourmind.”ShewelcomedDuke’sreturnbypattingthedog’sheadandgoingaboutremovingtheburrsfromhiscoat.
“Iwasn’tcreeping,ma’am.”Kanegaveherabrilliantsmile.“IfIhadbeen,I’dhavesaid‘Boo.’”HeflashedBradfordasatisfiedsmile.“Oh,comeon,Paula,adrillinstructor?I’mnotthatbad,amI?”
“Well,Iguessnot.”Bradford’scheekspinked.
“I’mjustaperfectionistandwanttomakesureyou’recapableofhandlinganytypeofweapon.”Kanedroppedhisbackpackandletoutalongsigh,thenhisattentionsettledonJenna.“WolfeandWebberarerightbehindme,ma’am.”Hedivedintohisbackpackforhisbottleofwater.
Jennapushedherwaterbackintoherbackpackandstood.“Iseethemnow.”SheglancedatBradford.“Goandhelpthemwiththeirgear.”
SheturnedtoKane.“Howdiditgo?”
“Wehavetheremainspackedawayandenoughfootagetomakeamovie.Webberfoundoneundeterminedbulletcasing.Wolfewillbeabletotellusmoreafterhegetsthevictimsbacktothelab.”
13
AfterlisteningtoWolfe’shurriedreportonDawsonSanders’remains,Jennaledhimtothebonesshehadfoundandwaitedwithinterestforhiscomments.“Ican’tfindanythingelseinthevicinity;doyouthinkthesewereburied?”
“Mostlikelycarriedhereandconsumedbyanimals.”Withgentlecare,Wolferemovedthebonesthenplacedtheminabag.Hegatheredsoilsamplesthenglancedupather.“DawsonSanderswaswearingabeltsowehavetoassumethisbelongstoPaigeorthekiller.Itcouldbeavitalclue.IfthesebonesbelongtoPaigeAllen,weknowthekillertiedherarmsbehindherbackbeforedeath.Therewouldbenootherreason,andifthatisherskull,thekillersubjectedhertoaviciousattackbeforekillingher.”
“Blackhawkfiguredthemarksonthebonesareofanimalorigin.”Jennapushedonherhatandstaredatthethinwhitebones.“HeiswithRowleyandtheyaresearchinginthedirectionoftheskull’slocation.”
“ItwillbedifficulttofindthecompleteskeletonofPaigeAllen;animalscouldhavespreadpartsallover.”WolfepassedanevidencebagtoWebbertolabel.“Unfortunately,cadaverdogswillbenouseeither;theysearchforthesmellofrottingflesh.”
Jenna’searpiececrackledandRowley’svoicecamethrough.
“We’vefoundmorebones.”Hegavehisposition.“Theylooksmall.Ifigurewe’vefoundthemissingpartsofPaigeAllen.”
“Rogerthat,weareonourway.”Shescannedthepileofequipmentandherdeputies’exhaustedexpressions.Ithadbeenalongday.SheturnedtoWolfe.“HeadtothecoordinateswithKaneandWebber.We’llfollowbehindwiththerestofthegear.”
“Yes,ma’am.”
“Ineedtoduckbehindabushbeforewego.”Bradfordwavedahandabsentlytowardtheundergrowth.
“Sure.”Jennaturned,surprisedtoseeKanecomingbackdownthetrail.“Issomethingwrong?”
“Notreally.”Kane’seyessearchedherface.“YoulookallinandI’mstarving.Ihavetwohugesteaksinmyrefrigerator.Wouldyoulikemetocookforyoutonight?”Hesmiled.
Jennaletoutacontentedsigh.“Thatwouldbewonderful.I’llpickupsomehotcakesfromAuntBetty’sonthewayhome.Icouldeatahorse.”
“Deal.”Kanepickeduponeofthebags,andwithawhistletohisdog,hehurriedoffinWolfe’sdirection.
Jennahoistedonherbackpackthenpickeduponebagofequipment.“Youokay,Bradford?”
“Yes,ma’am.”Bradfordcameoutofthebushes,straighteningherclothes,andthenbenttopickuptheotherbag.“Doyouevergetusedtothemurders?”
Jennashookherhead.“Notreally.”
“Iwashopingyou’dsayyes.”Bradfordsighed.
JennacouldseeKaneinthedistanceandquickenedherpace,eagertodiscovermoreinformationonwhathadhappenedtoPaigeAllenandDawsonSanders.Twoyoungpeopleenjoyingahikeintheforest.Shecameupwithafewdifferentscenarios.ThekillerdidnotfitintothesameclassificationassomeoftheothersshehaddealtwithduringhertimeinBlackRockFallsandtheyhadnomissingpersons’reportsfromanyoftheneighboringcounties.
Thelastkillertheyhadinvestigatedtargetedteenagegirls,notyoungcouples.TheMOherewasdifferenttothekillerinBlackRockFallslastsummer,anditmadeherwonderifajealousloverwasresponsible;orcouldithavebeenanopportunistickill?ItwouldbeinterestingtohearwhatJillBates,theforensicanthropologistfromHelena,discoveredaftersheexaminedtheremains.
Inthemeantime,shewoulddiscussherthoughtswithKaneoverdinner,althoughhepreferrednoshoptalkwhentheyspenttheirdowntimetogether.Thiscasewassointriguing,shecouldnotwait.Hisinsightswouldhelpherdecidewhichwaytotaketheinvestigation.
“Wheredoyouwantthebags,ma’am?”Bradfordmovedtoherside.
Draggedoutofdeepthought,Jennasmiledather.“Overtherewiththeothergear.”Shefollowedanddroppedherbagthenremovedherbackpack.
Thewindhadpickedupandsheglancedskyward.Thelastthingtheyneededwasrainbutaboveonlyafewwhitecloudsblockedthesun.Afterpushingherwaythroughthebushesandavoidingapatchofpoisonivy,shemovedtoRowley’ssideinasmallclearing.“Whatdowehave?”
“ThemajorityofPaigeAllen’sbones,apartfromthehands.”Rowley’sforeheadcreased.“Wolfebelievesshewasn’tmurderedhere.Wesearchedaroundanddiscoveredsomeclothesabouttenyardsdownthetrail.IaskedWolfebeforecollectingthem,andhesaidtogoahead.”
“Okay.”
Interested,herattentionmovedoverthebonesspreadoverthegroundandstickingoutlikemushroomsfromtheforestfloor.WhenBlackhawkwalkedtohersidewearingasorrowfulexpression,shenoticedapairofjeansinhishands.“Whatisit?Whathaveyoufound?”
“Theseclothesarealmostintact.Theyhaven’tbeentornapart.”Blackhawkslidthejeansinsideanevidencebagandpassedthemtoher.“Theunderwearisinsideasiftheywerepulledfromherfeetfirst.Ananimalwouldshredthemtogettotheflesh.”Hegaveheraconcernedfrown.“Wefoundherbootsaswellandtheyarestilllacedup.”HemotionedtowardRowley.“Hehasthem.”
“Ma’am.”Rowleyheldoutanevidencebagcontainingapairofhikingboots.“Wewereverycarefulnottodisturbtheareabutthesewerethrownunderabush.”Hepointedintothewoods.“IthinkWolfeneedstotakealookoverinthatarea.Oneofthetreeshasafewholesinitononeside;toomanyforarandomshooter.”
Thebreezehadturnedintoahowlingwindandcoldseepedthroughherclothes,chillingskindampfromwalking.“Okay,thanks.LeavetheevidencewithBradfordandgotellhim.”Shewenttoherbackpackandbenttopulloutherjacket.Thesunlostitsheataroundtwointheafternoon,andthishighuptheranges,thetemperaturecoulddropbelowzeroatthistimeoftheyear.
“Doyouthinkherapedher?”Bradfordwasstaringattheclothesinsidetheevidencebags.“Fromthedamagehedidtoherface,hewasameansonofabitch.”
JennapulledupthezipperonherjacketandturnedtoBradford.“UnlesshelefthisDNAonthosejeans,we’llneverknow.Unfortunately,theremainswilltelluslittleinthisstate.Wecanonlyhopethekillermadeamistakeandleftafragmentofevidencebehind.Ifhehas,Wolfewillfindit,andbynowKanewillhaveanoutlineofaprofileforthekiller.”Shesighed.“ThiscaseisdifferentfromanyI’vehandledbefore.”
“DeputyKanesuggestedIfamiliarizemyselfwithsomeoftheoldcases,andnoneofthekillersseemedtokillforfun.”Bradfordpickedatherfingernailsasifthetopicdisturbedher.“Thebulletwoundsandthearrowthroughtheheadlooklikethekillerwasenjoyinghimself.”
“Yeah,you’reright.”Kanewalkeduptothemwithanunreadableexpression.“Thismurdererkillsforfun.Inalltheotherhomicideswe’veinvestigated,wediscoveredthekillerhadsufferedtraumaintheirpastthattriggeredtheirbehavior.Thisoneisdangerousbecausewedon’thaveapatternofbehavioryet.Unpredictableisthehardesttocatch.I’llneedtolookforsimilarcrimesandseeifthiskillerhasstruckelsewherebeforeIprofilehim.”HeturnedtoJenna.“Wehaveaprobablecrimescene.Wolfeisstillcollectingevidence.”
Jennanodded.“Showme.”
“Rogerthat.”HeglancedbackatBradfordwithanexpressionetchedinstone.“Stayherewiththeevidence.I’llsendRowleyandWebberbackthenyoucanstarthaulingeverythingbacktothehorses.”
Jennafollowedhimintothebushesandtouchedhisarmtogethisattention.“It’sgettinglateandcold.Ican’tbelieveyouwanttocomeuphereforahikingweekend…We’llfreezetodeath.”
“Nah.”Heturnedandgrinnedather.“We’llwalkthetrailsduringthedayandspendthenightinacabin.ThereareatleastsixplateausintheareaIplannedtovisit.Thereareviewsuphereyoucanonlyseebyfoot.Orwecancheatabitandbringthehorses.”Heheldthebushesbackforhertopass.“Ipromiseyou’llbeaswarmastoast.Wehavetodoitsoonthough,beforewinter.ThereisnowayI’mcominguphereoncethesnowcomes,cabinornocabin.”
“Okay,we’lltalkaboutitsomemoreoverdinner.”ShesurveyedthesceneandglancedatWolfe.“Howlongdoyoufiguretheseboneshavebeenhere?”
“Ayearorso.”Wolfemeticulouslycollectedsoilsamplesafterremovingthebonesscatteredatthebaseofthetree.Hedroppedontoallfoursandpeeredcloselyatthegroundthentakingabrushfromhisbagfeatheredawaythedirt.“Well,lookwhatwehavehere.Adiamondengagementringandthere’saninscriptioninside.”
“Whatdoesitsay?”Jennamovedcloserandpeeredoverhisshoulder.
“PaigeandDawsonforever.”Wolfedroppedtheringintoasmallplasticbagandsealedit.
“Theyarethesamenamesonthedriver’slicenseswefoundinthebackpacks.”Kane’seyesnarrowed.“Ifthatringisreal,itwouldhavecostafortune.”
“Sowecanruleoutrobberyasamotive.”Jennaletoutalongsigh.“Atleastwehavesomethingtogoon.Withtheidentitiesofthevictimswe’llbeabletolocaterelativesandfindoutwhentheywentmissing.”
“Justaminute.Fornow,weareassumingtheremainsbelongtoAllenandSanders,andtheyprobablydo.”Wolfebrushedtheleavesfromhispantsandhiscoolgazeliftedtotheirfaces.“AllwehavearebonesandIdonotintendtosignoffontheidentityofeithervictimuntilIhavepositiveproof.ThismeansdentalrecordsoraDNAtest.”HisattentionsettledonJenna.“Thefemalevictim’sboneshavebeenscatteredoversomedistance.Intruth,we’reonlysurmisingthisisoneperson;it’seasytojumptoconclusions.”
“That’sfinebyme.”ShenoddedthenturnedherattentiontoKane.“IftheremainsarePaigeAllen’s,howdoyoufigurethemurderwentdown?”
“Itwouldhavebeenbrutal.”
JennastoodtoonesideandwatchedasKanerecreatedthemurder.
“GoingonWolfe’sdeductions,thewomanwaslikelyshotinthebacksameastheothervictim.”Kane’sbrowwrinkledintoafrown.“Wehavetoassumefromthedistancebetweenthetwocrimescenesshewasrunningfromherkiller.Shefallstothegroundandthekillertiesherhandswithhisbeltandpropsherupagainstatree.”Hemovedtoatreewithadistinctivebullethole.“Wehavenoideawhatsheenduredbeforehekilledher.”
“No,notwithoutabody.”Wolfeshookhishead.“WehavenothingconclusivetoindicaterapebutIbelievethekillerremovedherclothesandthereiseveryindicationtheyweredraggedfromher.Theindentationsonthebonesneedcloserexamination,butIbelievewehavebothanimalandknifemarkings.”Hemovedclosertothetree,indicatedtothebullethole,andliftedhisconcernedexpressiontoJenna.“Fromapreliminaryexaminationoftheremains,shehadbluntforcetraumafrommaybethegripofapistolthenheshotherbetweentheeyesatcloserange.Thedamagetotheskullisextensive.Thebullettraveledthroughtheskullandembeddedinthetree.”
Jennacouldvisualizethehorrificlastminutesofthepoorwomanandgroundherteeth.Aloneandhelpless,sheprobablywitnessedherfiancé’smurderthenranforherlife.Shedraggedinadeepbreath.DeathhadcomeagaintoBlackRockFalls.SheraisedherchintolookatKane.“Igatheritwillbesometimebeforewe’llhaveanapproximatetimeofdeathbutwhatcanyoutellmeaboutthiskiller?”
“Itdependsifwefindmorevictims.”Kaneleanednonchalantlyagainstatallpine.“Ifthetwovictimsaretheextentofhismurderspree,andtakingintoaccountthiscrimesceneandcomparingittothedeathoftheothervictim,thenthiscouldbeaone-offcrimeofpassion.”
Jennanodded.“Yeah,I’veseenquiteafewdomesticsandthemanalwaysattacksthewoman’sface.”
“It’scommoninhomicideaswell.”Kanerubbedthedarkstubbleonhischin.“Thiswasparticularlyvicious,soajealouslover,ex-boyfriendwouldbesomeoneweneedtolookat.”Hesighed.“Ifwefindmorevictims,we’retalkingaboutawholedifferentballgame.”
“Okay,soworstcasescenario?”Jennaswallowedthelumpinherthroat.“Ihavearealbadfeelingaboutthismurder.”
“Athrill-killerwhohateswomenoraparticulartypeofwoman.”ThenerveinKane’scheektwitched.“Unpredictableandhappytobidehistimeuntilhegetstheperfectvictim—thinkBundy.Helikedcollegegirls:longbrownhair,similarbodytype.Thistypeofpsychopathisyourtypicalniceguybutheisintelligent,cunning,sly,andasslipperyasaneel.IwouldsayCaucasian,latetwentiestomidtolatethirties,ormaybeolderifhehasbeendoingthisforsometime.”Hislipsflattenedintoathinline.“Ifthisistheprofileofourkiller,themalevictimsarecollateraldamageandnowomanwhoresemblesourfemalevictimissafeinBlackRockFalls.”Hisattentionmovedoverher.“Aswe’retalking,fivesixwithshoulder-lengthblackhairbetweentwentyandthirty-five…Thatincludesyou,Jenna.”
14
Laterthatafternoon,hewalkedtotheWeapons,FishingandAmmunitionstore.Hepeeredacrosstheroadatacouplewalkingbyhandinhandandsnortedindisgust.Tothinkamancouldtiehimselfwillinglytoaviperlikeher.Thewayshetossedherhairandflutteredhereyelashesateverymantheywalkedbywasnobetterthanhearingherlongrednailsscrapedownablackboard.Whymencommittedthemselvestoyearsofmentaltorture,hecouldnotimagine.Hehadtoadmitthewomanwasattractive,butlooksfadeanditwaslikelyshewouldbeinanotherman’sbedbeforetheyearwasout.
Withagrin,heliftedtherifleandaimeditatthecouplethroughthewindow,liningthemup.Nosportonearthmatchedtherushheexperiencedhuntinghumans,anditlastedbecausehecouldwatchthererunsanytimehechose.Ohyes,heusedthetrailcamstorecordeverydeliciousmoment.
Theshopkeeper’svoicespeakingtoanothercustomerbroughthimbacktorealityandheloweredtherifle.Notthatheplannedtopurchaseanything.Hehadneverbeenafoolishman,andbuyingarifleintownthenusingittokillsomeonewouldbebeyondstupid.
Hehadlittlepreparationlefttodo.Hisgunswaitedinhiscave,loadedandready.Earlier,he’dsetthetrailcamsinplace,spreadoverawidearea,justincaseBaileymanagedtogetawayfromhim.Hehadcoveredeverycontingencytoprovideagoodhunt.Hisclientwouldmeethimatanappointedspot,nonameswouldbeexchanged,notracelefttoconnecthimtohermurder.
Hestrolledtothecounterandsmiledattheassistant.“Nice,verynice,butI’llthinkitover.I’mnotplanningonhuntingagainuntilspring.I’vebeentoobusyoflate.”Hehandedhimtheriflethenstrolledfromthestore.
Heglancedupatthesky;theforecastforthemorningwasclearandcoolwithexpectedcarnage.Achucklespilledfromhisthroat.Hecouldalmosttastebloodintheair.Ican’twait.
15
Afterdinner,JennafloppedonKane’ssofaandrubbedhereyes.Exhausteddidnotcomeclosetohowshefelt.Herbonesachedfromridingandhaulingequipmentfromonecrimescenetotheother.ShetookthecupofcoffeefromKaneandsmiled.“I’mexhausted.IthoughtIwouldfallasleepstandingupintheshower.”
“Youdidn’thavetohelpmetendthehorses.”Hesatbesideherandplacedhistwolargefeetonthecoffeetable.“AlthoughIdidappreciatethehelp.”
Jennashruggedandthesmallmovementtuggedathersoremuscles.“It’smyhorseandI’mresponsibleforher.FromnowonI’mhelpingyoumuckoutinthemorningaswell.”Shestifledayawn.“Iactuallyenjoygroomingher;it’sasmallpieceofnormalityinacrazyworld.”
“Yeah,Ifeelthesame.”Hegaveheracontentedsmile.“IknowyouwantedtodiscussthecasetonightbutIhavenothingtoaddtowhatIsaidatthecrimescene.Ithinkweareinaholdingpatternrightnow,stuckbetweenacrimeofpassion,atleastayearago,andathrill-killerwhomightstrikeagain.”
“Wolfewillbeabletotellusmorewhenheandtheforensicanthropologistexaminetheremains.”Jennasippedherbeverage.“Iguessourideaabouttakingacoupleofdaysforashortvacationisoffthecardsnow?”
“Maybenot.”Kane’sgrinflashedwhite.“It’sbeenatleastoneyearsincethemurdersandWolfehasalottodobeforewecanstartinvestigating.Weonlywantoneweekendandcouldheadawayfromthissideofthemountainandfollowthetrailsthatwindupintotheranges.Yeah,itwillbecold,butwehavethermalunderwearandthecabinshavefireplaces.You’vebeenthroughalotworseinbasictraining,I’msure.”
Oh,thecoffeehemadewassogood.Shestaredathimovertherimofhercup,savoringthetaste.“Iwasmuchyoungerthenbutapartfrombeingexhaustedfromthegruesomemurderwehadtodealwithtoday,Idoenjoybeinginthemountains.Ithasatragicbeauty.”Shesighed.“Inside,Iknowwhathashappenedthere,butsomehowit’sasifthesceneryistryingtomakeupforman’smistakes.It’sdifferenteverytimeIgothere—thetreesarethesamebutthecolorsandvarietyofflowersandwildlifeamazeme.”
“Iconcentrateonhowpeacefulitisupthere.”Hereachedforhissteamingcup.“It’slikethebeacheswheremanymendiedinbattle.Theseahaswashedawaytheblood,leavingnotraceofthetragedy.Samehere,theforestgrowsoverthedamageasifhidingthememoryofwhathappened.”Hesuckedinadeepbreath.“Theseaandforestsseedeatheveryday,animalsandfisheateachother.Tothemit’ssurvival,tousit’smurder.”
“Howpoetic.”Jennadrainedhercoffeeandpushedtoherfeet.“ThanksfordinnerbutImustbegettinghome.I’llputmycupinthedishwasherandseeyouinthemorning.AsmuchasIwouldliketostayandchatallnight,Idon’treallywanttosleepinyourspareroomagain.”
“Leavethecup,I’llwalkyouhome.”KanewhistledtoDukethenheadedforthedoor.“DukeneedstogooutsidebeforeIturnin.”
Theystrolledacrossthegrasstoherfrontporchandsheopenedthedoor,punchedinthecodeonherhousealarm,andturnedbacktoKane.Hehadahabitofwaitinguntilshewassafeinsidethehouse.“Thanksforwalkingmehome.”
“Mypleasure.”
Hislipsquirkedupintoatentativesmileandheturnedaway.“I’llseeyouatfiveifyoustillwanttomuckoutthestableswithme.Itwon’ttakelongandwillbeagoodwarm-upforourexerciseroutine.”
Jennacouldnothelpasmilespreadingacrossherface.ShehadseenthisgentlesideofDaveKanebreakthroughhistoughexteriorbeforeandenjoyedanotherglimpse.“Sure,I’llbetheretohelp,andtomorrowismyturntocookbreakfast.”
“I’lllookforwardtoit.”
ShewatchedhimambleslowlybacktohiscottagewithDukeathisheels.Maybetheicemanismelting.
16WEDNESDAY
ThefollowingmorningJennawalkedintothemorguewithKanetofindablondewomaninherthirtiesdressedinawhitecoatbendingovertheskeletalremainstheyhadretrievedthepreviousday.Thewomanglancedupandsmiledasthedoorwhooshedshutbehindthem.
“Ah,youmustbeSheriffAltonandDeputyKane.Shanehastoldmesomuchaboutyou,IfeelIknowyoualready.”Sheremovedasurgicalgloveandofferedherhand.“JillBates.”
Ihopehehasn’ttoldyoueverythingaboutus.Jennatookherhandandsmiled.“YoumustbetheforensicanthropologistWolfementioned,andpleasecallmeJenna.”
BesideherKaneofferedhishand.“Nicetomeetyou.”Heglancedaround.“WhereisWolfe?”
“Hetooksomesamplesdowntothelab.Weonlyhavethebasicautopsyequipmenthere.HehaseverythingweneedformysideofthingsandofcoursetheDNAtestingsetupdownthehall.”
Astonished,Jennagapedather.“HecandoDNAtestingherenow?”
“Ohyes,hisequipmentisimpressive.”Jill’slipscurledintoaprettysmile.“Ithinkhehasafairygodmother—everytimeheappliesforfunding,itcomesthroughinrecordtime.Someoneingovernmentmustbewatchingoverhim.”Shelaughed.
Yeah,POTUScanbegenerous.JennaheardthedooropenandWolfestrodeincarryinganiPad.Sheturnedtohim.“Ahgood.Doyouhaveanythingformeyet?”
“Ah…yesandno.”Wolfe’sgrayeyesnarrowed.“Iseeyou’vemetJill.Shehasbeeninvaluableandwillbestayingforacoupleofdaystohelpout.”
Jennanodded.“NotaproblembutIhopesheisstayingattheCattleman’sHotel?Iwouldn’tputadogintheBlackRockFallsMotel.”
“Youdon’thavetoworry,Jenna.I’mstayingatShane’shouse.”Jillglancedoverathim.“I’vebeencrashinginhisspareroom.”
“YouhavenoideahowhappyEmilyistotalktoJill.”Wolfe’ssternexpressionturnedintoasmileofsorts.“Sheismuchlikemeatthesameageandcravesknowledge.”
“Howisshehandlingcollege?”Kanerubbedtheblackstubbleonhischin.“Notplanningoncreatingabodyfarminyourbackyard,isshe?”
“Ohmygoodness.”Jillburstintolaughter.“Youobviouslyknowhisdaughterbetterthanyouthink;sheisdevouringtextbooksaboutdissectionatthemoment.Iwasthesame;Iplayedwithdeadthings,bones,andfossilswhenIwasakid.”
Jennaclearedherthroat.“Itwasneverdollsformeeither.Ihadapassionforguns.”Thethreepeoplelookingatheralldroppedtheirjawsatonceandsheswallowedthelaughbubblinginherthroat.Shehadacrimetosolve.“Canwegetdowntobusiness?Haveyoudiscoveredanythingwecanusetopositivelyidentifythesepeople?”
“Yeah,withJill’shelpandcontacts,wehaveobtainedthedentalrecordsforbothvictimsandcomparedthem.Theybothhavethesamehealthinsuranceandwetrackedthemfromthere.”
“Yes,Iwasabletoaccessthedatabasewithmypasswordandwe’vegottenamatch.BothvictimshadX-raysrecently,whichwasabonus.”Jillwavedahandattheshatteredremainsontheleft.“ThisisDawsonSandersandhisfiancéePaigeAllen.”
“Oncewefoundamatch,Ididasearchanddiscoveredanewspaperarticleaboutthem.”Wolfecockedoneeyebrow.“Heownsastringofhotelsandshecomesfrommoney.Theirengagementpartywasspreadovertwopagesofthelocalnewspaper.”
“Hewasveryyoungtoownastringofhotels.”Jennatappedherbottomlip.“SowhycometoBlackRockFalls?Youwouldhavethoughttheywouldhavetakenavacationsomewheremoreluxurious.”
“Ifigurewe’llfindoutsoonenough.”KanemovedclosertothepatheticremainsofPaigeAllen.“Theskeletonlooksalmostcomplete.”HeturnedtolookatSanders’remains.“Whathappenedtotheirhands?”
“Webelievetheywerecarriedawaybyanimals.”Wolfe’sattentionshiftedtohisiPad.“It’sstillearlyinourexaminationoftheremainsbutfromthedamagewecanseeonSanders,webelievetheboltthroughhisheadwaspostmortem.”
“Yes.”Jillmovedaroundtheremainsandindicatedwithoneglovedfinger.“Thelackofbonescatterandteethmarkswouldindicate,forsomereason,theanimalslefttherestofSander’sbodyalone.Decompositionleavestracesintheclothingandhisappearstobenormal,whichledustobelievehewassoakedingasolineoroil.”
“Yeahyoumentionedthatbeforebutwhowouldcarryacanofgasupamountain?”KaneflickedJennaadisbelievinglookthenturnedbacktoWolfe.“Haveyoutestedtheclothesyet?”
“Notyet.”
JennacaughtWolfe’sflashofannoyance.Kanewantedanswersyesterday,andwhatWolfeandJillhadachievedinashorttimehadbeenincredible.ShepattedKaneonthearm.“Iaskedfortheidentitiesofthevictimsandtheyhaveconfirmedthatinrecordtime.Youknowhowlongittakestodoallthetests.”
“We’reworkingwithnexttonothinghere.”Wolfegaveheragratefullookandshrugged.“Piecingtheskeletonstogethertookhoursandwehaven’thadtimetodeterminethecauseofdeathforPaigeAllen.”HeglancedatKane.“Isuggestyoufindtheircamp—itmustbewithinwalkingdistancefromwherewefoundthem—andlookforagascaninthegeneralarea.Fromthecontentsoftheirbackpackstheycouldn’thavetraveledformorethananhourfromwherewefoundthem.”
Jennashookherhead.“Wearetalkingaboutamassiveperimetertosearch,andbearswouldhavetrashedtheircampbynow.Wesearchedtheimmediateareainalldirectionsandfoundnothing.I’mnotwastingresourcesgoingupthereagain.”Shesighed.“Ineedbootsonthegroundhere.IhaveastringoflocalcomplaintsWaltershadtoplaceonthebackburnerwhilewetrekkedupthemountainandIneedpeoplecheckingoutthiscouple’smovements.Whydidn’tanyonefileamissingpersons’report?”
“Itdoesseemstrangeastheywereprominentpeopleintheirtown.”Wolfeleanednonchalantlyagainstthebench.“Thenthereisthecellphone.Iwilllookatthatassoonaspossible.Iwouldbeinterestedtofindoutwhotheycalledinthehoursbeforetheirdeaths.Allenmusthavebeencarryingitwhenshewaskilled,andthereisreceptionupthere—whydidn’tshecall911?”
“Ifshedid,we’dhavearecord.”Jennafrowned.“Thishappenedonmywatch.Thereisnowaya911callcouldslippastus.”
“I’llcheckthelogswhenwegetbacktotheoffice.”Kane’sbrowwrinkledintoadeepfrownashepeeredatthewoman’sremains.“Thedamagetothespineisatypicalincapacitatingshotusedtokeepapersonimmobilizedforquestioning.”HeshotaglanceatWolfe.“Thekillerwantedheralive,didn’the?”
“AsIsaid,Ineedsometimetodoafullreportonourfindingsbut,yes,thatinjurywouldbeenoughtoparalyzeaperson.Thenthereisthebeltwefoundtightaroundherarms.Itdoesn’tbelongtoherorherfiancé,theywerebothwearingbelts.Itmusthavebelongedtothekiller,andbeforeyouask,therearenodistinguishingmarksonit.”Wolfefoldedhisarmsacrosshissubstantialchestandsighed.“Fromwhatwecansee,shesufferedandwasleftfortheanimalstodevour.Themalevictimwaspreservedforsomereason.”
“Whichmeansthewomanwastossedasideoncethethrillofkillinghadpast.Thisistypicalpsychopathicbehavior.”Kanepushedahandthroughhisdarkhairandhisexpressionturnedsomber.“Butthiskillerhasanothertwisttohispersona.Ibelievehelikestovisithisvictims,forwhateverreason,andusesthegastopreventanimalsfromdisturbingthem.Watchingthemdecomposeisanaddedthrill.”
17
ThemorninghadbecomeoneofthosedaysandJennahadstartedtobelieveshewasinchargeoftheKeystoneCops.Infact,ifRowleyhadwaddledbyherdoorinblackandwhitetwirlingabatonshewouldnothaveblinkedaneye.
Inherabsenceattendingtothecoldcase,thesheriff’sofficehadfallenintochaos.Fightshadbrokenoutallovertown,includinganotherruckusattheTripleZ,andthephoneshadrungconstantlywithcomplaints.Thehuntingseasonwasinfullswinganditbroughtoutatestosterone-fueledcompetitivespiritfromthelocalsandafewoftheirguests.
Normally,therangers,orFWPasthelocalscalledtheFish,WildlifeandParksenforcementofficers,tookcareofthehuntingsideofthings.Theykepteverybodyhonestbyrunningthemandatorycheckpointsinandoutofhuntingareastochecklicensesandkills,butsomeoftheexcitementhadspilledintotownnowtheelkandturkeyseasonhadcrossedover.
Afterdispatchingherdeputiestodealwiththecomplaints,shehadtakenawell-earnedcupofsteamingjoeintoherofficeandshutthedoor.ShehadthetaskoffollowingupthecoldcaseinformationcollectedfromWolfe’sprimaryexaminationoftheremainsofPaigeandDawson.Thenamesofbothvictimscameupinthemissingpersons’recordsforCalifornia.Shemadeanoteofthecontactnumberandofficerinchargeofthecasethenreachedforherphone.Theconnectionrangafewtimesandaman’svoiceanswered.
“Yeah.”
“DetectiveStokes?”Jennaglancedatthecomputerscreen.“ThisisSheriffAltonfromBlackRockFalls,Montana.Ihaveinformationontwoofyourmissingpersons:PaigeAllenandDawsonSanders.”
“Justaminute,I’llaccessthefile.”Stokestappedonhiskeyboardthensighed.“Okay,whatdoyouhave?”
Jennaclearedherthroat.“WefoundtheirremainsonatrailinStantonForestwayupthetopoftheBlackRockMountainrange.Mymedicalexaminerbelievestheyhavebeenhereforaboutoneyear.”
“WetriedhuntingthemdowninColorado.Apparently,aftertheirengagementparty,theywentonamysteryholidaySandersarrangedthere.Theirfamiliestoldustheyinsistedonleavingtheircellphonesbehindandtookaburnerforemergencies.Aswecouldn’ttracetheirphones,wehadnoleadstotheirwhereabouts.Whathappenedtothem?”
“I’mafraidwehaveahomicide.”ThesightlesssocketsofthetwoskullsflittedacrossJenna’smind,sendingashiverdownherback.“Bothweresubjectedtoconsiderablebrutality.Ican’tgiveyouafullreportyet.WehaveengagedaforensicanthropologisttoworkwithourMEtodeterminecauseofdeath.”
“DoyouhaveapositiveIDonthevictims?”
“Yes,wehavetheirdrivers’licensesandtheirdentalrecords.”Jennachewedonherbottomlip.“Unfortunately,thereisnodoubtthevictimsareDawsonSandersandPaigeAllen.”
“Isee.Anysuspects?Anysimilarcrimesinthearea?”Hedrewinadeepbreath.“Justaminute,BlackRockFalls,yeahI’veheardofthatplace.YoucaughttheRiversideKiller,didn’tyou?”
Jennadrummedherfingersonthetable.“Yeahandhe’sinjailforlifebuthewasn’tresponsible.ThemurdererofthiscouplehasadifferentMOandasthecrimehappenedoneyearago,wedon’thaveanyevidencetosuggesthehaskilledinBlackRockFallssince.AshedamagedAllen’sface,weareconsideringacrimeofpassion.Whatcanyoutellmeaboutthecouple?Isthereajealousloverinthepicture?”
“NotthatI’mawareof.Givemeafewmomentstoreadthefile.It’sbeenoverayear.”
Jennasippedhercoffeeandwaited.
“Right.ThefirstpersontocontactuswasBruceStyles.HeisSanders’roommate.Aftersixweeks,therentwasdueandStyleshadn’theardfromhim,whichwasoutofcharacter.Ofcourse,wefoundzip.Itwasasiftheyhadvanishedintothinair.WhenSanders’parentsreturnedfromoverseasaboutaweeklater,theycontactedPaigeAllen’sparentsandfiledthemissingpersons’reportstogether.”
Jennalistenedwithinterest.Adaughtergoesmissingforweeksandtheparentsdonothing?“Whataboutthegirl’sparents—whatwastheirstory?”
“TheAllensexpectedPaigetobegoneforonemonth.Theyexplainedthecouplehadacellphonebanandwantedtobealone.Theythoughttheyhadextendedtheirvacation.”Hesighed.“I’mnotsurehowtheyendedupinBlackRockFalls.SanderstoldthemtheywereheadingforColorado.”
“Didtheycontactanyotherfriendsorrelatives?”
“WespoketoSander’sworkmatesandthesameforPaige.LikeIsaid,theyseemedtovanish.Welistedtheminthemissingpersons’database.IputoutaBOLOonthevehiclebutagainnothingcametolight.I’llgiveyouthedetails.”
“Yeah,thanks.”Jennatookdownthemakeandlicenseplatethenleanedbackinherchair;itwouldseemStokeshaddoneathoroughinvestigation.“Dideitherofthemhavearapsheet?”
“Nope,cleanasthedrivensnow,thepairofthem,andtheyhadnofinancialworrieseither.”Heclearedhisthroat.“Nowit’samurderinvestigation,I’lldigdeeperintoPaige’sbackgroundandshakedownheroldboyfriendstoseewhatfallsout.Itlookslikewe’llhavetoworktogetheronthisone.”
“Thatwasthegeneralidea.I’llemailyouthefileswehavetodateandthefullautopsyreportwhenIhaveacopy.”Shehadathought.“Ah,beforeyougo.Doyouknowofanysimilarcrimesinyourarea?Mydeputyisafineprofilerandhebelievesthisisn’tthefirsttimethismanhaskilled.”
“Ifweknewwhatstatetosearchin,itwouldhelp,butI’llgetmyteamonitandseewhatwecomeupwith.Isuggestyoudothesame.ThisistheHollywoodprecinct.I’mpushedfortimeandresourceshere;wehaveaheavycaseloadasitiswithoutthisontop.ProblemiswithcoldcasestheytendtogetpusheddownthelinebutI’lldomybest.”
Jennawantedtobangherheadonthetableinfrustration.Heavensabove,shehadtwoofhiscitizensinhermorgueandhehadpracticallyyawnedhiswaythroughtheconversation.“Wouldyouatleastnotifythenextofkin?”
“Yeah,thatIcanarrange.I’llgivethemyourdetailsandtheycanmakethenecessaryarrangementsoncetheMEhasreleasedtheremains.”
Thelinewentdead.
Jennastaredatthehandsetindisbelief.“Somuchforcooperation.”
Shecollectedthefilesshehadtodateandsentthemthroughtohim.ThephonerangandWolfewasontheline.“Whatdoyouhaveforme?”
“It’sthecellphonefoundatthecrimescene.ImanagedtodownloadthecontentsofPaigeAllen’sSIM.Thelastnumberdialedwas911inOctoberlastyear.Thecalllastedonesecond,soifanyoneansweredIdoubttheywouldhaveworried,especiallyas911callsgothroughourprivatecellphonesoutofofficehours.”
“It’schillingknowingoneofthemtriedtocallforhelp.”Jennasighed.“Anythingelse?”
“Apartfromthe911call,no,thereareimagesontheSIMbutmostofthemarecorrupted.Theyareofthegeneralarea,theCattleman’sHotelrestaurant,andsomemountainviews.”
Awaveofreliefspreadoverher.Atlast,shehadalead.“So,theycouldhavestayedattheCattleman’sHotel?”
“Itwouldbeworthchecking.”
Jennamadeafewnotes.“Whenwillyoufinishthepost?”
“I’llhaveafullreportsenttoyoulatertodaybutthereisonethingofinterest.Inlayman’sterms,thecutsonPaigeAllen’sbonesareconsistentwithahuntingknifeandamachete.”Hepausedforsomemoments.“I’mnotrulingouttheremighthavebeentwokillers.ThecrossbowboltwefoundinDawsonSandersisunusualandoutofplace.Whydidthekilleronlyuseitonce?Itissomethingweneedtoinvestigatefurther.”Wolfesuckedinadeepbreath.“Ifthat’sall,ma’am,I’llgetthereportunderway.”
“Yes,andthankyou.ThankJillformetoo.”
“Iwill.Haveagoodday,ma’am.”
“Bye.”JennadisconnectedthensearchedthroughhercontactsfortheCattleman’sHotel.
Shewasjustabouttodialwhenaknocksoundedonthedoor.“Yes,comein.”
Rowleystuckhisheadaroundthedoorandappearedruffled.Hesportedalargeredweltunderoneeyeandhishatwasaskew.“TheruckusattheTripleZ?Itisthesametwomenaslasttime.Doyouwanttheminthecells?”
Shewavedhimaway.“Yeah,writethemup,I’llgettothemnext.”WhydidItakethisjob?
18
KanefinishedhislunchatAuntBetty’sCafé,pickedupabagelwithcreamcheeseandatakeoutcoffeeforJenna,thenheadedbacktotheoffice.Hismorninghadbeenacompleteshambles.Hehadn’tquestionedJenna’sinsistencetosendhimoutwithBradfordthismorning,andalthoughhehadworkedonavarietyofridiculousproblemsinhistime,hispatiencewasrunningthin.
Themorninghadconsistedofwritingticketsforillegalparkingandsortingneighborhoodsquabbles.Rightthismoment,hewouldhavegivenamonth’spaytobeswingingpunchesatthelocalruckusattheTripleZwithRowleyandWebber.
HeenjoyedthethrillofprofilingandcatchingkillerswithJennaandtheteam,buthemissedthevarietyofactionfromhispastlife.Althoughtheplateinhishead,courtesyofacarbombduringhisdaysasagovernmentagent,causedhimheadaches,ithadnotslowedhimdown.TheonlybeneficialadrenalinerushoflatecamefromworkingoutwithJennaeverymorning,orridinghishorseatfullgallop,butafterseeingactiveserviceforsolong,lifeinBlackRockFallsmadehimyearnforexcitement.
HeenteredJenna’sofficeandplacedthefoodandcoffeeonthedesk.ShehadallthewindowsopenandthemingledscentsofthepineforestandJenna’sshampoofilledtheroom.“I’vehadlunch,whatelseisontheagenda?”
“Onesecond.”Jennatappedawayatherkeyboardthenliftedherattentiontohim.Shepouncedonthetakeoutbag,inhaled,thensmiled.“Oh,thankyou.Bagelsandcreamcheese…Youdoreadminds,Iknewit.”Shepointedtothetakeout.“YouaretheonlypersonwhohaseverturnedupwithfoodformewhenIamfamished.”
Kanegrinned.“MaybeIjustliketokeeponyourgoodside.”
“Keepthisupandyou’llalwaysbeonmygoodside,Dave.”Jennagaveamoanofpleasureandbitintothebagel.
“Tooeasy.”Kanechuckled.Itdidnottakeageniustoknowshehadnoteatensincebreakfast.WhenJennawasonacasesheforgotwhatdayitwas,letaloneallowingherselftimeforamealbreak.“DidRowleyandWebbersortoutthefightattheTripleZ?”
“Yeah,itwasmoreofadomesticbetweenLeroyandAbelFinch.Canyouhandletheinterviews?Rowleywouldhavefinishedhisreportbynow.”Jennasippedhercoffeeandsighed.“GetBradfordtowritethereportsfromyourpatrolthismorning.Anythinginterestinghappen?”
“Nopeandsheisalreadyhardatwork.”Hestretched,wishingitwastimetoheadhome.“IgatherthetroublemakersfromtheTripleZareinthecells?”
“Yeah,IwasgoingtointerviewthembutI’vebeensnowedunderwithphonecallsandautopsyreports.”Jennaleanedbackinherchair.“I’vespokentothedetectiveontheSandersandAllencoldcaseatHollywoodPD.I’mafraidhehaslittletoofferthemurderinvestigationbutweareexchangingcasefiles.Hedidatleastinterviewthefamilyandclosefriendsatthetimetheywentmissing.”
“Don’texpecttoomuchhelp.”Kanerubbedthebackofhisneck.“Thecasewillberightatthebottomofhislist.”
“That’swhyI’mworkingthecase.Ineedtochasedownanyleadsherebeforetheyvanish.Thecouplestayedintownatsometimebeforetheydied,andwhathappenedtotheircar?Itisn’tontheDMVlistasfoundorabandoned.”
“Itcouldhavebeensoldtoachopshop.Theydon’tasktoomanyquestionsaboutownership.”Herestedthepalmonthehandleofhispistol.“DoyouwanttheseidiotsfromtheTripleZincidentchargedorreleasedwithawarning?”
“Iguessitdependsonthedamagestothebarandiftheproprietorwantstopresscharges.”Shenibbledatherlunch.“Thebrothershavenothingofvalue,andthistimetheywerefightingeachotherandeveryoneelsejoinedin.Useyourownjudgement.”Shesighed.“I’mheadingovertotheCattleman’sHotelwithRowleytoseeifanyoneremembersseeingSandersandAllen.Ihopethey’llgiveusaccesstotheirrecordswhenItellthemthecouplearevictimsofahomicide.”
“Theymightwanttoavoidacourtorderbutit’smorelikelythey’llgiveyouspecificinformationaboutthecoupleratherthanopentheirbooks.Iftheyhavekeptavideoitwouldbeusefulbutit’slikelytheyhaveoverwrittenthedatabynow,andifnotwe’llneedacourtordertoobtainacopy,privacylawsbeingwhattheyare.”Kaneindicatedoveroneshoulderwithhisthumb.“WhenI’vefinishedtheinterviews,doyouwantmetocheckoutlocaljunkyardsandseeifanyonehashadeyesonAllen’svehicle?”
“Wouldyou?”Jennapoppedthelastpieceofbagelintohermouthandlickedasmearofcreamcheesefromherlips.“Ifyoufindanythinginteresting,callme.”
“Rogerthat.”
AftercontactingtheproprietoroftheTripleZanddiscoveringhedidnotintendtofilefordamages,KaneinterviewedLeroyandAbelFinch.Thebrothershadarguedoverabartab,andafteragreeingtosplittheamountbetweenthem,heletthemgowithawarningthatnexttimetheycausedtrouble,theywouldbeheadingforcourt.
Ashefollowedthemtothefrontdoor,hecaughtsightofJennaclimbingintohervehiclewithRowleyridingshotgun.Theafternoonsunglistenedonherhairandwhensheturnedtoglanceathim,hegaveherawave.Hepushedonhishatandclimbedintohisrig.Theyusuallyworkedtogether,andherinsistenceforhimtogoonpatrolwithBradfordhadpuzzledhim.Maybehehadgottenalittletooclosetoherthepreviouseveningandthiswasherwayofkeepinghimatadistance.Afterpullingoutintothetraffic,hegrimaced.Hehadcomeclosetokissinghergoodnight.Ifthiswasherreaction,hehadbetterkeephisdistance.Pity,shewasonlythesecondwomaninhislifehehadevercaredfor.
Thefirstrecyclingyardyieldednothingbutashedroveintothesecondhecouldhearthescreamingsoundoftearingmetalasthecrushercompactedcarsintoneatcubes.Heavymachineryliftedthecubesanddroppedthemontoawaitingtruckthatsaggedundertheweight.Enteringthroughmassivegates,hepulledupoutsidearamshackleofficeandglancedaround.Rowsofvehiclesofeverydescriptionspreadoutoveratleastfiveacres;theyrangedfromalmostpristinetorustyrelicsfromthe1950s.
Theairintheofficehungheavywiththesmellofoilandcigarettes.Stainedwoodenshelvesheldcarparts,eachwithapapertagtiedwithstring.Inonecorner,amotorlookedoutofplacewithitsbrightchromepipesgleaminginthediminterior.Kanemovedthroughtheofficeandascatteringofmetalshavingsandglassfragmentsgroundunderhisboots.Behindthecountersatamaninhisfiftieswithslicked-backsalt-and-pepperhair.
“WhatcanIdoforyou,Deputy?”Hestoodthenwipedhishandsonhisfilthycoveralls.
Kanesteppedcloser.“Afternoon,I’mDeputyKane.I’msearchingforalate-modelsilverFordSedan.Itwentmissingoverayearago.Hasanythingsimilarcomethroughhere?”
“Maybe,maybenot.”Themansatdownathiscomputer.“Irunthisplacetotheletterofthelaw.Ifitcamein,I’llhavearecord.”
“That’sgoodtohear.”
LongmomentspassedandthenthemanprintedupalistandhandedittoKane.
“Wehadtwolate-modelFords.Onewasaburned-outwreckbroughtinfromBlackwater,theotherfromadeceasedestatehereintown.Allthedetailsarelisted.”
Kanetippedhishat.“Thankyouforyourhelp.”Heheadedbacktohiscar.
Onceinsidehecheckedthevehicleidentificationnumberoftheburned-outwreckwithAllen’smissingvehicle.Theymatched.HecalledJenna.“I’vefoundAllen’scar.Noplatesbutthenumbersmatch.ItwasstrippedandburnedoutinBlackwaterthentransportedheretobecrushed.”
“Thatwouldinvolvetwomen:onetodriveandonetofollow.”
Kanestaredatthelineofrustingvehicles.“Itisapossibilitybuttherearewaysaroundit.Forinstance,thekillercouldownatowtruck.Takethecartoadesertedarea,stripitdown,andsetitonfire.Thatvehiclewouldn’tstickout,they’readimeadozenhere.”
