“We were working on a map—on the desk, there,” Graham says.
I look to my left and see a large folded paper beside the computer. I pick it up and unfold it to reveal a map with a bunch of red circles on it.
“Those are the areas we suspect hunters to be,” Nate explains. “What do you think is happening?”
“This doesn't look like they're working with each other. It looks like there's some sort of game going on.”
“Game?” Graham looks confused.
“My current theory is that the hunters are becoming increasingly aware of each other, but instead of working together, they have to let pride into the mix. That means that there are probably hunters or small groups of them that are in competition with each other.”
Realization hits Graham and Nate before I even finish. Both men share a look before turning to me. “Are you sure you don't want to just work here with us full time?” Graham asks. “We've been on this case all day and got nothing.”
“All I've said is just a theory.”
“Yes, but it makes more sense than anything else we've considered.”
“It's way past lunch time,” I muse. “Have you two gotten something to eat yet?”
“No,” Nate says while Graham shakes his head.
“We should arrange for that then. Our meeting isn't over yet.”
I stand up and walk out of the office. Graham is the one who follows me out. When I look his way, the large man shrugs. “I want to check on my mate.”
I roll my eyes. “Lucky for you, I'm going to her office.”
Graham and I reach Rose's office and enter. Rose rushes to embrace Graham, while Leena and I just sort of awkwardly watch them. They look like they haven't seen each other in years.
I had been pulled to this office by an urge as well. Even now, I want to reach for Leena and hold her body against mine, but I use every bit of self-control I have to stay put.
“Rose, I need your help with something. Could you get Leena something to eat? We've already had a long day, and it looks like it's about to get longer.”
“That's a great idea,” Graham says, holding onto his mate. “Both of you can go and get some fresh air.”
I want Leena close to me, but it'll be too suspicious if I send Rose out on her own while Leena just waits alone in the office.
“That's a great idea,” I add. “Please order some takeout for us. We have to get back to work.”
“We'll get right on it.”
Graham and I walk back to his office, where Nate is hunched over the desk, still looking at the map.
“Did you notice anything?” I ask, going back to the chair.
“I did a little digging last month into a lead I got. I wasn't sure it would be viable, so I haven't brought it up.”
“What did you find?” Graham asks, just as curious as I am.
“See this area here?” Nate says, pointing at the map. “Well, there's a shooting range around here. Now that place is chock full of the smell of gunpowder, so it'll be useless to look for hunters in a place where everyonesmells the same.”
It was well known that hunters smelled like gunpowder.
“True. How does this help us?”
“Well, a buddy that works there said he saw some guys with odd silver chains on. The guys didn't come together, but the chains were too similar not to take note of.”
“Hmm.” I place my hands under my chin, bringing my elbows to the table. “If the hunters are having some sort of weird competition with each other, we may have the advantage because they won't share intel. They're still too dangerous to be left unchecked.”