“True,butWolfestillisintwomindsabouthowmanykillerswereinvolved.Notmanyhunterscarryarifleandacrossbow.”Jennaletoutalongsigh.“Ofcourse,wecan’truleoutthefactsomeoneelsestumbledontheremainsanddecidedtoputaboltthroughtheheadeither.AsWebberbelieves,theboltsareexpensiveandnotusuallyleftbehind,I’llsendhimouttohuntdownthesupplieratthelocalstores.”
Kanescratchedhishead.“Doyouknowhowmanyonlineretailersthereareaswell?Itwouldbelikefindinganeedleinahaystack.”
“Imightjustfindthatneedle.”Jennaclearedherthroat.“TheCattleman’sHotelconfirmedthevictimsstayedthereandthedates.Funnythingis,theycheckedout.Iwouldhavethoughtafterafewdaysintheforesttheywouldwantahotshowerandagoodnight’ssleepbeforetheyheadedhome.Mosthikersdo.”
“Maybetheywererunningoutofcash.”
“Thatseemsunlikelybutyouhaveapoint.I’mgoingtobespendingthenextcoupleofdaysdiggingintothecouple’spast.ThedetectiveIspoketosenthisfiles.I’llcontacttheirfriends.Ifthisisacrimeofpassion,Paige’sBFFswillknowaboutherboyfriends.Thereisalwaysgossip.Ican’tletthisgo,Kane;I’mgoingtocatchthelunaticwhomurderedPaigeAllenandDawsonSanders.”
Kanesighed.“We’llfindhim.”Hestaredoutthewindowandintothepeaksinthedistance.“Onethingweknowforsure,withthereputationthisplacehasgainedinthelastcoupleofyears,anyoneplanningonhikingintothemountainsunarmediscrazy.”
19
AcoolbreezeliftedBaileyCanavar’shairandsheturnedtoembraceit.“Oh,Jim,it’samazinghere;Icanfeelthecoldwindtoningmyskin.”Shegiggledanddancedalongthetrailbesidehim,feelinglikeayoungkidonherfirstouting.Thespectacularviewshadherspellbound.Jimhadpickedtheperfectplaceforthemtovisit.“Thispartoftheforestisbeautiful,I’msogladyouconvincedmetocomewithyou.Iwasgettingalittleboredinthehotel.Howdidyoufindthisplace?”
“Afterfindingtheskull,Ithoughtyou’dprefertobefarawayfromanypotentialancientburialsites.Ipromisethatwillneverhappenagain.”Jim’stannedfacecreasedintoabroadsmile.“Ihadthemapsfromthecounteratthehotelandwantedtofindsomewheresecluded.Therearetonsofoldtrailspeopledon’tuseasmuchhere,mainlybecausetheyaretoofarfromthehighway,buttheyareperfectforustogetawayfrompeopleforawhile.”Hecaughtherinhisarmsandspunheraround.“Thanksforleavingyourcellphonebehind.Idon’twanttobedisturbed.Mineisathomeaswell.I’msureashellnottakinganydamncallsfromtheofficeonmyhoneymoon.WecanusetheburnerIpurchasedforemergencies.”
Shegavehimherbestsexysmile,theonethatmadehiseyessmolder,andranahandthroughhissandyhair.“I’mnotgoingtomissmyphoneforafewdays.IthinkI’llbebusy.”
Ashotrangoutandpainstruckhersideinaglancingblow.“Ouch!Somethinghitme.”Sheranherfingersdownhersideandfoundatearinhershirt.“Howdidthathappen?”
“Getdown.”Jimpushedhertoherkneesbehindatree.“Areyouokay?”
Bloodcoatedherfingersandshesaggedinhisarmsthencollapsedtotheground,gapingathim.“What’shappening?”
“Idon’tknow.”Jimpeeredaroundnervously.“Ididn’thearagunshot.”
Bloodspatteredherjeansandoozedfromasmalltearunderherribs.“OhmyGod,I’vebeenhit.”
“Staydown.Ican’tseeorhearanyone.”Jimexaminedthewoundandhisvoicedropped.“It’sjustanick.You’llbefine.Takeafewdeepbreaths.”
Asusual,Jimtriedtocalmherbutpanictightenedherchestandshelookedaroundterrifiedanothershotwouldhither.“Whowouldshootatus?”
“Don’tbesilly.Ifanyonewasshootingatustheywouldn’tgiveupthateasy.Lookatme,Bailey.Youneedtocalmdown.”Jimsqueezedherarm.“You’llbeokay.It’sjustascratch.Probablyjustastraybulletorsomething.Someofthehuntingriflescanreachfivehundredyards.”
“Okay.Ihaveadressinginthefirstaidkit.”Shetookafewdeepbreaths.“Howdidthishappen?Ithoughtthehuntersweremilesaway.”
“Theyshouldbe.Youfixupthescratch.I’llneedtoreportthisaccidentandgethelp.”Hepulledouthiscellphone.“Nobars.I’llwalkupthetrailaways.Thathugeboulderisprobablyblockingthesignal.”
Terrifiedofbeingalone,sheglancedaround.“Okaybuthurry.Idon’tlikeithere.”
“Stayinthetrees.Iwon’tbemorethanafewyardsaway.”
Baileywatchedhimwalkoutofsightthentookafewsecondstocheckherside.Sheshruggedoutofherbackpackandpulledoutthefirstaidkitthenheardthesoundofsomethingbigmovingthroughtheundergrowth.Insheerpanicthatabearhadsmelledbloodandwasheadingherway,shesearchedthebackpackforbearrepellentthenfrozeinterrorwhenamandressedinarmyfatiguescameoutoftheforest.
Themanhadhisfacecoveredwithcamouflagefacepaint,hehadastrangecontraptioncoveringhismouth,woresunglassesandawoolencappulledlowoverhisears.Shetriedtocrawlawaybutthemanwasonherinsecondsanddraggedhertoherfeet.Baileytriedtoslaphim.“Letgoofme.”
AbackhandfromFacePaintsentherreelingandshefellontoherback,headspinning.Shetastedbloodinhermouth.Confused,shescrambledonhandsandkneestogetaway.Herhusbandwasonlyafewyardsawayandhewouldhearher.“Jim,Ineedhelp.”
Withoutasound,FacePaintliftedherwithease,pushedhertoherknees,anddraggedbackherarmswithsuchforceshecriedout.Astendonsripped,painshotthroughhershoulders.Shesobbedashefastenedaziptiearoundherwristsandpulleditsotightitburnedthroughherflesh.“Stopit,you’rehurtingme!”Sheletoutalongscream.“Jim,helpme!”
NoonecamerunningandBaileyletoutasoboffear.“Whyareyoudoingthis?”
Relieffloodedoverherwhensheheardfootstepscomingdownthetrail.“That’smyhusbandandtherangerswillbeontheirway.”
“Getoverhere.Iwouldn’twantyoutomissallthefun.”FacePaint’svoicewasstrange.Asmileflashedwhiteagainsthisgruesome,multicolored,camouflagedskin.Hestaredather.“Doasyouaretoldandeverythingwillturnoutjustfine.”
Witheverymuscletrembling,BaileygapedathiminterrorWhatwashappening?TearsstunghercutlipandshetriedtocrawlawaybutFacePaint’sbootblockedherway.Herdisorientatedmindtriedtomakesenseofwhatshewasseeing.HowdoesJimknowthislunatic?ShelookedupatFacePaintthroughhertears.“Pleaseletmego.I’llgiveyoumoney.I’llgiveyouanythingyouwant.”
FacePaintsmileddownather.
“Hello,Bailey.Now,letmethink.WhatdoIwant?Tellme,howfastcanyourun?”
20THURSDAY
Thefollowingmorning,Kaneduckedakicktothehead,twistedhiships,andsweptJenna’sfeetfromunderher.Hesteppedtothesideandaimedakickatherhead.WhenJenna’sfootbrushedhisthigh,missinghisgroinbythewidthofahair,hegrabbedherankleanddroppedtothemat.Hehadtakenafewdirecthitsfromherthismorningbutdrewthelineatpermanentdamageandpinnedhertothefloor.Shesquirmedunderhimlikeacrazywoman.
“Hey,Jenna,coolit.What’swrongwithyouthismorning?”
“That’sbetter.”Sherelaxedandsmiledathim.“Idon’twantyoutogoeasyonme.IthoughtifIhityouafewtimes,you’dstarttogetrough.”
Hisattentiondriftedtoadripofperspirationrunningdownhercheekthenheshrugged.“Inevergoeasyonyou.Haveyouforgottenyourtraining?Learningthemovesandkeepingfitisthekey.Ifyouwanttopunchsomething,attackthebag.”
“Oh,Ipunchthebagmorethanyouknow.”Sherolledontoherbackandgavehimalong,consideringlookthenblewherbangsfromherface.“Youjustseemdistractedoflate.”
Hefloppedontohisbackandpushedahandthroughhisdamphair.“Youthink?”
“Yeah.You’vehardlysaidawordtomeallmorning.”Sheroseupononeelbowandsquintedhereyesathim.“Infact,youspoketothehorsesmorethanme.That’snotlikeyou,Dave.Wealwaysdiscussthingsinourdowntime.Isyourheadhurting?”
Hemirroredherpositionandshookhishead.“Myheadisfine.I’vehadafewthingsonmymindisall.”
“Anythingyouneedtodiscuss?”Shelookedathimwithanexpressionofinterest.
Oh,hehadthingstodiscuss,buttheoutcomecouldruintheirworkrelationship.Heshookhishead.“Nowisnotthetime.”Herolledtohisfeetandofferedhishand.
“Ithinkitis,Dave.”Shetookhishand,andwhenhepulledhertoherfeet,herblueeyeslockedonhis.
Hismindwhirled.Howcouldhediscussthetensionbetweenthemtheothernight?Forheaven’ssake,hecouldhaveeasilykissedher.Shewashisbossandhelivedonherproperty.Dammit,hestilllovedhislatewife,andnowhefeltasifhewasbeingunfaithfultoconsidersuchathing.It’snotgoingtohappen.Heshookhishead.“IjustwantedtosayhowmuchIvalueourfriendshipandIhopegoingawaytogetherwon’tspoilit.I’mstillverymuchinlovewithmywifeandI’mnotreadyforanythingelsejustyet.”
“Oh,Iknowthat,Dave.”Shesmiledathim.“You’rethebestfriendI’veeverhadandyouwon’tevertrytostealmyboyfriends…notthatIplanonhavinganyoneinmylifeatthemomenteither.”
“Okay.”Kanegaveheraquizzicalstare.“Soarewegood?”
“Sureweare.”Shedancedawayfromhim,grinning.“Nowmaybewecangetourlivesbacktonormal.”Sheheadedforthedoorwithoutabackwardglance.
Ithadn’ttakenlongforKanetorealizethathuntingseasonofonetypeoranotherseemedtogoonallyearinMontana,butlatefallattractedvisitorsfromalloverthestatetoBlackRockFallstohuntelkanddeer.Theypackedthemoteltocapacityandmanypeoplewelcomedrelativesintotheirhomes.Mosttimesthesheriff’sdepartmenthandledminordisturbancesandhadnothingtodowiththehuntingsideofthings,becausetheFish,WildlifeandParksenforcementofficerswerediligent.
LocalsquabblesseemedtobetakinguphisentiredaywhenhewouldratherbeworkingonthecoldcasewithJenna.Itwasdayslikethesehecravedtobeinvolvedinadecentinvestigation.HopefullyWolfehadcomeupwithsomenewevidencehecouldgethisteethinto,hewalkedintoJenna’soffice.Whensheissuedhimwithorderstoheadoutagain,hegapedatherinastonishment.“Youwantmetodowhat?”
“TakeBradfordandgoandsortoutacomplaintaboutsomepuppies.”Jennahandedhimasheetofpaper.“Herearethedetails.”
Hestaredatthepaperworkindisbelief.Itwasn’tlikeJennatogivehimallthegruntwork.“Can’tWebberorRowleyhandlethisone?”
“Kane,WebberisanexpertoncrossbowsandI’vesenthimouttoallthestoresintownthatselltheboltusedonDawsonSanders.”Sheleanedbackinherchairandraisedonedarkeyebrow.“ThiscaserequiresanegotiatorandBradfordneedstheexperience.Seeingyouinactionwillbeagoodtrainingexerciseforher.”
I’vebeentrainingheralldamnweek.“Okay,but—”
“No‘buts,’Kane.”Sheliftedherchinandhermouthformedastubbornline.“I’msnowedunder,andwithWolfeoccupiedatthemorgue,you’retheonlydeputyavailable.Idon’thaveanoption.”
Heletoutalongsigh.“Copythat.”
21
HemergedthefootagefromallthetrailcamsandhisbodycamintoonemovieandsavoredthefootageoftheexquisitedeathofBailey.Hisheartpoundedwiththememory,sovividitwas,asifhestillhadthebloodyknifeinhishand.ThescentofherlingeredintheT-shirtheheldtohisnose.Thesightofconfusedblueeyesandhersoftdyingpleasmadehimwantmore;hecouldnotwait.Thesnowwillbeheresoon.Ineedtoactnow.
Afterenteringhisusername,heuploadedasmallcliptohissiteonthedarkwebandwaitedtofindanotherclient.Theynevertooklongtobite.Onthisencryptedsite,thesignalpingedacrosstheentireworldandwasuntraceable.Here,hiddenfromsight,peopleadvertisedtheirextraordinarytastesanddesires.Abuyercouldobtainanythingfromdrugstopeople.Heleanedbackinhisseatandyawned.
Asifoncue,hismessengerpinged.Hereadtheofferandsatbackinhisseat,shakinghisheadinamazement.Someonehadsuggestedadangerousbutthrillingideahehadnotthoughtofbefore.Helookedoverthedetailsandgrinned.“I’llneedaveryspecialcoupleforthisone.”
22FRIDAY
Whentheringtonedesignatedtoincoming911callspealed,Jennaranfromtheshower.Sheglancedatthedigitalreadoutonherbedsideclockandreachedforhercellphone.“SheriffAlton,whatisyouremergency?”
“WethinkwefoundabodyupnearBearPeak.It’snotfulldaylightyet,butwe’reprettysureit’sabody.”
Jennagrabbedapenandnotepad.“Okay,canIhaveyournamesandcontactdetails?”
“I’mLukeEvansandI’mwithJackTurner.”EvansgavetheirdetailsasresidentsofBlackRockFalls.
“Whatisyourlocation?DoyouhaveaGPS?”
“Sureenough.”Herattledoffthecoordinates.“Wecaughtsightofaten-pointbuckheadingforadesignatedhuntingarea,andfollowedhimalongthisoldtrail.Wecouldsmellsomethingdeadandthoughtitwasanillegalkill,sowenttoinvestigate.”Hetookalong,shudderingbreath.“Icontactedtherangeratthecheckingstation.Hesaidtostayhere,nottotouchanything,andcontactyou.Hecan’tleavehispostbutiscallingitin.”
“Youdidtherightthing.Isthereroadaccessinthatarea?”
“Sureis,takethebackroadpastthefalls.TheFWPhaveacheckstationsignposted,taketheroadontheleftintotheforest,itleadstoaparkinglot.Therangertherewillpointyouintherightdirection.Youcantakethetrailfromthere.Ifigureit’s’boutathirty-minutehike.”
“Okay,we’reonourway.StaywhereyouareandI’llcallyouwhenwegettotheparkinglot.We’llbecominginonhorseback.”JennadisconnectedandcalledKane.“WehaveabodyupnearBearPeak.We’lltakethehorses;yougetthemreadyandI’llcontactWolfeandRowley.Theotherswillbeabletomanagetheofficeinourabsence.”
“Rogerthat,I’llbereadyinten.”
Acoldwindrustledthepines,buffetingJennaandliftingthesidesofheropenjacketasshesteppedfromKane’sSUV.Sheglancedaround,takinginthenumberofvehiclesintheparkinglotandthevarietyofbothmenandwomenlininguptocheckinwiththerangerbeforeproceedingtotheirdesignatedhuntingareas.Theexcitedconversationsmaskedtheusualeeriemoansandcreaksfromthedarkdepthsoftheforest.Shewalkedtothefrontofthelineandwaitedfortherangertofinishspeakingtoahunter.
“Morning,Ihaveateamwithmetoinvestigatethecomplaintwereceivedthismorning.”Sheglancedatthefacesofthepeopleeagertogetgoing,notwantingtoadvertisethefactsomeonehadfoundabody.“Wecanmanageonourown,andbylookingatthepeoplelinedup,Ifigureyou’llneedallyourmenhere.”
“Iwouldappreciateit,ma’am.”Therangerofferedherasmile.“Itisabusytimeandwe’respreadthinoverthecheckingstations.”
“I’llkeepyouinformed.”SheturnedawayandwavedtoWolfeashearrivedwithRowleythenstrolledintothetrailertohelpKaneunloadthehorses.
Dukebarkedandspunincircleswithanexuberanceshehadn’tseenbefore.“Haveyoubeengivingthatdogcoffeeorsomething?”Shetookholdofhermare’sbridleandfollowedKane’shorsedowntheramp.
“Nah,hedoesthatwhenIcomehometoo.It’shishappydance.Ifigureheisusedtoseeingthesefolkandbelieveswe’regoinghunting.”Kane’seyesnarrowedandheindicatedwithhischintotheotherendoftheparkinglot.“LookslikeBlackhawkishere.”Heglancedather.“Didyoucallhim?”
“No.Wolfetoldmeheplannedtohirehimwhennecessary,justincasewefindanythingclosetotheres.Hewon’tbeworkingwithusallthetime.”SheturnedandherattentionwentstraighttoBlackhawk’sstunningAppaloosa.Thecoatofthespottedhorserippledlikesilkoveritstoned,muscularbody.“Oh,wow,thatisonebeautifulhorse.Hemustspendhoursgroomingittomakeitlooklikethat.”
“Yeah,hewould.”Kane’slipsquirkedupatthecornerashemovedtohersideandcuppedhishandsforhertomount.“Foodisimportanttoo.ImakesurebothWarriorandLadyhaveallthesupplementstheyneed.”
ShetooktheofferedlegupandmountedLady.NoticingthewaythesunglistenedonWarrior’sblackcoat,JennaturnedandsmiledatKane.“Youpolishhimmorethanyoudoyourcarandthat’ssayingsomething.”
“Morning.”Blackhawktouchedhishat.“Shanecalled,saidyouneededatracker,sohereIam.Iknowthetrail.”
Jennasmiledathim.“Great!Youcanshowustheway.”
WolferodeuptohersidewithRowleybesidehim.“Webberisonhisway.Heisbringingapackhorseandtherestofmygear.Heshouldbeheresoon.”Hefrowned.“Didyougetanydetailsonthebody?”
Jennasighed.“No,themendidn’tgetclose.Theyareonscenewaitingforus.”
AtruckwithtrailerattachedapproachedinacloudofdustandparkedbesideKane’sblackrig.BeforeJennacouldsayaword,KaneofferedherWarrior’sreinsandstrodeofftohelpWebberunloadthehorses.Afewmomentslater,theyallheadedintotheforestwithBlackhawkinthelead.
TheyhadtraveledabouthalfanhourwhenDukeletoutahowllikethedevilwaschasinghim.Kane’shorserearedandJenna’sArabdancedsideways,notwantingtocontinue.Shecalmedthehorsebutasenseofforebodingcreptoverherthenablastofwindcurledthroughthetrunksandthesmellofrottingfleshhitherfullintheface.ShegaggedandglancedoveratKane.“Can’tbefarnow.”
“Here,putthison.”Hehandedherafacemaskthenattachedhisown.
AsBlackhawkenteredahairpinturn,sheheardvoicesandurgedhermareforward.Twomenintheirearlytwentiesrantomeetthem;bothcarriedriflesandappearedshaken.
Jennaheldupahandtoquietthem.“Takeabreaththenshowuswhatyoufound.”
“We’renotgoin’backthere,noway.”Oneofthemenwipedthebackofhishandoverhismouth.“It’sthroughthereontheleft,inthebushes.”
JennaturnedinhersaddletolookatRowley.“We’llgoandtakealook.Escortthesemenbacktothecheckpointandtakedowntheirstatements.Therangerswillhavespaceintheircabintoconductaninterview.”
“Yes,ma’am.”Rowleytippedhishat.
Theteamdismounted,andwithBlackhawkandWolfeinthelead,theymoveddownashortstraightaway,peeringintothedarkrecessesofthedenseforest.Thestenchincreasedwitheachstep,andwithoutwarningaflockofcrowsroseuplikebatsthensettledinthetrees.Jennaswallowedhard.Itwasthewayofnature.Thewildlifewashardatworkdoingitsjobkeepingtheforestcleanbutshehadtheawfulfeelingthenextthingshelaideyesonwouldmakehersicktoherstomach.
23
HummingjoinedthenoisesoftheforestandKanebattedawaythefliesandglancedupatthefiftyormorecrowsperchedinthesurroundingbranches.Somethinghaddisturbedthemearlierbythewaytheyflockedenmassetothetreetops.Athisheels,Dukewhinedthenbarkedawarning.“Keeponthelookout.Dukesmellssomethinganditisn’tdeadflesh.”
Hescannedthearea,searchingtheshadowsforabear.Thesmellwouldbringthemtothislocation;thenagain,aneaglewouldn’ttaketookindlytosharingamealeither.Ahead,Blackhawkstoppedwalkingthenturnedandraisedahandtohalttheteam.
“Bobcat.”Blackhawkliftedhisrifleandtookaimatoneofthetrees.
Astheechooftheshotreceded,thesoundofananimalboundingthroughtheundergrowthreplacedit.AnothershotblastedfromBlackhawk’srifleandheturnedaround,grim-faced.
“Shewon’tbebackforawhile.Catsaretoosmarttoriskbeingshotattwiceinoneday.”Blackhawkpointedtothecrows.“Thoseareadifferentmatter.Theyaren’tfrightenedofus,notwhentheywanttofilltheirbellies.”
“Haveyoufoundanything?”Jennagavehimaworriedglanceandtookafewhesitantstepsforward.
“Yeah.”Wolfedroppedhisbagonthegroundanditlandedwithathump.“Carnage.”
KanemovedtoJenna’ssideanddidaslowvisualscanofthearea.Carnagewasanunderstatement.Blooddrippedfrombushes,spatteredovertreetrunks,andbodypartswithagenerouscoatingoffliesandantslitteredthesurroundingarea.Itlookedliketheaftermathofaviolentbattle.“Thatcan’tbeonebody,surely?”
“Nope,twoatleast,orwhat’sleftofthem,andthey’vebeenhereforacoupleofdays.”WolfehadsuitedupandwasedgingintothetwilightofthedenseforestwithWebberclosebehind.
Kaneshruggedoutofhisbackpackandpulledouthisgear;besidehimJennadidthesame.“Thiscouldbeananimalattack.”
“Oracrazywithamacheteorboth.Thatlookslikethewaybearstearpeopleapart;catsaremorelikelytodragthemhighintotrees.”Sheliftedherpalefacetohim.“Iwouldpreferananimalattackbutafterseeingwhathappenedtotheothercouple,wecouldhaveanotherlunaticinBlackRockFalls.”
Kanepulledonlatexglovesandwaitedforher.“Wesureseemtoattractthem.Itmustbethesizeoftheforest.Therearesomanyplacestohideinhereandattackpeople.Intruth,it’saparadiseforkillers.”
“Seemssooflate.”Shestaredupathimandhereyesnarrowed.“I’mstartingtobelieveyouareacrazies’magnet.Itwasaquietlittletownbeforeyoucamehere.”
Hesnorted.“Trustme,evilwaslurkingherewellbeforeIarrived.”
WhenWolfecametowardthemwearingablankexpression,thehairsonthebackofKane’sneckstoodtoattention.Itwasbad,realbad,andheglancedatJenna,notingherprofessionalmaskhadfallenintoplaceaswell.Hestraightenedtoheartheinitialreport.
“Whathavewegot?”Jennasnappedonapairofgloves.“Isitananimalattack?”
“Animalshavehadsomeinputbutno,thisisahomicide.”Wolfeswipedawayflieslandingonhischeeks.“Ithinkwehaveonemalevictim,onefemale.Ifyousticktothepathandfollowme,youwon’tcompromisethecrimescene.”
“Doyouthinkitisthesamekillerasthecoldcase?”JennawavedKaneforwardtogobeforeher,andhenoticedhershudderofrevulsion.
“I’mnotsure.”Wolfe’svoicedriftedontheblastofcoldwindwhistlingthroughthetrees.“Thismurderisdifferent.”
Kaneliftedhisface,hopingthefreshbreezewoulddissipatesomeofthestench,buttheodorpermeatedthroughhismask,makinghisstomachroll.HefollowedcloseonWolfe’sheels.“Howso?”
“You’llseewhenyougeteyesonthecorpses.”
WhenWolfeslowedhispace,KanepickedoutWebber’sashenfaceinthegloom.Thisdeepintheforest,thetallpinesblockedoutmostofthesunlight.HemovedtoWolfe’ssideandswallowedthelumpinhisthroat.Itwasalwaystheeyesofthedeadheremembered.Somecloudedoverindeath;othersseemedtostareathim,pleadingforhelpasifliferemained.Aperson’smindcouldbecruel,throwingpeopleintoflashbacksorproducingnightmaressovividtheywerehardtoforget;butforhim,hisbraintorturedhimwiththememoryofhiswife’seyes.Nomatterhowhardhetried,hecouldnotpushAnnie’sdeathstarefromhismemoriesofher.
Ayoungwomansatagainstatree.Thekillerhadsecuredherhandsaboveherhead,holdingtheminplacewithaziptieloopedoveracrossbowbolt.Nakedandevisceratedwiththelowerpartofherbodymissing,shebarelyresembledahuman.Aninvoluntaryshudderofdisgustwentthroughhimandhefoughtdowntheneedtovomit.
Noamountofexperiencehelpedwhendealingwithagruesomemurder.SomuchforthenotionthetoughTVcopsportrayed.Theyactedwithunfeelingnonchalanceasifnothingturnedtheirgutsthendiscussedthecaseoverthecorpsesasiftheywerestorefrontdummies.Theyarealwayspeopletome.KanemovedhisattentionbacktoWolfe.“Thisisdifferentfromtheothermurdersinoneaspect.Thewoman’sfacehasn’tbeentouched.”
WhenJennagrippedhisarmwithatremblinghand,heglanceddownather.“Youokay?”
“I’mfine.”Jennapeeredatthebody.“Oh,no.I’msureIknowher.”Shemovedclosertohim.“Isn’tshethewomanwhofoundtheskull?BaileyCanavar?”
Theimageofthevibrantyoungwomanflashedthroughhismind.“Yeah,that’sher.”Heindicatedtoamanflatonhisbacksomedistanceaway.Anemptyholereplacedhisface.“I’mnotsureifthat’sherhusband;hehadsandyhair.”
“Itcouldbebloodstained.”Jennaedgedpasthim,steppedaroundpoolsofcongealedblood,andwenttoWolfe’sside.“IhaveanIDonthewoman.”
Wolfegaveherapatientstarethenpushedamarkerinthegroundbesideabodypart,movedtothemalevictim,andliftedhishead.“No,thismanhasblackhair.”Heballedhishandsonhishipsandlookedaround.“Atleastthreepeoplehadtobeinvolvedbecause,ifhetiedherup,shecouldn’thavemurderedhim.”
“We’llleaveyoutorecordthesceneandtakealookaround.”JennaturnedtoBlackhawk.“Doyouknowofanyothertrailsleadingfromhere?”
“Idobutifyoulookupintothetrees,thecrowsarewaitinghere,notinanyotherarea.Iftherewasanotherbody,theywouldn’tbewaitinghereforustoleave.”Blackhawkshrugged.“Butwecancirclethisarea.”
Kaneturnedone-eightydegrees.Hehadnoticedsomethingfamiliaronatreeanddidavisualscanoftreesliningthetrail,thenpushedintotheundergrowthandcircledbacktoJenna.Somethingwasn’tsittingright.“Justaminute.”HepulledouthiscellphoneandaccessedtheFWPwebsiteforthehuntinglocationsintheimmediatearea.HeglancedatBlackhawk.“Doyouknowifthisareahaseverbeenadesignatedhuntingzone?”
“NotthatI’maware.”
Hemovedtooneofthetreesandrubbedhishandovertheroughbark.“Seethismark?Itisverysimilartothedamagedonebyfixingatrailcam.Inoticedthereisanotherfurtherdownandtherearesomefreshlycutbranchesoverthere.”Hepointedtothespotintheforesthehadsearched.“Itcouldbeahunter’sblind.”
“Oranaturaliststudyingwildlife.”Blackhawk’sdarkeyesmovedtoJenna.“Somespendmonthsintheforestandtheyusetrailcams.Therearemanydifferentvarietiesofcreatureshere.”
“Yeah,that’slikelybutIthinkthekillerluredthemhere—somehow.”JennaturnedtoKane.“Haveyouheardofanyonestalkingtheirvictimsusingtrailcams?Howwouldtheyknowtheyarehere?Weknowthisisararelyusedpath.IfIwantedtokillsomeone,thisisthelastplaceI’dsetupatrailcam.”SheturnedandfollowedBlackhawkintotheforest.
Kanehungbackandmovedalongthetrail,usinghisflashlighttocheckthetrees.Henoticedfurtherrecentdamagehighuponthetrunks.Themarkingsresembledthoseleftfromabeltonatrailcamandfixedinthebranchestoavoidhumandetection.Thissetuplookedmilitarytohim.Atrailcamraninsilencesoitspresencewouldnotalarmanimals.Itwasmoreusualtoplacethemlowerandoutintheopen.Theyeithercollecteddatatoaharddrivewithintheunitorcouldrunalivefeedtosmartphones.Heturnedafullthree-sixtydegreestotakeineveryangle.HisideahadmeritbutJennawasright:Howwouldthekillerknowpeoplemightbeonthistrailandbeabletosetupthetrailcamsbeforetheyarrived?Stymied,herubbedhistemplethendecidedtodiscusshisfindingswiththeteamlater.
Dukenudgedhislegandhepattedthedogonthehead.“Seek.”
WhenDukeheadedbackinthedirectionofthecrimescene,hestaredafterJennaforafewmomentsthenhurriedafterhisbloodhound.IfhistrailcamtheorywascorrectandtheydidnotfindJim’sbody,he’dbeaprimesuspect.Jimcouldhaveluredhiswifeandperhapsherloverintotheforestandkilledthem.Bythedamagetotheman’sface,whoeverkilledhimhadunleashedawholelotofanger.
24
ThewayBlackhawkmovedthroughtheforestimpressedJenna.Heduckedandweavedusinghisheighttosearchhidden-awayplaces.Hewouldoftenlookbehindhimandcheckonher;notthatsheneededtobecoddledbutshehadtoadmitthewhiningtreesandunusualsilenceinthedim,dankforestputhernervesonedge.EspeciallyasKanehadwanderedoffinadifferentdirectionwithoutsayingawordbuthecouldtakecareofhimself.AlthoughshehadrespectforBlackhawk’sabilitiesasatracker,Kanealwayshadherback.Sheglancedaround,keepinghereyesfocusedineverydirection.Thedarkshadowsbetweenthetreescouldbehidingakillerwaitingforhisnextvictims.Sherestedonehandonthebuttofherpistol.Ifsomeonecameatthem,shewouldbeready.
Onethingwasapparent:Astheymovedawayfromthestink,findinganotherbodybecamemoreremotewitheachstep.Afterabouttwentyminutestheawfuldeathsmellreturnedandshefilledhermouthwithpeppermints—atleasttheywouldpreventtheawfulsmellpermeatinghermouth.TheyhadcomefullcircleandBlackhawkbenttoexaminetheanimalpathleadingawayfromthecrimescene.Shemovedtohisside.“Haveyoufoundsomething?”
“Maybe.”Blackhawktookflagsfromhisbackpackandmarkedasmallareaofleaves.“Thatcouldbeapartialfootprint.I’llgetShanetotakealookatit.”Hemovedintothebushesandstaredupatatree.“Hecamethroughthisway.Therearetracesofbloodonthispineandithasamarkonit.Somethingwassecuredhereandretrievedafterthemurder.”Hepokedanotherflagintothebush.“Seehowthebranchesarebroken?Hemusthavebeeninahurry.”
Jennaexaminedtheleavesandthetrunkofthetreeandnodded.“Yeah,Kanesawsomethingsimilaronthetrail.Hefiguredthemarkscamefromtrailcams.I’mwonderingifthekillersetthisupbeforehisvictimsarrived.”Shesmiledathim.“ShowWolfewhatyoufoundandthanks,Iappreciateyourhelp.”
Hermindreeledastheyedgedtheirwayaroundthecrimescene.ShewentstraighttoKane’ssideandwaitedwithimpatienceforhimtolabelevidencebags.“Wedidn’tfindanotherbody.Itwouldmakesensethatifthesepeopletraveledheretogetherormetonthetrail,wewouldfindtheirbodiestogether,orwithintheradiuswesearched.”
“Yeah,whichmeansweneedtofindthewhereaboutsofJimCanavar.”Kane’sgazemovedoverherface.“Itwillbedifficulttoidentifythemalevictim.Whoeverdidthiswentoutofhiswaytodisguisehisidentity.Histeetharenon-existentandbothhandsaremissing.Thekillerdidnotwantusdiscoveringthisman’sname.”Hefrowned.“Onething—theclotheswefoundhaveforeignlabels,perhapsChinese.”
Jennanodded.“Blackhawkfoundafootprintandevidenceofpossibletrailcams.I’mconvincedCanavarsetthisupaheadoftime.”
“Yeah,itlooksmorelikeanambusheverysecond.”Kaneliftedhischinandhisattentionmovedawayfromher.“I’llgoandtakephotosofthefootprint.”HewenttowhereBlackhawkwasindeepconversationwithWolfe.
ShepulledouthercellphoneandcalledtheCattleman’sHotel.“MayIspeaktoJimCanavar?ThisisSheriffAlton.”
“TheCanavarscheckedout,Wednesdayrightafterbreakfast.”
Jennasighed.“Okay,didtheyhaveanyonewiththem?”
“No,butIhadthebellhophelpthemoutwiththeirbags.Heisrighthere.”
Anothermalevoicecameontheline.Jennaintroducedherselfagainandexplainedwhoshewaslookingfor.“Doyouremembertheirvehicle?”
“Yeah,itwasarental.AwhiteSUV.Iaskedhimhowitwasgoingandhesaidhecouldn’tgetitbacktotheairportquickenoughandgetsomethingelse.Hetippedmeatwenty.”
Jennafrowned.“Whatmoodwashein,anddidyouseeanyoneelsewiththem?”
“Heandhiswifeseemedhappyandtheydroveoffalone.”
“Okay,thanks.”JennadisconnectedthencontactedBradfordattheoffice.“WefoundBaileyCanavarandaJohnDoemurdered.IwantyoutocontacttheclosestairportandfindoutthedetailsofacarhiredbyJimCanavar.ThengetoutaBOLO.Next,putoutapressrelease.Iwantfolkstobeonthelookoutforhimandtherentalcar.Wehavehisdetailsonfileinthemurderbookonthecoldcase,andgetaphotographofhimfromtheKansasDMV.Makesureyoutellthemtoinformthepublicnottoapproachhimasheisconsidereddangerousbuttocall911,okay?”
“Yes,ma’am.”Bradfordtookadeepbreath.“Ihaven’tputoutaBOLObeforebutIcanhandleapressrelease.”
“ThenaskWalterstoshowyou.”Jennachewedonherbottomlip.“Oh,anddon’tmentionanythingaboutthehomicideinthepressrelease.Hernextofkinhasn’tbeennotifiedyet.”
“Yes,ma’am.”
JennawouldhavetocontacttheCanavars’localpoliceandnotifythemofBailey’smurder.“CanyougetmethenumberofthepoliceheadquartersinKansas?I’llwait.”
Shepulledouthernotepadandscribbledthenumberthendisconnected.Aftertakingintheprogressofthecrimescene,shecalledWebberover.“WhatisthestatusoftheME’sinvestigation?”
“Wehaverecordedthesceneandhavebaggedthevictims.”Webber’sexpressionappeareddrawn.“IbelieveWolfewantstorecreatethemurderswithKanethenwecanpackupandleave.”
Jennanodded.“Goodwork.AfterthisareyoustillkeentoworkwithWolfe?”
“Yes,ma’am.”Webberbrightened.
ShenoticedWolfeandKaneontheirwaybacktothecrimescene.“IthinkWolfeislookingforyou.”
“Yes,ma’am.”WebberheadedinWolfe’sdirection.
JennamadeherselfcomfortableonaboulderwithDukesprawledoutatherfeetandcalledtheKansasPoliceDepartment.Afterafewmoments,waitingforthedesktoconnecthertothehomicidedepartmentintherightdivision,awoman’svoiceanswered.
“DetectiveBrennan.”
JennaintroducedherselfandinformedheraboutBaileyCanavar’sdeathandhersuspicionsaboutherhusband.“Ineedtogetthepressinvolvedandletthemknowthereisathreatinthelocalarea;willyoubeabletocontactthenextofkintoday?”
“Yeah,rightaway.IseemtorecallacaseinvolvingamannamedJimCanavar.Iwonderifitisthesameperson.Givemeamoment.”
Inthesmallclearing,KaneandWolfemovedaroundthecrimesceneinanimatedconversation.FromwhatshecouldmakeoutandfromthelaserpointerKanewasusing,theyhaddeterminedthetrajectoryofbullets.Onethingsprangoutather:Fromthedamagetothevictims,shellcasingsshouldbelitteringthegroundbuttheyhadnotfoundone.Themaniacwhodidthisawfulcrimehadcleaneduptheareaandremovedthetrailcams.Achillcrawleddownherspine.Thiskillerwasoverconfidentandarrogant.Hehadnotonlyremovedalltracesofhimself,hehadluredthecoupleintoanareafrequentedbybobcatsandblackbears.Heexpectedthewildlifetocleanuphismess.
Thevoiceonthephonestartledher.“Yes,I’mstillhere.”
“Well,thisisinteresting.IcheckedtheDMVinfoyougavemewiththecaseanditisthesameman.Canavar’sex-fiancéewentmissingandwehauledhiminforquestioning.Baileygavehimanalibi.Inherstatement,shesaidCanavarwasstayinginBlackwater.Shecalledhimeverynightwhenhisex-fiancéewentmissing.Hehadbrokenupwithhisfiancéeafewmonthsprior.Wecheckedthephonerecords.HewaswherehesaidandthehotelinBlackwaterconfirmedhewasthere.HehasstayedinBlackRockFallsbeforeaswell.”
“Really?So,hedoesknowthearea.Hedidn’tgivemetheimpressionhe’dbeenherebefore.Didyoufindtheex-fiancée?”
“Nope,sheisstilllistedasamissingperson.Hernewboyfriendismissingtoo.”
Jenna’smindreeledwiththeimplications.“That’sinteresting.Howlongagowasthis?”
“Alittleoverayear.”
“WhatelsecanyoutellmeaboutJimCanavar?”
“Heworksinrealestate.IreadabouthismarriagetoBailey,itmadethesocialpageshere.Hisfather-in-lawownsanumberofbusinessesinthelocalareaandhasresidencesallovertheworld.HehitthepayloadwhenhemarriedBailey:Sheisloaded,inheritedmillionsfromhergrandmother,andtherewasnoprenup.Irememberthenewsteamdiscussingitatthetime.Baileymadeapointoftellingeveryonewhowouldlisten.”
JennashudderedastheimageofBailey’sdamagedbodypercolatedthroughhermind.“Thatwouldgivehimmotivetokillherandleaveherintheforestfortheanimalstodevour.”
“Itsurewould.I’lldosomediggingandseeifIcanfindoutanythingelseofinterestandgetbacktoyou.”
Jennawavedthefliesawayfromherface.“Thanksandpassonmycontactdetailstothenextofkin.”
“Willdo.”Thelinewentdead.
Asshepocketedhercellphone,shecouldhearsomethingmovingthroughtheforest.Everyhaironherbodystoodonend.Shestood,drawingherweaponandscanningtheforest.BesideherDukegaveashortbarkandlungedforward,tailwagging.“Showyourself,thisisSheriffAltonandI’marmed.”
Herlouddemandhadherdeputiespoundingtowardher,gunsdrawn,andthenextmoment,Rowleycamearoundthebend.
“It’sRowley,ma’am.Holycowsomethingsurestinksaroundhere.”
Relieved,Jennaholsteredherweaponandturnedtoherdeputies.“NowIhaveyourattention,I’vespokentothehomicidedepartmentintheCanavars’hometown.”
ShegavethemtheinformationonJimCanavarandwaitedfortheirresponse.
“Thatgiveshimamotivebutdoesn’texplainJohnDoe.”Kanesnatchedhishatfromabranchandpusheditonhishead.“Wedon’tknowhowmanypeopleareinvolved.Thislookslikemoreofathrill-killtome.Jimcouldhavestrangledherandleftherfortheanimals.Itwouldbeacleankill,leavinghimthechancetoturnupinafewdayssayingtheyhadgottenlostintheforest.Thekillerwhodidthiswouldbesoakedinblood.Thisisanothercaseofoverkill.”
“YetIcan’tlinkitpositivelytothecoldcaseastherearetoomanyirregularities.”Wolferemovedhisglovesandrolledthemintoaball.“I’mconvincedatleastthreepeopleareinvolvedandonewalkedoutalive.Thereisalotofbloodspatter.Ifthekillerwasinjured,hecouldhavelefttraceevidence.I’llconductabloodandtissueanalysis.Withluck,wemighthavedifferentbloodtypesbutIwillrunafullDNAoneachone.”
JennasighedandlookedatKane.“Doyouknowtheapproximatesequenceofevents?”
“It’satoughonebutlet’ssayJimwasn’tinvolved.Ifthismurderfollowsthecoldcase,thekillercouldhavedisabledJimbeforekillingBailey.WefoundhisburnerphonesmashedandtheSIMremoved.”Kaneleanedcasuallyagainstatree.“Jimcouldhavecomearoundandbeeninthefightofhislifethenescaped.Hehadnomeanstocallforhelpandcouldbelyinginjuredorunconscioussomewhere.”
“Thenwhoremovedtheevidenceandthetrailcams?”Webberrubbedhischin,andhisattentionmovedtoWolfe.“Ithadtobethekiller.”
“Oroneofthekillers.”Jennasatbackontheboulder,drawingupherknees.“IfJohnDoeisoneofthekillers,someoneelsewasheretocleanuptheevidence.”
“OrmaybeJohnDoewashiredtokillBailey.”Kanefoldedhisarmsoverhischest.“IfigurewehaveitallwrongandJohnDoesetupthekillzonewiththetrailcamsbecauseJimwantedtowatchBaileydie,thenhekilledthewitness.”
Jennashivered.“Hisex-fiancéewasneverfound.Howmanytimeshashedonethisbeforeandwhereishenow?”
25
Itwasasifthecavewascallingtohim,butwithtworecentkillsintheforest,hedidnotdaregotooclosetohishidingplace.Nevermind,histrailcamhadnight-visionoptics,andalthoughviewingthroughastrangelightviahiscellphonewasnotasgoodasbeingthere,hecouldatleastmakesurehiscaptivesweresafefrompredators.Theportableelectrifiedfencecoveringtheentrancedeterredbearsandbobcatsbutratswouldoftensneakthrough.
Hisfingersitchedtopullouthiscellphoneandinspectthemensittingagainstthewallofhiscave.Helovedthewaytheplasticsheetingpressedtightagainsttheirfaces,andaseachdaypassedtheirfleshmeltedlikeacandleinaflame.Afterspendingtheearlymorninghuntingwithagroupofmenhe’dmetattheCattleman’sHotelandactinglikeoneoftheboys,hecravedsomealonetime.Themen’svoicescalledhimbacktothenowandheofferedthemawave.“I’llmeetyoulaterintheCattleman’sHotelforadrink.”
Hejoinedthelineatthecheckpointtoinformtherangershehadnothingtodeclarethenheadedforthevehiclehislastclienthadsogenerouslypurchasedforhim.Stickingtotheletterofthelawwasimportantandhekepthishuntinglicenseuptodateandonhispersonatalltimes.Hehadenjoyedhistimeintheforestthismorning,butkillinganimalshadlostitsallureandhehadnotbaggedakill.Otherthingshadbeenonhismind.Amongstthepines,withthepungentsmellsofgunpowderanddeath,hehadrelivedthepreviousday’shunt.Adrenalinecoursedthroughhisveinsandtheneedtokillagainoverwhelmedhim.Itwasjustaswellhisfriendscouldn’tseetheimagesinsidehishead.Tothemhewasaregularguy.
Thesoundofairbrakesheraldedthearrivalofthelocalbusbringinghikersandtouriststotheforest.BlackRockFallsranabusservicefromtowntothefirstrangerstationeverythreehoursduringthepeakseasons.Hedismantledhisrifleandplaceditinitscasethenclosedthebackofhistruck.Hetookintheeagerfacesofthepeoplealightingthebusreadyforanadventureandbitbackagrin.Iftheywanderedintohishuntingground,theirvisittoBlackRockFallswouldremainintheirmemoriesforever.Thewide-opendeathstareofBaileyflashedintohismindinarushofexhilaration.Hewantedtoreliveeverysecondsoon.
Thebuspulledoutinacloudofdustandheadeddownthemountainroad.Momentslaterayoungcoupledashedoutoftheforestwavingtheirarms.Theychasedafterthebusdisappearingaroundabendintheroad.Hestaredafterthem.Thewomanwasjusthistype,smallwithdarkbrownhair,longerthanheusuallypreferred,buthecouldalmostfeelthesilkenstrandsrunningthroughhisfingers.Hercompanionwouldbeachallengeforhim—strongandmuscular—buttheriskwouldbeworthit.Heclimbedbehindthewheelanddroveouttheparkinglot.
Asheturnedthecorner,healmostranoverthecouple,thumbsout,hitchhiking.Hecouldn’tbelievehisluck.Onthewaybacktotown,hewouldbeabletogetupcloseandpersonalwiththem,perhapsdiscovertheirplans.Hepulledupbesidethem.“Headingintotown?”
“Yeah.”Theyoungmaninhistwentiessmiled.“Wegotarideuphere.WewantedtofindoutthebesttrailsandstartoutfreshonSundaymorningthenwemissedthedarnbus.”
Hepushedopenthepassengerdoor.“Jumpin.I’mheadingintotown.”
“Great.I’mColterandthisismygirlLilly.”Theyslidintothefrontseat.
Hedidn’tofferhisnameandbitbackagroanastheheatofLilly’sthighsoakedthroughhisjeans.“Whereareyoustaying?”
“TheBlackRockFallsMotel.”Coltersmiled.“Wehadnoideathisareawouldbepackedwithpeople.MyideaofanidyllicSundayhikingintheforesthasmeltedlikelastyear’ssnow.”
“Therearemanyoldtrailstoexplore;theforestisendless.Youjustneedtoknowwheretofindthem.”Hepulledoutontotheroadandheadedfortown.“IcangiveyoudirectionstoanoldtrailawayfromthehuntingareasandIhaveabunchofoldmapsintheglovecompartment.I’llgiveyouone.Icanguaranteeyouwon’tbebotheredbytourists.”
“Yeah,butwearedependentonhitchhikingorthebus.”Coltersighed.“Wecan’thikeallthewayfromtown,itwouldtakeallday.WeonlyhaveSunday—wehavestufftodotomorrowandwehavetobebackinBlackwaterforworkonMonday.”
Ifhecouldconvincethemtoexploreasecludedspotofhischoice,hewouldhaveallSaturdaytosetuphistrailcams.Excitementsurgedthroughhimandheforcedhisvoicetoremaincalmanddisinterested.“IfIremember,thebusstopsatthemouthofatrailtothewaterfallaroundeightonaSunday.Ifyougetoffthere,youcanhikeacrossthefaceofthemountain.Itdropsdowntoasecludedtrailthatrunsalongtheedgeofthereservation.It’sworththewalktoseetherockpool.Itwilltakeyouanhourorsotogettherebutyou’llbeabletohikebackintimetocatchtheafternoonbusbacktotown.”
“Yeah,andthebushomedoesn’tleaveuntillate.We’llhavetimefordinnerbeforeweheadhome.”Coltergrinned.“Thanks,man.”
“Itsoundsperfect.”Lillyglancedathimandherlong,blacklashesdroppedtocovercornflower-blueeyes.
Hesmiledather,imagininghereyesfilledwithterrorassheranfromhim.Yes,youareperfect—Ican’twait.
26SATURDAY
Ithadbeenanexhaustingweekbutthenmurdercasestookpriorityoverlittlethingslikeeatingandsleeping.KanedroppedintothechairinJenna’skitchen,gratefulforthechanceofahotbreakfast.SincethestartoftheinvestigationintoBaileyCanavar’smurderandthemysteriousJohnDoe,Jennahadthesheriff’sdepartmentworkingaroundtheclock.HereachedforthecupofhotcoffeeJennahadsetbeforehimandsmiled.“Thanks.”
“Hamandeggsokay?”Jennaturnedbacktothestove.“Oh,andwilltoastdo?Ididn’thavetimetomakehotcakesthismorning.”
“Ilovetoast.”Heeyedherovertherimofhiscup.“Areyoucomingintotheofficetoday,seeingasit’syourdayoff?”
“OfcourseIam.DoyouthinkI’dtakepersonaltimeinthemiddleofamurdercase?”Sheloadeduptwoplatesandplacedthemonthetable.
Kaneshruggedandstaredathisplateforafewsecondsthenliftedhischinandlookedatthedarkcirclesunderhereyes.“IwishIcouldconvinceyoutograbacoupleofhoursasweareinalullatthemoment.Untilwehavemoreinformationwehavenothingtoinvestigate.”Heforkedeggsintohismouthandchewed.
“Thatlullcouldchangeinasecond.”Jenna’sforeheadcreasedintoadeepfrown.
Heateslowly,watchingherexpressionschange,thenputdownhisfork.Shethoughtofeveryoneelse’swelfarebutnotherown.Kaneclearedhisthroat.“Whenwehavetheautopsyreport,wemayhavemoreinformation.SomeonewillreportJohnDoeasmissingandifheisnotlocal,we’llbeabletolookintowhyhewasinBlackRockFalls.”Hesippedhiscoffee,enjoyingtherichbrewspillingoverhistongue.“JimCanavarhasn’tbeenseenandwehavehadthehunters,hikers,andrangersonthelookoutforhimincaseheislyinginjuredsomewhereintheforest.Theproblemis,ifheisbundledupincamohuntinggearhe’llblendinlikethehundredsofothermenintownforthehuntingseason.”
“Blackhawktookafewtrackersoutwithhimaswellbutaftersearchinguntildarkyesterdaytheyfoundnotraceofhim.WhereverCanavaris,heisn’tinjuredorBlackhawkwouldhavefoundabloodtrail.Ithinkhegotcleanawayorhasplentyofcashwithhimandisholedupsomewhere.”Shegavehimalonglookandstifledayawn.“Blackhawkcalledmejustbeforeyouarrived,saidhewouldexpandthesearchthismorning,butifCanavarusedthemorepopulartrails,trackinghimwouldbedifficult.”
Kane’scellphonevibratedinhispocketandhepulleditout.“I’dbettertakethis,I’mthe911contactthisweekend.”Heacceptedthecallandputhisphoneonspeaker.“DeputyKane,whatisyouremergency?”
“Thisisnotanemergency.ThisisJoefromAvisattheairport.YouaskedmetoinformyouwhenMr.Canavarreturnedhisvehicle?”
“Yeah,whendidhearrive?”
“Well,that’sthestrangething.Wefoundhiscaroutfront.Heleftitwiththekeysinside.Hehassixmoredayspaiduponhisrentalaswell.”
KaneflickedaglanceatJenna.“Don’ttouchthevehicle,leaveitwhereitis,itcouldhavebeenusedinacrime.”
“Oh,I’msorry,Deputy,Ididn’tknow.Ihaditsteam-cleanedinsideandwashed.Itwentoutabouttenminutesagowithanotherclient.”
“Werethereanypersonalpossessionsinside?”
“No.”
“Okay,thankyouforlettingmeknow.”HedisconnectedandlookedatJenna.“Well,Iguesswecanchecktheairportandseeifhetookaflight.”
“I’vehadtheairportonalertsincewefoundhimmissing.”Jennaliftedhercup.“Thesecuritytherewouldhavepickedhimupifhetriedtoboardaflight.Hemustbeintheareaorhegotaridewithanaccomplice.”
“Withanall-pointsbulletinoutonhimandstate-widemediasplashinghispicturealloverthenews,someonewillseehim.”Kanefinishedhiscoffee.“Ihope.”
Shesatatthetableandrefilledtheircups.“Rightnow,wehaveCanavarasourmainsuspect,butforallweknow,hehadadomesticwithBaileyandshetookoffwithJohnDoe.Wehavenobloodevidence,infactnothingtoproveJimCanavarwasevenonscene.Hecouldhavehitchedaridewithanyoneleavingthearea.WehavepeoplecomingandgoingallthetimeandhecouldbeanywherebetweenhereandKansasbynow.Thetimingbothersmeaswell.It’sbeenoneyearsincethecoldcasemurders.Isitacoincidenceorthesamekiller?Ifigureweneedtoexpandoursearchforpossiblesuspects.”
Kanenoddedinagreement.“SodoI.”
“Doyouhaveaprofileonthekiller?”Jennaspoonedsugarintohercupandstirred.“Ifweconsiderthesamepersonisresponsibleforboththecoldcaseandthetworecentvictims?”
Kanepouredcreamintohiscoffee.“Yeah,asIsaidbefore,Ifigurethemalevictimswerecollateraldamage.HemurderedDawsonwithoutmutilatinghim.Hewaslikelyparalyzedwhenhewastiedhimtoatree.MaybehemadehimwatchwhilehemutilatedPaige.Thekillercentershisattentiononthefemale.Hewantstoinflictasmuchdamageonheraspossible.”
“Idon’tcallwhathappenedtotheJohnDoeaneasydeath.”
Kaneliftedhiscupandsipped.“Itwas,ifeverythinginflictedonhimwaspostmortemanddonetoconcealhisidentity.Thekillerwouldn’thavetakenmuchenjoymentoutofhismurder.”Heplacedhiscuponthetableandlookedather.“Histhrillcomesfromthesufferingheinflictsonhisfemalevictims.I’dsaywe’relookingforamale,mid-twentiestolatethirties,hasahistoryofunstablerelationshipswithwomen.Iwouldsayfromtheuseoftrailcamsandthetypesofweapons,thispersonisahunterandlikelyhasanarsenalofweapons.FromwhatIhaveseenfromtheinjuries,heplaceshisshotsforareason,likelynottokillbuttodisable.Thattakesacertainamountofskill,soperhapsex-armyorsimilar.”
“WhatkeepsnaggingatmeisthefactBaileyCanavarandPaigeAllen,thecoldcasevictim,aresimilarinappearance.”Jennaleanedonthetable.“Theyareaboutthesameheightandbuildandhavedarkhair.”
“Yeahandtheyhaveblueeyesaswell.”Heshrugged.“Ihavetwopossibilities;onehingesonthetypeofwomenheiskilling.Theviciousnessofthemurderwouldmakemebelieveheistakingrevengeagainstawomanwhojiltedhimorhumiliatedhiminsomeway.Perhapsasayoungman,oneofthemtoldhimhewasalousyloverorembarrassedhiminfrontofhisfriends.”Hesippedhiscoffeeandsighed.“Themajorityofpeoplewouldgetoversomethinglikethatbutthattypeofincidentcouldtriggerapsychopath.Iwouldsayheisaplayer,good-lookingorcharismatic,andusedtohavingwomenfallathisfeet.”
“YoumeanlikeTedBundy?”
AshiverwentupKane’sspine.ThatwouldbethelasttypeofpsychopathheneededrunninglooseinBlackRockFalls.“Yeah,andifitis,weareinbigtrouble.Thistypeblendsintosocietyasaniceguyandsomearemarriedwithkids.Forsomeunknownreason,theydon’tkilltheirclosefriendseventhoughtheymightfittheprofileofanidealvictim.Theyareunpredictablebecausetheyarepreparedtowaitforapotentialvictimbuttheydoescalateifthetypeofvictimstheypreferareplentiful.RememberBundypretendedhehadaninjuredarmtogetwomentohelphimloadhisgroceriesorwhateverthenbundledthemintohiscar.Thenextthinghewentballisticandbrokeintoacollegeandkilledrandomwomen.”
“Okay,sowecanassumethevictimswouldbethesametypeofperson:age,hair,andsoon.”Jennarubbedhertemples.“Dowehaveanotherpossibility?”
“Yeah.”Kanestretchedouthislegsandleanedbackinhischair.“Orwehaveamanwithfinancialtroubles,aCasanovatypewhoisintherelationshipforthecash.”Heleanedbackinhischair.“ThiswouldfitJimforBailey’smurderbutnotforPaigeAllenandDawsonSanders.Mymoneyisonthefirsttype.”
“Itwouldn’thurttopullupanycasesofviolenceagainstwomen.”Jennaleanedbackinherchair.“Seewhatyoucandigup.”
Kanefinishedhiscoffeeandstood,collectedthedishes,andcarriedthemtothebench.“Okay.”
“Leavetheplates.I’llputtheminthedishwasherlater.”Jenna’scellphoneblastedoutaheavymetalringtoneandshepickeditup.“SheriffAlton.”Shehelduponefingertohim.“Holdforonesecond,DetectiveBrennan,DeputyKaneishere,I’llputyouonspeaker.Okay,goahead.”
“We’vehadofficersattheairport,nosignofJimCanavar.Hiscreditcardshaven’tbeenusedsincehearrivedinBlackRockFallsbuthedidwithdrawasubstantialamountofcashbeforeheleft.Asfarasweknownobodyhasheardfromhim.”
“Nosignofhimhereeither.”Jenna’sdarklashescoveredherexpression.“Haveyouinterviewedanyofhisassociates?”
“Yeah,Ididn’tgettoomuchinformationfromhisfriendsbutBailey’swereafountainofinformation.TheconsensusisJimwasaplayerwithotherwomenontheside.TheywarnedBaileyhewasafterhermoneyandshestillrefusedtosignaprenup.Sheisinsuredaswell,sohegainsmillionsonherdeath.”Brennantappedonherkeyboard.“Idugabitdeeperandlookedintohisfinances.Hereceivedahugebonusfromherfather’scompanythedaytheymarriedandIfoundhiscurrentbootycall.Itwasquiteasurprise.Thebootycallisoneofthreewomenhemeetsinabondageclubforgroupsessions.Apparently,Baileywasn’tawareofhisfetish;heplannedtoeaseherintotheideaafterthehoneymoon.”
KaneclearedhisthroatandglancedatJenna.“DetectiveBrennan,thisisDeputyKane.Didtheymentionifhewasdominantorsubmissive?”
“Ihadthesamequestionforthem.Hewasdominantandtheymentionedbondageandwhips.ThatisallIhavefornow.I’llkeepdigging.”
“Okay.”JennapushedastrandofdarkhairbehindoneearandmetKane’sgaze.“Thanksforlettingusknow.”Shedisconnectedandsighed.“Nowwhat?”
Kanerubbedhischin,thinkingovertheimplications.Thattwistdidnotfitintohisprofile.“ImaybewrongbutIthinkweneedtobelookingforhimclosertohome.”
27
ThecrispmorningbatteredagainstthemetalplateinKane’shead,bringingthenowfamiliarthrobofanoncomingheadache.Hehadhopedthatbywinter,hemightbeoverthetortureenduredfromthebittercold,butthecoolmorninghadprovedotherwise.Afterexchanginghiscowboyhatforathick-linedwoolencapcompletewithsheriff’sdepartmentbadge,heheadedfortheoffice.
Therideintotownwaslikemovingthroughapicturepostcard.Thewide-openlandscapeandpineforestsclimbingendlesslyupthemountainsidedisplayedeverycoloronanartist’spalette.HehadtoadmitfallinBlackRockFallswasuniquelypicturesque.HispastlifelivinginWashington,DC,haddriftedintoamemoryandheenjoyedacomfortableconnectiontoBlackRockFallsanditstownsfolk.Hehadawarmfeelingofbelonging.
Afamiliarwaftofhoneysuckleperfumedriftedontheairashestrodeintotheoffice.HegaveMaggieawaveashepassedheratthefrontcounterandheadedforhisdesk.HewasabouttoputRowleytoworksearchingforlocalcasesofviolenceagainstwomenwhenhiscellphonevibratedinhispocket.HesliditoutandglancedatthecallerID.“Morning,Shane,what’sup?”
“IcalledJennaandsheisbusychasingdownsomeleads.”Wolfeclearedhisthroat.“Couldyoudropbymyofficethismorning?Wehavecompletedtheautopsiesonthelatestvictims.I’llwriteupareportofmyfindingslaterbutitwillbeextensiveanditwouldbequickertoshowyouwhatwe’vefound.”
Kanestaredathiscomputerscreen.“Sure,when?”
“Ah…assoonaspossible.”
“I’llbethereinfive.”HedisconnectedandheadedforRowley’scubicle.
HenoticedRowleyscrollingthroughBaileyCanavar’sFacebookpageandsmiled.Onethingforsure,Rowleycouldworkalonewhenitcametoinvestigations.Hewasanassettotheteamandthoughtoutsidethebox.“Findanythinguseful?”
“Notreally,justtheusual.”Rowleyleanedbackinhischair.“Iwascheckingoutherfriends,seeingwhoshefriendedrecently,thenlookingatthecoldcasevictimsandseeingifanyofthemmatch.”
Impressed,Kanesmiledathim.“Lookingforastalker?”
“It’sallIcouldthinkof—wehaven’thadanyviablecallscominginaboutJimCanavarasyoufiguredhisdescriptioncouldfitmostofthemenintownatthistimeoftheyear.It’sasifhevanishedintothinair.”
Kanenodded.“Nothingfromhishometowneither,weheardfromthedetectiveworkingthecasethismorning.I’mheadingovertothemorguetogetthepreliminaryautopsyreports.Getontothemaindatabaseandtrackdownanyviolenceagainstwomenreportsinthelastcoupleofyears.It’salongshotbutweneedtoknowifanyofthesepeoplekneweachother.”Heglancedaroundthetooquietoffice.“Thesheriffischasingdownsomeleadsbutshe’llbeinsoon.”
“Yes,sir.”
ThesightofWolfe’steenagedaughter,Emily,sittingatthefrontcountersurprisedhimalthoughhewasawareherstudiesinforensicscienceoftenbroughthertothemorgue.ShewassittingbesideWebber,andtheyweresoengrossedinwhatevertheyweredoing,theydidnothearhimenterthebuilding.AfterWolfehadmadeapointofnotwantingEmilyinvolvedwithWebber,heslappedahandonthedesk.Thesoundcrackedlikeawhip.“Morning.”
DeputyWebbershottohisfeetasiflaunchedfromacannon.“Sir?”
“DeputyKane.”Emilygavehimabrilliantsmile.“Dadiswaitingforyou.I’vebeenexplainingthenewfilingsystemtoCole.”
KanegaveWebberalongstarethenclearedhisthroat.“SoIsee.”
“Oh,thelatesthomicideisincrediblyinteresting.”Emilystoodandledthewaytothemorgue.“Dadhasbeenworkingallhourstogetitfinished;heevenallowedmetoassist,alongwithColeofcourse.”
Theideathatshefounddismemberedbodies“incrediblyinteresting”amusedhiminamacabreway.Hecouldn’thelpgrinningather.“Ithoughtyoumight.Yousureareyourdaddy’sdaughter.”Heshortenedhissteptokeeppacebesideherastheywalkeddownthehallway.“Idon’tthinkyou’llhavetroubleinmedicalschool.”
“I’mstudyingforensicpathology.IcouldhavestudiedtobecomeamedicaldoctorbutcuringpeopleisnotwhatIhaveinmind.Iwanttodiscoverwhatkilledthem.”Shesighedandshookherhead.“Itdependsonwhatstateyouliveinastowhatqualificationsyourequire;somecoronersaremedicaldoctorsbutsomecanbethelocalundertaker.I’mstudyingforensicpathologybecauseit’sthemostuseful,inmyopinion,andofcoursethelawspertainingtohomicide.”Sheglancedupathim.“DoyouthinkI’mweird?”
Kaneswallowedhischuckleandshookhishead.“Notatall.Youknowwhatyouwantinlifeandthatisagoodthing.Yourdadisagenius.Heneverstopsstudyingonesubjectoranotherandyou’regoingtobethesame.”
“Hmm,hedoeshaveasuperiorintellect.Iguessthat’swhyhespentsomuchtimeworkingfor—”Shestoppedspeakingmid-sentenceandglancedupatKane;hercheekspinkedandshecoughed.“Thelocalhospital.”
DearLord,WolfehadtoldherheonceworkedforthegovernmentandshenearlyblurteditoutinfrontofWebber.Hesaidthefirstlietocometohismindtocoverherlapseinjudgment.“Yeah,hetoldme,andasacomputerprogrammer,Ibelieve?”
“Yes.That’sright.”Emilygavehimasidewaysglancethenstaredstraightahead.
Thesmellofthemorguedriftedtowardthemwitheachstepalongthestark-whitepassageway.Ithaditsownuniqueodorofchemicalsanddeath.TheairextractorswereworkingovertimebutasEmilypushedthroughthedoor,thestinkhithimfullforce.Insideitwascold,verycold,likesteppingintoarefrigerator,andhefiguredthetemperaturewaslowtoslowdownthedecompositionofthebodies.Hepulledafacemaskfromhispocketandjammeditoverhisnose.
Wolfeliftedhisblondheadfromamicroscopeastheyentered,thenstraightened.
“Ah,good.IwanttogetJohnDoebackonice.Thesmellisgettingabitoverwhelmingevenformeinhere.”
Kane’sstomachgaveabackflipatthesightofthetwogurneyscoveredwithwhitesheets,andthememoryofthescatteredhalf-eatenlimbsandBailey’sstaringeyesflashedintohismemory.HepushedtheimagesintothedarkrecessesofhismindandmovedhisattentionbacktoWolfe.“Couldyougetacauseofdeathfromthemesswefound?”
“Asamatteroffact,Idiscoveredquiteafewinterestingfacts.”WolfepulledbackthesheetonthereassembledremainsofJohnDoe.“I’llexplainbutfirst,Ifoundthreedifferentbloodsamples.Itisveryunusualtofindthreedifferentbloodgroupsinagroupofonehundredpeople,letalonethree.”
IntriguedbyWolfe’senthusiasm,Kanerubbedhischin.“Okay.”
“ThemajorityofpeopleinAmericaareORh-positive.ThemalevictimisBRh-positiveandthefemaleORh-positivebutIfoundafewdropsofARh-positiveaswell,notalot.ItwasonBaileyCanavar’shands.”Wolfemovedtoapileofbloodstainedclothing.“ThesehavelabelsfromChineseretailers;addtothisthemajorityofpeopleofAsiandescenthavetypeBblood,IwouldhavetoassumeourJohnDoeisavisitorfromChina.”Hiseyestwinkledoverhismask.“WehavetoassumeourkillerisinjuredandtypeAblood.ThisisalsoaverycommonCaucasianbloodtype.WithoutasampleofJimCanavar’sblood,Iwouldneedtoobtainasampleofhismother’sDNAtocheckitagainst,andmitochondrialmatchesarethemostaccurate.”
Kanefoldedhisarmsacrosshischest.“SothisconfirmstherewerethreepeopleinvolvedbutwhywouldthebloodbeonBailey’shandsunlessshestabbedherassailant?”Hestaredatthecorpse;seeingthebitsandpieceslinedupandtheY-shapedstitchingonthevictim’schestmadehimthinkofFrankenstein’smonster.“So,canweruleJohnDoeoutasBailey’skiller?”
“Notentirely.”Wolfemovedtothegurney.“ThekillerstrangledJohnDoe.Themarksonhisneckareclearimpressionsofthumbsdiggingintothethroatasifthekillerliftedhimupbyhisneck.Inmostcasesachokeholdlikethisrestrictsoxygentothebrainandwewouldseepetechialhemorrhagesoftheeyes,butduetotheextentofthefacialdamage,Ihadtolookforproofofcauseofdeathelsewhere.”Heindicatedtothemarksontheman’sthroat.
Kanemovedcloser.“Yeah,that’sprettyclear,butthatcouldhavehappenedinafight—whatproofdoyouhavehewaschokedtodeath?”
“Hehasafracturedhyoidbone.”WolfeturnedtoanX-rayilluminatedonascreen.“Seehere,andhere?Hislarynxiscrushedandalaryngealfracturewouldrestrictairflowtothebrainenoughtocauseasphyxiation.”
QuestionsstormedintoKane’smindandhegatheredhisthoughts,staringatthepileofbodypartsthatoncewasaman.“Myfirstquestiontomakeallthisrelevantiswhodiedfirst?”
“Timeofdeathisthesame.IwouldestimatetheydiedsometimeonWednesday.IbelieveBaileydiedfirstbutIcanonlygoonthebloodspatterevidence.SomeofBailey’sbloodwasoverlaidbyJohnDoe’s.”WolfeopenedimagesonhisiPadandshowedthemtohim.“Ifoundherbloodunderadiscardedshirt,andhisbloodwasontheuppermostsideoftheshirtandonabushbesidetheshirt.”
“SoifhekilledBaileyandwasattackedbyJimandkilled,whywouldJimhackhimtopiecesbeforeheadingforthehills?”Kanestaredatthecorpse,andvividmemoriesofcrimesinvolvingunderworldcriminalscametomind.“Didyoufindhishands?”
“Nopeandwefoundnoviableprintsatthesceneeither.Ihopedtofindevidenceontheclothesbutthekillerorkillersworegloves.”Wolfeliftedhischinandhiseyesnarrowed.“JohnDoe’steetharemissingaswell.Theyshouldhavebeenatthescenebutthelowerpartofhismandibleiscompletelygone.”
Kaneshothimaglance.“I’veseenthisbeforetoremoveaperson’sidentity.UselessnowwithDNAbutyouwouldneedarelativetocheckasampleagainst.Ifthismanisfromoverseas,wemayneveridentifyhim.”Hemadeamentalnote.“I’llcontacttheFBIandseeiftheycantrackdownanypossiblemissingChinesetourists.Theywouldneedvisas,andiftheyoverstayedtheywouldbered-flagged.”Hemovedhisgazetotheothersheet-coveredgurney.“WhatdoyouhaveonBailey?”
“Inlayman’sterms,Baileydiedasaresultofafatalstabwoundontheleftsideoftheabdomenthatperforatedtheabdominalaorta,causingahemorrhage.”Wolfeonlypartiallyuncoveredthebody,offeringBaileytheutmostrespect.
Disassociatinghimselffromthevibrantwomanhehadmet,KanepeeredatthecorpseandthenbackatWolfe.“Soafterthekillerfinishedhavinghisfun,heusedaone-strikekill,whichmakesmebelievehehasmilitaryorself-defensetraining.”Hesnorted.“Itwasalmostasifhewasofferinghermercy.”
“Idon’tthinkso.”EmilymovedintoKane’speriphery.“Whoeverdidthishasnoconceptoftheword.Inmyopinion,Ithinkhetiredofher;maybeshestoppedfightingbackorgaveintooeasily.”ShelookedupatKaneandherpaleblueeyessearchedhisface.“I’vebeenstudyingpsychopathicbehavior.Iknowavictimcan’treasonwiththem,andiftheytry,theviolenceisusuallymoreintense.Thekilleronlygetsenjoymentifthevictimissuffering.”
Outofthemouthsofbabes.“Sure,thatisthecase,buttherearesomanydifferenttypesofbehaviorandsomeformsmergewithothers.It’snotanexactscience.Wemayhavetwoseparatekillers,oronewhohasn’tkilledforayear.Thatinitselfwouldbeunusualatthelevelofviolenceofthecoldcase.Lookingatthedamagehere,thiskillerhaskilledbeforeandlikelyoften.”
“Exactly,andhereiswherethesimilaritiesbetweenthecasesmerge.”WolfecoveredBaileyandmovedtotheothergurney,pullingbackthesheetwithaflickofhiswrist,displayingtheskeletonofPaigeAllen.“IfoundbothPaigeAllenandDawsonSandershadgunshotwoundstothelumbarspine;bothinjurieswouldcauseparalysisofthelowerextremities.Bailey’sinjurywasidentical;bothherinjuryandPaige’scouldhavebeeninflictedbythesameperson—theyarepreciselythesame.NotsoforSanders.Asyouknowhereceivedatleastthreeshotsintheback:Oneseveredhisspinalcord,theothertwowerekillshots.”Heraisedaneyebrow.“Onethingistroublingme.Inmyopinion,fromtheangleofentry,bothwomenwererunningatthetime.Theammunitionusedissmallcaliber,sotodisableratherthankill.”
Kaneswallowedhard.HehadseentheevidenceofprolongedtorturemanytimesbutplacingthismurderalongsidethefacialmutilationofPaigeAllen’sskulldidnotfittheprofileofhiskiller.“Okay,sowehavesimilarities,butthecoldcaselookslikeacrimeofpassion.ThekillerruinedPaige’sfacesowhywouldhechangehisMOandnottouchBailey’s?Ican’tseethecomparison.”
“Ican.”Webber’svoiceseemedoverloudinthesmallroom.“Fromthemarksonthebonesoftheforearms,Paigesuffereddeeplacerationsconsistentwithdefensewounds.Shewasparalyzedbutfoughtbackhard.”Heshrugged.“Thekillergotmad.Hecouldn’tcontrolhersohither,likelywithhispistol.”
“Thebrokenjawisconsistentwithbluntforcetrauma.”Wolfenodded.“Iagreethebuttofapistolcouldhavebeenusedastheweapon.”
“Thatwouldaccountforthediscrepancies.”Kanerecreatedthesceneinhishead.“ThenwehaveBailey,whooftenusedherlookstogetherownway.Richandbeautiful,shewouldlikelytryandreasonwithherkillerorbuyherwayoutoftrouble.”HeglancedatWolfe.“Bythetimesheallowedhimtotieherhandsaboveherhead,itwastoolate.”
28
Afterthemorgue,itwasgoodtogetoutsideandintothesunshine.Kaneleanedagainsthisrigandinhaled,replacingthedisgustingstenchinhislungswiththepine-scentedbreezedriftingfromtheforest.Tohissurprise,Emilycameoutthedoorandheadedtowardhim.Hesmiledather.ShewasacredittoWolfeandoneofatriooffair-haireddaughters,whoallhadtheirfather’sbrains“Gettingsomefreshair?”
“Well,no.”Emilyliftedherchinandgavehimadirect,no-nonsenselook.“MydadwouldpreferifIdidn’tofferanopinionduringanautopsybriefingsoI’vecometoapologize.”
Kanecouldseebyherexpressionthatshedisagreed.“Ithoughtyouhadavalidpointbutmakingconclusionswithoutconsideringallthepossibilitiesisamistake.”
“IusedtheHarepsychopathychecklistandgoingonwhatweknowI—”
“Wait!Ihaveafewotherthingsforyoutofactorinbeforeyoumakeadecision.”Helookeddownather,sokeentolearnbutsoyoung.“Aswedon’thaveasuspecttorunthetestagainst,youhaveotherthingstoconsider;forinstance,theinfluenceofdrugs.Therearecertaindrugsthatchangeaperson’sbrainchemistry.Somemakepeopleexhibitviolentbehavior.Lookatpeoplestrungoutonice,forinstance.Iftheyexhibitviolentbehavior,howcouldyouclassifythemwithanydegreeofaccuracy?”
“Nowyou’reangrywithme?”Shestaredattheground.
Kanebarkedoutalaugh.“I’mnotangrywithyou.Iadmireyourtenacity.”
“Dadsaidyouarethebestprofilerhehaseverknown.IknowheisgreatathisjobbutIwanttoseeforensicsciencefromallangles.Knowingmoreaboutwhypeoplekillisimportanttome.”Sheletoutalongsigh.“DoyoumindifIaskyouquestionssometimes?Iwon’tbeapest,Ipromise.”
Kane’scellphonevibratedinhispocket.“YoucantalktomeanytimebutrightnowIhavetotakeacall.”Hewatchedherracebackinside,blondeponytailswinging,andliftedhisphonetohisear.“Kane.”
“ThisisRowley.WehaveafightoutsideFishing,GunsandAmmunitionstore.Theproprietorofthestorecalleditin.Therearethreemeninvolved.I’llneedbackup.”
Kaneslippedbehindthewheelofhiscar.“What’syourposition?”
“I’monMainStreetheadingtherenow.”
“I’monmyway.”
Onarrival,herecognizedthegroupofmensurroundedbyagatheringcrowd:LeroyandAbelFinch,thebrotherswholivedinthemountainsnearBearPeak,andthemantheyhadtangledwithattheTripleZ,EthanWoods.Thelargerman,Woods,washandlinghimselfwellagainstbothbrothers.Thesmallermenduckedandweavedaroundhimlikeannoyingflies.
KanepushedhiswaythroughthecrowdwithRowleyathisside.“Breakitup.”Heblockedablowfromoneofthebrothersandglaredathim.“Isaid,breakitup.”Hehadhimturnedaroundandcuffedbeforeheknewwhathadhappenedthenpattedhimdownandtookahuntingknifefromhisbelt.Heturnedtothecrowd.“Nothingtosee,folks.Onyourway.”
RowleysoonhadtheotherbrotherrestrainedandKaneturnedhisattentiononWoods.“Turnaround,handsonthewall,andassumetheposition.”
“Noway.”Woodswipedasmearofbloodfromthecornerofhismouthandglaredathim,fistsraised.
“Youplanningonfightingmenow?”Kanegavehimalong,hardstare.Hehadtobejoking;onepunchandWoodswouldbenursingabrokennoseforweeks.“Youwouldn’twanttodothat,Mr.Woods.”
Themanlungedforward,swinginghisfists,andKanesidestepped,leavingairinhisplace.ThemomentumfromWoods’punchunbalancedhimandhestaggeredforward.Kanecaughthimbythecollarandswunghimaroundtofacethered-brickwall.HeflickedaglanceatRowley.“Addattackinganofficerofthelawandresistingarresttothechargeofcausingapublicnuisance.”
“I’llstandupincourtifneedsbeasawitness,Deputy.”Awhite-hairedelderlymansteppedforward.“Andsowillmyson,wegoteverythingwithourcellphonecamera.He’lltellyoueverythingyouneedtoknow.”Heshookhishead.“Idon’twantnoruckusoutsidemystore—itsbadforbusiness.”Heturnedandwentslowlyupthestepsandintothestore.
Amansteppedforward.“Icansendyouthepictures.”
“Thankyou,sir.Rowleyherewillgiveyoumycard.Sendthefiletomewithyourdetails.”
KanepushedWoodsagainstthewallandcuffedhim,kickedouthislegs,thenfriskedhimnonetoogently.“Isthatyourrifle?”HeindicatedtotheWinchester70Featherweightleaningagainstthewall.
“Yes,andIwantmylawyer.”Woodsglaredathimoveroneshoulder.“Incaseyouhaveforgotten,it’sJamesStone.”
KaneignoredWoodsandturnedtoLeroyFinch.“Whathappenedhere?”
“Wecaughthimsneakin’aroundourcabin.”Leroy’smouthturneddown.“Wegotourselvesanight-visioncamera,thoughtwehadabearcausingaruckus,butitturnsoutitwashim.Lastnighthesleptinourbarn.Heain’tgotnorighttobecreepin’aroundourpropertyatnight.”
“Andyou’vegotnorighttobefightingonthesidewalk.Youcouldhaveinjuredabystander.I’mchargingyouthistime.”KanereadthemtheirrightsthenpushedWoodstowardRowley’scruiser.“Allofyouinside.”HecollectedWoods’rifle.“I’llbefollowingrightbehind.Anysignoftroubleandyoucanwalkinfrontofthecruiser.Understand?”HeshutthedoorandlookedoveratRowley.“Asifwedon’thaveenoughtodealwith.”
“BlackRockFalls,perfectoneday,crazyashellthenext.”Rowleygrinnedthenswunginsidehiscruiser.
Crazyashell,nowthere’sanunderstatement.KanefollowedtheprisonersandRowleyintothesheriff’sdepartmentfoyer,passedthecounter,thenstoppedatthesightofJennaemergingfromheroffice.“Chasedownanythinginteresting?”
“No,alldeadends.”Jennaglancedattheretreatingfiguresontheirwaytothecells.“Whathavewegot?”
“Notmuch.”Kaneleanedoneshoulderagainstthedoorframeofheroffice.“IdohaveavideoofthearrestandWoods’assaultonme,sowehavehimtorights.Apparently,WoodshasbeenhangingaroundtheFinchbrothers’cabin.I’mnotsurewhostartedthefight,butthisriflebelongstoWoods,soI’llneedtoaddittohispropertylist.”
“I’lllockitintheweaponslocker.”Jenna’sattentionmovedtotherifle.“Nice.”SheliftedtheweaponfromKane’shandandcheckeditout.“Iheartheseareprettyaccurate.”
Kanefollowedherinside.“Notbadforahunter,butnotwhatI’dhaveinmyarsenal;butthen,Idon’tusemyLightFiftytohuntanimals.”
Thedelicioussmellofhotcoffeefilledtheroom.KaneglancedatJenna’sdesk,notingthetakeoutbag,andhisstomachgaveaslowrumble.Hegaveheranapologeticsmile,histhoughtsonthecookiesinhisdeskandthealwaysfullcoffeepotwaitinginthesmallkitchenette.“I’llgoandinterviewtheprisoners—well,thebrothersatleast.Woodslawyeredup.IcalledStonealready.”
“TheFinchescanwaittenminutes.Rowleywon’thavefinishedprocessingthemyet.”Shewavedhimtoaseat.“Ithoughtyoumightbebusy,soI’vebroughtlunchforyou,andwhilewe’reeatingyoucangivemeaquickrundownontheautopsyreport.Wolfehasn’tsentmeanythingyetbutI’msurehe’llhaveapreliminaryreportovertomesoon.”
Kanedroppedintoachairandsighed.“Okayandthanks,I’mfamished.Ihaven’thadtimeforabreakthismorning.”Hepeeredinsidethebagandthesmellofchilifilledhisnostrils.“Youareanangel.”
Asheate,heoutlinedWolfe’sinitialfindings.Hesippedhiscoffee,waitingforhertodigesttheinformation.
“Ifigureit’sthesamekiller.”Jennapushedtoherfeetandwenttothewhiteboard.“HelikelylivesoutoftownbutinMontana.Weneedtoscanthedatabanksforanyothersimilarcrimes.Ifhecommittedthistypeofmurderbefore,hecouldbeactivethroughoutthestate.PeoplecomefromalloverMontanatohunthereandthesamewouldbeformosthuntingareasstatewide.Hewouldkeephislicensesuptodate,andvisitthecheckpoints.Heslipsintosocietywithoutanyonenoticing.”
“Notmanyserialkillerschoosehuntingseasons;therearetoomanyrangersandhuntersroamingaround.”Kaneshrugged.“Idon’tfigurethisisanopportunisticthrill-kill.Theevidencepointstohimusingtrailcamstotrackhisvictims,buthowdoesheknowtheywillbeinthatparticulararea?Hehastoknowtosetupthetrailcamsbeforehand.”
“Easy.”Jenna’seyebrowsrose.“Hesetsthemupalloverbutinsomeofthemoreremoteareas.Tonsofcouplespreferthemoresecludedtrails.Theywanttobealone.”Sheshruggedasifitwasadonedealandreturnedtoherseat.“Ifhecanaccessthetrailcamsviahiscellphonehewaitstoseeapossibletargetmovingintohisareathenjumpsoutandkillsthem.”Sheheldupafingertostophisreply.“Also,it’sunusualforpeopletostealtrailcamsbecausetheyknowtheownerwouldhavevideoevidenceofthetheft.Huntingseasonisaperfecttimetokillpeopleintheforest.It’shuntingseasonheremostmonthsoftheyearandifamancomesoutoftheforestblood-spattered,noonewouldbataneyelid.Theydresstheirkillson-site.”
Kaneleanedbackinhisseatandstretchedouthislegs.“Pointtaken.TheonlypossiblewayIcouldseethisideaworkingisifhelivedinthemountains.Hecouldseeacoupleheadingforoneofhistrailsbuthe’dstillneedtogetthereandhikeorrideahorsetotheirposition…unlesshemakeshischoiceoutofcoupleswhoplantocampovernight.Thetrailcamshaveaudio,sohewouldbeabletolistentotheirplans.”
“Andifhewascloseby,hewouldhavetimetogetthereandsetupanambush.”Jennachewedonherfingersthenstaredfrowningatthewhiteboard.“LeroyandAbelFinchliveinthemountainsnearBearPeakandtheycaughtEthanWoodsprowlingaroundtheircabinatnight.Thethreeofthemarevolatile.Doanyofthemfityourprofile?”
Kaneconsideredherquestion.“Thebrothersareanunknownquantity:Oneisdominantandthatalonewouldfittheprofileofthosewhokillinpairs.Theyliveintheforest,whichcouldmakethemapossibilityaswell.”Hethoughtforamoment.“EthanWoodsisaregularvisitorandusedtobearesidentofBlackRockFalls,sohewouldknowthearea.HehasmoneytopurchasethebestequipmentsoIfindithardtobelievehesleptintheFinches’barn.”HelookedatJenna.“Yeah,heisapossibilityaswell,especiallyashelawyeredupthemomentIarrived.”
“Hmm.”Jennamovedaroundherdesktothewhiteboard.“I’lladdtheirnamestothesuspectslist.”
Kanerubbedhischin.“Isurewouldliketotakealookattheircellphonesandseeiftheyhaveatrailcamappandanyrecentfootage.”
ArappingcameonthedoorandRowley’sfaceappeared.“Thelawyer,Mr.Stone,ishere,andhere’sthearrestfilesontheFinchbrothers.”HehandedJennatwofolders.
“I’llbethereinamoment.”Jenna’sdislikeforStonewasevident.“Ishouldhavestayedathome.”
29
“Ma’am.”Rowley’svoicecamefrombehindJenna.“IneedawordwithyoubeforeyouspeaktoMr.Stone.”
JennawavedKanetowardthewaitinglawyerandturnedtoRowley.“Sure,what’swrong?”
“It’sabouthisclient,EthanWoods.”Rowley’svoicehaddroppedtojustaboveawhisper.“Ifyourecall,Iwasaskedtosearchforcasesconcerningviolentcrimes,especiallyagainstwomen?”
Shestaredathim,wishingshehadafastforwardremotetoaimathim.“Yeah,IrecallaskingKanetoinitiateasearch.”
“Well,Woodswasred-flaggedonthecasesIlookedatthismorning.HewasneverchargedbuthadanOrderofProtectionagainsthimbyhisex-wifefordomesticviolenceanditcameupinhisdivorce.”
Thehairsonthebackofherneckstoodstraightup.“Thanks,thatisveryusefulinformation.DoesKaneknowaboutthis?”
“No,hewenttotheautopsybeforeIhadtimetoinformhim.”Rowleyshuffledhisfeet.“We’vebeenkindabusysincethen,ma’am.”
“SoIgather.”Jennasighed.“We’llneedtheinformationrightaway.Willyouprintupacopyofthefileandbringitdowntotheinterviewroom?”
“Yes,ma’am.”
JennaturnedandmetJamesStone.DressedinanItaliansilksuit,hestuckoutlikeasorethumbinBackRockFallsamidstthecowboysandhunters.Sheofferedhimasmilealthoughhewasthelastpersonshewantedtodealwithtoday.Fromthehostilelookhesentherway,hewasachangedmanfromtheonewhohadpesteredherforadatethepreviousyear.“Goodmorning,Mr.Stone.”
“YouusedtocallmeJames,andI’msurewecancontinuetobeciviltoeachother.”Stonemovedcloseandshecouldsmellhisaftershave.“YoumakeapointofavoidingmeeverytimeIcomehereandyou’vehardlysaidtwowordstomeinages.AmIsoabhorrenttoyou?”
Forgoodness’sake,shehadonlyhaddinnerwithhimacoupleoftimesandthatwasagesago.“Notatall.Iwasn’tlookingforarelationshipatthetimeandtriedtoexplainbutyourefusedtotakenoforananswer.”
“SoyouaskedtheNeanderthaltointervene.”
“Ididn’thaveto.”Jennaforcedthesmiletoremainandtriedtopreventitturningintoagrimace.“It’smydeputy’sjobtowatchmyback.”Shechangedthesubject,wantingtoremainonaprofessionalstandingwithhim.“Ihaveyourclientintheinterviewroom.Wewouldliketospeakwithhimtodayasheisfacingchargesofassaultingalawenforcementofficerandresistingarrest.IgatherfromspeakingtoDeputyKane,thismightincludecriminaltrespassingaswell.”
“A$500fineatbest.”Stonegaveheranannoyedlookbutmovedcloser,invadingherpersonalspace.“Can’tyoumakethecallontheseminorinfringementsratherthanfillthecourtwithsuchtrivialmatters?”
“Assaultingoneofmydeputiesisnottrivial,andI’mheretoenforcethelaw,Mr.Stone.”Jennaliftedherchinandglaredathimbutstoodherground.Ifhethoughthecouldintimidateher,hehadsurepickedthewrongperson.“IletyourclientwalkwithawarninglasttimeastheproprietoroftheTripleZagreednottopresschargesonceMr.Woodsagreedtopayrestitutionforthedamages,butthisisoutofmyhands.Wehavewitnesses.Hewillbecharged.”
“DoyouwantmetoescortMr.Stonetotheinterviewroom,ma’am?”KaneappearedbehindherwithoutasoundanddroppedintohisexpressionlessmodeashelookeddownatStone.
Healwayshasmyback.Jennastraightened.“YeahandI’llspeakwithMr.Stone’sclientafterI’veinterviewedtheotherpartiesinthecase.”
Relieved,sheturnedawayfromStone’sannoyedlooktofindtheinterviewroomholdingoneoftheFinchbrothers.Afterswipinghercardonthereader,shemovedintotheroom.Asusual,Rowleyhadtakentheprecautionofattachingtheprisoner’shandcuffstotheringonthetable.Sheplacedthearrestfileonthedeskandtookaseat.Anodorofstalesweatcrawledacrossthetabletowardherandsheleanedbackinherseattogainafewinchesoffreshair.Themanbeforehersportedanunkemptbeardandlong,shaggy,dirty-blondhair.Thetwobrotherswerelikebookendsandshecouldnottellthemapart.“Stateyournamefortherecord,please.”
“LeroyFinch,ma’am.”
Surprisedbyhiscourtesy,sheopenedthefolderwithhisnameonthefrontcoverthentookoutherpen.“YouhavebeenreadyourMirandarightsandhavewaivedtherighttoanattorney.YouareawareIamplanningtochargeyouwithcreatingapublicnuisance?”
“Yeahbutwedidn’tstartthefight.Itwasself-defense.”Leroyslumpedbackinhisseatandpickedathisdirtyfingernails.“InoticedWoodscomin’outofGunsandAmmo.He’sbeentrespassin’onourproperty.Iknowforafacthehasbeensleepin’inourbarn.Iwantedtogivehimawarnin’.Itoldhimthenexttimehetrespassedonourland,Iwouldshoothim.”Hegaveherasurlyexpression.“YouknowdarnwellI’mwithinmyrights.Thatmanfiguresbecauseweliveinthemountainswe’restupidorsomethin’.”
Jennaunderstoodhewasreferringtotheancient‘castlelaw’andtherighttouseforcetoprotecthomeorproperty.“Whydidyouwaituntilnowtocallhimout?Andifyouhadaproblem,whydidn’tyouinformus?”
“Nothin’sayswehavetocallinthelawtodealwithprotectin’ourproperty.”Hescrapedhischairclosertothetable.“Youwouldn’thavedonenothin’anyways.”
Jennamadeafewnotesthenliftedhergazebacktohim.“Theproblemis,Mr.Finch,youdohavetherighttodefendyourpropertybutthecastlelawdoesnotapplytooutsideyourproperty.Youcan’tbrawlinthestreets.”
“Thereyougoagain,blamin’me.”Hebenttohishandcuffedhandsandrubbedhisnose.“IwalkeduptoWoods,toldhimtokeepoffourland.Hetoldmetogetlost,thatIhadnoproof.”Hegaveherasmile,displayingyellowingteeth.“WhenIsaidIhadnight-visioncamerashewentrealquiet.Thenheofferedmefivegrandtodeletethefiles.”Hesnorted.“Ilaughedathimandhewentballisticandtriedtostealmycellphone.Stupidman,ItoldhimIhadcopies.”
Jennacouldalmostseehismindworkingonascheme.Sheglaredathim.“Ihopeyouweren’tplanningonblackmailinghim?”
“Woods?”Leroy’sblackeyessearchedherface.“NopeandIwouldn’ttakemoneyfromhimeither.Hislawyerwouldhavefoundawaytohaveussenttojailforlife.No,Ijustwantedtoseetherichboysquirm.”
SheneededtoseethefootageonWoods.TheFinches’cabinwasnomorethanahalf-hourwalkfromtheCanavarmurderscene.“Okay.Isyourfootagedate-stamped?”
“Sureis.”
“I’llneedtoseeit,andIwantyoutowritedowneverythingyoutoldmeandsignit.”Shepushedapadandpentowardhim.
“It’sonmycellphoneandyoucanmakeacopy.”Leroysmiled.“I’llwritethatdowntoo.”
“Thankyou,itwillhelpwithyourcase.”Shemadeafewmorenotesthenstood.Ifhisstorycheckedout,shewouldnotbepressingcharges.“You’llhavetowaituntilIspeaktotheothersinvolved.Wouldyoulikeadrink?”
“Iwould,thankyou,ma’am.Coffee,black.”
ShewalkedintothehallwayandwenttobringKaneuptodate.HewasleaningagainstthewallwaitingforStonetofinishspeakingwithhisclient.“IhavewrittenpermissiontoaccessthefootagefromtheFinches’night-visioncams.IfWoodswasintheareaatthetimeofthemurders,hegoestothetopofourlistofsuspects.”Sheglancedupathim.“We’llhavetosweettalkthemintogivingusaccesstotheirbarnaswell.Woodsstayedthereovernight.”
“IfWoodsisourkiller,itwouldbeaperfectplacetowashupandchange,maybedisposeofhisbloodyclothes.”Kane’smouthturneddownindisgust.“Fromthecrimescene,thekillerwouldhavebeensoakedinblood;problemis,night-visioncamerasaren’tlikelytopickitup.We’llhavetohopehelefttraceevidencebehind.”
Jennathoughtforamoment,addingpiecestothepuzzle.“Weneedtoestablishatimeline.I’llgrabacoffeeforLeroyFinchthenspeaktohisbrother.IwantinontheWoodsinterview—callmewhenStonehasfinished.”Shechewedonherbottomlip.“IwantyoutotaketheleadandseewhatinformationyoucanextractfromWoods.”
“Yes,ma’am,butIdon’twantaconflictofinterestovertheassaultinganofficercharge.Itmightbebettertodropthatchargeifyouwantmeinvolved.”Kanesmiledather.“IhopeWoodsisourguy.Itwouldbegoodtowrapthisoneup.”
“Sure.”Jennachuckled.“Iloveanoptimistbutdon’tforgetthisisBlackRockFalls.”
“Yeah,Iknow.”Kane’sbrowcrinkled.“Beautifuloneday,crazyashellthenext.”
“Nowyou’resoundinglikeaMontanan.”
Jenna’sinterviewwithAbelFinchwasaduplicateofhisbrother’saccount,andastheyhadseparatedthemsincetheincident,sheneededtohearWoods’version.ThefootageonthecellphoneprovedwithoutdoubtWoodswasontheFinches’propertyonTuesdayandWednesdaynights.SheenteredtheinterviewroomwithacertainamountofuneaseatthethoughtofdealingwithJamesStoneagain.ShecouldseeKanehadgivenbothmenabeverageandwasreadingthroughthefilewhenshearrived.AftersittingbesideKane,sheturnedtoStone.“Thisinterviewwillberecorded.”Sheliftedtheremotecontrolfromadeskdrawerandswitchedonthecamera.
Afterallpartieshadintroducedthemselves,sheturnedtoKane.“DeputyKanewillbeconductingtheinterview.”
“Thatisaconflictofinterest.”Stoneglaredather.“Heistheofficermyclientisaccusedofstriking.”
Jennaleanedforwardinherchair.“Iamfullyawareofthecharges,Mr.Stone.DeputyKanehaswithdrawntheassaultchargeandwillbequestioningyourclientabouttrespassing.”
“Mr.Woods,canyoutellmewhyyoufoundtheneedtosleepintheFinches’barnonTuesdayandWednesdaynights?”Kaneworeaboredexpressionashetwirledapeninhisfingers.
“Iwasintheforest,headingforahuntingarea,whenIgotturnedaround.”Woodsshruggednonchalantly.“Itwasdark.Isawthebarnandtookshelter.”
“Isee.”Kanescribbledonthefile.“Sotwenty-fourhourslater,youwerestilllost?”
“Yes,Iwalkedacompletecircleandendedupbackatthebarn.”WoodsglancedatStone,whowasglaringatKane.“Isleptthereagainandleftthenextmorning.Iheardvoicesandfoundahuntingpartyandwentbacktotheroadwiththem.”
“Igatheryoudon’townacellphone?”Kane’sattentionfixedonWoods’face.“Ifyougetlost,therearerangersallovertohelpyou,oryoucanusetheGPSapponthephone.”
“Mybatteryneededrecharging.”
“Whydidn’tyouasktheFinchbrothersforassistanceordirectionsbacktothetrail?”Kaneliftedhisgazeandoneeyebrowroseinquestion.“Aftertwonights’sleepingrough,itwouldhavebeenthesensiblethingtodo.”
“Theyhadsignsallover,notrespassing.”WoodsglancedatJenna.“Youunderstandwhatthesemountainmenarelike,Sheriff.Theyshootfirstandaskquestionslater.”
“Soyouadmittoenteringasignpostedpropertyandsleepingintheirbarn?”Kane’slipsquirkedupintoahalfsmile.
“Whatcantheydo?Sueme?”Woodssnorted.“Theywouldn’thavethemoneytopayforalawyer.”
“HowfardidyouwalkonWednesday,andinwhatdirection?”KaneleanedforwardinhischairandWoods’handstrembledslightly.“Doyourememberanylandmarks,forinstance?”
“IwastoldthereisanoldtrailthatcutsalongthebottomofBearPeak;itisashortcuttooneofthehuntinggrounds.ItookthetrailfromtheroadIwastoldranintoitbutitwoundaroundeverywhere,splitintosomanydifferentpathsIlostmyway.”Woodsshrugged.“Realmendon’taskfordirectionsandIfoundmywayoutintheend.”
“MyclientishappytopaytheFinchesforaccommodation.”Stone’ssmilewaslikegranite.“Ifthey’lldropthetrespassingcharges.”
“We’llspeaktothem.”Kane’sstareremainedonWoods.“SinceyouarrivedinBlackRockFalls,youhavebeeninvolvedintwofights,andIseeyouhaveanOrderofProtectionagainstyou.Youhaveahistoryofviolenceagainstwomenaswell.”Hisexpressionwasmenacing.“YouadmittobeinginthevicinityofBearPeakonWednesday,whichhappenstocoincidewithadoublemurder.”HelaidthegraphicimagesofBaileyCanavarandJohnDoeonthetablebeforeWoods.“Didyoumurderthiscouple?”
“Youdon’thavetoanswerthatquestion,Ethan.”StonelookedstraightatJenna.“Myclienthasnothingfurthertosay,Sheriff.”
ThrilledathowruffledKanehadmadebothWoodsandStone,Jennashrugged.“Verywell,aswehavevideoevidenceofthetrespassing,plusyourclienthasadmittedtobeinginthevicinityoftwoviciousmurdersandhasahistoryofviolence,wewillbecharginghimandremandinghimincustody.”
“James,getmeoutofhere.”Woods’eyesflittedtotheimagesandbacktoStone.“I’mnotrottingintheirstinkingcellsuntilI’mclearedincourt.”
Jennacollectedthephotographsandslippedthembackintothefile.“Alldealsareoffthetableandwe’llbeopposingbail.”
“Youhaveafewminorinfringementsandcircumstantialevidenceatbest.”StonebarkedoutalaughthenstoodandpattedWoodsontheshoulder.“Don’tworry,we’llplaytheirgamefornow,butI’llhaveyououtofherebeforedinner.”HepickeduphisbriefcaseandglaredatJenna.“Letmeoutofhere.I’llwaitinyourofficeforthedocuments.”
Oh,willyounow?Jennastoodandusedhercardtounlockthedoor.“Thereareseatsoutfront.Myofficeisn’tawaitingroom.”
ShenoticedRowleyinthehallwaysupervisingtheFinchbrothers.“TakeWoodsdowntothecells.Didyougetstatementsfromthebrothers?”
“Yes,ma’am,andtheyarethesame.”RowleyfollowedherbackintotheroomandcollectedWoods.
JennaleanedagainstthedoorandsmiledatKane.“Ilikeyourstyle.Doyouthinkheisourkiller?”
“Onbodylanguagewhenhelookedattheimages,no,butthenkillersareadeptathidingtheirtruenature.ThewayStonejumpedintostopthequestioningthendidn’tbothertoconferwithhisclientwouldmakemebelieveheiscoveringforhim.”Kanerubbedhischin,makingaraspingsound.“IbelievewecandealwiththeFinchbrothers.Iftheygiveuspermissiontosendaforensicsteamtotheirbarn,wecouldletthemgowithawarning.FromwhatweknowaboutWoods,itsurelookslikeanunprovokedattackontheFinchestome.Woodsisaloosecannonandanidiotusedtogettinghisownway.”Hesighed.“YouknowaswellasIdo,Stoneiscorrect—wehavecircumstantialevidenceforWoods’involvementinthemurder.Weneedproof.”
Jennaconsideredhisargumentthennodded.“Okay,goandcutadealwiththeFinches.”Shepulledopenthedoor.“IfigureWoodsticksalltheboxesforourmurdersuspect,andifhegetsoutofthisonatechnicality,we’llbereleasingapossiblekillerbackintosociety.”
IfJenna’sstresslevelhadgottenanyhigher,herheadwouldexplode.Shesuckedinafewdeepbreaths,whichdidnothingatalltocalmherfury,andgapedatthedocumentinherhand,rereadingitforathirdtime.NotonehouraftershehaddeliveredWoods’chargesheettoJamesStone,hisclientwasoutonbail.ShewatchedWoods’smugexpressionashefollowedhislawyeroutofthebuilding,thenafterlisteningtoRowley’srenditionofthemeetingwiththejudge,shethrustthepaperworkintoKane’shands.“Thejudgesaidwecan’tholdWoodswithoutbailonmisdemeanors,andanyevidencewehaveagainsthimmaybebroughtupinacourthearingoneweekfromMonday.Stonevouchedforhim,insistedhewasn’taflightriskandwouldbestayingattheCattleman’sHoteluntilhishearing.”Sheclenchedherjawandwentintoherofficewiththeoverpoweringneedtoslamthedoorbehindher,maybethreeorfourtimes.
Wolfefollowedherinsideandgaveheraconcernedlook.“There’sanotherproblem.”
Jennawantedtotearoutherhairandscreamlikeabanshee.“Whatnow?”
“Wedon’thaveasampleofWoods’DNAtomakeacomparison.”
30SUNDAY
Tallpinescreakedandtheforestcametolifewiththefirstraysofdawn.Wildlifemovedaroundhim,oblivioustohispositionintheblind.Awildturkeypeckedandscratchedatthegroundwithinarm’sreach,andbetweentheroughtreetrunks,theantlersofaneight-pointbuckmovedastheanimalgrazednottenfeetaway.Theairwascrispfromtheovernightshowerandtheforeststillheldthescentofrain.Hecheckedhisweaponswithpride;eachcarriedthecomfortingsmellofgunoil.Hisarsenalwasimpressiveandhehadhiddencachesofgunsandammunitionalongthetrail.
Hehadarrivedlateatnight,spentafewhoursdozing,thenrisenintheearlyhoursofSundaymorning.Thepreparationhadbecomearitual.Hehonedthebladesonhisknivestobeassharpasacutthroatrazorthencleanedandloadedhisguns.Afterpushingextraclipsintothepocketsofhiscamouflagepants,hepulledonblackgloves.Madefromsoftkidleather,theymoldedtohishandsanddidnotinterferewithhistriggerfinger.Theglovesofferedhimaddedprotectionagainstdiscoverywhenhecoveredthemwithalatexpairforthekill.Hesatintheblindandreviewedthefootagefromhistrailcams.Fromtimetotime,heglancedatthecountdown.
Notlongnow,beforehispreywouldarrive.Hismindfilledwithfantasies.Howwouldhekillthemthistime?Somanychoicesandsomanythrillstoenjoyoverandoveragainviathetrailcamfootage.Hewonderedifothersenjoyedthesamesportashim?Theideaofsharinghisvideosenthralledhim.Hecheckedthetimeagain.Theultimategameofcatandmousewouldbeginsoon.
Coveredfromheadtofoot,notoneinchofhimwasvisible,buttogivehispreytheultimateinfear,hedecidedtowearaskullmask.Asusual,hismicwasfittedwithavoicedistorter.Anyonewhoviewedhisfootagewouldnotrecognizehimbutlater,aloneinhisroom,hecouldrelivethekillsthroughhisbodycamandbeabletoheareachscreamandpleaformercy.
HewonderediftheshyLillyCoppersmithwouldturnintoawildcatoncethreatened.Shegavetheimpressionofbeinganintrovert,buthehadatalentthatenabledhimtopushpeopletotheirlimits.Itwasallpartofthegame,andevenamouseifthreatenedwouldbite.Ohyeah,hewouldbringoutherprimalinstincts,hejusthadtofrightenherenoughtoputonagoodshow.Hechuckled.
Histargetshadcampedinasecludedareanottenminutes’walkfromhiscurrentposition.Afteranightofpassion,thecouplehadfallenintoadeepsleepandhehadsnuckintotheircamp.TheyhadnotstirredwhenherifledthroughtheirbackpacksandremovedtheSIMsfromtheirphones.Hecouldhavekilledthemintheirsleep,butwhyspoilthefun?
Deepintheoldestanddensestareaoftheforest,thetrailtheyhadchosenwoundinandoutwithsomanyhairpinbendsandswitchbacksitwaslikeamaze.Oncethreatened,thepairwouldberunningaroundincircles.Withtheboyfrienddisabled,hefiguredLillywouldgothroughthesamepanic-drivenstagesastheothersbeforeherinstincttosurvivekickedin—andthenthefunwouldbegin.
Thedisbeliefonthewomen’sfaceswhentheyrealizedhewashuntingthemempoweredhim.Thewaytheytriedtoreasonwithhimthenranaboutwildlyinalldirectionslikerabbitsexcitedhim.ImagesofwhatheplannedtodotoLillyfilteredintohismind,liftinghisheartrate.Shewouldtrydesperatelytoescapebutwouldbeathismercy.Hewouldcatchherwithease.Hecravedthesmellofherfearandthecrimsonsightofwarm,pumpingblood.
Womenneverstoodachanceagainsthim.Helongedtoseeherterrorbutsubmissionwasneveranoption;heneededhertofightbackandmakehimworkforthekill.Shecouldscream,butthisfarintotheforest,notasoulwouldhearhercries.Thenshewouldrealizehehadclaimedher.Shewasgoingtodieveryslowly.Somefoughttotheendandmadegoodsportbuttheyalldiedlookingathim.
Asthecoupleemergedfromtheircamp,hittingthetrailwithasmallbackpack,heglancedatthecountdownscreen.Theywouldarriveathispositionjustintime.Headjustedhisbodycamandexcitementtingledthroughhim.Letthegamesbegin.
31
Asifhisbrainwasattemptingtoblockoutthehorrorplayingoutbeforehim,allthelittlethingsfilteredintoColterBarry’smind.Ithadbeenthebestmorningofhislife.Theearly-morningsunhadglistenedonraindrops,dressingthebushesalongsidethetrackwithdiamonds.TheearthysmelloftheforestlacedwithpineandwildflowershadcombinedwithLilly’suniquescent,spicyandsodarnfamiliar.Asshestrolledbesidehim,herdarkhairhadflutteredinthewindtobrushhischeekinacaress.Theyhadwalkedhandinhand,andhehadpointedoutthebrowneyesofamagnificentbucksomemomentsbeforeithadboundedaway,itspowerfulmusclesbunchedunderatightglossycoat.
Colterswallowedthesobinhisthroat,tooscaredtomakeasound.Thestrangerwouldfindhimsoon.Hecouldhearhim,cursinginhisroboticvoiceandmethodicallymovingalongeachoftheanimaltracksleadingfromthemaintrail.TheimageofLilly,cheekswetwithtears,eyespleadingwithhimforhelpastheanimalkilledher,slammedintohismindandheswallowedasobofgrief.Atfirst,hecouldnotbelievewhatwashappening.ThemanhademergedfromthebushesandinavoicestraightfromhelltoldhimhewouldhavethepleasureofwatchingLillydie.
Agonyricochetedthroughhisheadfromthefirstpunch,andhefoughtlikeamanpossessedtoprotectLilly,buthewasnomatchfortheskilloftheirtormentor.Knifedinthespineandtiedtoatree,helpless,heprotestedasmuchasthegagwouldallow,butthemorehecomplained,thecruelerthestrangerbecame.Hiseerievoicelingeredinhisbrain.Theanimaldescribedeachtortuousmoveasifwaitingforpermissiontocontinue.ItwasasifLilly’sscreamsurgedhimon,butwhentheyceasedandshefellintounconsciousness,hewouldpauseandlookather.
“Stayawake,Lilly,Idon’twantyoutomissanything,”hisvoicehadtauntedjustbeforeheslappedherawake.“Yourboyfriendisannoyingme;maybeI’llburnhimalive.Wouldn’tthatbefun?”
Thebeasthadlaughedathimthentippedacanofgasoverhishead.Thefuelburnedhiseyesandfumesengulfedhim,buttheexpectedflickofalighterfollowedbysearinghotflamesdidnotcome.Sosurehecouldnotescape,themaniacreturnedtoLilly,andlongafterthelifehadlefthereyes,thekillercontinuedtousehisknife,engrossedinhismacabredissectionandoblivioustohispresence.
Coltershookinterror,theninaspasmofpainthefeelinginhislegsreturnedandhewiggledhistoes.Desperatetogetaway,hepickedattheropeholdinghimtothetreeandgaspedwithreliefwhentheknotbrokefree.
HecoulddonothingforLillynow,andhisonlychanceforsurvivalwastoreachthehunters’checkstation,anhour’swalkfromhiscurrentposition.Dizzyandtrembling,hecrawledintothebushesonnumblegsandslidbetweentreesandclumpsofundergrowth.Horrified,henoticedthewoundinhisbackhaddrippedblood,leavingatrailstraighttodownhisthroatataschoolcampyearsagoslippedintohismind.Findshelter,tendthewound,andgethelp.Thatwouldbeuselessifthekillerfoundhiminminutes.
Clampingshuthisjawtopreventescapingmoansofpain,hedraggedafallenbranchoverthebloodspots,makingsuretheleavesandpineconeswouldconcealhistracks.Hebackedup,draggingthebranchinhiswake,andheadedtotheshadeofamassivebouldersurroundedbybushes.Hecrawledundertheclumpofthimbleberryguardingtheentranceandrolledbeneaththehugerock,disturbingaporcupine.Theanimalflasheditsteeththenclimbedoverhim,tearinghisfleshwithitssharpclaws,andboundedintotheundergrowth.Ineedhelp.
Colterslidthecellphonefromhisbackpocketandstaredatthescreenindisbelief.Heflippeditoverandforcedhistremblingfingerstoremovethebatterycoverthencursedunderhisbreath.SomeonehadremovedtheSIM.Nohelpwascoming.
Itwaslikelivinganightmare;hehadzerochanceagainstamanloadedforabearandintentonburninghimalive,butheowedittoLillytobringherkillertojustice.Helistenedandpeeredthroughthebright-greenleavesofthethimbleberrybutonlyheardthechatterofredsquirrels.Safefornow,hemadenosound,easedoutofhisbackpack,tookoutoneofthefourbottlesofwaterandflushedhiseyes.Hestrippedoffhisjacketandshirtandfoundthemedicalkit;usinghisfingerstolocatetheinjuryonhisback,hemanagedtopushathickdressingoverthestabwound.
Hislong,showerproofjackethadprotectedhispantsfromthegas,buthisT-shirtwassoakeddownthefrontandthesmellwouldbringthekillertohim.HefoundthewoolenhoodieandthermalsLillyhadpackedforhimandpulledthemon.Thesightofherblood-soakedbodyandstaring,sightlesseyesslammedintohimandhisteethchattered.Lilly.OhGod,Lilly.
Thesmellofgaswaftedaroundhim,andinapanic,heballedupthegas-soakedclothes,pushedthemintoadeepcrevice,andcoveredthemwithforestdebris.Exhaustedandtrembling,hedranktherestofthewater,easedintohisbackpack,andlistened.Hisheartwentintooverdriveattheunmistakablesoundofamancrashingtowardhimthroughtheforest.Frozenwithfear,hepressedagainsttheboulder,pullinghisblackhoodiearoundhisface,andwatchedthesaplingsmoveandbirdsflyintotheairasthekillerrampagedtowardhim.
Coltercringedasthemandressedinarmycamouflagegearandwearingaskullmaskappearednottenyardsfromhishidingplace.Hehadslowedandsniffedtheair,movinghisheadslowlyfromsidetoside,butColterwasupwindofhimandthesmellofgaswaslonggone.Thekillertookafewstepsinhisdirection.Soclosenow,Coltercouldsmellthesweatonhim,seetherifleoveroneshoulderandthehuntingknifeinonehand.Whenthekillerbentdownandsearchedthegroundontheothersideofthebush,Colter’sheartbeatsofast,hecouldfeelitpoundingagainsthisribs.Hisbreathmadeawheezingsoundandhepressedhisfisthardagainsthismouthandtrieddesperatelytocontrolhisbreathing.
Twigscrackedunderthekiller’sblood-soakedhikingboots.Thecamouflagepatterndidlittletocoverthebloodspatteronhislegs.BileroseinColter’sthroat,fillinghismouthasascarletstreamdrippedfromtheknife.Lilly’sblood.
Theleavesofthethimbleberryshookandhecouldhearthekiller’sheavybreathing.Terrified,Colterwaitedforthefaceofdeathtopartthebushesandfindhim.Tearsprickedhiseyes;hehadfailedtodefendthewomanhelovedandnowhewouldneverbeabletoavengeher.
Whenthebootscrunchedaway,movingoutofhislineofvision,hesuckedinashudderingbreathandlistened.Theonlysoundwasthewindblowingthroughthetrees,nobirds,nothingelseatall.Heneededtogetawaybutthekillercouldbewaitingforhimoutofhislineofvision.Unsurewhattodo,hesatstaringattheforestforsometime.Whenthebirdsreturnedtothetrees,hecrawledoutofhishidingplaceandscannedtheforestforanysignofmovement.Confidenthewasalone,hegraspedatreeandstoodslowly.Tinglinghadreplacedthepartialnumbnessinhislegs.Heglancedaroundtogethisbearings.Downhillinthedistancehecouldmakeoutafirebreakcuttingacrosstheforest.Hetookafewhesitantsteps;apartfromthepaininhisback,hislegsworkedfine
Musclesbunchedandarmspumping,heranflatout,weavinginandoutofthetrees.Thebrancheslashedathisfaceandhisheartwasabouttoburstinhischestwhenheheardashotwayinthedistance.Hedartedtooneside.Toolate.Painslammedthroughhisheadandhefaltered.Asifinslowmotion,apartofoneearovertookhimonacrimsontide.Blood,hotandsticky,poureddownhisneckbuthekeptrunning.
Ahead,twomenemergedfromtheforestcarryingrifles.Bothstoppedandstaredathimthencamerunningtowardhim.Themen’sfacesblurred,andinfearforhislife,heturnedtorunaway.Footstepsthunderedtowardhimandhestaggeredthentumbledfacefirstintodarkness.
32
Kanetossedwetclothesintothedryerandheadedtothekitchentopourhimselfawell-earnedcupofcoffee.Gladofafewhours’respitefromthemurderinvestigation,he’dbeenupsincedawn,fixingupthestablesanddoinghischores.Aftersolonginthemilitary,hefoundhimselfcleaningatmidnighttokeephiscottageuptohishighstandard.Italsogavehimsomequiettimetomullovertheinvestigation.Wearyfromthecontinuouslonghours,hewonderediftheincreasedcrimeratehadbecomethenewnormalforBlackRockFalls.Although,hecouldnotreallycomplain—yeah,theyhadinvestigatedfourmurdersthisyear,butinWashingtontheyoftenhadreportsoffouroffiveviolentcrimesdaily.
Dukenudgedhisleg,remindinghimtorefillhisbowl.Hepattedthebloodhoundontheheadandscoopedbiscuitsintohisbowl.“I’llbuyyoumeatsoonbutrightnowyoueatwhatthevetrecommends.”
HestraightenedatthesoundofJenna’sSUVheadingforhiscottage.ItwasSundaybutshehaddroppedintotheofficetocheckonafewthings.Onethingforsure,Jennaputherjobfirstandherpersonallifeatthebottomofthelist.Hetooktwocupsfromtheshelfandpouredthecoffeethenaddedcreamandsugartoboth.HisdooropenedandJennapeekedinside.Heheldupacup.“Coffee?”
“Lunch?”JennawavedanAuntBetty’sCafétakeoutsackintheair.“Wow,yourhouseissparkling.”Shemovedtohissideandsniffedthenmadeahummingsound.
“Whendoyougettimetodoallofthis?”Shetossedherjacketontoachairthensatatthekitchentableandtookthecoffeewithalongsigh.
Hesatdownoppositeandtookinhercasualappearance.ShelookedgoodinaT-shirtandjeanswithherhairmussedupfromthewind.“Haveyoueaten?”
“Nope.”Shesippedhercoffeeandsighed.“Itwasawasteoftimegoingintotheoffice.Thereisnothingnewtoreport.Rowleyishandlingthe911line.We’vehadnopositivesightingsofCanavar,andalthoughweknowhehadsupplieswithhim,hecouldhavestayedattheBlackRockFallsMotel.WithnoevidencetoproveCanavarwasatthemurderscene,Ican’tobtainasearchwarrant.NoonehasreportedanAsianmanmissingeither.”Sheshrugged.“Whoeverhewas,hedidn’tstayinBlackRockFallsorBlackwaterandhemusthavehadwingsbecauseIhavenoideahowhearrivedhereinthefirstplace.”
Kaneopenedthebagandtookoutthepileofwrappedsandwichesandcakesthenplacedthemonthetable.“Thebusdriversdon’trecallhimbuttheyhaveatonofpassengers.Icheckedthehuntinglicensesandnonewereissuedtoanyonematchinghisdescriptioneither.”Hebitintoaturkeyonryeandchewedslowly,enjoyingtheuniqueflavorofAuntBetty’sspecialBBQsauce.
“I’vespokentotheguyonthecounterattheCattleman’sHotelaswell.”Jennagavehimanexasperatedlook.“HetoldmeWoodsspentmostofhistimeinhisroombuthedidhavedinnerwithMayorPetershamandhiswife.”Herexpressionturnedtooneofconcern.“WolfeandWebberareattheFinches’cabin.IhatedraggingWolfeawayfromhisgirlsallweekendbutheinsisteditwashiscaseandhewantedtocheckoutthebarnbeforeanytraceevidencedeteriorated.”
“He’llneedtimeoffonMonday.Hisyoungest,Anna,isinaschoolplay.”KaneleanedbackinhischairasJennalookedathimwithinterest.“Withouttheirmom,sheneedshimtobethere.”
“Maybesheneedsusalltobethere.”Jennaliftedherchinandsorrowfilledhereyes.“Wolfeaswell.Hetreatsyoulikeabrotherandyouspendhardlyanytimewithhim.”
“Idowhenwe’renotbusy.Iusuallyendupshootinghoopswithhismiddledaughter,Julie.”Heshrugged.“Assheriff,maybeyoushouldthrowabarbecueonceamonthandinvitetheteam?”
“That’ssomethingtoconsider.”Jennatookabiteofabagelwithcreamcheese.
Kanesmiledather.“GettingbacktoWoods.Wecan’trelyonWolfefindinganything.Thekillerissmartandknowshowtocoverhistracks.IfigureweneedtodigintoWoods’pastandseewhathehasbeendoingandwherehegoes.Ifwecanlinkhismovementstoanysimilarunsolvedmurdersinthestate,wemightbeabletoholdhimonsuspicion.”
“WithStonerepresentinghim,we’llneedsomethingsubstantial.”
“Yeah,I—”
Jenna’sringtoneinterruptedhisreply
“SheriffAlton.What?HoldaminutewhileIputyouonspeaker,DeputyKaneiswithme.”ShegaveKanealookofdisbelief.“Goahead.”
“ThisisRangerHarris,wehavewhatwethoughtwasagunshotvictimuphereoncheckstationfive.”
“Isthevictimalive?”Jennachewedonherbottomlip.
“Yeah,heisravingsome.SaidamankilledhisgirlfriendupnearBearPeak.Twohuntersfoundhimandcalleditin.Theysaidtheyheardasinglerifleshot.Wecalledtheparamedicsandheisonhiswaytothehospital.Oneofmymenwillstaywithhimuntilyougetthere.”
“Thankyou.Didyougetthevic’sname?”JennamotionedforKanetopassheranotepadandpen.“AndIneedthedetailsofthemenwhofoundhim.”
HarrisgavetheinformationandJennagaveKaneaworriedlook.“WasColterBarrycoherentenoughtogiveapositionwheretheallegedmurdertookplace?”
“No,ma’am,butitmustbesomewayswestofthefirebreak.Thehunterswerecrossingthroughanoldhikingareatoreporthere.IhavetwomenandadogIcansparetogobackuptherewiththemandgeteyesonthearea.Thebirdswillbecirclingbynowifthereisanythingdeadintheforest.Ifigureitwilltakeaboutanhourorsotofindit
“Yeah,thanks,andifyoufindabody,don’tdisturbthescene.CallShaneWolfe,theME,rightaway.HeisclosebyattheFinches’cabin,westofBearPeak,thisafternoon.Ifyougivehimthecoordinates,hewillmeetyoutherewithhisassistant,Webber.They’llbeonhorseback.”Sherelayedhisdetails.“I’llheadtothehospitalandseewhatMr.Barryhastosay.”
“Rogerthat.I’llbesuretokeepyouinformed,ma’am.”Thelinewentdead.
TirednessdrainedfromKaneasanadrenalinerushtookover.Heemptiedhiscoffeecupandstood.“I’llgoandgetchanged.”
“Notime,justgrabyourweaponandcredpack.I’llhelpyougetthehorsesloaded.”Jennasighedandshruggedintoherjacket.“SomuchforalazySundayafternoon.”
33
Angertrembledthroughhisfingersashedismantledthelasttrailcamandpusheditintohisrucksack.Ifhisscopehadnotpickedupthetwomenwalkingoutoftheforest,hewouldhavegoneintomakesurehemadethekill,andtheywouldhavediscoveredhimsoakedinblood.Dammit,hewouldhaveenjoyedplayingwithColterBarry.
Fromthecrimsonspray,histargethadtakenaheadshot,andthelikelihoodofhimsurvivingwouldberemote,butsoontherangerswouldbeoutsearchingthearea.Itwouldtakethetwomenatleastanhourtogethelp,carryingawoundedman.Hefiguredhehadplentyoftimetodothecleanupandgettohisdesignatedcheckstationbeforegoinghome.
Heretracedhissteps,makingsurehekickeddirtoveranybootmarks.Satisfied,hestrolledbacktotakeonelastlookatLilly.Afteractivatinghisbodycam,hewalkedaroundher,bendingclosetogettheshotshedesired.Whenhispreywentquietandtheireyesfixedonhim,seeingnothing,hishungertohearthemscreamwassated,butliketakingthelastlickofanicecream,hewantedmore.Carefultoavoidthepoolofcongealingbloodaroundher,hebenttokisshermouth.Itfeltstrangelyexcitingthroughthecottonmask,slackandcoldagainsthislips.Inarushofeuphoria,hedecidedthenextguesthewouldtaketohiscavewouldbeawoman.
Hewouldvisitheroften.
Halfanhourlater,hereachedhiscaveanddeactivatedtheelectricfenceacrosstheentrance.Pullingouthisflashlight,heslippedinsideandswitchedonthelamphangingononewall.Herehecouldwashup,changehisclothes,andpickuphissparehuntingriflebeforereportingtotherangersandleavingthehuntingarea.Hecheckedthepowergaugeonthesolarbatteryandsmiled.Itneverlethimdown.Heturnedinaslowhalfcircleandremovedhismaskthenscannedthelineofplastic-wrappedcorpsesBlack,emptyeyesocketswatchedhiseverymoveastheygrinnedathim.Hechuckledattheirwelcome.“Hello,boys,didyoumissme?”
34
RainpelteddowninastormthatseemedtocomefromnowhereandJennawasgladtohavehadtheforethoughttograbtheirrainponchosbeforeleaving.Theswishofthewindshieldwiperbladessoundedmelodicandalmostsoothing.Jennaleanedbackinherseat,gladKanehadofferedtodrivethemintotown.Sheglancedoverathim,noticingthewaythenerveinhischeektickedwhenhewasthinking.“Ifthisisanothermurder,ourkillerisescalating.”
“Maybe.”Heglancedatherbeforereturninghisattentiontotheroad.“Itcouldbeacopycat.WehadlittlechoicebuttogivetheinformationaboutBaileyCanavar’smurdertothemedia.ItwastheonlychancetodiscoverthewhereaboutsofherhusbandandtheidentityofJohnDoe.”
“Ionlygavethembasicinformation,nodetails.”Jennachewedonherbottomlip.“Iguesswe’llknowmoreafterspeakingtoColterBarry.”
“Problemis,whenpeoplegothroughthistypeoftrauma,someofthemblockthingsout.”Kanepulledintothehospitalparkinglotanddroveintotheirreservedslot.“It’snotintentional.Ithinkourbrainsshutoffthememorybecausewecan’tcope.”Heglancedather.“Ifwebelievethekillerwaitedtwelvemonthsbetweenmurders,whywouldhesuddenlystartakillingspreenow?”Hescratchedhischeek.“Unlesssomethingorsomeonetriggeredhim.”
Jennasnorted.“You’reassuminghehasn’tbeenkillingalloverthestate.I’vefoundsimilarunsolvedcasesandheapsofmissingpeoplegoingbackfourorfiveyears.”
“Yeahbutifthisinjuredguyislucidandsomeonedidmurderhisgirlfriend…Ifsheisthesametypeastheothertwovictims,thenwehaveanotherserialkillerinBlackRockFalls.”
Thestrong,distinctivesmellofhospitalswaftedoverJennaasshewaitedinthehalloutsidetheERofBlackRockFalls’hospital.Aftermakinginquiriesatthenurses’counteraboutColterBarryanddiscoveringzeroinformation,shewaitedforadoctortostepoutfromtheERandmarchedstraightuptohim,flashingherbadge.“I’mSheriffAlton,andthisismydeputy,DavidKane.ItisimperativewespeakwithColterBarry,agunshotvictimbroughtinbytherangersearlier.It’sconcerningtheapparentattackonhisgirlfriend.”
“I’lltakeyouthrough.”Thedoctorslidhiscardthroughthescannerandopenedthedoorforher.“Heisintheroomontheright,mycolleagueiswithhimnowandthereisarangerguardinghim;ishethemanresponsible?”
“Wedon’thaveanydetails;thisiswhyweneedtospeakwithhim.”JennamovedinsidewithKaneclosebehind.Afterscanningtheroom,shefoundarangerstandingguardoutsideabedsurroundedbywhitedrapes.Sheturnedtothedoctor.“Thanks,whileI’mwaitingforthedoctor,I’llspeaktotheranger.”
Therangerlookedrelievedtoseeherandsteppedforwardtomeetthem.Atleastherecognizesme.Sheledhimoutintothehallway.“Whathavewegot?”
“ColterBarry,twenty-six,outofBlackwater.Hehasagunshotwoundtotheheadandaknifewoundintheback.Lookslikesomeonegavehimabeatingandheisramblingaboutmurderandblood.Hekeepssaying,‘Lillyhasbeenmurdered.’”Therangerstraightened.“Wehaveasearchpartyintheareawithtwowardensandatleastadozenvolunteers.Thedociswithhimnow;hesaidsomethingaboutdoinganMRI.”
Jennapulledouthernotepadandpen.“Thankyouforwaitingforus.Wecantakeitfromhere.”
“Notaproblem,ma’am.Wehadworriesifthesamemanwhokilledtheothercoupleisresponsible,Mr.Barrymightbeindanger,gettingawayandall.”Theranger’seyeshelddeepsorrow.“Seemsourbeautifulforestisbeingusedasakillinggroundoflate.Idon’tenvyyourjobofapprehendingthisman.”HegaveKaneanodandheadeddownthehallway.
JennastaredafterhimwithadmirationthenturnedtoKane.“I’mstartingtobelievetheparkrangersareadifferentbreedtous.”
“Theyhavetoobtainabachelor’sdegreebeforetheystarttraining.Soyeah,theyareverycommittedtotheirwork.”Kaneshrugged.“Ifigureweareluckytheyaresowillingtohelpuswhennecessary.”
ShetuggedatthecurtainaroundColterBarry’sbed.“Doctor,thisisthesheriff.MayIhaveawordwithMr.Barry?”
Abaldingmaninhisfiftieswearingsurgeryscrubsandastethoscopehangingaroundhisneckpeeredthroughthegap.“Yes,Mr.Barryhasbeenanxioustospeakwithyou,althoughduetohisinjuries,hehasbeenlapsingintounconsciousnessandI’mnotconfidentwhetherhisrecollectionsarefactorfantasy.”Hestoodtoonesidetoallowthemtopass.“IhavescheduledanMRI.Hehassignificantheadinjuriesandsufferedparalysisforsometimeafterhisattackerstuckhimwithaknifeinthelumbarregion.Iwouldaskthatyoukeepyourquestioningtoaminimum.I’llwaitoutside.”
Jennatooknoteofthedoctor’snameonhisID.“Thankyou,Dr.Ross.”
Shescannedthebatteredfaceofthemanlyingflatonthebed,hisbloodshoteyesswollentoslitsandblondhairmattedwithblood.Shemovedtothebedsideandremainedstanding.Kanestoodbesideher,hisexpressionserious,notebookinonehandandpenpoised.
JennatouchedColter’shand.“Mr.Barry,I’mSheriffJennaAltonandthisisDeputyKane.Canyouexplainwhathappenedtoyou?”
Thestory,brokenwithsobsandtears,madeherskincrawl.Sheaskedhimmanytimesifhewantedtocontinueandheinsisted.Heappearedtobelucidandnotraving,astherangerhadsuggested.“Okay,nowIneedyoutotryandgivemeasmuchinformationasyoucanaboutthemanwhodidthistoyouandLilly.”
Colterclosedhiseyesasifdriftingoffthenlookedupather.Hismouthturneddownindisgust.“Hewascoveredfromheadtofootinthecamouflagegearthearmywearsandhadoneofthoseskullbandanathingsthebikersweararoundhisface.Hisheadwascoveredwithawoolenhatmuchlikeyours.Hewaswhite;Icouldseethestripofskinabovehiseyes,betweenhishatandsunglasses.”BarrylookedatKane.“Hewasn’tasbigasyou,maybefiveorsixinchesshorterandnotasheavybuthewasingoodshape.”Hedraggedinaraggedbreath.“HethrewmearoundasifIweighednothing.Icouldn’tdoathingtohelpLilly.”
“I’msureyoudideverythingyoucould,Colter.”Jennasqueezedhisarm.“Whatabouthisvoice,didhehaveanaccent?”
“Hisvoicewasweird,likedistortedorsomething.”Coltermadeastrangegurglingsoundinhisthroatthencoughedandmoaned.“Oh,God,Ican’tgethimoutofmyhead.”
“Takeaminuteandlookathim.”Kaneleanedclosertothebed.“Hecan’thurtyounowandweneedeveryscrapofinformationtocatchthisanimal.”
“Okay,okay.”Colterseemedtofightademonandhisbreathcameinpants.“Hehadanearbudandoneofthosecopthingsonhischest.”
JennaglancedatKane.“Acompack?”
“Yeah,andtheotherthingwasabodycam.”Colterseemedtogetbraver.“Hekeptaskingquestionslike,‘Whatdoyouwantmetodotohernext?’butIwasgagged,heknewIcouldn’tspeak.”
Jennasqueezedhisarmgently.“Okay,wehaveeverythingweneedfornow.We’llbebacktospeaktoyouagain.I’mhavingyoumovedupstairsintotherestrictedwardforyourownsafetyandI’llhaveadeputyondutytwenty-fourhoursaday.I’llnotifyyourparents;they’llbeabletovisityouthere.”
“JustfindLilly,sheisallaloneoutthere.”
“We’llfindher.”Kane’sexpressionwassetinstone.“Wehaveasearchpartytherenow.”
Feelingnauseous,JennaturnedtogoandlookedupatKane.“GetsomeoneouthereASAP.”
“Rogerthat.”Kanepulledouthiscellphoneandmovedintothehallway.
Jennawalkeduptothedoctorwaitingoutside.“I’llarrangetohaveadeputyheresoon.Canyoucallsecurityandhavesomeoneguardinghimuntilhearrives?”Sheliftedherchin.“Iwanthimupinthesecurewardaswell.Heisouronlywitnessandthekillermightreturntofinishhimoff.”
“Notaproblem,I’llcallsomeonenowandwe’lltakehimtheredirectlyfromtheMRI.”Thedoctorheadedtowardthenurses’station.
JennawaitedforKanetodisconnectthenmovedtohisside.“We’llwaituntilasecurityguardarrives.”HercellphonevibratedinherpocketandshepulleditoutandstaredatthecallerID.“It’sWolfe.”Sheacceptedthecall.“Hi,Shane,didyoufindanythinginthebarn?”
“WehavetakensamplesbutI’llneedtimetoanalyzethembeforeIcangiveyouanythingconclusive.I’vejusthadacallfromoneoftheparkrangersaboutapossiblebodynearhere.Weareridingovertojointhesearchpartynow.It’sbeenrainingprettyhardandwe’llhaveonehellofatimecollectingevidence.”
“I’matthehospitalwithKane.Wehaveinterviewedtheboyfriendofthevictim.Therearesimilaritiesbetweenhisstoryandthepreviousmurder.Thekillerpouredgasoverhimandstabbedthefemalevictim.ThemissingwomanisLillyCoppersmith,twenty,five-six,darkhair,blueeyes.We’rewaitingforasecurityguardtowatchhimuntiloneofourdeputiescantakeoverthenwe’llbeheadingyourway.”
“I’llsendyouthecoordinatesofafirebreakthatrunsparalleltothemountain.It’ssomewaysinfromtheroadandyou’llneedtotraveluptowardBearPeakfromtherebutI’mtoldit’sfasterthantakingtheregulartrail.Itwouldhavemadelifealoteasierifwehadknownthefirebreakexistedfortheothermurder,butit’snotonanyofthemapsyet—itwascutthroughtheforesttheendofsummer.”
Jennabreathedasighofreliefastwosecurityguardsmarchedintothecorridor.“Securityisherenow.We’reonourway.”
“Rogerthat.”
35
JennacaughtsightofthecrowscirclingbeforeWolfecalledheronhercellphonetoupdatethecoordinates.TheyhadfoundLillyCoppersmith’sbody,andfromWolfe’spreliminaryexaminationalone,hehadconcludedtheyweredealingwiththesamesadistickiller.SherelayedtheinformationtoKaneandtookthechancetoinhalethemountainair,freshandfragrantaftertherain.Astheyleftthefirebreakandmoveddownanarrowtrail,itwasliketravelingthroughfairyland.Eachhangingbranchordelicatespider’swebglistenedwithraindropsandtheabundantwildlifewasscamperingaroundasifexcitedtherainhadceased.
Sheabsorbedthebeautyofthemountainasashieldagainstthehorrorshewouldencounteratthecrimescene.Afterthelastgrislymurder,sheassumedthekillerwouldhavefoundmorewaystoentertainhimselfwithhislatestvictim.HemusthavebeenabsorbedtoallowColterBarrytocrawlawayundetected.Astheyroundedthebend,shepointedtoanorangeflaginthedistance.“That’sWolfe’smarkerandIcanhearhorses.”
“IfthismurdercomesclosetowhatColterBarrydescribed,it’sgoingtobebrutal.”Kane’sconcernedgazeexaminedherface.“Ifyoufeelaflashbackcomingon,takeastepbackandcatchyourbreath.Don’tforgetyouhaveagreatteamtoleanonifnecessary.”
Herlastflashback,aleftoverfrombeingavictimofakidnapping,hadoccurredsometimeagobutsometimesshefoundthemlurkingunexpectedlyandshehatedhavingaweaknessthatinterferedwithherjob.Sheforcedherlipsintoasmile.“ThanksbutI’llbefine.NothinghappenedlasttimeandI’mconfidentIcanhandlemurdercases.Theflashbackswereatemporaryglitch,nothingmore.”
“Ineverhadanydoubt.”Kane’ssmilewasgenuine.
TheothershadhitchedtheirhorsestothetreesalongthetrailandshecouldhearWolfe’sdeepvoicebarkingorders.“Okay,we’llleavethehorseshereandgoinonfoot.”
TheytookanovergrownpaththroughtheforestandshenotedthewayKanestoppedtocheckthetreesalongtheway.Shewaitedforhimtocatchup.“Findanything?”
“Yeah,thesamemarksonthetreetrunksasbefore.Trailcams,Iwouldguess,andbackthereIfoundtheremainsofahunter’sblind.Itlooksfresh,andthisisnotadesignatedareaforhunting,butwecan’tdiscountthepeoplewhousetrailcamsandblindsforbirdwatchingandthelike.”
Jennacaughtthedistinctmetallicsmellofbloodonthebreezeandherskinprickled.“Maybe,butColterBarrymentionedthekillerusedabodycam.Heisfilminghiskills.”
“Theyallhavetrophiesofonekindoranother.”Kane’sattentionmovedpastherandheshookhisheadindisgust.“ItlookslikeourkillerisescalatingwayfasterthanIimagined.”Kanepulledtwofacemasksoutofhispocketandhandedherone.
Intrepidation,Jennaturnedtowardthesmallclearingsettoonesideofthetrail.Shegaspedatthehorrificsightbeforeherthenpushedonherfacemasktofilteroutthesmellofdeath.ThesoundofWolfe’svoicecamethroughthebuzzinginherhead.Shedraggedherattentionawayfromthegruesomeremainsofaonceprettyyoungwomanandlookedathim.“Whatcanyoutellme?”
“ThevictimisLillyCoppersmith.IfoundIDinherpocketandshebearsastrikingresemblancetothelasttwovictims.ThetimeofdeathisconsistentwithMr.Barry’sstory.Idon’thaveacauseofdeathwithsomanyinjuriestoconsider.I’lldeterminethataftertheautopsy.”Wolfe’spalegrayeyesmovedoverherfaceasifgaugingherreaction.“Thisisnotthesameaseitherofourothermurdersandyettherearesimilarities.IgathertheonlygunshotwoundonMr.Barryoccurredduringhisescape?”
“Yeah,hehasadeepknifewoundtothelowerspineandhasfacialinjuriesconsistentwithsufferingabeating.”Jennaclearedherthroat.“Shelooksprettymesseduptoo.”
“Hedidn’tshoother.Ithinkthekillerwasplayingwithher.”Wolfeledherclosertothebody.“I’llknowmoreaftertheautopsy,butthewoundsonherarmsandlegsarenotdefensivewounds.”HewavedWebbertotheirside.“ShowthesherifftheimageswetookofPaigeAllen’sbonesthenthedifferenceinBaileyCanavar’s.”
“SeeonPaige’sarmsthewoundsarerandomlyplaced?”Webberpointedatthedeeplacerationsinthebones.“Theyareallover,indifferentdirectionsandofvariousdepths.”
Jennapeeredattheclose-upimages.“Yeah,thewoundsonPaige’sforearmsareplacedasifshewasholdingthemuptoprotectherface.”
“NowlookatLilly’sarmsandlegs.”Wolfecroucheddownbesidethebody,avoidingthepoolofblood.“Lookhereandhere.ThesearethesameasBaileyCanavar’swounds.”
Jennaswallowedtherisingbileinherthroatandbentcloser.Thedeepcutsseemedtobethesamedistanceapartinastraightline.SheglancedupatWolfe.“Thatlooksmethodical.”
“Anddifficulttoachieveifshewasstruggling.”Kaneleanedoverhershoulder.“Herestrainedherbutfromthebruises,heheldherstillthencuther.Thosearefingermarksonherwrists.”Heshookhishead.“ThishappenedjustasColterBarryexplained.”
“Yeah.”Wolfeshookhishead.“Andweknowit’snotthefirsttimehe’sdonethis.Heknowshowtokeepapersonaliveandstillinflictthemaximumamountofpain.”
“Doyouthinkherapedher?”Webber’sAdam’sapplemovedupanddown.“DidMr.Barrymentionthat?”
“Nope.”Kane’sbrowfurrowedasheglancedatWolfe.“Canyoutell?”
“Notuntilaftertheautopsy.Thereisnoevidenceassuchbutwedidfindanemptycondompacket,soit’slikely.”Wolfeclearedhisthroat.“Itmightbedifficulttodetermineastheywerelovers.”
Jennaswallowedhardandtriedtogethermindaroundthegrislydetails.“Whatareweupagainst?”
“Thekillerhasunusualtraits.”Kaneshookhisheadslowly.“Heleavessomeofthebodiesfortheanimalsandotherstorot.Iwonderifhelikestovisitthem.”
“Isthatwhyheusedthegastoprotecthisvictimsfromthewildlife?Sohecouldcomebackandlookatthem?”WebberglancedatKane,hiseyesfilledwithdisgust.“Oh,thatisgross.”
“Itisunusualbehavior.”Kanescratchedhishead.“Iwonderifhehaskepttrophies?”
Jennastood,gladtobeawayfromthestaringeyesofLillyCoppersmith,andturnedtoKane.“DearLord,youdon’tthinkthiscreephasbitsofhisvictimsinhisfridge,doyou?”
“Anythingispossible.”Kaneclearedhisthroat.“AnyonewhodoesthistoapersonisnotwhatI’dclassas‘normal.’”
36MONDAY,WEEKTWO
Mondaymorningarrivedwithafreshchillintheairandtheearthysmellofovernightrain.Kanehadhischoresfinishedbeforedaylight,andaftertheirearly-morningworkout,hemetJennaforbreakfast.Hehadspenthistimeinthestablesmullingoverthecaseandrunningdifferentprofilesthroughhismindinanattempttomakeafitforthekiller.HewaitedforJennatofinisheatingbeforehementionedhisconcerns.“Thiskillerisdifferentinsomanyways,heisdifficulttoprofile.”
“Iknowwhatyoumean.”Jennapulledafaceofdisgust.“FromwhatI’mseeingatthecrimescenes,heisacrossbetweenJeffreyDahmerandHannibalLecter.”
Kanerubbedthebackofhisneck.“Heisdisplayingtraitsofthemorefamousserialkillers,whichmakesmewonderifhefixatesonviolentpsychopaths.Maybethiserraticbehaviorisrole-playingorhewantstomakehismarkinhistory.Menhavekilledfornotoriety.”
“Butwhychoosethesametypeofwoman?”Jennasippedhercoffeeandgaveanappreciativesigh.
Kanerefilledhiscupandaddedcreamandsugar.“Ifheisfixatingonkillers,hewouldknowabouthybristophilia.”
“What?”Jennachuckled.“Thatsoundslikeacleaningutensil.”
“Ahybristophiliacisawomanwhogetsoffonhavingarelationshipwithamurderer.”Hemethergaze.“It’softencalledtheBonnieandClydesyndrome.Iknowitsoundsabitfarfetchedbutitcouldbepartofhismotive.”
“Howso?”
“Ihavetwopossiblecausesforthistypeofpsychopathy.Fromthedamageinflictedtothewomeninparticular,weknowthekillerisconsumedbyhisownimportanceandlikestobeincontrol.”Kanesippedhisbeverage,enjoyingthefull-bodiedflavorofhisfavoritebrandofcoffee.“Ifigurethisgoeswaybacktowhenhewasakid.Ifsomeoneheloved—hismother,grandmother,oragirlheliked—belittledhim,infrontofhisfriendsforinstance,theresentmentcouldsimmerforyearsbeforeit’striggered.”Heglancedather.“Thatwouldbethemostlikelyscenariobutanunstablepersonalitycouldbedisturbedifhismotherorgrandmotherdiedandlefthimaloneor,worse,inanabusivesituation.Inbothcases,hehadnowaytocontrolthecircumstances,butwhenhemurdershehascontroloverlifeanddeath.Thetypeofwomanhemurdersallhavedarkhairandblueeyes.Thistypeissignificanttohimandheneedstoprovetohimselfhehascontroloverthem.”Hefrownedastheimagesofthebrutalizedwomenflashedthroughhismind.“Thetortureisimportantaswell.Hewantsthemtobegfortheirlivesbecauseinhissickmind,heisrecreatingtheimpossiblesituationhefacedinthepast.”Hesighed.“Butbytakingcontrolandkillingthem,heisbalancingthescale.”
“Sohowdoesthistieintobeingfixatedonotherserialkillers?”Jennaraisedoneblackeyebrowinquestion.
Kaneleanedbackinhischair,makingitcreak.“Thevarietyandmethodofhiskillsmakesitobviousheisawareofotherpsychopaths.”
“SohowdoyoutietheBonnieandClydesyndromeintohismotiveaswell?”
Kaneranthetipofhisfingeraroundtherimofhiscoffeecup.“Thisisamanwithahugeego.Iwouldn’tbesurprisedifhefiguresbybecominganotoriousmurderer,womenwillflocktohiminprisonandhewillhavepoweroverthem.”Hefrownedather.“Therearewomenwhoareattractedtocriminals.Themosthorrificserialkillersreceivesexuallyexplicitlettersfromthousandsofwomen;hell,someofthemevenmarrytheminjail.”
“Thenwhyisheconcentratingoncouples?”
“Thisisanarcissistictrait.Hedisabledthementhentorturedthewomeninfrontofthemtoprovethemeninadequatebecausetheyfailedtostophim.Itisatypical‘lookatme,I’mbetterthanyou’situation.Hewantstoprovehisdominanceoverwomenbutneedsawitnesstosatisfyhisego.Sowecanadd‘likesanaudience’tohisbehaviortraits.”Kanemetherinquisitivegaze.“WeknowfromColterBarry’sstatementthatthekillerincapacitatedhimandmadehimwatch.Thatwouldtieinwiththereasonthekillerpouredgasoverthemalevictims,topreventanimalsdevouringthem.Inthekiller’ssickmind,helefttheguytowatchtheanimalseatthewomanheloved.”Herubbedhischin.“TheproblemisIcan’tworkoutwhatheisplanningnext,whyheisescalatingnow.It’sasifhe’stakenonthepersonasofanumberoffamousmurderersandmixedthemtogether.Thereisnorhymeorreasontohisactions.Hedoesn’tdisplayhisvictims,ortakephysicaltrophiesunlesshehasarefrigeratorathomefilledwithbodyparts.Thefatalinjuryisdifferentineachcaseandheusesdifferentweapons.”
“Wedohavesimilarities.”Jennanarrowedhergaze.“Alwayscouples,dark-hairedwomen,andhikerswhoprefertheoldtrails.”Shestaredintospaceforsomemoments.“Hehasdisplayedknowledgeofdisablingpeoplebyinjuringthespineandhasusedthesamepracticeeachtime.Iwouldsayheisanexcellentshot,butsoarehundredsofmenaroundhere;boththeseabilitiescouldbelinkedtothemilitary,thenaddthecamouflagegear.Weassumeheusestrailcams,whichisprettyindividualtohim,andifheneedstrophies,whatbetterthanavideoofthekill?”
Kanesmiledather.“Youhaveapoint,andCanavarandWoodsfittheprofileanddescriptiongivenbyColterBarry.WoodshaspriorsandCanavar’sex-girlfriendismissing.TheywerebothinthevicinityatthetimeofBailey’smurder.Itwouldbehardtosplitthemwhenitcomestocircumstantialevidence.”
“ThereislittledoubtthesamekillermurderedatleastBaileyCanavarandLillyCoppersmith.”Jennagottoherfeetandleanedbackonthekitchencounter.“AtthemomentneithertieinwithLillyCoppersmith’sdeath.”
“Thenweneedtochasedownsomemoreclues.”Kanestoodandstaredather.“TheproblemwithassumingCanavarwasinvolvedinLillyCoppersmith’smurderisthatnoonehasseenhimsincethedayofBailey’sandJohnDoe’smurders.”
“Ifigurewehaditrightabouthimbefore.He’llbelivingrough,anddressedincamouflagehewouldblendintotheforestandnoonewouldgivehimasecondglance.”Jennacollectedthebreakfastdishesandrinsedtheninthesinkbeforeloadingthedishwasher.“WeneedtocheckoutwhereWoodswasyesterday.”
Kanenoddedinagreement.“Wesuredo.”
37
Thewindhadpickedupagain,andasJennaclimbedfromhervehicle,icyfingersbuffetedher,liftingtheedgesofherjacket.Sheglancedskywardexpectingtoseerainclouds,butaclearblueskystretchedoutformilesinalldirections.Peoplemovedalongthesidewalkwithoutthickclothing,seeminglyoblivioustothefirsthintofwinter.Therosycheeksandrunnynoseonatoddlergrinningatherfromoverhismother’sshoulderremindedhertogettothedoctor’sforaflushot.Shesidesteppedagroupofkids,headsdownpeeringattheircellphonesastheywaitedatthebusstop,andheadedforthefrontdoorofthesheriff’sdepartment.ThestreetsofBlackRockFallshadbeenunusuallybusyforthistimeofmorning,thensheremembereditwasMondayandlocalcharitiessetupinthecommunityhallsellingeverythingfrompreservestoantiques.
Herstomachknottedwithworryoverthepeoplelivinginhertownandthehordesofvisitorsarrivingdailytoenjoythesceneryorhuntintheforest.Itwashardtobelieveviolencehadvisitedthisbeautifultownagain.Itseemedasifdangerlurkedoneverycornerandshecoulddonothingtostopit.Howmanymorewoulddieonherwatch?Sheswallowedthelumpinherthroat.Isolatedwithvastforestsandplains,BlackRockFallshidmanysecrets,andnowitseemedserialkillershadpickeditastheirhuntinggroundofchoice.
Shetookonelastlookatthemajesticmountains,shookherhead,andstrolledintothebuilding.Asusual,RowleywasatthecounterchattingtoMaggie.“Morning.Anythingtoreport?”
“TherehavebeenafewlocalunsubstantiatedsightingsofJimCanavar,andtwoinButte,butthat’saboutall.TheButteofficewillgetbacktousoncetheyhavespokentothepeoplewhocalledthemin.”Rowleypushedahandthroughhisunrulyhair.“I’vebeenreadingthemurderbookontheLillyCoppersmithcaseandyourinterviewwithMr.Barry.IthinkImighthavesomethingtoadd.”
Jennaremovedherthickjacketandheadedforheroffice.“GrabKaneandcometomyoffice.”
“Yes,ma’am.”
Afterupdatingthewhiteboardinheroffice,Jennasatdownandcheckedthedutyrosterfortheweek.Mostofherdeputieshadpulleddoubleshiftssincethemurders.ShewouldprefertotakeKanewithhertotheCoppersmithautopsybutwantedtokeepeveryoneintheloop.BradfordwouldarrivebyelevenbutwouldbetoolatetorelieveRowley,andWaltersdidnotarriveuntilafterlunch.SheglancedupasKaneandRowleyambledintotheroom.“Takeaseat.Whathaveyoufound?”
“Notfoundassuch.”Rowleyplacedoneofthecupsofcoffeeinhishandbeforeherthensatdown,cupinhand.“It’sjustMr.Barrymentionedthekillerwaswearingcamouflagegearandacompack.I’veheardofacrazyoldVietnamvetandhissonwholiveupthatway,BraydenandJosephBlythe.Theydresslikethatanduseacompacktokeepintouchwitheachother.Theirlandiswellsignpostedandtheyareunpredictable.Rumorhasittheyliveonsquirrelsbuttheyhaveafewgoatsaswell.”
“AretheyoutofBearPeak?”Kaneplacedhissteamingbrewonthedeskanddroppedintoaseat.
“Yeah,somewaysfromtheFinches’cabin,Ifiguretheirplaceisabouttenminutes’walkdownthemountainfromthefirebreak.”RowleyglancedupatJennawithanexpectantlookonhisface.“Icouldshowyou.”
JennaglancedoveratKane,whoshruggedalmostunperceivably.“WehavetoattendtheCoppersmithautopsyinafewminutesbutwe’llheadupthereafterlunch.”Shemadeafewnotesinherdaybookthenglancedathimagain.“Whilewe’reaway,checkuponthewhereaboutsofMr.Woods.IwanttoknowwherehewasatthetimeofLillyCoppersmith’smurder.BradfordandWalterswillbothbeondutybythenandyoucanshowuswheretofindtheBlytheproperty.”
“Yes,ma’am.”
Sheglancedatherdeputies.“I’llreleaseanothermediastatementwarningpeoplewehaveanarmedanddangerousmanintheforest.I’llgiveabriefdescriptionandaskthemtocallinonthecrimeinformationhotlineiftheyseeanyoneactingsuspiciously.”Shepushedbothhandsthroughherhair.“I’mnotbankingongettingmuchresponsewhenninetypercentofthemenintowncarryweaponsintheforestandwearcamo.”
“ItwouldsavetimeifyouattendedtotheautopsyandIcollectedthehorses.”Kane’seyebrowsrose.“WecaneasilypickupRowley’smountontheway.”Hepushedtohisfeetandswungthecupfromthehandle.
Jenna’sdaywasgettingmorecomplicatedbythesecondbutKanedidhaveapoint.“Sure,thatworksforme.I’llgrabsomelunchandwecaneatalongthewaytoBearPeak.”ShelookedupatKane.“BringDukealong,he’llenjoytherun.”
“Yes,ma’am.”Kanesmiledatherinaflashofwhiteteeththenheadedforthedoor.
38
HegapedatthebreakingnewsstorysplashedacrosshisTVscreenindisbelief.Thesheriffwasgivingasternwarningabouthikingwithakillerontheloose.Photographsofthefacesofhislatestkillswereoutthereforalltosee.Thishadneverhappenedbefore,butthennoonehadfoundonealiveuntilnow.Imustbelosingmyedge.
HelistenedinmorbidfascinationasthenewscastergavedetailsofColterBarry’sscrapewithdeath.Thewhimperingpieceofshitwasalive.Dammit,hehadshothiminthehead,nearslicedhisspinethrough,andhehadlived.Hepickedaglassofbourbonfromthetableandhurleditagainstthewall.Thepungentliquidspilleddowntheflockwallpaperandspreadoverthebeigewoolcarpetinanuglybrownstain.Glassfragmentsmixedwiththeicefromtheglassandglistenedinthestreamoflightfromthewindow,triggeringamemoryofsunbeamsoncrimsonblood.Hetouchedhislips,stillcoolfromthedrink,andcouldfeelLilly’smouthagain,coldagainsthisflesh.
Hehadenjoyedkillingher.
Hewishedhecouldkillheragain.
ThevoicefromtheTVdraggedhisattentiontothescreen,andangerbubbledbacktothesurface.HestoodandpacedtheroomlisteningtoadvicetoavoidthelesspopularmountaintrailsuntilthesheriffhadinvestigatedColterBarry’sclaims.Howdareshegetinvolved?
AninterviewfollowedwiththetwomenwhohadfoundColterBarrydisorientatedandravinglikealunatic.OneofthemenfiguredastraybulletcouldhaveshotBarryashewasmovingclosetoaregulatedhuntingarea.Hestoppedpacingandstaredatthescreen,waitingforthenewscaster’scomment.
“Well,folks,ifyou’regoinghiking,takecare;afterall,itishuntingseason.”
Hetookabottleofbourbonfromthebarandmadehimselfadrinkthenslippedavideocardintohisplayer.AstheimageofLillyrunningawayfromhiminterrorflashedontothescreen,hisheartracedinanticipation.“Run,runasfastasyoucanbecauseIknowhowthismovieendsandIcan’twait.”
39
Jennatookthreedeepbreathsandpulledonafacemask,thenscannedherIDcardandsteppedinsidethemorgue.Herself-confidenceindealingwiththedeathsofvictimshadincreasedtenfoldsinceWolfe’sarrivalinBlackRockFalls.Theoldmessagethatusedtoplaythroughherhead,Thedeadcan’thurtyou,oftencametomindatahorrificcrimescene,butWolfe’scalmingandreassuringwordssteeledherresolveduringthemoregruelingautopsies.
Hisinsistencetotreateachcorpsewithdignity,asinlife,withanameandastorytotell,waswhatseparatedhimfromtheothercoronersshehaddealtwithinhertimeinlawenforcement.BeforeWolfecameintoherlife,shewouldforceherhumanityintothebackgroundinanefforttodealwithhorrificcrimes.Nowsheviewedthingsverydifferently.EachvictimhadastorytotellandsheneededtobeattheautopsytolistentowhatLillyCoppersmithhadtosayaboutthemanwhohadtakenherlife,andpreventhimkillingagain.
Shetookinthescenebeforeher.WolfeinmaskandgloveswithColeWebberdiscussingsamplestakenfromthecrimescene.“Morning.”
“Great,you’reearly.”Wolfepulleddownhismaskandsmiledather.“I’mworkingatwarpspeedtoday.AnnaisinaschoolplayandIneedtobethereaftershefinishesschooltohelpout.”
Jennanodded.“Yes,Kanementionedherplay.Wethoughtwemightcomealongtonightandwatchher,ifthat’sokay?”
“Itwouldmakeherday.”WolfeindicatedtoWebbertoremoveLillyCoppersmith’sbodyfromadrawerinthemorguerefrigerator.HisattentionmovedbacktoJenna.“Aswithourothervictims,IhaveusedColeasthelawenforcementwitnesstoconducttheautopsy.Itmeansyouhavetheresultsfasterandgivesmeampletimetoexplainthedifferentprocedurestohim.Iknowsomeofthisisalittlegruelingformostpeople.Ihopethispracticeisstillokaywithyou?”
Awaveofreliefspreadoverher.Sheunderstoodtheneedtobepresent,butthisway,hewasabletogiveherhisfindingsandexplainbyshowinghertheevidence.“Yes,havingWebberworkingwithyouisabonusforbothofus.”SheglancedatWebber.“Howdoyouliketheworksofar?”
“It’sveryinterestingandI’menjoyingthetheorysideaswell.”Webberpushedthegurneyunderahugetheatrelight.“Ihadnoideabeingacoroner’sassistantwassoinvolvedbutIlikedoingthisjob.”
“I’mgladyou’rehappy.”JennaglancedatWolfe.“We’vehadadevelopmentinthecase.Apartfromourtwosuspects,CanavarandWoods,RowleymentionedaVietnamvetwhoisabitcrazyoutofBearPeak.AsoonasI’vefinishedhere,we’reheadinguptointerviewhim.”
“WearyourKevlarvests,justincase.”WolfepulledbackthesheetonLillyCoppersmith’sdeathlywhitebody.“Okay,wehaveafemale,Caucasian,identifiedasLillyCoppersmithoutofBlackwater,Montana.Twentyyearsold,fivefeetfourinchestall.Shewasingoodphysicalhealthatthetimeofdeath.”HeliftedLilly’shandsonebyone.“Wefoundnotraceevidenceunderhernailsoranyindicationatallshefoughtherkiller.”
JennareplayedColterBarry’sinterviewinhermind.“Shedidn’tfightbackinordertosaveherboyfriendfrombeingburnedalive.”
“Thereareligaturemarksonbothwrists,thefirstconsistentwiththekillertyingherarmsbehindherbackforaperiodoftime.”Wolfe’spalegraygazemovedtoherfaceandhefrowned.“Fromthebruisingonherupperthighsandgenitalarea,shewasalivewhenherapedher.Thehypostasisinthelowerarmsordiscolorationoftheskinwouldindicatethekillerplacedherinthepositionwefoundher,sittingwithherarmsextendedaboveherhead,beforeheinflictedthewoundstoherarmsandlegs.”
JennamovedcloserandpeeredatLilly’sface.“Whatdoyoumakeofthebruisesonherface?”
“Thelacerationsonherlegsandarmswouldhavecausedpainandbloodloss.”WolfeglancedatWebber.“Colehasatheoryaboutthemarks.”
“Yeah,theyaren’tasbrutalasthefirstmurder.Ifigurehewasslappingheraroundtokeepherconscious.”Webberpointedtoadistinctoutlineoffingermarksononecheek.“That’saslapnotapunch.”
“So,what’sthecauseofdeath?”JennaturnedherattentionbacktoWolfe.“Bloodloss?”
“Nope.”Wolfeindicatedtoasmallwoundjustbelowtheribsontheleftside.“ThisiswhyIbelievethekillerhasmilitarytrainingofsomekind.ThatisthesamesharpforceinjuryusedonBaileyCanavar.Itisalethalandeffectiveblowoftenusedinmortalcombat.Iwouldsay,duetobloodloss,shewaslapsingintounconsciousness,andinflictingpainwasnolongergivingherkillerpleasure.”
“AnythingelseIshouldknow?”Jennasuckedinadeepbreaththenregrettedit,tastingtheawfulsmellofthemorgueonhertongue.“SofareverythingmatchesMr.Barry’sstoryaboutthemurder.”
“We’llhavetheresultsfromthesamplesinadayorsobutIdoubttheywillgiveusanymoreinformationaboutthekiller.It’spointlessrevisitingthecrimescene;heavyrainwillhavedestroyedanyfurtherbloodevidenceorfootprints.”Wolfesighed.“AswefoundnotraceevidencefromathirdpersononLilly’sbody,itendorsesMr.Barry’srecollectionthatthekillerwascoveredfromheadtofoot.InmyopinionfromtheevidenceI’vefound,heistellingthetruth.”HeshookhisheadandcoveredthebodywithreverencethenliftedhisgazetoJenna.“Becarefulintheforest.Thiskillerisdangerous;hecouldbeinfluencedbydrugsandisfrightenedofnothing.”
40
KanerodebesideJenna,allowingRowleytotakethelead.DuringthetimeJennahadattendedtheautopsy,hehaddugintoBraydenandJosephBlythe’slives.Afterdiscoveringbothhadpriorsforassault,hediscussedthepairwitholdDeputyWalters.ItwascommonknowledgearoundthesepartsthattheBlythestookshotsatanyoneventuringunannouncedontheirland.Hedidnotintendtowalkintoapotentiallydangeroussituationandhadaddedtheirphonenumbertohiscontacts.
Theyhadleftthefirebreakandheadeddownthemountainalonganovergrowntrailwindingitswaythroughtheforest.Asthepathwaynarrowed,hefellback,allowingJennatorideinthemiddle.Hekepthismindalert,scanningtheforestforanymovementorglimpsesofcolor.
Hisattentionwenttoeverytreetheyrodepast,checkingforanysignofatrailcam.Rightnow,hetrustednoone.Asfarashewasconcerned,theyhadenteredthelion’sden.Jennawasacloseexampleofthetypethekillerenjoyedtorturingandcouldbewatchingthem.
Anyonecouldconcealthemselveswithintheshadowydepthsoftheforest.Withthewindcreakingthebranchesoverhead,andthewealthofwildlifeonthemovedisguisinganypossiblefootfalls,amanincamouflagewouldbeinvisible.Hell,hehadhiddenhimselfinaforestmanytimesduringhisdeploymentandhadtakendowntheenemywithoutbreakingasweat.
Thekillerhadchosenaperfectbackgroundforhiscrimes,andthesizeoftheforestalonegavehimahugeadvantage;hecouldbeanywhereinanareaofoveramillionacres.WearingKevlarjacketswouldgivethemaslightadvantage,butwiththreeofthem,thekillermightgoforaheadshot.
HemovedhishorseupclosertoJennaastheymaneuveredthroughatightswitchback.“Hey,Jenna.Don’tgettoofaraheadofme.”
Sheslowedandturnedinhersaddle,aconcernedlookonherface.“Youokay?”
“Yeah,andifthatcrazyisinthearea,Iwanttobecloseby.”Helookedahead,seeingonlythetipofDuke’stailmovingthroughthelonggrass.“EvenDukeisinvisibleuphere.”
“I’llbedamnedifI’mgoingtoallowaserialkillertospoiltheforestforme.”Shedroppedherreinsandspreadherarmswide.“Thisplaceismagnificent,andwhenI’moutherewithyou,Ifeelsafenotscared.Whenthisnightmareisover,wehavetospendaweekenduphereandregenerate.”ShetippedherheadtowardRowleymovingawayinthedistance.“Hewouldmakeagoodagent.Hisheadhasbeenturninginalldirections.Heisgettinglikeyouandwatchingeverymovement.”
Hesmiledather.“Youtrainedhimwell.”
AheadRowleyhadstoppedandturnedaround,regardingthemwithinterest.Kanewavedathim.“Howmuchfurther?”
“Theborderoftheirlandisjustoverthere.”Rowleypointedintothedistance.“Icanseethesigns.”
“Okay,holdup,I’llgivethemacall.”Kaneslippedthecellphonefromhispocketandcalledthenumber.“Mr.Blythe,thisisDeputyKane.Thesheriffneedstospeakwithyouaboutamanseentrespassinginthisareaatnight.Canwecomeuptothehouse?”
“Iguess,butIdon’tknownothin’’boutnotrespassers.”
“Thanks,we’llbetheredirectly.”KanedisconnectedandnoddedatJenna.“We’regoodtogo.”
HeurgedhishorseforwardandfollowedRowleytoanovergrowndriveway;nogatebut“Notrespassing”signswrittenhaphazardlyinredacrossroughboardslitteredthearea.Thepaintonthehand-drawnlettershaddrippeddowntheboardslikeblood,givingeachoneamacabretoneasiftoaddtothewarning.Thesmellofrottingfleshwaftedtowardthem,andheshotaglanceatJenna.“Thatdoesn’tsmellgood.”
“Beonalert,wedon’tknowwhattoexpect.”Jenna’seyesflashedawarningassheuncoveredhersidearmandrestedherpalmonthehandleofherpistol
WhenDukegavehischaracteristicwhine,tellingKanetobeware,thehairsonthebackofhisneckstoodtoattention.HeturnedtoRowley.“Fallbackandstayinthecoverofthetrees;theydon’tknowyouarewithusandwemightneedyoutowatchourbacks.Haveyourrifleattheready.”
“Surething.”Rowleymovedhishorseintotheshadowsofthepines.
“Oh!”Jennapulledupbesidehim,hermouthturneddowninobviousdisgust.“Aretheyskins?”
Kanestaredatthedilapidatedcabinwitharicketyoldporch.Variousskins,squirrelandmayberat,dangledfromthefrontporch,crawlingwithflies.“Yeah,Ifiguretheyusethemforblankets.Waltersmentionedtheyrarelygointotownunlessit’stobuyammunition.HealsosaidtheyhaveanarsenalofweaponsandBraydenmightbeanoldmanbutheisatoughSOB.”
“Theyeatrats?”Jenna’sfaceblanched.“That’sdisgusting.”
Kanewrinkledhisnose.“I’dsaythemeninsidethecabinwon’tsmelltoogoodeither.Howdoyouwanttohandlethis,ma’am?”
“I’lldothetalking.”Sheliftedherchinandgavehimadeterminedstare.“Youkeepyourhandonyourweapon.Wecouldbestirringupabee’snest.”
Thefrontdoorofthecabincreakedopenacrackandthelongbarrelofarifleslidthroughtheopening.
Jenna’svoicerangout,loudandclear.“BraydenBlythe,thisisSheriffAlton.Loweryourweapon.I’mnotheretoarrestyou.Ijustneedtoaskyousomequestions.”
“Ihavetherighttobeararmstoprotectmyproperty.”Blythe’sgrayheadstuckout.“ThrowyourweaponsonthegroundandI’lltalk.”
“Thatisnotgoingtohappen,Mr.Blythe.”Jennamovedherhorseforwardinashowofcourage.“Ordoyouhavereasontohidebehindthatdoor?We’vehadanumberofmurdersinthisneckoftheforestandvideoconfirmationofaprowlerinthearea.Ifyourefusetocooperate,Icanonlyassumeyouhadsomethingtodowiththemurders.”
“Ididn’tkillnobody.”Aslightmaninhisseventies,whitehairflowingtohisshouldersandwearingatatteredarmyjacketoverfilthycamouflagepants,edgedhiswayoutthedoor.“Sayyourpiecethengetthehelloffmyland.”
“Isyoursonathome?”Jenna’sattentionhadnotwavered.Shesatstraight-backedandwithherchinsetinastubbornangle.“Iwouldliketospeakwithbothofyou.”
“I’mhere.”JosephBlythesteppedontotheporch,abrokenshotgunoveronearm.Heworejeansandasquirrel-skinvestoveraplaidshirt.“Wedon’tknownothin’’boutnomurders.”
“Haveyouseenanyoneintheareaorsuspectedsomeonehasbeensleepinginyourbarnoverthelastweekorso?”Jenna’smaredancedonthespot,eyesrollingatthesmellofdeath.“TheFincheshavefootageofamanhangingaroundtheirbarnatnight.”
TheBlythesturnedawayandspoketoeachotherinhushedtones,ignoringJenna’squestion.Kanemovedtoherside.Hismountseemedtocalmthemareandshesettled.HeleanedtowardJenna.“Whataretheyupto?”
“Ihopethey’renotplanningonmurderingustoeatfordinner.”Jenna’smouthquirkedupinthecorners.“Although,you’dlikelybetougherthansquirrel.”
“Thanks.”Kaneshookhisheadanddroppedhisvoicetojustaboveawhisper.“Don’tworry.Icouldtakethemdownbeforetheytookaim.”
“I’mbankingmylifeonit.”Jenna’sgazedriftedoverhimforasplitsecondbeforereturningtotheBlythes.
Kanetookinthesizeofbothmen:Theoldermanwouldnotfitthedescriptionofbeingstrongandmobilebutthesonwasamuscularmaninhislatethirtiesorearlyforties.ColterBarryhadnotmentionedseeingtwomenatthesceneofthecrimeandhewouldimaginethesemendidjustabouteverythingtogether.“JosephfitsthedescriptionBarrygaveus,butit’shisfatherwhohasthereputationofbeingcrazy.”
“Well,Mr.Blythe?”Jenna’sexpressionhadturnedintoexasperation.“Ifyouhavesomethingtotellus,spititout;wehaveotherpeopletovisitthisafternoon.”
“Nope,wehaven’tseenanyone.”BraydenBlythemovedoutontotheporch,hisattentionfocusedonDuke.“ButI’lltradeyouforthedog.”
KanejumpedinbeforeJennahadtimetoreact,hopinghemightgetachancetoseeinsidethehouse.“Whatareyouoffering?Weapons?”
“Youwouldn’t.”Jenna’shorrifiedexpressionsurprisedhim.“Noway.”
“Trustme.”KaneswungdownfromhishorseandledhismounttowardJoseph.“I’malwayslookingforanewweapon.Wouldyoumindholdingmyhorse?Heisabitskittisharoundthesheriff’smare.”
“Yeah,Joewilltakecareofyourhorse.Wehaveweaponsandstuff.ComeinsideandI’llshowyou.”
Kanemovedthroughthedoorandduckedhishead.Thelowceilingsclosedaroundhiminaclaustrophobicnightmare.Inside,therankstenchofrottingfleshoverlaidwithunwashedmaleandgarbageburnedhisnostrils.Witheveryoneofhissensesonhighalert,hepeeredintothedimroom,waitingafewsecondsforhiseyestoadjusttothelightbeforefollowingtheoldman.Hescannedtheareaforaboobytrap,keepingoneearopenforJosephtocreepupbehindhim.
Avoidingthedesiretoreachforhisflashlight,hebattedawayflypaperhangingallthroughthehouselikeChristmasdecorationsandmovedthroughpilesofskins,stackedupandtiedwithstring.Oldbarrelsfilledwithpartsofantlerswereagainstonewallandarowofjarscontainingteethsatonabookcase.Theonlysignofcomfortcameintheformoftwooldsofasbesidethehearth.Shoot,he’dbeeninsidetanksthatofferedmorecomfort.Filthycushionsontheseatssanklowtothefloorbeforeacoffeetablepiledhighwithdirtydishes.Cockroachesscattered,makingarushingsound,movingfromonegarbage-inspireddécorthemetoanother.Thecluttercontinuedthroughintothekitchen.Foranex-militaryman,BraydenBlythesurewasmessy.
Thekitchenatleasthadwindows,wherelighttriedtoforceitswaythroughthegrime.Kane’sattentionwenttoalineofpegsbesidethebackdoor.Threebackpacksinarangeofcolorsandstyleshunginaneatrow,andbeneaththembootsofvarioussizes.“Youmarried?Anyotherkids?”
“Nope.”Blytheindicatedwithonedirtyfingertothebackpacks.“They’remine,foundabandonedintheforest.Ididn’tstealnothin’.Ihopedsomeonewouldofferarewardorsomethin’andIpostedafoundnoticeinthegeneralstorewindow,alllegallike.”
Kanenoticedtheman’sbelligerentexpression.“Canyoutellmeexactlywhereyoufoundthemandwhen?”
“Nope,lastonewasoverayearago.”Blythesmiledayellowgrin.“Couldhavebeenononeoffiftyorsotrails,andmymemoryain’tsogoodthesedays.”
Kanekepthisbacktothecounter,eyeingtheimpressiverowsofweaponstakinguponeentirewall.Belowtheyhadstackedboxesofammunitionofftheflooronapileofcinderblocks.“Youwentthroughthem,right?”
“Yeah,didn’tfindmuch—clothesmosttimesandfood,noIDs.”Blythescreweduphisface.“Wedidn’ttouchnothin’.Peoplegetlostuphereorthebearsorcatsgetthem.Ididn’tstealnothin’.”
Kaneshrugged.“Ididn’tsayyoudid.”Hemovedclosertothebackpacksandexaminedthem.Asfarashecoulddetermine,thebagshadnobloodspatterandhehadnoevidenceforasearchwarranttoseizethemasevidence.Although,ifBlythegavethemtohimwillinglyandsignedastatement,anyevidencetheyfoundwouldbeadmissible.Hewavedahandtowardthebags.“Althoughtheyinterestme,whatdoyouwantforthem?”
“Thebloodhound?”Blythelookedhopefulthenshookhishead.“Nope,I’dhavetosweetenthedeal.Yourdogwouldbeworthadealofmoney.”
“Well,youdon’thaveanythingI’mlookingforinweapons,ifthatisallyouhave?”KanekeptonehandrestingonthebuttofhispistolasBlythestillhadafirmgriponhisrifle.
“That’sall.”Blythechewedonhisbottomlip.“Shame,Ireallylikeyourdog.”
“Haveyouseenorheardanythingunusualoverthelastweekorso?”Kanewatchedhisreactionbuttheoldman’sattentionspanseemedtodriftinandout
“Thereisalwayssomethin’goingonintheforest.”BlythegaveKanealong,consideringlook.“Iseenthingsoutthere.Heardwhispersandscreamsthatain’tnocat.Foundathighboneallcheweduponeday.Joe,hebringshomethebagswhenheisouthuntin’squirrel.”Heloweredhisvoice.“HeseenCharlieouttherehidinginthewoods,waitingtoambushhim.He’sasmartkid—hedoubledbackandwelockeduptheplaceandkeptwatchallnight.Heardshotsandscreams,thebastardtookdownoneofours.He’souttherewaitin’.Youneedtowatchyourback.”
Kanenodded.TheoldmanwasrelivinghistimeintheVietnamWar.“Charlie”wasderivedfromtheradiocode,VictorCharlieorVCfortheVietCongenemysoldiers.PerhapsJosephhadseentheAsianmanbeforehewasbrutallymurdered.OrwasJosephthekiller?HeneededtogetbacktoJennasohepulledtwofifty-dollarbillsfromhiswallet.“I’llgiveyouahundredbucksforthebackpacksandtheshoes.I’llneedyoutosignastatementsayingyouhandedoverthebagswillinglyandwithoutduress.Takeitorleaveit.Thedogstayswithme.”
“Done.”Themanspatonhishandandhelditoutwithagrin.
Kanelookedattherottingyellowteethandslappedthebillsintotheman’shand,avoidingthespittle.“Thanks.I’llwriteupastatementinmynotebookforyoutosign.”
“Sure,whenwe’redone,sendJoeinandwe’llthrowtheminasackandbringthemoutside.”Heopenedthedoortoahugerefrigeratorandpulledoutabeer.“Beer?”
Kanemadesuretotakenoteofthecontentsofthefridge,relievednobodypartssatontheshelves.“Ah,nothanks,I’monduty.”
Businessdone,Kanewenttothebackdoorandflungitopen,gladofthefreshair.“I’llgooutthisway.Ineedtheexercise.”Heescapedfromthecabinandtookagoodlookaroundtheramshacklebuildings.
Apartfromthegoatsandafewchickens,nothingseemedoutofplace,andthedisgustingsmellseemedtobecomingfromthehouse.HewanderedaroundtothefrontofthecabinandnoticedJenna’spinchedexpression.Afternoddingtoher,hewalkedtoJoseph.“Yourfatherwantshelpcarryingouttherucksacksandboots.Niceplace.Doesithavearootcellar?”
“Nope,itsitsonbedrock.”Josephturnedtogo.
“Wheredidyoufindthebackpacks?Andyourfathermentionedathighbone.Human,wasit?”
“Wefoundthembagsallover.IfoundthebonesomeyearsagoandI’mnodoctor,itcouldhavebelongedtoanelk.HewouldhavetoldyouaboutCharlie.”Josephgavehimacuriousglare.“Iwasn’timaginingseeingCharlieupthemountainlastweek.Twoofthemincamo,oneturnedandlookedatme,soIhightaileditbackhere,zigzaggin’alltheway.TheoldmanmightbecrazybutIseenthemwithmyowntwoeyes.”
Kanetookinhisconcernedexpression.Hesawgenuinefearinhiseyes.“Areyousurethereweretwomen?Notjusthuntersmovingthroughthearea?Themajorityofthemwearcamouflage—whyarethesemendifferent?”
“Nope,itwasCharlie.IsawoneoftheirfacesclearasI’mseein’younow.HewasAsian.”
WhenJosephwalkedintothehouse,KaneglancedupatJenna.“Yougood?”
“Yeah,hewasafountainofnon-information.”Shegaveasarcasticsnort.“Findanythinginteresting?”
“Oh,yeah.”HegaveJennathedetails.“Thebackpacksarecrucialevidence,especiallyifwecanidentifytheowners.Ifthekillerhasbeenactiveinthisareaforsometime,hehascoveredhistrackswell.Choosingatimebeforebearsgointohibernationandeatingeverythingavailablewouldbetheperfecttimetoleavebodiesforthewildlifetoscatter.Sofar,hisvictimshavebeenvisitors,mostlyonhikingholidays,whomovearound.Somecouldbeforeignbackpackers,andwhentheygomissingtheymightnotcomeuponourradar,orwehaven’tfoundabody,sowedismissthereport.”
“Thenwestartfindingbodiesbecausethesuddenincreaseintourismandhuntinghasmadeitmorelikelyforsomeonetostumbleovertheremains.”Jennawrinkledhernose.“Ihatetosayitbutyoustink.”
“Ihopeitwashesoffanddoesn’tfollowmearound.”HebenttopatDuke,andthebloodhoundsniffedhimthensneezedbutremainedcloseby.“Nowthere’sdevotion.”Heswungupintohissaddle.“Hedoesn’tcare.”
“Juststaydownwind.”Jennaloweredhervoice.“DoyouthinkJosephisinvolved?”
Kanegathereduphisreins.“I’mnotcertain.HeissmallerthanthemanwhoattackedBarry,butwitharmybootsandahat,hewouldlooktaller.Theyhaveanarsenalinthehousebutonethingwasmissing—acrossbow,andIdoubttheyhavethecashtobuythetypeofboltsusedinthehomicides.”
“Onethingisforsure.”Jennapushedalockofblackhairfromherfaceandtuckeditinsideherwoolencap.“Wehavelocalizedthekillingfield.IfwhattheBlythessaidistrue,thismaniacisrunningriottheentirelengthofBearPeak.”
41TUESDAY,WEEKTWO
“I’mfine,stopfussing.”Kanepushedthewrappedpackageoffrozenpeasagainsthistempleandclosedhiseyesagainstthethrobbingpain.
“I’msosorry.”Jenna’svoicesoundedveryloud.“I’llpouryouanothercoffee.”
Kaneopenedoneeyeandblinkedather.“Itwasn’tyourfault.Dukedistractedmebybarkingjustasyouaimedthekickatmyhead.Iturnedintotheblow,soit’smybad.”Hesighed.“I’dloveanothercoffeebutIneedtotakemymeds.Theyhelpmekeepmybalanceifthepaingetsbad.”
“I’llgogetthem.”Jennapushedthecuptowardhimthenexaminedhisfaceclosely.“YoureyescrossedwhenIhityou.Isthatsignificant?”
Hissighthadbeenblurrysinceshe’dkickedhiminthetemple,buthesqueezedherarmtoreassureher.“No,Idon’tthinkso.Themedsareinthebathroomoverthesink.”Hefishedhiskeysoutofhispocketandhandedthemtoher.“Thanks.”
Themomentshesteppedoutthefrontdoor,Kane’scellphonevibratedinhispocket.ThisisallIneed.HesquintedatthecallerIDand,seeingitwasWolfe,acceptedthecall.“Whathasyouupsoearly?Greatplaylastnight.Yourdaughterhastalentandwereallyenjoyedwatchingher.”
“Thanks,AnnawasoverthemoonwhensheheardyouandJennawerethere.Ireallyappreciatethesupport;well,wealldo.Itmeansalot.”Wolfeclearedhisthroat.“IcalledJennabutshedidn’tpickup.”
Kaneglancedoutthekitchendoor.“She’llbebacksoon.CanIhelp?”
“ThereasonIcalledisthatRowleygotacallfromtheFBI’sCyberDivisionandgavethemmynumberasIunderstandthetechnicalsideofthings.Theyinterceptedafragmentofatransmissiononthedarkwebinvolvinghumanhunting.”
Kaneputdownthefrozenpeasandwentforhiscoffee.“Whycontactus?”
“Theyarecontactinganumberoflawenforcementagenciesacrossawidearea.Theyhadabotanistexaminethetreesandshrubsinthefootageandbelieveitisanalpineregion.AnyofMontana’smountainrangesthroughtoColorado.Fromthedescriptiontheygaveme,thelocationcouldeasilybeStantonForest.Afterthecurrentmurders,itwasahead’sup.”
Kanefrownedandinstantlyregretteditthenpressedthefrozenpeasagainsthistemple.“Yeah,fromwhatBarryColtersaid,thekillerwasactingasifhewashuntingthem,andweknowheusedabodycam.Doyoufigurehecouldbeuploadingimagestothedarkweb?Thetechnologyisavailabletojustaboutanyonenow.”
“FromwhatIunderstandhecouldbestreamingvideofromthemurderscene.Wecouldbelookingatakillerwhoisrunningamember’sonlyclubonlineorsomethingsimilarwithapayingaudience.You’dbesurprisedwhatisavailableonthedarkweb.”
“Youmeanapay-per-viewmurder?Holycow,I’veheardeverythingnow.”Kaneallowedtheinformationtopermeateintohisbrain.“Ineedtothinkonthisone.Ifthisisourkiller,wehaveanewbreedofpsychopathinthearea.”
“Ifanyonecanprofilehim,youcan.”Wolfesighed.“Whoeverheis,heisbrutal,andfromBarryColter’sstatement,hegetsagreatdealofpleasureoutofmakinghisvictimssuffer.”
Aftertakingafewsipsofhiscoffee,Kanepushedthroughtheacheradiatingfromthemetalplateinhisheadandtriedtothinkstraight.“Youhavetheequipmenttohackintothedarkweb.Doyouthinkyoucantrackthepeopleinvolvedandseeifthetrailleadsbackhere?”
“Notonechanceinhell.Theybouncethesignalaroundtheworld.Itwouldbeimpossibletolocatethem,butfromtheinformationtheFBIgaveme,Imightbeabletolocatethesiteoraghostcopyofthepagetheorganizerused.IfIcanfindthat,theFBIcantakeitfromthere.I’llworkfromhomeasmyequipmentisnotwhatyoumightcall‘standardissue’andleaveWebberinchargeoftheME’sofficefortheday.HewillprocessthebackpacksyoucollectedfromtheBlythes’cabinandemailalistofanythingusefulhefinds.I’mnotexpectingthetestresultstoarrivefromthesampleswetookatthecrimescenesforadayorso.”
Kanesighed.“Okay,letmeknowifyourundownsomeleads.”
“Sure,andthanksagainforcomingtotheplay.Youmademylittlegirlveryhappy.”
“That’swhatfamilyisfor.”Kanesmiledasthelinewentdead.
“Whosefamily?”Jennawalkedintothekitchenandstaredathimwithincredulitystampedalloverherface.“Jesus,Kane,youdidn’tbreakcover,didyou?”Shehandedhimthebottleofmedication.
“Nah.”Kaneopenedthebottle,tippedouttwopills,thenswallowedthemwithcoffee.“ThatwasWolfethankingusforgoingtotheplay.”Heleanedbackinthekitchenchairandstaredather,willinghiseyestofocus.“HehadacallfromtheFBI.”
Afterexplaining,hetossedthepeasintothefreezer.“He’llletusknowifhefindsanythingandWebberwillemailcopiesofanyinfohefindsinthebackpackswepickedupfromtheBlythes’cabin.Hewillbegoingoverthemlookingfortraceevidenceoffoulplayaswell.”
“ItsoundslikeWolfehaseverythingundercontrolhisend,butIguessitwillbejustme,Bradford,andRowleytoday.”Shepushedtoherfeet.“Although,Idon’tlikeleavingyoualonewithaheadinjury.”Hercoolhandrestedonhisforehead.“MaybeIshouldstayhome.Icanrunthingsfromhere.”
Kanesnorted.“Oncethepillskickin,thedizzinesswillsubsideandI’llbegoodtogo.”Hesmiledather.“I’vehadbiggerhitsplayingfootball.It’snotasifyouknockedmeout.ThisplateinmyheadobviouslymakesmemorevulnerablethanIrealized.”
“Idon’tthinkso.Itwaslikehittingabrickwall;myheelisstillsoreandyoudidn’tmoveoneinch.”Jennawiggledherfoot.“Iwentfullforceandthoughtyouwouldduckoutofthewayasusual.”Shesighed.“Ishouldbeabletotakeyoudownbynow.”
“Notnecessarily.”Kanesighedwithreliefasshecamebackintofocus.“Butyouwouldbeabletotakedownthemajorityofmenmysize.”Hefinishedhisbeverageandlookedupather.“FromtheinformationWolfegaveme,ifthiskillerisusingBearPeakashispersonalkillingfieldsandstreamingittoanaudienceonline,wearedealingwithaverycomplicatedtypeofpsychopathicbehavior.Mostareinaworldoftheirownmaking.Theyactoutasceneintheirminds,orkillinacertainwaytosatisfyaneed.”Hetwirledthemedicationbottleonthetableandstaredatitforsomemoments.“Ifthismaniskillingtoentertainothersaswellasfeedinghisownneed,wehaveakillerwearingacoatofmanycolors,unpredictableanddeadly.”
42
Laterthatmorning,Jennacalledthedeputiesintoherofficeandbroughtthemuptodate.ShehadbeenkeepingacloseeyeonKane.Aftershehadkickedhiminthetemple,hehadstoodthereandstaredatherwithhisgazeslightlyoffcenterforsomemomentsbeforereacting.Ithadfrightenedhermorethanshewouldeveradmit.Withaplateinhishead,shewasaware,hesufferedheadachesinwinterandwasnotsureifhissilentagonywasatoughguythingorhehadtheabilitytoignorepainfromhisyearsofmilitarytraining.Hisfacewasstillpalewhenhetookaseatinfrontofherdesk.Hehadinsistedoncomingintotheofficebuthadatleasttakentherideshehadoffered.
Shewavedatthecopiousamountsofnotesshehadaddedtothewhiteboard.“OursuspectisCaucasian,betweenfivetenandsixfeettall,muscularbuild,strong.Hedisguisedhisvoice,sowedon’thaveanaccent.”
“Icouldstepoutsideandhaulinsixmenoffthesidewalkwhomatchthatdescription.”Bradfordwrinkledhernose.“MybetisthekillerisJimCanavar.Heseemsthemostlikelytobedoingthis,goingonhishistory.”
Jennawelcomeddiscussion.Shestoodandwenttothewhiteboard.“Yes,heisonthesuspectlist.Thehusbandisalwaysapersonofinterest,andashislastgirlfriendwentmissingandheseemstohavevanished,hegoestothetopofmylist.”
“Don’tforgetheisaplayer.”Rowleystraightenedinhischair.“Bailey’sfriendsdidn’thidethefacthelikestoplaythefield.”
“JimandBaileyseemedprettydevotedtoeachother.”KanecrossedhislonglegsattheanklesandlookedatJenna.“Although,I’msurprisedhetookBaileybackupthemountainaftershefoundtheskull.Sheseemedalittlefreakedouttome.Hermoneywouldbeamotiveforkillingher—ifhehadplannedtohavehervanishlikehisgirlfriend.Somethingcouldhavegonewrongandanimalsdidnothavetimetoscatterhisvictims’remains.ItwouldbejustdumbluckforsomeonetotripoverthebodiesinanareathesizeofStantonForest.”Heliftedhischin.“IgatherfromthegossiphewasinvolvedwithBaileyintheweeksbeforehisex-girlfriendwentmissing,whichmakesmewonderifthegirlfriendwasatrialrun.”
“Whatifhekilledthefirstcoupleaswell?”Rowley’seyebrowsroseinquestion.“Hecouldhavetakenhiswifetothemurderscenejusttoseehowwellthewildlifehadscatteredtheremains.”
“Thatisapossibility.Itmightbeanideatolookathisphonerecordsandseewherehewasatthetime.”Kanerubbedthedarkeningbruiseonhistemple.“Theymightnotshowusmuchifhemakesahabitofditchinghiscellphoneandtakinghiswomenoffthegridtokillthem.”
Jennanoddedinagreement.“Yeah,butwe’llneedtodoasearchofhismovementsgoingbackayear.Rowley,callDetectiveStokesattheHollywoodprecinctandtellhimwhatweneed.Theymightbeabletochasedownsomeleads.”
“I’msureheisthekiller.Ireadhisfileandheisatypicalsleazeball.”BradfordgaveJennaanexasperatedlook.“IfiguretheAsianguywashisaccomplice,buthekilledhimandusedhisvehicletomakehisgetaway.”
DecidingtoexplainratherthanchallengeBradford’sassertions,Jennafoldedherarmsandleanedagainstthewall.“Thatcouldbetrue,andaswehaven’tanycluestoJohnDoe’sidentity,I’mnotrulingouthewasinvolvedinsomeway.”
“Idisagree.”Kaneshrugged.“WehavenoevidencetosuggestJohnDoewasinvolved.ThebloodspatterevidencesuggestshediedafterBailey.Hecouldhavetriedtoassistherandthekillermurderedhimaswell.”
“We’vehadanall-pointsbulletinoutonCanavarsincehiswife’sbodywasdiscoveredandhisfacehasbeensplashedalloverthenews.”Jennastaredatthefacesofherdeputies.“NotoneoftheleadspannedoutevenwiththesubstantialrewardBailey’sparentshaveoffered.Hehasn’taccessedanyofhisbankaccounts,soifheisstillintheforestheislivingoffthegrid.”
“Okay,butifitishim,whykeepkilling?”Rowleylookedbemused.“Ifmoneyisamotive,asyoubelieve,hewouldn’tgainonecentforkillingLillyCoppersmith.”
“Mostpsychopaths—andweknowthiskillerisonefromwhatwehaveseenofhisbehavior—areverysmart.Moneywouldbeaverysmallpartofhistruemotive;thosedark,disturbingthoughtswouldbeburieddeepinhispsychebuttheallureofmoneyistemptingaswell.”Kanesippedthecupofcoffeehewascradlinginhishands.“IfCanavarisinvolvedinlive-streamingmurderstothedarkweb,itwouldbeverylucrative,sodon’tcounthimoutjustyet.”
Jennaclearedherthroattogeteveryone’sattention.“ThenextpersonofinterestisEthanWoods.Althoughheseemstokeepslippingthroughournetwiththehelpofhislawyer,Istillhavehimfirmlyinmysights.”Sheturnedtotheboard.“HefitsthegeneraldescriptionandwecanplacehimatBearPeakatthetimeofBaileyCanavar’sandJohnDoe’smurders.”
“ItislikelyhewasintheforestwhenLillyCoppersmithwasmurderedaswell.”Rowleyflickedthroughhisnotes.“IwenttotheCattleman’sHotellastnightforamealandranintoagroupofmenIknowwhohuntinthatarea.Asluckwouldhaveit,WoodswassittingatthebarwithJamesStone.IaskedthemiftheyknewWoods,andallofthemmentionedseeinghimatthecheckingstationupthatwaythedaybeforeLilly’smurder.”Hismouthcurledintoasmile.“Theysaidhelookedlikeheplannedtostayawhilefromthegearhewascarrying.”
Jennaglaredathim.“Andyouaretellingmethisnow?”Shedashedafewnotesontothewhiteboard.“Youshouldhaveinformedmeaboutthisevidenceimmediately.”
“Iaddedittohisfile,andthenamesofthepeopleIspoketolastnight.”Rowleyshuthisnotebookwithasnap.“Iknewwe’dbediscussingthecasesfirstupthismorning.Ididn’tconsiderittobeurgent.”
Jennaturnedbacktothewhiteboard.“Okay,theonlyotherpersonsofinterestareJosephBlytheandhisfather,Brayden.”SheglancedatKane.“DuringKane’sinterviewwithBraydenBlythe,ItriedtomakeconversationwithJoseph.Heactedsuspiciouslyandrefusedtolookmeintheeye.Inoticedbloodcakedunderhisfingernails,andwhenIquestionedhim,heinformedmehehadbeenskinningsquirrels,whichmaywellbetrue.”
“Let’slookattheevidence.Theyliveintheareaofallthreemurdersandhavepriors.Bothmenweararmycamouflagegearandhaveanarsenalofweapons.Eitheronecouldbethekiller.”Kaneplacedhiscoffeecuponherdesk.“AlthoughIdidn’tseeacrossbowwiththeirweapons,theydidhaveanumberofbackpacksandpairsofshoestheyclaimtohavefoundabandonedintheforest.WhenWebberprocessesthem,hewillsendoverthedetails.”
“Thebagsandshoescouldbetrophies.”Bradfordcrossedherlegs.“Whatdoyouthink,Sheriff?”
“Idon’tthinkso.Uptonow,thekillerhasn’ttakenthevictims’personalpossessionswithhimasfarasweknow.”Jenna’sattentionmovedtoBradford.“Wefoundthebelongingsoftheothervictimsclosetothescene.TheBlythesremainonourlistofpeopleofinterestuntilprovedotherwise.Theycouldbeoffthegridbecausetheyprefertolivealone.Beingantisocialisn’tacrime;neitheriscollectingthingspeopleleavebehindintheforest.”Shesighed.“Ortheyaremassmurderers.Rightnowwedon’thaveenoughevidencetohaulinanyone.”
43
HeheardtheundertonesofanargumentashestrolledalongthewalkwaybetweenthebarattheCattleman’sHotelandthemainlobby.Heslowedhispace,seeingthecoupleinaheatedexchangeinanalcove,andwonderedwhathadbroughtthesheriffandherdeputytothehotelatlunchtime.Ashemovedcloser,herealizedtheywereoutofuniform.Hisheartskippedabeat;perhapstheyhaddiscoveredhisidentity.
Thesheriffpushedherdeputyhardinthechestandstormedtowardthehotelfoyer.Closernow,hestaredatherfaceinsurprise.Thesmall,dark-hairedwomanwasnotthesheriffatallbutcouldbeacloserelative.Assheheadedforthedoortotherestaurant,themanwithhergavehimadismissiveglanceandfollowedher.Notadoppelg?ngerforDeputyKaneafterall.Thismanwasolder,inhislateforties,andhadaslightpaunch.
Heheadedfortherestaurantandgavehisnametothema?tred’.Anunfamiliarwaiterapproachedandherequestedatableatthebackoftheroomadjacenttothearguingcouple.Hecouldseethewoman’sfaceclearlynow,thewayhereyesflashedwithangerandthestubbornsetofherchin.Sheflickedherdarkhairoutofhereyes,andatthatmoment,theoverpoweringdesiretowatchherdieoverwhelmedhim.Itcameinanemotionsostronghehadtosqueezehiseyesshuttoregaincontrol.Hishandstrembledatthethoughtofherangrygazesetonhim.Shewouldfight—atfirst.
Onceshecametotheunderstandingshewaspartofagame,thefunwouldbegin.Hewouldallowhertorun,justfarenoughbeforeclippinghertoslowherdown.Thehideandseekwasthebestpart.Hecouldalwayssmellwomen’sfear,andwhenhefoundthemanddraggedthembacktotheirmen,theyputonagoodshow.Sincehislastkill,hecravedforanother.Theinstructionscomingthroughhisearpiecefromtheviewers’voteshadheightenedhisexperiencetoanewlevel.
Lillyhadlastedlongerthanexpectedandhehadenjoyedeverymoment.Heopenedhiseyes,peeringoverthemenuatthewomanatthenexttable,andcouldseeherdead,staringeyessuperimposedoverherface.TheceilinglightssparkledontheknifesetsoneatlyonthepristinewhitetableclothandshotthememoryofLilly’sfinalmoanstothefrontofhismind.
Infact,intheend,Lillyhadlookeddarnrightgrateful.Hedidnotwantherthanks;heneededhispreytorealizetherewasnoescapeandnoGodtosavethem.Hewasincontrolofeverybreathandheartbeatuntilhealonedecidedwhentheycoulddie.
ItwasadamnshameLilly’sboyfriendhadgottenaway.Thetrailwhereheleftherwasisolatedandthechancesofanyonefindingthecouple’sbodieswouldhavebeenremote.Fromwhathehadseenonthenewsearlier,thesheriffandherteamhadfinishedtheirinvestigationintheforestanduncoveredfewleads.Withthesheriffbackinheroffice,hecouldplananotherhuntstraightaway.
Hikersswarmedintotowndailyandmosttooktheregulartrailstotakeinthefallsortherivers.Itwasthecouples,whowentintotheforestforsomealonetime,thatheneededforhissport,andtheycameindrovesatthistimeoftheyear.Hischoiceofadark-hairedsmallwomanwasonething,buthauntingthelocalbarsandrestaurantsinthehopeofoverhearingpeople’splanswasmakinghimfartoovisible.Heglancedatthecoupleatthenexttableanddecidedtoshadowthemfora
Thewaiterarrivedandhegavehisorderthentookouthisnotebookandflippedthroughthepages,notreadingaword.Hisattentionhadfixedonthecouple’sconversation.Thewoman,hediscovered,wasMariah,andshecalledhercompanionPaul.HegatheredfromtheirchatMariahworkedashissecretaryandtheywereawayonabusinesstrip,ordirtyweek,takeyourpick.
Shewasnothappy.Apparently,hehadofferedherascenictourofthefalls;theiroutingtothemostpopularareaearlierinthedayhadalmostledtooneofPaul’sbusinesspartnersfindingtheminacompromisingposition,andPaulwasamarriedman.
Helistenedforwhile,losinginterest,butwhenthewaiterdeliveredtheirmeals,PaulwaskindenoughtoaskifthewaiterknewofanysecludedplacesacouplecouldgotobealoneinStantonForest.
Healmostburstoutlaughingwhenthewaitersuggestedtheoldtrailthatranpasthiscave.Soenthusiastictohelpthecouple,thewaitercamebackashorttimelaterwithatouristmapandmarkedthetrailwithhispen.
Mariahseemedtobehappywiththecompromiseandtheymadeplanstorentthegeartheyneededtostayforonenightinthemountains.AstheconferencetheywereattendingwounduponFriday,theycouldheadupthemountainonSaturdaymorning.
Hismealarrivedandthebottleofmerlothefullyintendedtoconsumetothelastdrop.Hesippedhisglassofwineandallowedthearomaticflavortospilloverhistongue.AsitwasTuesday,hehadplentyoftimetosetuphistrailcams.Theaddedbonus:Hecouldvisithisfriendsinthecaveanddiscusshisplanswiththem—afterall,theyweresuchgoodlisteners.
44WEDNESDAY,WEEKTWO
EarlyWednesdaymorning,JennareceivedacallfromWolferequestingameetingtodiscusshisfindings.Nomatterhowmuchsheinsisted,hehadrefusedtodiscussanythingoverthephone.SinceLillyCoppersmith’smurderhadhitthenews,thephoneshadbeenrunninghotwithinformation,allofwhichhadtakenprecioustimetoinvestigate.ThekillerwasaghostorblendedsowellintoBlackRockFalls,noonehadactuallyseenhimmovingtoorfromanyofthecrimescenes.Anyleadstheyhadrundownhadbeenacompletewasteoftime.
ShewaitedforherdeputiestotakeseatsthensmiledatWolfe.“Okay,whatdoyouhaveforme?”
“Plenty.”Wolfedroppedafileonthetable.“I’vebeenworkingcloselywiththeFBI’sCyberDivision.Theydiscoveredasmallthreadofinformationaboutasyndicaterunningapay-per-viewsiteonthedarkweb.Thissiteisdisturbing;forinstance,cannibalism.Ifoundadvertisementsandsomefolksactuallyvolunteertobeeaten.”
“OhmyGod.”Bradfordpaledandcoveredhermouth.
Jennaglaredather.“Goon.”
“Wealreadyknowthedarkwebisusedforeveryillegalactivityacrossthespectrum.Theproblemisthattheyarevirtuallyimpossibletotrack.Theyselectremotelocations,whicharedifficulttoidentify.”Wolfeopenedthefolder.“Untilnow.”HehandedimagestoJennaandKane.“ThesearestillsfromafractionofvideofromthemurderofLillyCoppersmith.”Heclearedhisthroat.“Worsestill,ifyoulookatthebottomoftheimages,youcanseeanindicatorandacorrespondinglist.Ibelievethepeoplewatchingcontrolledwhathappenednext.Theyvotedandpaidforthekiller’snextmove.”
“Thisisafirst,apsychopathtakingordersduringakill.Usuallytheyareinalmostatranceofself-centeredbliss.”Kanesiftedthroughtheimages.“Howmuchofthisdoyouhave?”
“That’sit.”WolfepushedahandthroughhishairandgaveKaneawearylook.“IusedeverytechniqueIknowbutthisorganizationisverysmart;theybroadcastthenautodelete.ThisiswhyIonlyfoundatraceofthevideo.”
Jenna’sstomachclenchedatthehorrificshotsandtherealizationofexactlywhatWolfehaddiscovered.Itwasn’tlongagothatshehadbeenthatwoman,tied,naked,andhelplesswithamaniachoveringoverher.Thiswashertrigger,thescenethatcausedachainreactioninhermindandsenthertumblingintoaflashback.Awaveofnauseawashedoverherandshethrustthememorytothebackofhermindandreplaceditwithabutterflyperchingonaflower.Ashercontroldroppedfirmlybackintoplace,shefoldedherhandsonthetableandtookadeepbreath.Shewasdeterminedtocatchthismanbeforehecouldharmanyoneelse.“Weatleastknowwhyheneededthetrailcamsnow,andthebodycam.”SheglancedatWolfe.“Noleadsonthekiller?Noimagesofhimatall?”
“Nope.Heisusingavoicedistorteraswell,andwhatwedohaveisfragmented;theFBIwillseeiftheycancleanitupbutit’sdoubtful.”Wolfeleanedbackinhischair.“Idohaveinformationonthebackpacks.”Hesiftedthroughthephotographsinthefile.“I’veuploadedallthisinformationtotheappropriatefiles.Aswehaveatleastthreepeople,Inamedthefile‘Backpacks’foraneasyreference.I’llleaveittoyoutochasedownwhatinformationIfoundonthem,butatthisstageIwouldassumetheyaredeceased.”Hesighed.“Untilyoudetermineiftheyaredeadoralive,wehavenothingtoinvestigate.However—”Wolfepulledanevidencebagfromhispocketandplaceditgentlyonthetable“—oneofthebagshadasmallcamerawrappedinapairofsocks.Unusualasmostpeopleusetheircellphonestotakeselfies,butasluckwouldhaveit,IfoundimagesofacouplewithBearPeakinthebackground.Theyareinthefile,andtheFBIcross-checkedtheimagesonallavailabledatabases;thecoupleisfromFranceandwentmissingtwoyearsago.”
“It’saNikon.”Kane’sfaceheldapuzzledexpressionashepeeredatthecamera.“Blytheseniorsaidhehadn’tsoldanythingfromthebags;perhapshewastellingthetruth.”
Jennastaredathimindisbelief.“Ifhefoundvaluables,heshouldhavehandedthemin.”
“Well,technicallyhedid.”Kanemethergaze.“Hegavethemtome.”
“Whatelsedidyoufind,Wolfe?”Jennareachedforhercoffeeandsipped.
“Thecontentsofeachbaggavecluestotheidentityoftheowners.Tagsinclotheshadnamesandwefoundacreditcardinsideaconcealedpocket.Out-of-stateandoverseasvisitors,allofthem.Likelyonewomanandthreemen,goingonthecontentsofthebackpacks.Thewomaninthephotographshasdarkhair,whichissignificant.Ifoundbloodtraceevidenceonallofthebags,anditisdegradedbutitishuman.”Wolfe’slipsformedathinline.“Peopledon’tleaveexpensivecamerasandcreditcardsbehind.Ifoundasimilaritybetweenthesebagsandtheoneswetookfromthecrimescenes.Someoneorsomethingcoveredthesebagswithorganicmaterialfromtheforestfloor.Fromtherateofdecompositionandfungigrowthintheorganicmaterial,Ibelievesomeoneattemptedtoburythematonetime.”
“Thatwouldbehardtodointheforestwiththenumberofanimalsforagingaround.”Rowleylookedupfrommakingnotes.“Theyareinquisitive.Abearwilltearacamptoshredslookingforasnack,samewithabackpack.I’msurprisedthebagsareintact.”Herubbedhischin.“Ihaven’tseenbobcatsburythings.”Hesmiled.“Apartfromtheirpoop.”
Jennagottoherfeetandstaredatthewhiteboard.“Whatjumpsoutatmeisthekillerorkillersaretargetinghikerswhoareunfamiliarwiththearea.”
“Italsomeanswehavemorebodiesintheforest.”Kane’sgazemovedovertheevidence.“Dependingonhowfarbackthemurdersoccurred,wewillhaveadifficulttimefindingthem.”
“Don’tforgetLillyCoppersmithcamefromBlackwater.”Bradfordleanedforwardinherchair.“SheshouldhavebeenfamiliarwithBlackRockFalls.”
Jennashookherhead.“Notnecessarily;thismighthavebeenherfirstvisit.”ShestaredatColterBarry’snameforalongsecondthentappedthewhiteboard.“Weneedtospeakwithhimagain.Iwanttoknowhowhehappenedtobeonaremotetrailandifhediscussedhistripwithanyoneintown.”SheturnedandlookedatKane.“Someoneiswatchingthesecouples;theyfindoutwheretheyareheading,andifitisinaremotearea,theysetupthetrailcamsthenkillthem.”SheturnedherattentionbackonWolfe.“Howlongwouldittaketosetupapay-per-view?”
“Iftheyhavesubscribers,aslongasittakestosendatext.”Wolfe’schaircreakedasheleanedforward.“Live-screeningisinstantaneous.Theywouldlaunchanappandtherewouldbeatleasttwopeopleinvolved.Thekillerandamoneymanwhodoesthegruntwork,likelyablackhatheisworkingwithandtruststoacertaindegree.Remember,intheworldofthedarkweb,peopleareghostswithoutfaces,theyareusernamesorsimplycodes.Iwouldsaythemoneymanpaysthekilleraretaineroradvancethenapercentageofthetake.”Hesighed.“Forthekiller,it’sawin–winsituation.Hegetsthethrillofthekillandabulgingbankbalance.”
“Untraceable?”Jennahuffedoutabreath.
“Yeah,I’mafraidso.Ican’tevengiveyouaheadsupiftheysetupagain.Theymovethedownloadmirrorsandonlythesubscribersgetthelink.”Wolfepushedtohisfeet.“That’sallIhavetoreport,ma’am,andIneedtogetbacktothelab.I’llcallifanythingsignificantcomesthroughfromthesampleswetookatthecrimescenesandsendmyfullreportbyemail.”
Jennasmiledathim.“Thankyou.Iappreciatethetimeyou’veputintothis,Wolfe.”
“Justdoingmyjob,ma’am.”Wolfepushedonhishatandheadedforthedoor.
JennasatdownandsiftedthroughthefileWolfehadleftonthedesk.“Okay,thiswilltakeacoupleofdaystoworkthrough.Rowley,IwantyouandBradfordtosearchforthebackpackpeopleandseeifyoucanfindanyreportsonthem.Thefirstplacetocontactistheirembassyorlocalpolice.Theywouldknowiftheirfamilieshadreportedthemmissingandwhen.”Shetappedherbottomlip.“Ifyoucomeupempty,findoutiftheyleftthecountryandwhen.Whileyou’redoingthat,KaneandIwillpayColterBarryanothervisit.”
45
Atthehospital,JennagreetedthedeputyfromBlackwatersittingoutsidetheelevatoronthesecurefloor.TheBlackwaterSheriff’sDepartmenthadsuppliedmenforshiftsaroundtheclock,withWaltersfillinginwherepossible.“Thankyouforyourhelp.IgatherthreedeputiesarestayingatthemoteluntilwecangetMr.Barrytoasaferlocation?”
“Yes,ma’am,andwithKaneheremakingsureAuntBetty’sCafékeepsuswellfed,therewon’tbeanylackofvolunteersthenexttimeyouneedassistance.”
Jennabitbackasmile.“That’sgood.”
SheledthewaytothehospitalroomwithKaneclosebehindandsmotheredagaspatColterBarry’sbruisedandbatteredface.
“Goodmorning,Mr.Barry.Howaretheytreatingyou?”
“I’mokay.Ihavedrugsforthepain.”Barry’sbloodshoteyessettledonherface.“MyfolkscamebytoseemelastnightandI’llbegoinghomeassoonastheswellinggoesdownonmyspine.Thedocsaysthere’snopermanentdamagebutitwasclose.”
“That’sgood.”Jennapulledupachairandsatdown.“WearegoingtoarrangeforyoutostayinasafehouseuntilwecatchLilly’skiller.Youaretheonlypersonwhohasseenhimandhedoesn’tknowyoucan’tidentifyhim.”
“Okay.Iguess.”TearsleakedfromBarry’seyes.“Doyouknowwhatitfeelsliketobehelplesswhilesomemaniackillsthepersonyoulove?”
“Yeah,Ido.”Kanedraggedachairfromtheothersideoftheroomandsatdown.“Youcan’tblameyourselfandyoucan’tchangeanything.”
“Imisshersomuch.”Barry’sbottomlipquiveredjustslightly.
“Iwouldsay‘sorryforyourloss’butitmeansnothing.”Kaneclearedhisthroat.“Whatgetsmethroughisknowingtheirlovewillremaininyourheartforeverandthey’llalwaysliveinyourmemories.Anytime,dayornight,youjusthavetothinkaboutthemandtheyarewithyouagain.”
“Thanks.”BarryblinkedatKane.“Thatisalovelythingtosay.”
Alovethatlastsforever.Hiswife.JennaglancedatKaneandswallowedthelumpinherthroatthenturnedbacktoBarry.“Wecametoseeyoubecauseweneedwhatyoucantellusaboutwhereyouwentandwhoyouspoketobeforeyouwentonthehike.”
“LastFridaywecaughtthebusupthemountainforalookaround.Iwantedtofindoutfromthecheckingstationiftherewereanysafehikingplaceswellawayfromthehunters.Wehikeduptothefalls.WestayedattheBlackRockFallsMotel.CaughtthebusonSundayandgotputdownneartheoldtrailtoBearPeak.”
“So,youfoundoutaboutthetrailfromoneofthewardensoraranger?”Jennatookouthernotebookandpen.“Doyourememberhisname,orcanyougivemeadescription?”
“No,notawarden.Theyweresobusytheytoldmetotakeamapandkeepoutofthedesignatedhuntingareas.”Barrysuckedinabreath.“Wemissedthebusandhitchhiked,gotaridefromoneofthehunters.Iaskedhimforthemostsecludedtrailsandhegavemeanoldmap.HetoldmeaboutthetrackleadingtoBearPeak,howquietitwasawayfromthetourists.Infact,alltheinfoweneeded.Heevengaveusthebusinformation.Hewasarealniceguy.”
Psychopathsusuallyarerealnicepeople.JennaandKaneexchangedmeaningfullooks.ShesmiledatBarry.“Doyourememberwhereyouputthemap?”
“Itwasinthepocketofmyjeans.ThedoctorscutthemoffmewhenIarrived.”
Jennasighed.Thehospitalwouldhaveincineratedthembynow.“Doyourememberwhattypeofcarhewasdriving?”
“Nope,itwasthesameaseveryone’srigaroundhere.”Barryclosedhiseyes.“Itwasadarkcolor,Idon’trememberthemake.”
“Whataboutthedriver,washefromaroundhere?”Kaneleanedforward.“Ordidhehaveanaccent?WasheCaucasian,NativeAmerican?”
“Hewaswhite,wearingawoolencaplikeyours,didn’tseehishairoreyes—hewaswearingshades.Can’tsayhowtallhewaseither,hewassittingdown.”Barryshookhishead.“Hewasn’tthekiller—thatmanhadacreepyvoicelikeanalien.”
“Didyouseehishands?”Jennapushedon.“Anyrings,scarsonhisfaceorhands,tattoos?”
“Nope,hewaswearinggloves.”Barrysighedthenmoanedandpressedthemorphinedripdispenserclutchedinonehand.“Hewasanormalguy.Hedroppedusrightatthemotel.WeorderedinfordinnerandlefttownearlySundaytocatchthebus.Wedidn’tspeaktoanyoneelseaboutourplans.”Heclosedhiseyesandtookadeepbreath.
Jennastood.Itwaspointlesstryingtoquestionhimnow.SheturnedtoKaneandwavedhimoutsideintothehallway.“Whatdoyouthink?”
“Ifitwasthekiller,thenit’smorethanlikelyachancemeetingbecauseheistoosmarttorisksomeoneseeinghimwiththevictims.”Kaneshrugged.“Ifsomeonedidseehimpickthemuphitchhiking,Barrysayshedroppedthemoffatthemotel.Itwouldn’tbeevidenceagainsthimbutasLillywasthetypeofwomanheenjoyskilling,heusedtheinformationhegaveBarrytosetthesceneforhisnextkill.”
AshiverslippeddownJenna’sback.“Thateasy?Thatscaresthehelloutofme.”
“Thateasythistimemaybebutnotfortheothers.Thechancesofeverythingfallingintoplaceforhimlikethatwouldberemote.”Kanerubbedthebackofhisneck.“Ifiguretheonlypossiblewaythekillerfindshisvictimsisonceheseesasuitablecouple,hestalksthemtodiscovertheirmovements.Let’sfaceit,mostcoupleswhodon’tcomeheretohuntarelookingforaromanticweekendorhoneymoon.”
Jennaleanedagainstthewall,runningtheinformationthroughhermind.“Stalkingthemwouldbedifficultunlessthekillerworksintheindustry,asinatthehotelorevenasatravelagent.Howelsewouldhebeabletofollowtheirmovementsorknowtheirplans?”
“ThekillercouldfrequenttheCattleman’sHotellikemostofthehuntersintown;weknowthefirsttwocouplesstayedthere.”Kaneshrugged.“Wehavetwosuspectswhogothereaswell:WoodsandCanavar.WehaveinformationthatCanavarvisitedBlackRockFallslastfallandIwouldbeinterestedtoknowifhetookaroomatthehotel.”
Jennachewedonherbottomlip.“BothmenfitthedescriptionBarrygaveus,butthisscenarioremovestheBlythes.IdoubteitherofthemgototheCattleman’sHotelveryoften.”
“Theydon’tfitthedescriptionofthemanwhopickedupLillyandColter.Iwouldn’tdescribeeitherofthemasa—”Kanemadequotemarksintheairwithhisfingers“—‘reallyniceguy.’Wouldanyonesuspectaniceguystayingatthehotelwhohasacasualchatwiththemintherestaurantoratthebar?Thisisafriendlytown,everyonechatstostrangers.”
Jennanodded.“That’strue.”
“Thenagainthekillercouldhaveapartnerwhoworkswheretheoldmapsarestillavailable.Psychopathscouldbesmooth-talking,good-lookingmen;hecouldhaveawomanforapartner.Remembertherearewomenwhoareattractedtokillers.”Kanestaredintospaceasifrunningscenariosthroughhismind.“Themomenttheycomeacrossasuitablecouplementioninghikinginasecludedarea,theyalertthekillerandhestalksthemuntilhediscoverstheirplans.Hesetsupthepay-per-viewandmeetsthemonthetrail.”
Jennagapedathimthenthepiecesstartedtofallintoplace.EverythingKanesaidmadesense.Noonewouldsitinwaitfordaysintheforesthopingacouplematchinghisperfecttypewouldstumbleintoatrap.“Yes,previousgapsbetweenkillscouldmeanhewaswaitingfortherightcoupletocomealong.”Shestraightened.“AstheCattleman’sHotelislinkedtotwocouples,andtwosuspects,weshouldheadbacktotheofficeandsplittheworkload.Iwantinformationontheownersofthebackpacksassoonaspossible.Ifanyofthemaremissing,weneedtofindoutiftheystayedattheCattleman’sHotelandwhen.”
“Yeah,andIwouldliketoknowhowmanypeopleinquireabouttheoldtrails.I’llmakesomecallsandfindoutwhohascopiesoftheoldmapsavailablefortourists.”Kaneglancedather.“We’llneedtobetoldifanyonemakesinquiriesthenalertthemtothedangers.”
Jennaheadedalongthecorridor.“Let’shopeoneofthepeoplewetalktoisn’tthekiller’spartner,orhe’llknowwe’reclosinginonhim.”
46
HearrivedbackattheCattleman’sHotelintimeforlunch.Hisbusinessintownhadnottakenlong,andafterwatchingthelocalnewsbroadcast,itwasobviousColterBarryhadnotbeenabletoofferacleardescriptionofthekiller,describedasCaucasian,betweenfivetenandsixfeettall,wearingcamouflagegear.Hechuckled.Thatdescriptioncoveredatleastfiftypercentofthemenintownatthistimeoftheyear.
HepassedPaulandMariahonthewaytotherestaurantandheadedforthestairs.Hehaddiscoveredsomuchabouttheminashorttime.Simplybyfollowingthemintothehotelelevatorandleavingonthesamefloor,hehadtheirroomnumbers.Obtainingapasscardhadbeeneasy.Hehad“accidentally”trippedoveroneofthehousekeepingstaffandremovedthecardfromthecordonherbeltwithouthernoticing.
Notasoulpassedhiminthehallway,andtheexcitementofenteringMariah’sroommadehishandsshake.Shehaddressedinahurry.ClotheslitteredthebedanditwaseasytoseewhichsideMariahpreferredbytheopenbookonthebedsidetable.Hetouchedherintimatebelongingsand,staringathisreflectioninthemirror,rubbedthemoverhisnose,inhalingherscent.Hisexpressionshowedanurgentdesiretokillher—onafacenoneofhispreywouldeversee.
Helayonthebed,wishinghousekeepinghadnotmadeuptheroom,andpressedhisheadinthepillowtoleaveanindent.Tonight,shewouldplaceherfacethereandmaybesmellahintofhisaftershave.Heswunghislegsoffthebedandreluctantlystoodthenselectedapairofsilkpantiesfromthedrawer.Afterkissingthem,helaidthemontopoftheoldmaponthenightstandthenselectedalacybraanddrapeditoverthephone.Wouldshenotice?Wouldshesensehehadbeenthere,wouldshefeelhiskissonherunderwear?
Ittookefforttoleaveandnothideinsidethecupboardtowatchher,butthefunwasinthehunt.Killingherinthehotelwasnotanoption,althoughhewouldhaveenjoyedit.Hesmiledtohimself,imagininghowshewouldreactwhenhetoldherhowcloseshe’dcometodyinginherbed.
Afterspendingthenightbeforeviewingfootagefromhisfavoritehunts,hehadgreatplansforthenextkill—forMariahespecially.Ashewalkedthroughtherestaurantentrance,hismouthwateredatthesightofthecouplechattingovertheirmeal.Theywerecreaturesofhabitanddinedhereeveryday.Beforehefinalizedhisplans,heneededalittlemoreinformationabouthispreyandwantedanexcusetogetcloser.AsperfectasMariahandPaulappeared,huntingpeoplefromoutofstateoroverseashadalwaysbeenabetteroption.Itwasoftenweeksbeforetheirrelativesreportedthemmissing.Heturnedtothema?tred’.“IsthatSheriffAltonoverbythewindow?”
“No,thatisMr.BentonandMissCraneoutofWashingtonandintownfortheconference,Ibelieve.”Thema?tred’gavehimasmile.“ImustadmitIdidmistakeherforthesheriffaswell.Theycouldberelatedbutit’snotworthmyjobtopry.”Heturnedtoawaiter.“Ah,Erikwillshowyoutoyourtable.”
HesmiledatErik.“Isthetableoverbythewindowavailable?It’ssuchaniceday.”
“Ofcourse.”Erikledtheway.
Afterordering,hestaredatthewindow,watchingthecoupleinthereflectionintheglass.PaulBentonandMariahCrane,enjoyyourmealwhileyoucan.Hecaughtafewbitsoftheirconversationbutnothingmoreabouttheirplansfortheweekend.Hisonlyoptionwouldbetosetuphistrailcamsaheadoftimethenwaitandwatchbeforefollowingthemtotheircamp.Hisheartpounded.Beingsoclosetohispreyyetunabletotouchwasexcruciating.
HisattentiondriftedtoPaul;hewouldbenofunatall.Abigmanwasalwaysathreatbutbyhittinghiminjusttherightspotinhislowerspine,hewouldbeparalyzedandunderhiscontrol.Hehadbecomequitetheexpertondisablinghisprey.Onceheremovedthemale,thehuntcouldbegin,althoughColterBarryhadgottenaway.Hewouldneedtomakesureheincapacitatedtheminfuture.HewouldshowPaulhowadominantmaleshouldtreatasassy-mouthedbitch,thenhewouldtakehimapartpiecebypiece.Orhemightgaininterestfromhisviewersbyofferinghimastargetpractice.Nowthatwouldbefun.
HewouldleavePaul’sremainsforthebears.Afterall,theywouldenjoyagoodmealbeforewinter.Theforesthadsuchausefulecosystem,somanycrittersreadyandwillingtomoveinandtakeoutthetrash.Leavingatrailcamhiddenhighinthetreestowatchwouldbeentertaining,butwiththesheriffstumblingoverhiskillsoflate,itwouldn’tbeworththerisk.
WithPaulasbearmeat,Mariahwouldgainhisfullattention.Shewouldbebeggingandtrembling,justthewayhelikedhiswomen.Hestaredintoherreflectionintheglass,imagininghertorsodrippingwithblood.Hisskillofdissectionwouldkeepheraliveandexperiencingthedelightofexcruciatingpainforaslongashedecided.Whatwouldsheofferhimtostop?Hegrinned.Ineverstop.
Hisattentionslidtotheslashofredsurroundingherwhitesmile;therippleintheglassdistortedthecolorintoasmearofblood.Hebitbackagroan;hecouldalmosttasteMariah’smouth,coldandsetinasilentscream,pressingagainsthislips.Hiscavewouldbeclosebyandhisfriendswouldenjoysomefemalecompany.Hegrinnedintohisglassofredwine.I’mgoingtokeepher.
47
Afterhuntingdownplacesthatkepttheoldmaps,andmakinginquiriesaboutanyonewhohadaskedabouttheoldtrails,Jennahadtakendownnotesaboutafewvaguememoriesbuthadfoundnothingofvalue.Armedwithalistoftheownersofthebackpacks,JennasetoutwithKaneafterlunchtotheCattleman’sHotel.
AstheysteppedfromKane’srig,thewindpickedup,swirlingthefallleavesaroundtheirfeet.Jennalookedupatthegraysky;theweatherhadbeenunpredictableoflatewithshowersandsuddendropsintemperatureasifwinterhadmadeplanstoarriveearlythisyear.SheglancedupatKane.“I’msuregladthefalldanceisn’tuntilnextweekend.I’mnotsurewecouldhandletheworkloadrightnow.”
“We’refortunatetohavetheBlackwaterdeputiesassistingWalterstoguardColterBarryatthehospital.”Kane’sexpressionwasgrim.“I’llfeelhappierwhenwehavehimlockedinasafehouse.”
Jennawalkedthroughtheglassdoorsofthehotel,almostcollidingwithEthanWoods.Hegaveheracontemptuousglare,slammedablackStetsononhishead,andbrushedpasther.Shestoppedintheentranceandturnedslowlytowatchhisprogresstoablacktruck.“Ican’tbelievethejudgeallowedStonetopostbail.”
“WolfefoundzipatthebarntosuggestheusedtheplacetowashupafterkillingLilly.Weknowhewasintheareaandhavehimonvideo,butsofarweonlyhavecircumstantialevidence,hewasinvolvedinthemurders.Thetrespassingchargesareallwehaveonhim.”Hesmiledather.“Thejudgehadnochoicebutheisstillonourradar.HefitsthedescriptionBarrygaveus,wasinthearea,andfitstheprofile.”
“Oh,Ifigurehecouldbethekiller,butbeinganiceguyseemsastretchoftheimagination.I’veonlyseenhisnastyside.”Jennastrolledtothefrontdesk,noticingthedisplayofmapsandotherbrochuressetinaholder.
Inherperiphery,shenoticedNigelheadingtheirway.Sheofferedhimasmile.“I’maftersomeinformation.”
“I’matyourserviceasusual,SheriffAlton.”Nigelclearedhisthroat.“Aslongasitdoesn’tcontraveneourprivacypolicy.”
Jennatookouthernotebook.“Asyouareaware,threemurdersoccurredinStantonForestrecentlyandwealsohaveacoldcase.Weareawarethattwoofthecouplesstayedhere;onecouplestayedatthemotel.”
“Thatinitselfisn’tunusual;mostpeopletakeroomshere.”IfNigelhadbeenabird,hewouldhavefluffedhisfeathers.“Ihopeyou’renotsuggestingthatisareasonfortheirmurders?”
“Notatall.”Jennashrugged.“Wefiguredasout-of-townerstheymusthavegottentheirinformationaboutthesafehikingtrailsfromhere.”Sheleanedonthecounter.“DoyourecallBaileyandJimCanavaraskingabouttheoldtrails?”
“Well,Isuredo.”Nigelpressedahanddramaticallyagainsthischest.“IgavethemamapandshowedthemsomeoftheoldtrailsupnearBearPeak.GoodLord,youdon’tthinkIsentthemtotheirdeaths,doyou?”
“No.”KanerestedonehipagainstthecounterandgaveJennaameaningfulstare.“Doyourememberanyoneelsehereatthetime,anyonewhocouldhaveoverheardtheconversation?”
“Itwasbusyatthetime.Yes,Idoremembertherebeingalineofpeoplewaiting.SomewereannoyedbecauseIchattedtothem,butno,Idon’trecallanyonespecific.”Nigel’sfacepaled.“Oh,andErikaskedmeforanoldmaprecentlyforoneofourcustomers.Heisoneofthewaitersintherestaurant.”Heglancedfromonetotheother.“It’snotunusualforcouplestoheadoffontheirowntothemoreremoteareas.Theseoldmapsareinhighdemand.Igathertonsofpeopleprefertohikeintheremoteareasandcommunewithnature.”
Jennadrummedherfingertipsonthewoodencounter.“Okay,thanksfortheinformation;we’llspeaktoErik.”Shepushedhernotepadacrossthedeskwiththelistofnamesofthebackpackowners.“Wehavereasontobelievethesemissingpeoplecouldhavepassedthroughtown.Theymightbevictimsofthesamekiller.Couldyouchecktherecords,goingbackacoupleofyears,andseeiftheystayedhere?”
“IfIdon’t,you’llgetasearchwarrant,right?”Nigelpeeredatthelistthentappedthenamesintothecomputer.“Wehaveinformationgoingbacksevenyearsorso.”HeglancedatJenna.“Thismighttakeawhile.”Hepulledoutfourcouponsfromunderthedeskandhandedthemtoher.“Complimentarycakesandcoffeewhileyouwait?”
“Well,IfigureasI’maskinghimforafavor,thiscan’tbeconsideredabribe.”ShegrinnedatKane.“IguessI’llhavetoforceyoutoeatcake?”
“Well,wedohaveagoodexcuse.WeneedtotalktoErik.”Kane’sstomachgrowledandhelookedsheepish.“Iknowit’sonlybeentwohourssincelunch.”HeturnedtowardtherestaurantthenspunaroundandgrabbedJennabytheshoulders.
Jennaglaredathim.“Whatareyoudoing?”
“Move.”Kane’sbroadshouldersblockedherview.
Turnedawayandalmostpushedintoacorner,sheglaredupathim.“Whatthehellisgoingon,Kane?”
“Doyouhaveasister?”Kane’svoicehadloweredtojustaboveawhisper.“Anyfamilymemberthatlookslikeyou?”
Jennashookherhead.“No,I’vetoldyoubefore.Idon’thaveanylivingrelatives.Why?”
WhenKanemovedtooneside,Jennagapedatthewomanstrollingtowardtheelevator.Afterextensiveplasticsurgerytodisguiseher,shecouldresembleanyone.Shelookedupathimandwhispered,“Oh,shit.NowIknowwheremyfacecamefrom.Ihopesheisn’tanyonefamous.”ShewalkedbacktothecounterandNigelglancedupatherfromthecomputerscreen.“Thatcouplelooksfamiliar.Whoarethey?”
“PaulBentonandMariahCraneoutofWashingtonfortheconvention.”Nigelraisedaninquiringbrow.“Isshearelative?”
Jennasmiled.“IthoughtsobutIdon’trecallhername.Imightcatchupwithherlater.Howlongisshestaying?”
“Ican’tsayforsure—theconventionwindsuponFridaybuttheydohavetheafter-conventionsocialsthroughtonextWednesday.”
“Great,thanks!”SheturnedtoKane.“Let’sgofindErik.”
WhenJennaaskedthema?tred’ifErikcouldseatthem,hegavethemabeamingsmileandwavedtheyoungwaiterforward.Therestaurantwaspracticallyemptywithonlyafewpeoplelingeringovercoffeeandcake.Theytookatableatthebackoftheroomandwaitedforhimtobringthecartwithanarrayofdeliciouscakesandpastries.Aftermakingtheirselection,shebroughtuptheinformationNigelhadgiventhem.“Doyourememberwhoaskedyouforamapoftheoldtrails?”
“Yes,itwasMr.BentonandMissCrane.Theyhavebeenworkingsohardattheconventiontheysaidtheyneededabreakawayfromeveryone.Isuggestedthetrailthatgoeswayupalongtheres,thenveersoffalongBearPeak.Theycanseethewaterfallsiftheyclimbuptotheplateauandtheviewsaregreat.”Heservedthecakeandpouredthecoffee.“Theyplannedtospendtheweekendhiking.”Hesmiledatthem.“I’llleavethecart.Thechefthrowsoutleftoversatfoursoyoumightaswelleatyourfill.I’llbringyouafreshpotofcoffee.”
“Thankyou.”Jennaleanedbackinherchair,takinginthelookofconcentrationonKane’sface.“Whatareyouthinkingabout?Notcake,that’sforsure.”
“I’vefiguredoutaplan.”
48
UnabletopersuadeKanetodiscussdetailsofhisplaninapublicplace,themomenttheyhadfinishedeating,Jennareturnedtothefrontcountertodiscoverifthebackpackownershadstayedatthehotel.Nigelconfirmedthattwoofthethreemissingpeoplehadbookedaroom,andbothinthefallofpreviousyears.Thecoincidencesbetweenthevictimswerestackingup.
Aftertheyheadedbacktothesheriff’soffice,JennacalledinWolfeandherdeputies.Oncetheyhadtakentheirseats,sheturnedherattentiontoKane.“Okay,noonecanoverhearusinhere.Whatisyourplan?”
“ItwoulddependonthecooperationofMr.BentonandMissCrane.”Kane’sgazeswepttheotherdeputies.“TheyareacouplestayingatthehotelandMissCranebearsastrikingresemblancetothesheriff.Goingonthelastmurders,MissCraneisthetypeourmurdererlikes,andtheyplantogohikingatBearPeakattheweekend.”HisattentionfixedonJenna.“Ibelievethereisagoodchancetheycouldbethekiller’snexttarget.”
“Okay.So,youwanttousethemasbait?”Rowleyleanedforwardinhisseat,penraisedabovehisnotebook.“Howdoyouplantoropethemintoyourscheme?”
Jennaclearedherthroat,gainingeveryone’sattention.“Wearenot—Irepeatnot—usinganyoneasbaitforaserialkiller.”
“Notthem.Iwouldneverriskacivilian’slife.”Kane’seyesdarkenedandheturnedintothehighlytrainedicemankillershehadglimpsedbefore.“Us.”
JennahadspenttimeundercoverduringhertimewiththeDEAandhadescapedwithlittletospare,theresultofwhichhadlandedherinBlackRockFallswithanewfaceandname.Placingherselfinthedirectlineoffireandriskingalunaticdissectingheralivedidnotappealtoherintheleast.ShechewedonherbottomlipandconsideredtheimplicationsthenmetKane’sgaze.“Ithinkyou’velostyourever-lovingmindbutI’lllisten.Layitonme.”
“Craneresemblesyou,andthecoupleareoutofWashingtonlikeus,sotheaccentswon’tbeaproblem.Sheisthemurderer’stypeofpreferredwoman,andfromtheintelontheirmovementsthiscomingweekend,Ifigurewehavetwochoices.”Kaneleanedonthedesk,foldinghishugeforearms.“GetthecouplethehelloutofDodgeorgetthemtoadvertisetheirplansfortheweekendfarandwidethenmovethemtoasafehouseandtaketheirplaces.I’mprettysureasthekiller’smainfocuswillbeonthewoman,I’llbeabletopassasBentonatadistance,especiallyifIwearaKevlarvestundermyjackettoaddtheextrabulk.”HisattentionmovedoverJenna’sface.“Wearetrainedtotakedownthissonofabitchandwe’llhavebackup.”
“Ifhetakesthebait.”Wolfe’sexpressionwasgrim.“Weareonlysurmisinghepicksoutcouplesvisitingtownthensetsatraponceheknowswherethey’reheading.Heisn’tgoingtobesittingupinthemountainsontheoffchancesomeonewillstrollby,andnoteverywomanisgoingtofitthetypeheprefers.”Hesighed.“IbetIcouldcountononehandthenumberofcoupleswhoventureuptheoldtrails.”
Jennashookherhead.“NotaccordingtoNigelatthecounterofthehotel.Heinformedusitiscommonforpeopletohikeintheremoteareas,andtheypickupmapsallthetime.”Sheshrugged.“Thistellsmewehavetwopossiblescenarios.Thefirst:ThekillercouldbeeitherWoodsorCanavar.Aswehaven’tfoundatraceofCanavar,hecouldbelivingoffthegridsomewhereintheforest,andweknowWoodswasprowlingtheareaatnight.IftheysetuptrailcamsonthemoreremoteareasaroundBearPeak,theycouldbemonitoringthearea.Itwouldn’tbedifficulttogettoasuitabletargetiftheyplacedthemselvesinacentralposition.Secondly:Ifthekillerislurkingaroundtownandmaybestalkingsuitablecouples,asKanesuggests,he’lltakethebait.”
“Assumingyou’reright,Iwouldsaythekillerisplanninganotherpay-per-view,andhewillneedtimetosetupthelocation.Soonceheissureofthecouple’sdestination,hewillgoonahead.”Wolfe’slipsformedathinlineandworrycreasedhisbrow.“It’srisky.WehavetoassumethismanhasconsiderableITskills.IfIplannedthis,Iwouldsetupahiddencamerainthehallwayoutsidetheirroomandmaybeplaceatrackerontheirvehicle.”HeglancedatJenna.“That’sanotherthing,weareassumingthisisasinglekilleryethemanagestokill,cleanup,anddisposeofthevictim’svehiclesbeforewefindthebodies.”
“Yeah,butinthefirstmurder,thewildlifetookcareofthebodies.”RowleyliftedhischinandlookedatWolfe.“HewasexpectingthesamethingforBaileyCanavarandJohnDoe.Ifigurehehasgottenridoftheircarsafterthemurderstogivetheimpressiontheyleftthearea.Fromwhatweknow,mostofthetouristsrentacarfromtheairport.Heprobablyleavesthecaratthedrop-offpointandcabsitbacktotown.”
“Thatwouldworkasthevehiclesarecleanedandsentoutagain.”Wolferubbedhischin.“Alltraceevidenceisdestroyedbutthatsituationwouldn’tapplyifwecatchhimthistime.”
Jennaleanedbackinherchairandranthescenariosthroughhermind.KanehadtacticalexperienceandsodidWolfeasbothhadservedinthemarines.“Okay,soweweartheKevlarvests;that’snotgoingtohelpifhedecidestotakeaheadshot,isit?”
“Nope.”Kaneshrugged.“Butit’snothisMO.Fromwhatwe’veseen,hedisablesthemalevictimswithalowerlumbarshottoparalyzehim.Myvestwillcovermeandwewilldeploytherestoftheteaminhighpositions.Witheveryonedressedincamo,wewilllooklikeanormalhuntingparty,butwewillallbecarryingconcealedweapons.Wolfe,Rowley,andWebberwillbecarryingrifles,andthey’lllooklegitiftheyareseenbythekiller.”Heleanedbackandstretchedouthislegs.“Lookattheareawehavetoworkwith;it’sclosetothemountainandwegettochoosethelocation.Wewillhavetheadvantage.Wewillknowheiscomingsohewon’thavetheelementofsurprise.Wewillbearmedandhighlytrained.Itshouldbeawalkinthepark.”
“I’llsetupafewtrailcamsofmyownaswell.”Wolfelookedather.“You’llhavetrackersandcomsjustincaseanythinggoeswrong.”
“Idon’tthinkJennaandIcanrisktrailcamsorusecoms.”KaneturnedhisheadtospeaktoWolfe.“Ifheseesthem,he’llsmellarat.Hewilllikelybeusingascopetobringdowntheguy,andfromwhatwehaveseensofar,heisnotcareless.”
AwaveofdreadclosedinaroundJenna;herdeputiesweretalkingasifthiswasamilitarymission:noemotion,noworriestheymightdie.KaneandWolfethrewideasbackandforth,andshelistened,intrigued.Unlikeher,theyhadbeendeployedoverseasduringtheirtimeinthemarines.KaneandWolfehadgainedmoreexperienceinthefieldthanshehad.Whattheyhadplannedwaspotentiallyalife-threateningsituation,andwhendealingwithapsychopathanythingcouldgowrong.Sheofferedupafewofherownideasbutdecidedtotakeasmallstepbackanddefertotheirskills.
“Okay.IwantKanetotaketheleadinplanningthetactical,andWolfeyou’llleadinthefield.”Shelookedathim.“Makesureeveryoneisonthesamepage;ourlivesareontheline.”Shescannedthefacesbeforeher.“I’llspeaktothecouplebyphone;wecan’triskbeingseenwiththem.Iftheyagree,wewillarrangetoswitchplaceswiththemintheclothingstore,Dowy’s,theexpensiveone.Itwon’tbebusyearlyintheday.I’llsendMaggieinwithuniformswellbeforehand,andMr.Dowywillcooperate.”
“Itcouldwork.”BradfordwetherlipsnervouslyandhereyesdartedtoKanethenbacktoJenna.“WheredoIfitin?”
Jennasmiledather.“You’llbethelookout,andifWolfeisbusy,you’llbeabletorelaymessagestotheteamviayourcom.”
“Whatifwehavetostayupthereovernight?”Bradfordpickedatherfingernails.
“ThenWolfewillorganizesentryduty.”Kane’slookwasdirect.“It’sgoingtobecoldandyou’llbesleepingrough.Saynowifyouwanttostanddown;we’llunderstand.”
“No,I’vesleptroughbefore,I’llbefine.”Bradfordliftedherchin.“I’mpartoftheteam.”
“Andme,ma’am.”WebberstraightenedandlookedatJennaandhiseyessparkledwithexcitement.
JennawavedahandtowardKane.“Kanewillorganizetactical.”
Kane’schaircreakedasheturnedtolookatWebber.“YouandRowleywilljoinWolfeasoursharpshooters.You’llbepositioneduphightoscantheimmediateareaforthekiller.”
“Rogerthat.”Webberlookedsuitablyimpressed.“Whowilltakecareofthingsintown?”
Jennasighed.“ColterBarrywillbeinthesafehousebytheweekend.SoI’llhaveWaltersandMaggiehere.Theyarequitecapableofholdingthefortattheweekend.”Sherubbedherhandstogether.“Okay,nowallwehavetodoisconvinceCraneandBentontosetupaserialkiller.”
Kane’salmostblankcombatexpressionremainedsetinplace.“AndwehavetohopethemurderingSOBtakesthebait.”
49THURSDAY,WEEKTWO
Theoutdoorsstorewasbusyandhewaitedinoneofthelinestothecounter,armspiledhighwithsparecamo,twonewpairsofhikingboots,andspareammunition.HeglancedsidewaysandstraightintotheeyesofMariahCrane.Sheliftedhernoseasifhesmelledlikeoldsocksandturnedtohercompanion.ThesameoldermanheknewasPaulBenton.Astheyshuffledtothecounter,hecouldhearMariahasclearasifshewasspeakingtohim.
“ForonceIagreewithyou,Paul.”Mariahfingeredthethickhoodieoveronearm.“Wedoneedwarmerclothesforthemountains.I’msogladyoupersuadedmetogouptoBearPeak;thatoldNativeAmericantrailleadsrighttoaplateau.I’llgetsomewonderfulshotsofthevalleyfromthere.”
“Lookhere.”Bentonmaneuveredhisshoppingcarttoonesideandtookamapfromhispocket.“Wecandrivehereandleavethecar.See–therearethreetrails:Theoneontheleftistheoldone;theothertwoleadtothefalls.Soifwetakethisonethatfollowsatrailtoacanyonwithaspectacularravine,itwillbeamazingtoviewfromthetop.”Hesmiledather.“IspoketoNigelatthehotel;hetoldmeit’scolderupthereatthistimeoftheyear.Mostvisitorstakethetrailslowerdownthemountainandvisittherockpoolsandrivers.It’swellawayfromthedesignatedhuntingareasandthechancesofusrunningacrossanyonefromtheconferencewillberemote.Infact,darnnearimpossible.Iaskedaroundandnooneisheadingupthatwaythisweekend.”
“Ihopeyoudidn’ttellanyonewherewe’reheading.”Mariahpouted.“Idon’twantanotherdayruined.”
“I’mnotacompleteidiot.”Paultouchedhercheek.“Thisweekendwillbeonetoremember,Ipromise.”
Ipromisetoo.Hepushedthegraphicimageshe’dconjuredofMariah’sbodyafterhe’dfinishedwithhertothebackofhismindandfocused.Hewaitedabeattopresentacalmexterior,droppedhispurchasesonthecounter,andsmiledatthesalesclerk.“Greatweatherforhunting.”
“Sureis.Ithinkthishasbeenourbusiestseasonthisyear.Tonsofnewfacesintownaswell,andeveryoneisspendingbig.ItseemslikeBlackRockFallsisbecomingatoptouristdestination.”Themandroppedthegoodsintoapaperbagandgavehimthetotal.
Heusedcash,muchsaferincaseanyonedecidedtocheckoutcreditcardreceiptsforhiscaliberammunition.“I’llbewellawayfromthetourists.Iaimtobagmeaten-pointbuck.Ispottedoneyesterdayheadingrighttowardahuntingzone.”
“Goodluck.”Themanhandedhimhispurchases.
Hestrolledoutsideandgrinnedintothesunshine.Somedaysitwasworthgettingoutofbed.Theplayersinhispay-per-viewhadjustconfirmedtheweekend’sschedule.Hecouldnotbelievehisluck.Ratherthanfollowingthemaroundforthenextcoupleofdaystodiscovertheirplans,hecouldfinishanybusinesshehadtodointown,collecthisgear,andheadtothecheckingstationclosesttoBearPeak.Hiscoverforbeingintheareawouldbesecure.Itwasalonghikethroughthehuntingareatotheoldtrailtheyhadmentioned,andfortunatelyclosetohiscave.He’dhaveplentyoftimetosetupthenjustsitbackandwaitforthemtoarrive.Hedumpedhisshoppinginthebackofhisrig,tookouthisburnercellphone,andsentatexttotheorganizer:
Saturday.Willgiveaone-hourcountdown.Lockandload.50SATURDAY
Intown,multicoloredleavesblewacrosstheblacktopandsatindriftsoverthecurb,givingtheairtheearthysmellthatcamewithfall.Itwasagreatdaytobeoutside,sunnywithclearblueskies,andthetownsfolkandtouristsweremakingthemostofit.Itwasnotyeteightthirty,butstallssellingeverythingfromcakestohotdogslinedthesidewalk.KaneslippedfromRowley’scruiserandfollowedhimandJennatotheclothingstore.Sofar,everythinghadgonetoplan.MariahandPaulweremorethanhappytocooperateafterdiscoveringtheycouldbethenextvictimsonthekiller’slist.Infact,MariahinformedthesheriffshehadthefeelingsomeonehadbeenwatchingthemsincetheirarrivalinBlackRockFalls.
ThecouplehadbeenenthusiasticinhelpingthemtrapthekillerafterJennahadensuredtheirsafety.ArmedwithoneofWolfe’strackingdevices,toactivateifthreatened,andwithadeputyondutycloseby,thecouplehadvisitedallthelocationsthathandedouttheoldmapsoverthepasttwodays.TheyhadmadeapointofpubliclydiscussingtheirplansfortheweekendineachstoreandattheCattleman’sHotel.Ifthekillerhadstalkedthem,hewouldhavealltheinformationheneeded.
Theyhadplannedthearrangedchangeovertothesecond.Thecouplearrivedearliertobrowsetherangeofgoodsforsale,moreexpensivethaninthelocaloutdoorsstore.Kanetookouthisnotepadandpausedtoreadhisnotes,togivetheappearancehewasonthejob,thenwentinsidetheclothingstore.Hegavetheowneranodthenwentstraighttothefittingroomarea,wherehefoundPaulwearingoneofhisolduniformsandMariahdressedasJenna.“Okay,waitatthecounterthengowithRowley.He’lldriveyoutoasafehouse—it’saranchoutoftown.DeputyWalterswillbecheckingonyoubyphone.”Kanehandedthemaburnercellphone.“Hisnumberisinthecontacts.Don’tcallanyoneelseatall.Understand?”
“Yes,thesheriffmadeitquiteclear.”Paulpulledtheblackwoolencapdownoverhisearsandshruggedintoajacket.
Kanegavethecoupleaonce-overandnodded.“You’llpassasusatadistance.Don’tmakeeyecontactwithanyone,justgostraighttothecar.”
ThecouplewaitedafewminutesthenleftwithRowley.Hewoulddrivethemtotheranchthenleavehiscruiserintown.Afterchangingintocamo,hewouldcollectBradfordanddriveanunmarkedrigtomeettherestoftheteamatBearPeak.
KanechangedclothesandmetJennaatthecounter.“Allgood?”
“Yeah.”Shehandedoverherfoldeduniformtotheclerk.“Thanksforyourcooperation,Mr.Dowy.We’lldropbyonMondayandpickupourthings.”
“Mypleasure,Sheriff.”Mr.Dowyplacedbothuniformsinalargebagandpusheditunderthecounter.“Thesewillbesafewithme,don’tyouworrynone.”
GladthatDowywasaretiredcopandunderstoodthemeaningofsecrecy,KanegrabbedthebagsofspareclothesandammunitiontheyhadstashedthereandfollowedJennatoPaulBenton’srentalcar.Heslidbehindthewheel.“Thatwentwell.Ihopethekillertookthebait.”
“Thatwasjustaprecaution.”Jennabuckledup.“Ifigurethemomenthediscoveredthecouple’splanshewouldhavehightailedittoBearPeaktosetuphismacabretheater.”Sheglancedathimastheyheadedoutoftown.“Ifnot,thisisallawasteoftime.”
Thirtyminuteslater,Kanecheckedhiswatchandpulledtherentalintotheparkinglotnearthefalls.Thesuccessorfailureofanymissionwasofteninthetiming.HecalledWolfeforanupdateandlistenedinsilence.“Rogerthat,wearemovingout.ETAtwentyminutes.”
WolfeandWebberhadtakenpositionsabovethetrailandeachcouldcoveraone-eighty-degreeangleoftheforestbelow.RowleyandBradfordwouldbealongsoon.Theteamhaddressedincamotoblendintotheforest,andfromthemomentthecouplehadagreedtotheirplan,hehaddrilledtheteamlikeasergeant.Theywereasreadyastheywouldeverbe.
Agreed,hisplanhadmoreholesthanasieve,butifitwasonechanceinfiftyofstoppingthekiller,itwasworthit.Thelocationposedanumberofproblemsandgavethekilleranadvantage.ThedensityofthetreeswouldhideamanincamouflagebutKanehadselectedasmallareaforthecoupletotalkaboutandWolfeandWebbercouldzeroinontheminsecondsifthekillerattacked.HehadconfidenceintheteambuthisprioritywouldbekeepingJennasafe.Shewasthekiller’smaintargetandhewasjustwindowdressing.
Astheyclimbedfromthecarandcollectedtheirbackpacks,heglancedatherdeterminedexpressionandanunusualtrickleofworryrandownhisback.Shehadjumpedinbootsandalltotakedownakillerwhowoulddissectheralive.Thattookguts.Oh,yeah,shecouldfight,andifhewentdown,shehadsuperiorskillsplusthebackupofthreegoodmenwithsniperrifles.Idon’tplanongoingdown
“Youknow,Icantellwhenyou’reworried.”JennashruggedintoherbackpackandslidonehandinsideherjackettochecktheGlockinhershoulderholster.“Youpullthisface,likeyou’vebeenturnedtostoneorsomething.”
“Yeah?I’vebeentrainedtoturnoffallexternalstimuliandconcentrateonthemission.”Heslidthehandleofthebagcarryingsuppliesoveroneshoulderthenadjustedthestrapsofhisbackpack.“Ididn’tthinkitwasthatobvious.”
“Itis.”Shesmiledathimandslidonhersunglasses.“Thekillercouldbescopingusrightnow,andyou’resupposedtobeamarriedmanoutwithyoursecretaryforadirtyweekend.Lightenupabit.”Sheslidherhandintohisanddraggedhimtowardthetrail.“Walkslow—you’remeanttobeoutofshape.”
“WiththemetalplateWolfeaddedtomybackpackforextraprotection,Iwon’tneedtoact.”Hegrinnedbackatherbutthesmiledidnotreachtheeyespeeringatheroverthetopofhissunglasses.“Stayalert.”
“I’malwaysalert.”Sheledthewaydownthenarrowpaththentookthetrailtotheleft.“Herewego.”
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Heleanedagainstthemoss-coveredwallofhiscave,aniPadbalancedonhisknees.Usinghiscellphoneasawirelesshotspot,hebroughtuptheimagesfromhiswebcamsandsmiled.ExhilarationatseeingPaulandMariahheadinginhisdirectionmadehisheartpound.Hewatchedthemweavebetweenthetrees,pickingthemupagainasthetrailbroughtthemalongthefaceofBearPeak.Helookedupandgrinnedathisfriends;alllookedbackandtheirblackeyesocketsgavethemawide-eyedappearance.Helikedthewaytheirflesh-peeledskullssmiledathim.“Heretheycome.Heturnedaroundthescreentoshowthem.“Doyoulikeher?Ichoseherjustforyou.I’llbringherheresoonenoughtokeepyoucompany.”
Ithadnottakenhimlongtosetuphiswebcamsthenhikebacktothedesignatedhuntingarea.HewaitedforacoupleofstrangerstocomebythenmadeupastoryaboutseeingtwoblackbearsheadingtowardBearPeak.Hevoicedhisconcernthatthetouristsvisitingthefallsmightbeindanger.Asheexpected,theolderofthetwocalledinthesightingtothecheckingstationtowarnhikerstoavoidthearea.Hehadwavedthemgoodbyeandheadedbacktohiscaveforthenight.
Heenjoyedmakingcampinhiscave.Mostmenwouldworryaboutthesmellbuthefounditstimulatingandthewayhisfriendschangedfascinatedhim.Itsurprisedhimhowtheymovedastheydecayed.Hehadwrappedthemsotightlyinplastic,hewouldhavethoughtitimpossible,buthewouldcomebyandtheywouldbelyingdownorcollapsedintoaheapofbones.HesighedandturnedhisattentionbacktoPaulandMariah.Theyhadreachedthemaintrailandtheforestgavewaytoafewsmallclearings.Areasbigenoughtopitchatentorsafelybuildafire.Infact,manyhadfirecirclesofrocksleftbyotherhikers.Iftheyfollowedthenormalpattern,PaulandMariahwouldmakecampsoonandrestawhile,perhapseat,thenhehopedtheywouldventureouttowalkthesurroundingtrails.
Hemightwaitforthemtoreturnfromtheiradventuresbeforehestruck.TheywouldbetiredandPaulwouldbeexhaustedafterhaulinghisbulkupthemountain.PaulwouldbeeasypreyandnofunatallbutMariah.Excitementatthinkinghernamemadehishandstremble.Hestaredatthescreen.“Mariah,willyourun?Willyouscream?”Heranonefingerovertheimageofthewomangettingcloserbytheminute.“Willyoubeg?”Hemoaned.“Isowantyoutobeg,Mariah.”
Shewouldbehotfromherwalk,cheekspinkandherbodycoatedwithsweatandfragrant.Thehuntwouldbeslow.HewantedtostalkhispreyandwatchthefearinhereyesbeforehedisabledherandtookherbacktoPaul.HehadmessagedhisonlineassociatealistofwhatheplannedtodotoMariahandalreadythevotesandpaymentswerecomingin.Thethrillwouldbeinwhatorderhisviewerswantedhimtokillher.Fromthelastpay-per-view,theyallenjoyedaslowkill,justlikehim.
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JennaledthewaythroughtheforestandtheyhadbeenwalkingforsometimebeforeKanetuggedonherjacket.Sheturnedtofacehimandhepulledherintohisarmsandnuzzledherneck.Surprised,sherelaxedagainsthimthenheardhisvoiceclosetoherear.
“Hetookthebaitandwe’vejustenteredthedangerzone.”Kanecuppedthebackofherheadandstaredintohereyes,hisvoicejustaboveawhisper.“Trailcamattwoo’clock.WhenIspinyou,scanthetreesontheothersideofthetrail.Theycouldhaveaudiosobecarefulwhatyousayandstayincharacter.”Heliftedherandtwirledheraroundlaughing.
Jennaputherarmsaroundhisneck,andwhenheloweredhertoherfeet,shestaredintothelensofanothercamera.Shegrinnedathimandkepthervoicelow.“Iseeanother.Weareinthelion’sden.Holdmyhandandsqueezeifyouseeanyoneoratrailcam.”
“Ithinkwe’dbetterfindsomewheretomakecamp.Thereshouldbeaplacecloseby.”Kanetookherhandandledtheway,steppingwithcareovertheunevengroundlitteredwithtreeroots.“Ahlook,aclearingwithfirestones.Perfect.”Hepulledherintotheclearinganddumpedhisbagsontothefloor.“I’llpitchthetent.Yougonnafixussomethingtoeat?”
“Okay.”Jennashruggedoutofherbackpack.“We’llhavethesandwichesIpickedupfromthecaféandthere’shotcoffeeinthethermos.Wecancollectsomewoodandlightafirelater.”Shesatonaconvenientlogsetbesidetheringoffirestonesandwentthroughoneofthebags.
Behindher,Kaneworkedfastandhadthetentupinminutesthenvanishedinsidewiththesleepingbags.Hiddeninside,hewouldcontactWolfeandmakesureeveryonewasinplace.Shepulledoutthethermos,cups,andthebagofsandwiches.Ittookanefforttoappearrelaxedwheneverymusclehadtensedsohardtheyached.Jennapushedhersunglassesupthebridgeofhernoseandmovedonlyhereyestodoavisualreconnaissanceoftheimmediatearea.Shespottedanothertrailcamsethighonatreeleadingawayfromthecampsite.Herskincrawledknowingaviolent,viciouskillerwaswatchingherandplanninghowtomakehersufferlikehisothervictims.GladKanewasclosebyandtheyhaddeputieswatchingoverthem,shetriedtorelax.Getittogether,Jenna.
“Youokay,honey?”Kanesteppedoverthelogandsatbesideher,hissunglassesmaskinghisexpression.“Orareyoujustboredwithmealready?”
TheunfamiliartermheusedforhersurprisedherforamomentbeforesherealizedhewasactingthepartofPaulBentonforthebenefitofanyonelistening.“Nope,I’mjuststarving.”Jennasmiledathim.“So,what’snextontheagendaafterweeat?”Shepouredhimacupofcoffee.
“Wecanheaddownthemountainandtakealookattheravine,collectsomefirewood,andcomeback.”Kanetookasandwichfromthebag.“We’llgetafiregoingandgetcozytheninthemorningwe’llhikeupthemountaintotheplateausoyoucantakephotographs.”
“Thatsoundsgreat.”SheleanedintohimanddidherbesttoplaytheroleofMariah,asecretaryhavinganaffairwithhermarriedboss.Sheaddedaslightwhinetohervoice.“Ilikebeingalonewithyou,Paul.Ihateitwhenwehavetogobacktowork.Whenareyougoingtotellyourwifeaboutus?”
Kane’ssunglassesslippeddownhisnoseandhepeeredathercross-eyed.Trusthimtomakeajokewhenaviolentcriminalintentonkillingthemwascloseby.Jennasmotheredalaughwithacoughandbumpedhisshoulder.“Well?Catgotyourtongue?”
“Nope.”HeclearedhisthroatandJennaalmostbelievedhewasPaulBenton.“It’scomplicated,youknowthat,honey.”
“Well,Iwon’twaitforever,Paul.”Jennabrushedthecrumbsfromherhands.“Tonsofguysintheofficewanttodateme.”
“IknowandI’llfixthings,you’lljusthavetobepatient.”Kanegaveherasqueeze.“Thesethingstaketime.”
Wow,heisactingthepart.Shefinishedhercoffee.“Ready?”
“Fivemoreminutes.”Kanechewedslowlyandwasheddowneachbitewithcoffee.“I’mexhaustedafterthatlonghike.”
Jennapulleditemsfromtheirbackpacksandtossedthemintothetent.“We’llleavemostofourthingshere.I’lltakewaterandacoupleofenergybars.”
“Andthefirstaidkit.”Kanesmiledather.“Puteverythinginmybag,Idon’twantyouovertiredforlater.”
Jennagavehimawidesmileandstood,handingKanehisbackpack.“Whichway?”
“Downhill.”Kaneunfoldedthemapandmadeashowofpointingtheway.“Theswitchbackisnottoofarbutitwillbeuphillonthewayback.”Hepocketedthemapthenshruggedintohisbackpackandheldouthishand.“Comeon,itwillbefunandwemightseesomesquirrelsorevenadeer.”
Jenna’sself-preservationinstinctkickedinandtheideaofwalkingintodangerliftedthehairsonthebackofherneck.Withhernervesonaknife’sedge,shefollowedKane’sleadalongthenarrow,unevenpathway.Astheyventureddeeperintotheforest,thetemperaturedroppedandeveryshadowtheypassedseemedtocarryapotentialthreat.Aglanceintothebranchesastheywalkedrevealedthekiller’strailcamsplacedinstrategicpositions.Thiswashiskillingground.
Thewindmovedthroughthetreesinacoolcaress,liftingtheleavesonthetrailandsendingarushofdreadthroughher.Hewasouttherewaitingtomakehismove.Thebeautyoftheforestfadedintothebackground,leavingbehindthethreatofafrighteningtrap.Thelocationalonegavehimtheadvantage.Itwasfallandeveryshadeofgreen,brown,andamberonanartist’spalettepaintedtheforest.Amanwearingcamouflagegearwouldvanishintothebackgroundlikeatigerinthejungle.
Acutelyawareofthegroansinthetallpinesastheyswayedfromthewind,sheglancedbehindher,scanningtheimmediatearea.Thewoodsplayedtheirownmusic,frombirdsongtothechatterofsquirrelsandtheswayofbranches;allthesesoundswoulddisguisethekiller’sfootfalls.Willhestrikenowortonightwhenweareinthetent?
Shetriedtosmothertherisinguncertainty,butnightwouldcomesoonenoughandtheday’sbeautywouldturnquicklytoashadowedfeedinggroundfortheforest’snocturnalinhabitants.Thetreeswouldbecomelinesofblackpostsshuttingherinsideandpreventingherescape.Themoonwouldofferlittlelight,andeveryboulderwouldloomoutoftheforestlikesomehideousgargoyle.Shetriedtoswallowtherisingpaniccreepingintohermind.He’scomingandI’mthetarget.
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Hecheckedhiswatchthenremoveditandleftitinabackpack;hedidnotwantitcoveredinDNA.Thetimehehadplannedtomakehisfirstmovewouldbeperfect.Thesunhadalreadydroppedinthesky.Onemoreweapons’checkandheheadedoutthecaveanddownthemountainside,movingwithstealththroughthedenseundergrowthalongthenarrowanimalpathsheknewlikethelinesonhispalm.
PaulandMariahhadchosenaperfectspotforthehunt.Onehundredyardsfromtheircurrentposition,thetrailfellawayononesidetoacanyonwitharockyravinedugoutofthemountainbyaprehistoricglacier,andonlyafoolwouldriskrunningdownthere.Thetrackendedinaswitchbackforcingthehikerstodoubleback;inotherwords,hispreywouldberunningaroundincircles.HewouldpositionhimselfinthemiddleandhaveaclearshottobringdownPaulinfullviewofthetrailcams.
Hiscellphonevibratedandheglancedatthescreen.Theviewershadvotedforhisfirstmove.Hechuckled.Theywerelikeamedievalbloodthirstycrowdwaitingtowatchsomeonehanged,drawn,andquartered.Hetiedthebandanaaroundhisfaceandputonhissunglasses.Thecapcoveredhishair,anddressedlikethiswiththevoicechangerappturnedon,noonewouldrecognizehim.Hisearpieceandmicwereinplaceandreadytolive-stream.Heturnedonhisbodycamandspoketohisviewers.“Movingout.Comeon,yousadisticassholes,makemeworkforit.Iwanttotakemytimeandenjoykillingthebitch.”
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BradfordlistenedtoWolfe’sinstructionsinherearpieceandglancedatRowley,positionedafewfeetabove,ontheplateau.Thesunwasdroppingandtheteamwasmovingdowntheblackrockyslopesandintoabetterposition.Shetrembledatthethoughtofbeingalonesoclosetothebottomofthemountain;theplaceWolfehadsentherwasonlyafewfeetfromtheforestfloor.Shewouldhavetorunthroughthetreesthendashtwentyyardsalongananimaltrackbeforeclimbingintothesafetyofthecrevice.Theideaofbeingsoclosetoapotentialkillerscaredthehelloutofher,andtomakethingsworse,shehadseenabobcatearlier.Inanefforttocalmhernerves,shetookonelastlookaroundthencontactedRowley.“Isitsafeformetomoveout?”
“Yeah.I’vescannedtheimmediateareaandcan’tseeanymovement.Ifthekillerisstalkingthesheriff,he’llbewaydowntheotherendofthetrailbynow.Thebobcatdisappearedintotheundergrowthandshouldn’tbotheryou.You’regoodtogo.”Rowley’svoicewasconfident.“Moveout,I’llwatchyourback.”
Sheclambereddowntheroughpathwayandheadedforthetrees.Withherbacktoatree,shesearchedallaroundthenboltedforthesmallinclinethatledtothecrevice.Afterbeinginthesunlight,thepathwaythroughthetallpineswasdarkandclaustrophobic.Shepushedherwaythroughtheundergrowth,searchingfortheanimalpathRowleyhadinsistedwasthere.Aflashofgreencaughtherattentionandshestumbledtoahalt.Notgreenbutthereflectionfromcat’seyes.Shebitbackascreamasthebobcatsprayedhisscentovertheclosesttree.Thecatlifteditsheadandhiseyesfixedonher,butonlythetipofitstailtwitched.
Heartpoundingagainstherribs,sheturnedandranforherlife,stumblingoverbranches.Thecomlinkhadfallenoutofherearandtangledaroundherlegs.Sherippeditfreeandranthroughtheforest,headingdownthefirsttrailshefound.Sheheardthesoundofsomethingbigbehindherthenahugeweightslammedintoherbackandshecrashedtotheground.Thewindrushedoutofherlungsandshegaspedpainfullyforbreathwaitingforthecattobite.Sheheardadisjointedchuckleassomeonerolledherontoherbackthenfellonher,crushingherribs.Itwasnotthescentofacatoritssharpclawsbutaman.
Terrorslammedintoher,cuttingofftheprotestinherthroat.Askulllookedbackather,theeyescoveredwithmirroredsunglasses.Shetriedtomovebutthelargemanhadherarmspinnedunderhisknees,andwithhisweightonherchest,shefoughttosuckairintoherlungs.Hisheadturnedfromsidetoside,asifevaluatingher.
“Getoffme.”Hervoicesoundedhighpitchedandbreathless.
Beforeshehadthechancetoinformhimshewasadeputy,hegrippedherthroatandsqueezed.Shecoulddonothingbutstareintoherownterrifiedreflectioninthelensesofhissunglasses.Angerwelledinsideher.Ifheintendedtostrangleher,hewouldhaveafightonhishands.Shekickedhardwithherlegsthendugtheheelsofherbootsintotheleafmoldinanefforttopushhimoffher.Hisreplywastosqueezehernecksotight,hervisionblurredandshegaspedforair.
“Wehaveanunexpectedbonus.”Thevoicewasstrange,almostmechanical.“Whyareyououthereallalone?”
“Iwastakingashortcutbacktothehuntingareatomeetmyhusband.”Bradfordgrunted.“He’snotfaraway.”
“Really?Ididn’tseeanyone.”Hisvoicemadeherskincrawl.
Thegriparoundherneckdecreasedslightlyandshenodded,inthehopeRowleywouldbefollowinghermovementsinhisscope.Thekillerhadfoundher,andwithoutRowley’shelp,shewouldbecomehisnextvictim.Shehadtogetawayfromhimbuthewassostrong.Somewhereinherconfusedpanic,sherememberedKanetalkingabouthowpsychopathslikedtheirvictimstoscreamandfightback.Inanefforttogainapreciousfewminutes,sheforcedhertensemusclestorelax.Themannoticedimmediately,andkeepingagriponherthroatwithoneglovedhand,heusedtheothertounzipherjacket.Heslidoutherserviceweaponfromtheshoulderholsterandwaveditinfrontofhereyes.
“Youshouldhavedrawnthiswhenyousawthebobcat.”Heranthemuzzleofthegundownherchestbetweenherbreasts.“Acoupleofshotsintheairandthecatwouldhavetakenoff.Yetyoudecidedtorun.Catsliketohunt.Youranandmadeitagameforhimandme.”Hestaredather.“Mostgirlswouldbebeggingmenottohurtthemaboutnow.Areyouverybraveorareyoutryingtopsychoanalyzeme?”
Sheshookherhead,refusingtospeaktohim.
“I’llgiveyouaheads-up:Inevernegotiateandyou’reabouttodie.”Hegaveasnortofmirth.“Openyourmouth.”
Tremorswrackedherbodybutshecomplied.Heranthemuzzleofthegunacrosshercheekthenpushedthebarrelintohermouth.Coldmetalpressedagainsthertongueandthetasteofoilspilledacrosshertastebuds.Shecouldnotbelievehowcalmandincontrolhewas.Notthecrazed,slashingmaniacshehadenvisioned.Stayingcalmwasheronlyhope,andRowleywouldcomecrashingthroughthebushesatanymoment.
“Givemethefigures.”Hespokeintohismicandnoddedasifgettinginstructionsviahiscomthenmovedthegunbackandforthinhermouth.“Wherearetheothersnow?Okay,I’llgetintopositionafterI’vedealtwiththisone.”
Hepausedasiflistening,andhereyesswiveledtonoticethebodycamandcompackhewaswearing.Hewasawaitinginstructionsforhispay-per-view.Oh,Jesus,helpme.
“Oh,IlikethatandthenI’llbeonmyway.”Hisattentionmovedbacktoher.“Ifwehadmetatanothertime,wecouldhaveenjoyedthissomuchmore.”Heleanedtoonesideandsheheardaswishingsound.
Thenshecaughtsightoftheknife.
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KanewantedtoprotectJenna.Ifthekillerplannedtoaimabulletathim,hecouldnotriskhimmissingandhittingherbymistake.HegaveJennaafriendlypushintheback.“Yougofirstandwatchyourstep.Accordingtothemap,thecanyonisontheright;theedgeisprobablycoveredwithvegetationandthereisaravineatthebottom.”
“Sure,IguessifIslipyou’llgrabmeintime?”Jennaglancedathimoveroneshoulder.
“YouknowIwill.”Kanemovedcloserandrestedonehandonhershoulder.“Isthatbetter?”
“Much.”Jenna’smusclestensedunderhisgrip.“Thesunisdroppingfast—howlateisit?”
Kaneglancedathiswatch.“Gettingonforthree.”
Theymovedoffagain,lookinglikeelephantslinkingtrunks.Kanehadpickedthisparticulartrailforthecanyonthatsplittheforestwithitsbottomlessravine.Thekillercouldonlycomeatthemfromoneside,andhefiguredifanattackcame,itwouldbeontheirreturntocampandfromtherear.Sofar,thekillerhadusedtheforesttohisadvantage,andonthewaybacktheywouldbetravelinguphill,andbeslowertargets.Iftheyheardhim,whichhedoubted,andturnedtolookathim,theywouldbelookingdirectlyintothesunandwouldnotseehimcoming.
Hisphonevibratedinhispocket.Hewaited.IfWolfeneededtospeaktohim,itwouldstopandstartupagain.Iftheteamhadlaideyesonthekiller,itwouldkeepongoing.Itstoppedthenstartedupagainafewsecondslater.HesqueezedJenna’sshoulder.“Holdup.Naturecalls.”
“Metoo.”Jennadartedintotheundergrowth.
Itwasaplannedmove.Theyhadnotedthepositionofthetrailcamsandmadesuretheywereoutofsight.Kanewalkedintotheforest,leanedagainstthewidesttrunkhecouldfindandscannedthearea.Surethatnoonecouldseeorhearhim,hetookouthiscell.HeneededtokeepitshortandgetbacktoJenna.“Therearetrailcamssetoutalongthepath.He’shere,Icanalmostsmellhim.”
“Ifheis,wecan’tseehim.”Wolfesoundedtense.“It’slaterinthedaythanwereckonedandthesunisblindingus.Rightnow,hecouldpickupareflectionfromthescopes.I’llmovelowerdownthemountainbutitwilltaketime.I’vesentRowleytotheplateauandBradfordtothecreviceonthefarright.They’llbeabletocoveryou,butwhensundropslowerwe’llneedtorepositionagain.”
“Rogerthat.”Kanedisconnectedandhurriedbacktothetrail.
Heglancedaroundandworrycrampedhisgut.Jennahadnotappeared.“Mariah,whereareyouhiding?”
“Righthere.”Jennapushedoutofthebushes.“Ineedthewipesoutofthebackpack.Peeingintheforestisgross.”Sheopenedaflapinhisbagandpulledoutthewipes.
Kanebentandpretendedtonibbleherear.“Theteamismoving.Weareonourownuntiltheyrelocatesotakeitslow.”
“Yousaythesweetestthings.”Jennawipedherhandsthenglancedbehindhim.“Iguesswebetterkeepmoving.”
Helookedatherandhisheartskippedabeat.Hadhemadeafatalmistakebyriskingherlife?Thecanyonloomedoutoftheforestandhepausedtotakeinthescenery.Pinetreesmarchedupeachsideandhecouldseethetopsofsome.Theravineatthebottomofthecanyonmustbeover100feetdeep.Amultitudeofbushescoveredthebottomandhewonderedwhatlurkeddownthere.HetouchedJenna’sarmtoslowher.“Iknowyou’reanxioustogetbackbutIneedarest.There’salogoverthere—let’stakefivebeforewegoon.”
“Okay,Ineedadrink.”Jennadroppeddownontothelog.“It’sbeautifulhere.Ididn’tknowtherewouldbesomanyvarietiesofbirdsintheforest,andlookoverthere,squirrelsscamperingupthetrees.”
“Yeah,itis,nowIguessyou’regladyoucamehikingwithme?”
“Hmm,oneweekendwillprobablybeenoughforme.”Jennabrushedantsfromherboots.“Idon’tliketheinsects,andifwerunintoabear,I’mrunningallthewaybacktothecar.”
ThefallentreewasontheedgeofthecanyonandKanefiguredthatiftheykepttheirbackstothedrop,theycouldkeepwatchforthekiller.HeshruggedoutofhisbackpackandpulledoutabottleofwaterthenhandedittoJenna.Herolledhisshouldersandleanedbackasifclosinghiseyes,butbeneathhissunglasses,hescannedtheforestfromonesidetotheother.Nothing.Oh,thekillerwasgood.Ifhewascloseby,hehadtheskillsofaNavySeal.
Ahighandpiercingsoundcutthroughthepeaceandsentbirdsrisinginflocks.ThenoisemadehisheartpoundbutitshotJennaintocombatmode.Sheswungaroundandstaredupthepathway,onehandgoingtothezipperonherjacket.Inamoment,shewouldpullherweaponandthekillerwoulddisappearlikeanicecreamonahotday.Herestedonehandonherarm.“It’sokay.Thatcouldbeabobcatsomewaysaway.Theyareterritorialandarivalhasprobablywalkedbyorchallengedhim.”
ThescreechcameagainandJennastiffenedbesidehim.“Thatsoundedmorelikeawomanscreamingthanacat.”Sheshuddered.“I’veheardstoriesaboutforestsatnight.Allsortsofsupernaturalcreaturesroamaround.Itmighthavebeenabansheeoraspiritbentonrevenge.”
Ohboy,Jennaisplayingherroletothehilt.Kanepulledheragainsthim.“Don’tworry;I’llprotectyouagainstbansheesandghosts.”Heleanedinthendroppedhisvoicetoawhisper.“Stayinfrontofmeoncewehittheswitchback.Ifheisplanningonhittingusbeforewegetbacktocamp,itwillbesoon.”Hewantedhersomedistanceawayfromhimandglancedaround,takinginthetrailcams.
“Okay.”Sheturnedawayandstrolledahead.“Coming?”
Kanesmiledather.“Yeah.”Hecontinueddownthepathataleisurelypace.
Sometimelater,Jennastoppedandturnedaroundtolookathim.
“Youareslow.”Jennapulledaface.“It’stakenusovertenminutestowalkahundredyards.”Sheturnedandwalkedaway.
Hegrinnedandraisedhisvoice.“I’mnotasyoungasyou.”
Painshotthroughhisheadinanexplosionofagonyandtheforestwentoutoffocus.Heliftedonehandtohisheadandstaredatthebloodonhisfingers.I’vebeenhit.
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TheloudscreamRowleyheardworriedhim;itcouldhavebeenthebobcatbutBradfordcouldbeintrouble.Aftertryingwithoutsuccesstocontactherviahercom,heusedthescopeonhisrifletoscantheareabetweenherlastpositionandthecrevice.Thethickvegetationhamperedhisviewbuthecouldseethetrailshehadheadeddownearlier,andnothingmovedintheimmediatearea.Sheshouldbesafebynowandhadonlybeenoutofhissightforafewyardsbeforeshereachedthecrevice.Whyisn’tsheansweringhercom?
HisjobwastowatchforthekillerandprotectthesheriffandKanefromasurpriseattackduringthetimeittookthesharpshooterstomoveintoabetterposition.Hescannedtheforestagainthenreachedforhiscellphone,breakingKane’sinstructionstoremainsilent,andcalledBradford.Thecallwenttovoicemailandhecursedunderhisbreath.Whereareyou?
Unabletoleavehiscurrentposition,hecontactedWolfeandexplainedthesituation.
“Thereisachancehersignalisblockedbythecrevice.Weareclimbingdowntherockfacenowandshouldbeinpositioninaboutfiveminutes.”Wolfewasbreathingheavily.“Doavisualscanofthesheriff’spositionandthesurroundingareasforthekiller.Ifallclear,makeyourwaytothecrevice,butifyouseethekiller,followtheplan.Callthesheriffandwe’lldroptotheforestfloorandsurroundhim.Weheardthescream.Stayalert.Ifthereisabobcatdownthereguardingitsterritory,it’slikelythereismorethanonemaleprowlingaround.”
“Rogerthat.”Rowleycheckedtheareaagain,peeringthroughthetreesinthedirectionofthecanyon.
ThesheriffandKaneshouldbenearingtheswitchbackbynowandoutofsight,butwouldbevisibleagainoncetheyhitthestraightawaytrailbacktocamp.Satisfiedthekillerwasnowherenearthesheriff,hestood,placedhisrifleoveroneshoulder,andheadeddownthesteeppathwaytothebottomofthemountain.HepassedtheplaceWolfehadfirstpositionedBradfordandjoggedintothebushes.Hefoundthepathshehadtakenandafterafewminutesspottedthecurlywhitecordtohercompack.Fromhislocation,hecouldclearlyseethecrevicebathedinsunlightandonequicklookthroughhisbinocularsconfirmeditwasempty.
Achillcreptuphisspine.Hadthebobcatspottedher?Hemoveddeeperintotheforest,peeringintotheshadows,andthesmellofcaturinehithimlikeabrickwall.Oh,shit.Shewasnofoolbutwouldshehavepanickedandrun?Heglancedaround,searchingforaclue,andfoundabootmarkinthesoftgroundheadingawayfromthemountain.Shehadruninthesheriff’sdirection,andiftheyhadluredthekillertothearea,shewouldbeingreatdanger.Hegotbackonhiscom.“Wolfe,wehaveaproblem.”
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JennatooktenorsopacesalongthetrackthenlookedoveroneshoulderatKane.Sheheardaputtnotmuchlouderthanatwigbreaking,andasprayofbloodexplodedfromKane’shead.Shegapedathiminastonishmentthenaputtcameagainandatreebranchexplodedbesidehim.HolyhellitwasthesoundfromasniperriflewithasuppressorandKanewasthetarget.Theshootercouldbeupatreehundredsofyardsawayoronthegroundwithaclearviewthroughthetrees.ShedivedtothegroundandrolledintothebushesbutKaneremainedonthepath,staringintospacewithadazedexpression.Shewavedtogethisattention.“Getdown.”
Terrifiedattheamountofbloodstreamingdownhisface,shebelly-crawledtowardhimthroughthetrees.Thisshouldnotbehappening.Nothingwasgoingtoplan.AnotherbulletwhizzedpastKane’shead,hittingatreebesidethepath,andhejuststoodthereasiftransfixed.Somethingwasterriblywrong.Kane’scombatexperiencewouldnormallymakehimreactinstinctivelyandmoveintocover.Sheedgedforwardagain,wrigglingtowardhim,buthewastenormoreyardsawayandshedarenotcalloutandgivetheshooterherpositionagain.
WhenKanestaggeredanddroppedtohiskneesinchesawayfromasteepdropatthesideofthecanyon,herstomachcrampedinpanic.Thewordstumbledoutofhermouthbeforeshecouldstopthem.“Becareful,you’llfall.”
Afterafeebleattempttodraghimselfup,helurchedforwardthentoherdismayrolledoverandtumbledintothecanyon.Stunned,shecrawledonallfourstotheedgeandstaredinhorrorashisbodybounceddowntheslopelikearagdollthensnaggedatthebaseofatree.Thesurroundingbusheshidmostofhimfromviewandshecouldonlymakeoutonearmhangingoveralog.Hewasnotmoving.Kane.Oh,dearGod.
Shockedandhorrified,shegapedathimindisbelief—shehadtogettohim,butinsidethetruthgnawedather.Shebitbackasobofgrief.ThesonofabitchhadkilledKane.Herfirstinstinctwastorunintothecanyonafterhim,andshehoveredontheedgedecidinghowtodescendthesteepfall.Thesquawkofaneagleoverhead,asifinwarning,broughtherbacktoreality.
TherewasastillachanceKanewasaliveandshecouldnothelphimifthekillershotheraswell.TakecoverandcontactWolfe.Shemovedbackintotheforestthengottoherfeet,placedherbacktoatree,andpulledouthercellphone.Anothermuffledputtandthescreenshattered.Painshotthroughherfingersandshefellhard,crashingtotheground.Shelaywindedforafewsecondstryingtocatchherbreath.Abullethadpassedthroughthecellphoneandtornasix-inchsplitacrosstheleftsideofherjacket.Theshooterwasusingasuppressorandherteamwouldnothaveheardtheshot.HehadherpinneddownandwaswellhiddenSheconsideredtheangleoftheshot.Heisinfrontofmeandonmyright.Howfarawayishe?
Heartthumpinginherears,shescannedherimmediatearea.Thebushesofferedherprotectionfornow.IhavetogettoKane.SheunzippedherjacketandwithtinglingfingersslidtheGlockfromtheshoulderholsterthencrawledtotheedgeofthecanyon.Undercoverofthelongvegetation,sheslidtowardtheedgelikeasnake.Shewouldhavetomovewithcareandnotgiveherpositionaway.Ifshewaitedforeachgustofwindbeforebelly-crawlingthroughthebushes,hewouldnotseeher.Underher,theroughgravel,treeroots,anddebristoreatherjeansbuttheKevlarvestofferedherchestprotectionandhadsavedherfrominjury.
TheimagesofKane’sheadexplodinginasprayofcrimsonreplayedinhermind.Bealive.Please,God,lethimbealiveRealizationslammedintoher.Ifbysomemiraclehehadsurvivedtheheadshot,hecouldhavebrokenhisneckinthefall.Onewayoranother,shehadtogettohim.Dammit,whereismyteam?Herhandtrembledonthegripofherpistol.Shetookafewdeepbreathsthenrolledontoherbackandlistened.Anyonecomingintothecanyonwoulddislodgeagoodamountofrocksandshewouldhearthem,butonlythesoundofherheavybreathingbrokethesilence.Afterslidingherweaponbackintotheshoulderholster,shegotontoallfoursandheadedtowardthenearesttree.
Shestoodinshadowswithherbackpressedhardagainstthetrunkandpeereddowntheslope.Kane’sglovedhandhungoveralowbranchbuthisfingershadnotmoved.Sheswallowedthelumpinherthroatandtriedtoaccessherprofessionalfa?adebutdesperationseepedintoher.Asaltywetnesscoatedherlipsandshebrushedawaythetearsstreamingdownhercheeks.Lonelinessanddespairengulfedher.Shewasthetarget,notKane.Howhadthishappened?
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Euphoriabubbledintoachuckleashemovedlikeaghostbetweenthetrees.Hehadoftentraveledthepathwaysmadebyanimalswalkingtoandfromthecanyon.Thecominhisearwasbuzzingwiththeexcitedvoiceofhiscontact.TheheadshotonPaulhadblowntheirmindsandhisassociatewasreplayingitinslowmotiononthepay-per-view.AtrailcamhadpickedupMariah’sshockedexpressionandhisshottotakeouthercellphone.Adoublewhammy:Hercellphonewastoastandthebullethadslicedapathacrossherribs.Thatkindofshootingtookskill.Hegrinnedandpausedtowatchtheslow-motionrerunofbothPaul’sheadexplodingandMariahsprawlingonherass.
HiscontactassuredhimPaulhadfallenintotheravineatthebottomofthecanyon.Hisbodywouldbedinnerforthecritterslivinginitsfathomlessdepths.WithoutPaultoworryabout,hehadallthetimeintheworldtoplaywithMariah,andhewantedthisonetolast.Afterall,winterwouldbeheresoonandthesnowwouldforcehimtolaylowuntilspring.
Helickedhislips.Mariah,hisprey,wasalreadyonthemove;theblondehadmerelywhettedhisappetite.Theviewershadchangedhisusualgamebut,hey,nowhecouldconcentrateonMariah.Afterpostingalistofhisfavoritemovesforthemtochoosefrom,theyhadvotedforhimtorapeherthencuther.Heenjoyedthetorture.Ittaughtthebitcheshowtobehaveinhispresence.
Hisskillwithabladehadbecomeanartform,knowinghowdeeptocutwithoutkillingthem.Oncehehadsatisfiedhisviewers’bloodlust,hewouldstrangleherjustenoughtosubdueherbeforehetookhertohiscave.Shewouldfigurehertimewithhimwasoverandthenshewouldwakeupandhecouldstartover.
Heapproachedtheswitchbackandblendedintotheforest.Shewasclose;hecouldalmostsmellherfear.Hepulledouthisknifeandgrinned.Run,runasfastasyoucan,Mariah,butyouwillneverescapeme.
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“Orders,sir?”Rowleyscannedtheforestinwidesweeps.“Icansmellacatbutnothingismovingdownhere.Ican’triskcallingouttoBradford.ItwouldalertthekillerI’mhere.”
“Weareontheplateauandthesunisstillobscuringourvision.Doareconoftheimmediatearea,sayahundredyardsalongthetrailyouassumeshewent,thencallinifyoufindherornot.”Wolfeletoutalongsigh.“We’llheaddownnow.It’sgettinglate,andifthesherifforKanehadeyesonthekiller,they’dhavealertedusbynow.”
Rowleyslidtheriflefromhisshoulder,cockedthehammerandhelditshoulderhigh.Nowaywasheriskingtakingonanangrybobcatoralunaticwithoutaweaponinhishand.Heheadedalongthetrail.“Rogerthat.”
HehadlivedinBlackRockFallsallhislifeandspentmanyhoursinStantonForest.Ithadbeenaretreatfromschoolandlater,aplacetorelaxwithfriends,fishingorhunting.Oflate,theplaceheldmemorieshewouldratherforget.Ashemovedwithcaution,steppingthroughthezebrashadowsacrossthepath,hismindwenttooneofhisnewfriends.AftermeetingAtohiBlackhawk,theyhadspentagreatdealoftimetogether.Atohihadofferedhimadifferentoutlookonlifeandhadeasedhisapprehensionaboutventuringintotheforestagain.Atohihadinsistedtheforestwasnottoblamefortheatrocitiesofman,andinfact,thebeautyofthetreesandalltheforestheldwouldhealthesorrowhehadinsidehim.Ihopeso.
Thesoundofcrowsandtheflappingofwingsasbirdsgatheredinthebranchesmadethehaironthebackofhisneckstandstraightup.Hehadseenthesignsofdeathbefore,andassureashisnamewasJakeRowley,crowsgatheringwasthefirstsign.Thebreezeheldthesmellofbloodandhestoppedmidstrideandlistened.Nothing,onlytherustleoftheleavesandthecrowsarguingastheywatchedfromthebranches.Hesteppedawayfromthetrailandmovedslowlyfromtreetotree,expectingtodisturbakiller.
Sweatranintohiseyesandapulsepoundedinhisears.Witheachstep,theunmistakablesmellofdeathincreased.Heclosedhiseyesforasecondandprayeditwouldbeananimal.WitheveryinstinctscreamingathimtoturnaroundandheadbacktoWolfeandWebber,hegrippedhisrifleandmovedtothenexttree.Thesmellhadgottenbad.Heswallowedhisfearandturkey-peekedaroundthetrunk,butonequicklookwasenough.Oh,Jesus.
Hefumbledforhiscommicanddepressedthebutton.“Youneedtogetoverhere.It’sbad.”
“Details,Rowley.”Wolfe’sorderscamethroughloudinhisear.
Hishandtrembled.“It’sDeputyBradfordandthere’salotofblood.”
“Onourway.Checkhervitals.”
Theforestclosedinaroundhim.Thekillerhadamillionplacestohideandwatchhisreaction,thesicksonofabitch.HedraggeduphislastounceofcourageandwalkedtowardBradford.Atthesightbeforehim,hischestconstrictedandhecouldnotbreathe.Hewantedtolookawayandhadtoforcehiseyestotakeinthegruesomescenebeforehim.Therewouldbenoneedtocheckherpulse.
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TheroughterrainrippedatJenna’sjeans,andbusheswhippedacrosshercheeks,butshepushedon,slidingandslippingdownthesteepcanyon.Withonlyherinbuiltsenseofdirectiontoguideher,shekeptlowandmadeherwaytowardKane’sposition.Timewastickingby,andeverysecondcouldmeanthedifferencebetweenlifeanddeathforKane.Shebitbackasoboffrustrationastheloosegravelunderfoothamperedherspeed.Withouthercellphone,shehadnocontactwithherteam.Shehadatrackerring,whichinanemergencysentamessagetoKane’sphone.DamnlotofgoodthatwaswithKanedown.Ifshecouldgettohim,shecouldusehiscellphonetocallforbackup.
Thegroundunderneathherfeetshifted,bouncingherinanuncontrollableslideintothecanyon.Indesperation,sheloopedonearmaroundabushtoslowherdescentandgraspedatclumpsofgrasstocrawltothebaseofatree.Shesat,gaspingforairforafewseconds,thenglanceduptocheckforanymovementaboveher.Whereistheshooter?
Onethingforsure,thekillerwasupthereandwouldberunningthroughhistrailcamfootagetofindoutwhereshewasheading.Withhalfanhourtothenextcheck-intime,herteamwouldhavenoideatheirplanshadgonetohell.Withthesunblindingthem,theywouldbeignoranttothefactthekillerhadshotKaneandshewasindanger.ThemomentKanemissedacheck-inandneglectedtoanswerhiscell,theywouldmovein.Inthemeantime,shehadtooutsmartapsychopathickillerandgettoKane.
Sheglancedaroundtogetherbearingsbutthedirectroutetohimwouldplaceheroutintheopen.I’llhavetofindanotherway.Thecanopyoftreeswouldcoverherforafewmoreyardsandshejoggedalongananimalpaththroughthetrees,liftingherkneestoavoidthetangleofdrygrassandivy.Whenshecametotheclearing,shecouldseeKane’sarmdrapedoveralogtwentyyardsaway.Toavoidcrossingtheopenpatchtogettohim,shewouldhavetonegotiateasmallpartoftheperimeterofafifty-footdroptothebottomoftheravine.
WiththeurgencytogettoKanefrontandcenterinhermind,shepulleduphergloves,grippedthewoodystalksofbushes,thenloweredherselffeet-firstovertheedge.Herlegshunginmidairandherheartthunderedinherchestasshefeltaroundthecrumblingrockwallforasuitablefoothold.Graveltumbleddownbehindher,soundinglikerainasitpepperedthebushesbelow.Shechancedalookdownandherstomachcramped.Fearheldhermotionlessforafewlongseconds,thengrindingherteeth,sheedgedsideways,grippingthebushesandmovingonecarefulstepatatime.
Thescrubmovedunderhergrasp,threateningtouprootandplungehertocertaindeath.Shouldersachingwithoverexertion,sheforcedonward,edgingalongtheperilousdrop.Awareofthetimeherpainfullyslowprogresswastaking,shesuckedinasobofreliefwhenshadowsclosedaroundher.Themusclesinherarmsscreamedinprotestasshedraggedherselfoutoftheravineandlaypantinginthegrass.Notallowingherselfamomenttorecover,shebelly-crawledintothecoverofthetallpinesthentookinhersurroundings.Kanewaslyingfacedown,legssprawled.Onearmhungoverthefallentreeandhewasstillwearingthebackpack.Hehadnotmadeonetwitchofafinger.Pushingdownherinstincttoruntohisside,shescannedthearea,makingsureashooterlookingdownfromabovewouldnotseeher,thenmovedcloser.
Panicgrippedherandshetrieddesperatelytosteelherselftodealprofessionallywithwhatshewouldfind.FromthesprayofbloodfromKane’sheadwoundandthefallintothecanyon,thechancesoffindinghimalivewouldbeclosetozerobutshehadtobesure.
Shemovedfromtreetotree,takingcaretoremainhidden,thenbelly-crawledtoKane’sinertbody.Bloodcoveredhishairandsoakedthebackandshoulderofhisshirt.Sheremovedhersunglassesandstaredatthewoundinsurprise.Theinjurywasnotthegapingholesheexpectedandwasbleedingprofuselyinasignoflife.Hersurvivaltrainingfellintoplacelikeashieldagainstherwellingemotionsoffindinghimalive.Imuststopthebleeding.
Thebullethadgougedafour-inchpathacrosshisscalpjustabovetherightear,exposingthetitaniumplateinhishead.Sheshudderedatthesightofthedentedmetal.Howclosedidhecometodying?Sheremovedoneofherglovesandslidherhandunderhisnecktocheckhispulse.Underherfingers,shefeltthethump,thump,thumpofstrength,nottheweakflutterofsomeonebleedingout.Relieved,shewentthroughhispocketstosearchforhiscellphone,draggeditout,andgroanedindismayattheshatteredscreen.WithWolfeonlyacallaway,Kanewouldhavegottentheexpertcareheneeded.Sheglancedupthecanyontothetop.Nothingmovedthroughthelonggrassordisturbedthelooserocks.Thekillerhadn’tfoundheryet.“Ifigureit’sjustyouandme,Dave.”
Withgentlecare,sheranherhandsoverhisarmsandlegs,checkingforinjuries.Shefoundnobrokenbonesbutbloodpooledaroundhisleftkneeandhecouldhavedamagedhisspine.Sheeasedoffhisbackpackandmovedhisarmfromoverthelog.Withthetreeshidingthemfromabove,shecouldtendtohisheadinjurywithoutthekillerseeingher.Apartfromenergybarsandwater,KanemadeahabitofcarryingaCombatLifesaverKitcompletewithwoundstapler.Atleastshecouldstopthebleeding.Shepulledoutthekitandwentthroughthesupplies.Afterpullingonsurgicalgloves,shetrimmedawaythehair,cleanedtheleavesandotherdebrisfromKane’swound,irrigatedit,thenstapledtheedgestogether.Afterdressingthewound,shestaredathim,willinghimtoopenhiseyes.
Hehadbruisesallover,anddeepscrapesandscratchesonhisface.Notwantingtomovehishead,shedabbedatwhatshecouldreachthenturnedawaytopullablanketfromthebackpack.Assheturnedback,Kaneliftedonearmandhadherbythethroat.Shestaredupintotheeyesofamanshedidnotknow.Coldandintimidating,theyboreintoher,examiningherface.Heweighedatonandshegaspedforair.“Getoffme.”
“Whothehellareyou?”Kanetouchedhisheadandwinced.“Yousuremadeamistaketryingtokillme,lady.”
Shegapedathim,tryingtoinhaleundertheweightofhim.“I’mSheriffJennaAltonandyoursuperiorofficer.Wearechasingaserialkillerandheshotyou.”
“Iwouldn’tbeanyone’sdeputy,notinthislife.”Kane’sfingerstightenedaroundherthroat.“ThinkagainandImightallowyoutolive.”
Jennatriedtothinkbacktothestorieshe’dtoldheraboutworkingforPOTUS.“CalmdownandI’lltellyouwhatIknow.You’reoffthegridandIknowyouasDaveKane.”Shelookedintohiseyesbutnotoneglimmerofrecognitionshowedthere.“YoutoldmeonceoneoftheagentsguardingPOTUSlefthiscomonwhenhewenttothebathroomforanexplosivevisit.YouhadtolistenandguardPOTUSwithoutlaughing.”
“Goon.”Kane’sgriploosened.
Desperatetogethimbackonherside,shegavehimanabridgedversionofhislife.“Yourwife’snamewasAnnieandshewaskilledinacarbombing.YouhaveaplateinyourheadbecauseofthatattackandendedupasmydeputyinBlackRockFalls.”
“Idon’trememberyouorbeingadeputy.”Kane’stroubledgazescannedherface.“Therestwasyesterday.What’sthedate?”
Jennatoldhimthenpushedherhandintoherpocketandpulledouthercreds.“Here,look.IamwhoIsay.”ShewaitedforhimtoexamineherIDthengavehimaquickrundownoftheirsituationinthehopeitwouldtriggerhismemory.“We’vebeenworkingtogetherforayear.Youliveinacottageonmyranch.YouhaveadognamedDuke,abloodhound.”
“Idon’trememberbutyoucheckoutandweareintheforest,soIguessI’llhavetobelieveyou.”Herolledoffherthengruntedandhisfacepaledtosheet-white.“Dammit,mykneeisshot.”Hepulledhimselfontoasittingpositionbehindatreeandpeeredatarippedholeinhisblood-soakedjeans.“Smashedmykneecap.”
“Letmetakealook.”Tokeephismindoffhisinjuries,Jennagavehimwhatinformationtheyhadonthekillerandwhathadtranspiredinthelasthour.Shedraggedoverthemedicalkitandbentoverhisleg.“You’llneedthistendedbyadoctor.Istapledthecutonyourheadbutthisneedsaspecialist.AllIcandoiscleananddressitfornow.”
“DoitbutIdon’thaveonechanceinhellofclimbingupthatslope.”Kanewincedasshepouredantisepticoverthewound.“Haveyoucalledforbackup?”Hereachedinsidehisjacket,checkedhiscredpack,thenremovedhisweaponandsearchedhispockets.
“No,thecellphonesaresmashed.”Jennanoticedhowslowhewasmovingandfrowned.“Anyotherinjuries?”Shetookbottlesofwaterfromthebackpackandhandedhimonethensippedtheother.
“Toomanytocount.”Hisglancewassofterthistime.
Shefinisheddressingthewoundandlookedupathispale,drawnface.“There’smorphineinthekit.”
“No,Ineedtobealert.”Kanefrownedthensearchedherfaceagain.“Wehavetomove.Now!Ifthekillersawmefall,heknowsmypositionandcouldbeonhisway.”Heshruggedonthebackpackthendraggedhimselfupusingatree.“Handmethatbranch,I’lluseitasacane.”
TheymovedafewyardsintothecanyonindeepshadowsbeforeKaneneededtohalt.Jennacouldalmostfeelhisagonybuthehadnotmadeonecomplaint.Hehung,panting,toapineandshewalkedafewyardsawayandlookeduptogetherbearings.Thebranchesshatteredbesideherasashotwhizzedpastherheadandstruckthetrunkofasapling.Shedroppedandrolledbehindahugeboulder.Fearclutchedather,speedingherheartrate;thekillerhadgivenawarninghewasonhisway.Hewantedherterrifiedtoincreasehispleasure.Heishuntingme.
ShecrawledtotheothersideoftheboulderandfoundKanedragginghimselftowardher.Afterhelpinghimintoasittingposition,sheremovedhisbackpack“Thereiswaterandenergybarsinthereandathermalblanket.”
“Okay.”Kanegaveheraquizzicalstare;thebruisesonhisfacehadturnedanastypurpleandbloodtrickledfromunderthedressingonhishead.“Youplanningonleavingmehereforthebears?”
“Youcanlookafteryourselfforawhile.YouhaveplentyofammoandI’veseenyoushoot.”Shecroucheddowninfrontofhim.“Listentome,Dave.I’mgoingtolurethekillerawayfromyou.Ifheentersthecanyon,we’llbemorevulnerable;nooneknowswe’rehere.We’vemissedthecheck-intimeandourteamwillknowsomethingiswrongbynowandbemovinginupthereonthetrail.I’lljusthavetoavoidbeingcaughtbyhimbeforetheyarrive.”
“Noway.”Kane’sbrowwrinkled.“Ifthisisaserialkiller,apsychopath,noonereallyknowswhat’sinhismind;hecouldgetmadandkillyoujustfortheheckofit.Iwon’tletyoudothis,Sheriff.Stayhereandwe’llfighthimtogether.”
Thecoldwayhelookedather,itwaslikeastrangerhadtakenoverhisbody.“Wedon’thaveachoice.Withyourinjuries,likeitornot,Dave,he’llhavetheadvantage.IfIleaveyouhere,Iwillbeabletodrawhimaway.Heisnotinterestedinyou,andIfigurehealreadybelievesyou’redead.Isuredid.”Shelookedintohisbloodshoteyes.“YouprofiledthiskillerandI’mthetypeofwomanhemurders.Themenhekillsaresuperfluoustohisneeds.”
“It’stoodangerous.”Kanegrippedherarm.“Ifwestayhere,themomenthewalksintorange,I’lltakehimdown.Theshotswillalertyourdeputiesandthey’llcomerunning.”
Shewonderedifhehadallhisfacultiesafterhisheadinjuryandshookherhead.“Iknowthat’sthewayyouareusedtoworking,Davebutwedothisbythebook.Therearehuntersallovertheforestandanyonecouldbedownhereandwalkintorange.Wehavetobesureit’sthekillerbeforeweshoot.Youcan’tjustkillthefirstpersonwhowalksinhere;hehastoposeathreat.”
“Ifigurehe’salreadyposedathreattome,ma’am.”Kane’smouthtwitchedupinthecorner.“SayIgoalongwiththismadness.What’syourplan?”
“IfIdartintotheopen,forjustasecondtogainhisattention,Icanmoveintotheshadowsandclimbtothetopofthecanyon.Theteamisscanningthatarea.They’llspotme,andcomerunning.Thisistheonlyoptionwehave.LikeIsaid,theyhavenoideawearedownhere.”Jennashrugged.“IfIstay,wewillbeplayingthekiller’sgame.Thelunaticuptheredoesn’twanttokillmeoutright;hepreferstotorturehisvictimsandwecanuseitagainsthim.”
“Andifhedisablesyou?”Kanesippedthewaterfromhisbottleandwinced.“Sayheshootsyouinthearms;youwon’tbeabletofightoruseyourweapon.Yourteamwon’tbethereinseconds,willthey?”Hegaveheralonglook.“Heisusingahigh-poweredrifleandfromwhatIhavewitnessedsofarisamarksman.Hecouldtaketheteamoutbeforetheyknowwhat’shappening.”
Jennashookherhead.“Notmyteam.Forheaven’ssake,youtrainedthemandwehaveWolfeupthereincommand.Heislikeyou,anex-marine.Hewon’tletusdown.”
“Ifyousayso,butI’myourbestprotectionevenwithabustedknee.”Kane’sgazenarrowed.“Ifyouknowmeaswellasyousayyoudo,you’llunderstand.”
“Idobutrightnow,Ineedtoprotectyou.Thisisthebestoption.Ihavetotrustinourteam.”Shesqueezedhisshoulder.“Staysafe.I’lldealwiththissonofabitchthensendWolfetohelpyou,Ipromise.”
Refusingtoarguewithhim,shereplacedhersunglasses,pushedthebottleofwaterintoherpocket,thenturnedandsprintedoutoftheforestacrossthesunlitareainfullviewandbackintotheshadowedtreelinetothesteepcanyonwall.Shedoveintotheundergrowthandheadedslowlyupthesideofthechasm.Aboveher,sheheardthesoundofariflewithasuppressorshootinginrapidsuccession;thekillerwasfiringallaroundherasifherdingher.Awaveofpanichither.Thegamehaschanged.I’mplayingbyhisrulesnow
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Hisdaycouldnotgetbetterandnowhispreyhadmarchedrightoutofcoverandintohissights.Hechuckledandaimedafewmoreshotstoherright.“Comeon,getbackonthetrail.Iamwaitingtoplaywithyou.”Heleanedovertheedge,watchingthebushesmoveasMariahclimbedupthesteepincline.
Shewouldbeexhaustedbythetimeshereachedthetop,andwiththesundroppingfast,hedidn’thavetoomuchtimetoallowhertorestbeforeheconcludedhishunt.Heglancedathiswatch.Hehadmaybeanhourofgooddaylightleft.Hewantedthechase;seeingherrunfranticthenknowingshecouldneverescapefedhisneed.Thevoteswereinonhowhewouldkillher,butherdingherclosertohiscavewashismainobjective.Hewantedtosavorherinfrontofhisfriends.Afterall,ithadbeenyearssincesomeofthemhadseenawoman.
Hequiveredwithexcitementatthethoughtofherreactionwhenheswitchedonthelampsinhiscave.Shewouldscream,horrifiedathisfriends’expressions.Hedoubtedmanypeoplewouldappreciatetheirrateofdecompositionlikehedid.Hisfriendswouldsmileatherandhewouldfeedoffherterror.Hisheartwouldbeatsofastandyethewouldbecalm.Hedidsoliketotakehistimewithhispreyandsavoreachdeliciousmoment.
Hewaitedforhertopopoutofthecanyonandboltdownthetrail,headingtowardhercampsite.Takinghistime,hestrolledafterher;shewasmovingataslowpaceanditwouldbeeasytokeepupwithher.Hefollowed,thentohissurprise,shestoppedwalking,stoodinfullview,andtookalongdrinkfromabottleofwater.Heraisedhisriflethenplacedtwoshotsintoatreeonherleft.Tohissurprise,shedidnotrunscreamingintotheforestbutturnedslowlytofacehim.Hesteppedintotheopenandpointedhisrifleather.Hehaddistortedhisvoiceanditshouldterrifyher.“RunorI’mgoingtokillyouwhereyoustand.”
“What?You’replanningonshootingmeintheback?”Herloudvoicecameoutinaconfidentsneeranditwasstrangelyfamiliar.“Bigman,withabigweapon.Youarejustaweaklingsonofabitchusingahigh-poweredrifleagainstanunarmedwoman.Arealmanwouldatleasthavethegutstofightmeoneonone.”Sheliftedherchin.“What?AmItoobigforyoutotakeon?GohometoMommy,littleboy,andstopwastingmytime.”
Angerflaredandhedroppedtherifleandunsheathedhisknife.“I’llmakeyousorryyousaidthattome,bitch.”
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Desperatetogaintime,Jennawavedherarmsathim.“Bringiton,youlittleworm.”
Herbraverycamefromthemovementaheadonthetrail.Herteamwasclosinginandherraisedvoicewouldhavecaughttheirfullattention.ThemanbeforeherwastallbutnotasbigasKane,andcoveredfromheadtofoot.Ahideousskull-printbandanamaskedhisface,andsunglassescoveredhiseyes.HewasjustasColterBarrydescribed.Shestoodfeetapartandshouldersstraighttomakehimcometoher.Kane’sprofilingonthislunaticfilteredintohermind;thekillerfedonfearandlikelyenjoyedhisvictimstobegfortheirlives
Adrenalinepumpedthroughherandshewantedtofighthimasifthenotionofawomanbringinghimdownwouldputeverythingright.Sheheardhimspeakbutnottoher;hewascommunicatingthroughhiscom.Theideahemighthaveaccompliceshadnotenteredhermind.Uneaseslidoverher.Hewasadvancingandtossingtheknifefromhandtohandasifhehadallthetimeintheworld.
“I’mgoingtokillyouslowlyandmakeyouscreamformercybutInevergivemercy.”Thekillermovedtowardherinslow,deliberatesteps.“You’reminenow,Mariah.Thereisnoescape.”
Desperatetoshownofear,Jennalaughedathim.“MynameisnotMariah.”
Shecouldhearpeoplecrashingthroughthebushesinthedistancebehindher,butwasitherteamorthelunatic’saccomplices?Takingactionwasheronlychoice.“Droptheknife.I’mSheriffJennaAltonandI’mnotalone.”
Thekillerstoppedmid-stridethen,tohersurprise,chuckled.“Ah,theultimateprize.So,IgatherItookDeputyKaneoutearlier.Well,youhadmefooledbutthenyouresemblemostofmyvictims,don’tyou?Thereisnooneheretosaveyou,Jenna.Ihaveeyeseverywhereandifthatcuteblondewaspartofyourteam,well,I’mafraidshelostherhearttosomeoneelse.”Hestalkedtowardherinmeasuredsteps.“Noonewillgettoyouintime.It’sjustyouandme,likeitshouldbe.”
WorryforBradford’ssafetyflittedthroughhermind.Howcouldhehavegottentoherwiththreedeputieswatchingherback?Sheliftedherchin.Hedidnotknowshecarriedaweaponunderherjacket,andfromwhatshecouldmakeout,heonlyhadaknifeplusadegreeofinsanityonhisside.Reasoningwithhimmightstillbeanoption.“Youdidn’tkillKane.I’llgiveyouonemorechancetosurrenderpeacefully.”
“Areyoucrazy?”Hetiltedhisheadtooneside.“IwoulddiebeforeIsurrenderedtoawoman,especiallyyou.”Hispacequickenedashemovedtowardherdownthetrail.
Withouttakinghereyesoffhim,Jennaunzippedherjacketandreachedforherweapon.Holdingitinbothhands,shetookaim.“HaltorIwillshoot.”
Thekillerlaughedmaniacallyandkeptoncoming.Jennasqueezedthetrigger,aimingforhisrightarm.Themanstaggeredundertheforceofthebulletbutheldontotheknifeasifhewasimpervioustopain,andhisstepsdidnotfalter.Hewaslessthantenyardsawayandclosingfast.
“Bad,Jenna.Headorheart,sweetie.”Heshookhisheadlikeadogthenincreasedhisspeed.“Ordidyoumiss?Notsoconfidentnow,areyou,bitch?”Helungedtowardher,kniferaised.
Withoutasecondthought,Jennastoodherground,tookaim,andfired.Hiskneecapexplodedandhehowledinpain,hittingthegroundwithamassivethud.Shewaitedabeat,hopinghewouldgiveup.Ifshekilledhim,theywouldneverknowhowmanypeoplehehadmurdered.Whenheroaredinangerandwavedtheknifeather,feartrembledherhandsandshegapedathiminterror.Asifwithsuperhumanstrength,hegaveherasatanicgrinanddraggedhimselftowardher.
“You’renext,Jenna.”
Jenna’sfingerdroppedtothetriggerofherGlockoncemore.“Oh,Idon’tthinkso.”
“Holdyourfire.”WolfecamecrashingthroughtheforestandontothetrailwithRowleyandWebbercloseonhisheels.
BeforeJennahadachancetoissueorders,Wolfekickedtheknifefromthekiller’shandandcuffedhim.Shestaredatthedeputies.“Youtookyourtime.Where’sBradford?”
“She’sdead.”Rowley’seyesfilledwithsorrow.“Byhim,Ifigure.”
GriefrolledoverJennabutsheswalloweditandnodded.“Headmittedasmuchtome.Getarescuechopperouthere.Kaneisinthecanyonandneedsurgentmedicalattention.Thisassholecanwait.”
“Leavethechoppertome.Whereishe?I’llgodowntohim.”WolfeturnedhisattentiontoJennaandwaitedfordirections.“Webbercantendtotheprisoner’sinjuries.”
JennagrippedWolfe’sarmandledhimtooneside.“Kanehasbeenshotintheheadandissufferingpartialmemoryloss.Hedidn’trecognizeme.You’llneedtobecarefulapproachinghim.He’llshootfirstthenaskquestionslater.He’sgonebacktojustaftertheaccident.”Sheloweredhervoicetojustaboveawhisper.“Thecarbombing.”
“He’llrecognizeme.”Wolfeturnedawayandheadeddownthecanyon.
Jennawalkedbacktostaredownattheprisoner.
“Youshouldhavekilledme.”Thekillerliftedhishead.
“Iwouldn’thavegivenyouthesatisfaction.Ihopetheykeepyouinjailfortherestofyourlife;lethalinjectionistoogoodforyou.”Jennabentoverthekillerandrippedoffhisdisguisethengapedathim.ItwasnotEthanWoodsasshehadexpected.Sheblinked,confusedatthefacestaringbackather.“JamesStone.”
EPILOGUE
SomanythingshadhappenedtoJennaintheweekssinceamilitaryrescuehelicopterwinchedKaneoutofthecanyon.InsteadofflyinghimtoBlackRockFallsHospital,theywenttotheWalterReedNationalMilitaryMedicalCenterinBethesda.WhenWolfehadinformedherKanerequiredasecureenvironmenttorecover,shefiguredhewouldnotbereturningtoBlackRockFallsanytimesoon,ifatall.
Sothecallfromthehospitalcameasasurprise.Kanewantedtoseeher.Worriedwhathewouldsaytoher,shechewedonherfingernails,figuringoutwhattodo.Thepersonwhocalledinformedhershecouldvisithimafewdaysafterhisnextroundofsurgery,butshewantedtobethereforhimandcouldnotwaitanothersecond.ShehadtoknowifheintendedtoreturntoBlackRockFalls.
TheflighttoWashingtongavehertimetothinkhowcloseshehadcometobeingavictimofJamesStone.Shehadbeenondateswiththeman.Whowouldhavethoughtapersonwhodefendedpeopleforalivingcouldmurderincoldblood?Shestaredoutthewindowatthecloudsandallowedthecasetosettleinhermind.Kanewouldwantallthedetails.
ThedaysfollowingthecaptureofJamesStonehadbeenharrowing.WithoutinformationonKane’scondition,otherthanthathewasalive,hernerveshadshattered.Shecalledthehospitaldailywiththesameresult.Notbeingarelative,theyrefusedtogiveoutanyinformation.RowleyandWolfehadsupportedherthebesttheycould,andEmilyspenttheweekendstellinghergorytalestokeepupherspirits.
ShehadshippedBradford’sbodybacktoherfamilyinHelenathenthrownherteamintounravelingthedarksideofJamesStone.Aftersiftingthroughhoursofhorrificvideofootageofhismurders,theydiscoveredhiscaveatBearPeak.InsidetheyfoundthebodyofJimCanavar.StonehaddocumentedJimCanavar’sdeath,clearinghimofanyinvolvementinthecrimes.Jimsatalongsidealineofunknownvictims.JimCanavar’sex-girlfriendandherboyfriendwerenotamongstthebodiesinthecave,norweretheownersofthebackpacks,buttheyfoundfootageofthemurderofcoldcasevictimsPaigeandDawson.Itwasarelieftoclosethecoldcasefileandtoknowtheirkillerwouldbebehindbarsforaverylongtime.
AftertrackingdownmissingAsiantourists,theFBIidentifiedJohnDoeasLeePu,aChinesenationalwhohadtransferredhugeamountsofcashfromhisbankaccountonthedaybeforeheleftChina.TheFBIcouldfindnotraceoftheoff-shoreaccountbutassumeditwasapaymenttoStonetobeinvolvedinthemurderofBaileyCanavar.EventhoughthepaymentforthenewrigStoneownedcamefromanoverseasbankaccount,StonedeniedknowingMr.Pu.
WithWolfeworkingalongsidetheFBI’sCyberDivisiononStone’scomputer,theylocatedandshutdownStone’ssiteonthedarkweb.Thedetailsofhisschemehadhorrifiedher.Stonespenthisvacationsmurderingalloverthestateanddrivenhomewithonespecialcorpseasasouvenirbutofferednonamesofhisvictims.Headmittedtomovingthebodyofhissuitablefriendthroughtheforestonhorsebacktojointheothersinhiscave.AsMr.Puwasobviouslyaclient,theFBIwerelookingoverseasforpossibleDNAmatchesfortheothervictimsandhuntingdownpossiblecoldcasesthroughoutthestate.Stoneobviouslyderivedathrilloutoftakinghisclient’scashthenkillingthemandonceidentified,thevictims’bankdetailswouldbeinvestigatedbytheFBIforanyhugewithdrawalsfromtheiraccountsjustpriortotheirdisappearances.EvenwithalltheFBI’sexpertise,theywerestillunabletotracehisco-conspiratorforthepay-per-view,oranyofhisonlineclients.
TheextensiveinterviewswithStonecarriedoutbyanFBIprofilerrevealedthatafterStone’sfamilydiedinahousefire,acouplehadadoptedhim.NotsixmonthslaterStoneclaimedtohavediscoveredthecouplebludgeonedtodeathintheirbed.ThepoliceneverconsideredStoneasuspectattwelveyearsoldbutthekillhadwhettedhisappetiteformore.
Astheaircraftmadeitsdescenttotherunway,JennashudderedatthememoryofwatchingJamesStone’sinterview.Hehaddivulgedhismanykillswithobviousgleebutimplicatednoone.Itwasasifheenjoyingrelivingthemacabretalefromkillinghisfosterparentstoalistofmurdersgoingbackyears,buthearingJamesStone’sfinalstatementchilledhertothebone.Hesaidshewashisreasontokillthedark-hairedwomen,andthemenwerecollateraldamage.Hiswordsranthroughhermindinanendlessloop.
“ItwasJenna’sfault;shemademedoit.Itriedtobenicetoherbutshetreatedmelikealowlife.Shewasnobetterthanalltheothers.Iwasnotgoodenoughforthehighandmightysheriff.AllIwantedwasarelationshipwithher.”Stonehadturnedandstaredintotheone-wayglassasifhecouldseeher.“Ihadtomakeyoupayfordisrespectingme,Jenna.Ihadtomakethemallpay.”
Theincidenthadhappenedayearago,andnomatterhowmanytimessherefusedhim,StonehadbecomeapestandwhenKanearrivedintown,shehadaskedhimtowarnStoneoff.Stonehadfinallygotthemessageandleftheraloneandshefiguredhisfixationonherwasfinallyover.Shehadnoideahishostilitytowardherhadgoneonforsolong.Thethoughtthatwomenhaddiedbecausetheyresembledhermadehersicktoherstomach.
Aftertakingacabtothehospital,anursedirectedhertoasterile,coldwaitingroom.Worriedbeyondreason,Jennapacedupanddown.Kanehadbeenundertheknifeforhours.Sheletoutasighofreliefwhenthedoubledoorstotheoperatingareaswishedopenandamanwearingsurgicalscrubsstrolledtowardher.Heheldouthishand.
“SheriffAlton,Ibelieve?IhaveMr.Kane’spermissiontogiveyouanupdate.”
Jennashookhishandandnodded,fightingforwords.“IsDaveokay?”
“Ittookthreesurgeriestorepairhisinjuriesandhe’llneedrehabilitationbuthe’llbeokay.”Thedoctornarrowedhisgaze.“Theplateinhisheadsavedhislifebutitwasextensivelydamagedandwereplacedthatwhenhearrived.Thekneerequiredtwosurgeriesandhe’llbeoncrutchesforatimebutheistough;thiswon’tholdhimupforlong.”
Sheswallowedhard,fightingbacktearsofrelief.“Whatabouthismemory?”
“Hehasblankspotsbutthey’llreturningoodtime.”Thedoctorsmiledather.“Doyouwanttoseehim?Heisoutofintensivecareandbackinhisroomnow.”
Jennanoddedandherstomachsqueezed.PerhapsthiswouldbethelasttimeshewouldseeDaveKane.Thegovernmentwouldwhiskhimawayandgivehimajobinanotherstate.Shefollowedthedoctoralongacorridorandheindicatedtoaroomwithasecretserviceagentpostedoutside.SheshowedthemanherIDthensteppedinsideandheldherbreath.Kanewasflatonhisbackwithmachinesattachedeverywhere,andalargeframecoveredhisknee.Helookedpaleandalarge,redscarrandownonesideofhisshavedhead.Sheedgedtohisbedsideandtouchedhishand.“Dave,it’sme,Jenna.”
“Jenna?”Hiseyesopenedandhestaredather.“Youcameallthiswaytoseeme?”
Shesatontheedgeofhisbedandtouchedhisarm.“Theywouldn’tletmetocomeearlier.Itseemsyouareprettyspecialaroundhere.”
“You’vebeenbusy.WolfecalledbeforeIwentintosurgeryandbroughtmeuptodate.”
Jennawetherlips.Shewantedtofindouteverythingthathadhappenedtohimbuthewasinnoshapetotalkrightnow.“I’mgladyourecognizedWolfewhenIsenthimdowntohelpyouinthecanyon.”
“Iwouldhaveshothimbutheusedhiscodenameandmine.”Kanegaveherasleepystare.“HewasmyhandlerwhenIwasintheservice.Ah,Iguessyoudidn’tknowthat,didyou?Darn,nowI’llhavetokillyou.”Hechuckleddeepinhischestthengroaned.“Oh,Lord,Jenna,don’tmakemelaugh,ithurts.”
Shefrowned.“Wow,thedrugsarereallymessingwithyourhead.Youknow,I’msworntosecrecy,sameasyou,orhaveyouforgotten?”
“Irememberyoufine.Iwasjustlighteningthemood.Youlooksoworried.”TheirgazesmetandKaneclearedhisthroat.“Mytimelineismuddled,isall,andthedocsaysintime,itwillallfallbackintoplace.”
Jennalookeddownathisbruisedandbatteredface.“I’msogladyou’regoingtobeokay.”
“Enoughaboutme.Youcaughtthekiller,JamesStone,thesuperlawyer.Whowouldhavepickedhim?”Kanefrownedasifhehadsomethingdifficulttosay.“Youareonehellofasheriff.Ittookgutstotakeonthatmaniacalone.”
Jenna’schestconstricted.HewasgoingtotellherhewasnotreturningtoBlackRockFalls.Sheswallowedhard.“Icouldn’thavedoneitwithoutyou.”
“Youdidjustthat.”Kanesoundedasifhewasfightingtostayawake.
Jennaclearedherthroat.“Dukemissesyou.Hesitsbyyourrigandhowls.IhadtodraghimintoRowley’shousebeforeIleft.Hiseyesweresosad.IdidtellhimI’dbebacksoon.”
“Imisshimtoo.”Kaneshuthiseyes.“Thanksforlookingafterhimandthehorsesforme.”Heturnedhisheadawayasifnotabletomeethergaze.
“Itwasnotrouble.Dukeislikefamilynow.”Shecouldnotpreventatearfromrunningdownhercheek.“Somethingisworryingyou,Dave.Justsayitandgetitoverwith.”
“Okay.Idoneedtoaskyousomething.”Heturnedhisheadtopeeratherthroughhislashesandhisvoicelowered.“Comecloser,themedsarekickinginagain.”
Assheleanedoverhim,Kane’svoicecameoutinasleepywhisper.“Whenarewegoinghome?”
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TheCryingSeason
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DON’TTELLASOULDETECTIVESKANEANDALTONBOOK1
Thefloorwasstonecoldonherbareskin.Herheartpoundedinherchest.‘NotasoulknowswhereIam,’shethoughtasshetookinthedarknessaroundher.Andthensheheardhisfootsteps…
Whenabodyisfoundstuffedintoabarrelatthelocaldump,coveredinlongredcuts,DetectiveJennaAltonandhernewdeputy,DavidKane,rushtothescene.
NothingeverhappensinthesmalltownofBlackRockFalls,soJennabelievesthevictimmustbeoneoftworecentmissingpersons,andshefearsforthelifeoftheother.
Bothwerestrangerstothetown,butthere’snothingelsetolinkthem.Jennaknowssomeonemusthaveseensomething,butnoone’stalking;howwelldoesshereallyknowthepeoplearoundher?
ThenadisturbingcluemakesJennasuspectaconnectionwithotherdisappearancesinthetown’shistory.Justwhenshebeginsaskingtherightquestions,sherealisesshe’sbeingfollowed.Isshenextonthekiller’slist?
Inaraceagainsttime,JennaandDavidmustunlockthedarksecretattheheartofthetown,beforeit’stoolate…
Acompletelyaddictivedetectivethrillerthatwillhaveyouguessingrighttotheend.IfyouloveRobertDugoni,KarinSlaughterandRachelAbbott,you’llloveDon’tTellaSoul
Getithere!
BRINGMEFLOWERSDETECTIVESKANEANDALTONBOOK2
Getithere!
Shedidn’tknowhewaswatching.Untilitwastoolate.
She’dwalkedthiswayhundredsoftimesbefore.Shekneweverytwistandturn.Shedidn’tknowthiswasthelasttimeshe’deverwalkthispath.
Hiddendeepintheforest,schoolgirlFelicityParkerisfoundcarefullylaidoutonarockwithnothingbutafreshlypickedbunchofflowersnexttoher.Thebodyliesjustoffapopularhikingroute,andDetectiveJennaAltonthinksthekillermightbeavisitortothetown,untilanothergirl’sbodyisfoundatthelocalswimmingpool,onceagainposedwithabunchofflowers.
Jennarecognizesthesignsofaserialkiller,andthinksitcouldbealocal.Asthetownisgrippedwithfear,Jennamustexamineeachpersonthegirlsknew,andtrustbetweenneighborsstartstocrumble.
Bothgirlswentoutontheirown,andwerefoundwheretheyshouldn’tbe.Weretheytakenbychance,ordidtheyknowtheirkiller?Howweretheyluredsofarfromsafety?AndcanJennaandherteamfindthekillerbeforeanotherlifeislost?
Anabsolutelynail-bitingthrillerthatwillkeepyouupallnight.IfyouenjoyRobertDugoni,KarinSlaughterandRachelAbbott,you’lllovethis!
BringMeFlowersisavailablenow!
FOLLOWMEHOMEDETECTIVESKANEANDALTONBOOK3
Getithere!
‘Don’tyouagreeDetective?Thatsomepeopledeservetodie?I’vekilledthefirst.I’vekilledthesecond.Nowwillyoucatchtheothers,ordoIhavetokillthemtoo?’
ThebodyofAmosPriceliesinapoolofbloodonthepolishedfloorofanotherwiseemptyhouse.Withnosignsofabreakin,andnocluesleftatthescene,DetectiveJennaAltonisataloss.
Butastheteambeginstounpickthelifeofthereclusivevictim,theydiscoveradisturbinglinkbetweenAmosandthedisappearanceofseveralyounggirlsinthecountygoingbackyears.
Dayslater,anotherbrutallymurderedbodyisfound,inaremotemotelontheoutskirtsoftown.ElyDorseywaskilledinafrenziedattackandJennafearsnotonlythatthemurdersareconnectedtothemissinggirls,butthatthekillerhasn’tfinishedyet.
AsJennatriestoworkoutwhowillbenext,thekillersuddenlystartssendingherdeputy,DavidKane,messages.Isshebeingtaunted?Ordoesthemurdererwanttobecaught?AndwillJennadiscoverwho’sbehindthesekillingsbeforemorepeopledie?
Anabsolutelynail-bitingthrillerwithplentyoftwists,FollowMeHomeisperfectforfansofRobertDugoni,KarinSlaughterandRachelAbbott.
ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS
Ispendagooddealoftimedoingresearchbeforeandduringthewritingofanovel.Iwanttomakesuremystoriesare“real.”InTheCryingSeason,Irequiredsomehands-onexpertadvice.Mygo-topersonwasDanielBrown.Ireallyappreciatehispatiencedealingwithmyconstantquestions.Hisexplanationsandsuggestionshavebeenpriceless.
ImustacknowledgetheamazingteamatBookouture,whoworksohardtomakemybooksasgoodastheycanbe.HelenJennerisincredibletoworkwithandguidesmealongtherightpath.Mystoriespassthroughmanyveryexperiencedhandsbeforepublishing.Theediting,thefantasticcovers,theaudiobooks,andthepromotion.Manythankstoeveryoneinvolved.
PublishedbyBookouturein2018
AnimprintofStoryFireLtd.
CarmeliteHouse
50VictoriaEmbankment
LondonEC4Y0DZ
www.bookouture.com
Copyright?D.K.Hood,2018
D.K.Hoodhasassertedherrighttobeidentifiedastheauthorofthiswork.
Allrightsreserved.Nopartofthispublicationmaybereproduced,storedinanyretrievalsystem,ortransmitted,inanyformorbyanymeans,electronic,mechanical,photocopying,recordingorotherwise,withoutthepriorwrittenpermissionofthepublishers.
eBookISBN:978-1-78681-542-2
Thisbookisaworkoffiction.Names,characters,businesses,organizations,placesandeventsotherthanthoseclearlyinthepublicdomain,areeithertheproductoftheauthor’simaginationorareusedfictitiously.Anyresemblancetoactualpersons,livingordead,eventsorlocalesisentirelycoincidental.
TableofContents
TitlePage
AlsobyD.K.Hood
Contents
Dedication
Prologue
Chapter1
Chapter2
Chapter3
Chapter4
Chapter5
Chapter6
Chapter7
Chapter8
Chapter9
Chapter10
Chapter11
Chapter12
Chapter13
Chapter14
Chapter15
Chapter16
Chapter17
Chapter18
Chapter19
Chapter20
Chapter21
Chapter22
Chapter23
Chapter24
Chapter25
Chapter26
Chapter27
Chapter28
Chapter29
Chapter30
Chapter31
Chapter32
Chapter33
Chapter34
Chapter35
Chapter36
Chapter37
Chapter38
Chapter39
Chapter40
Chapter41
Chapter42
Chapter43
Chapter44
Chapter45
Chapter46
Chapter47
Chapter48
Chapter49
Chapter50
Chapter51
Chapter52
Chapter53
Chapter54
Chapter55
Chapter56
Chapter57
Chapter58
Chapter59
Chapter60
Chapter61
Chapter62
Epilogue
HearMoreFromD.K.Hood
AlsobyD.K.Hood
AletterfromD.K.Hood
Don’tTellaSoul
BringMeFlowers
FollowMeHome
Acknowledgements
Copyright