At eight fifty, the police cruiser came bouncing into the clearing, headlights glowing through the fog, and Daniel rose to his feet. Jake pulled right up to the boathouse and climbed out, leaving the engine running as he shut the door hard behind him.
Daniel tensed. Something was wrong.
“You all right?” he called as Jake approached the dock.
“You know that girl Ben found dead on the ridge last month?”
Daniel nodded.
“Sheriff Smith’s boys finally found her boyfriend’s rig this morning, in the woods east of Warner Lake. He didn’t leave the state like they thought. He’s hiding out around here somewhere. Justin Grimes. He’s a hunter, knows how to navigate in the wild, and could have headed south. Tall guy, shaved head. You see anyone like that back in the woods?”
Daniel shook his head. “No. But I’ve only been back there to check Annie’s traps off the south shore. No one’s come sniffing around here as far as I know.”
Jake nodded. “Well, keep your eyes open. They found some pretty incriminating stuff in the back of his Bronco. Zip ties, duct tape, a needle filled with something they’re sending to a lab. They’re thinking Hannah might just have been his first target when he snapped. There could be others.”
Jake’s face was paler than Daniel had ever seen it, his eyes darting around the misty clearing as though Justin Grimes might step out of the fog at any moment.
“Are you in charge of the search?”
“No.” Jake shook his head. “This is the big leagues. Given the stuff they found in his car, they’re calling in the state. Maybe even the Feds if they can’t find him by the end of the week. The lake’s right on the county line and his car was on their side of it, so headquarters will be up in Landers, but of course I told them I’d get the word out around here. I hate to scare people, but folks gotta know. He could be anywhere.”
Daniel glanced over his shoulder. The mist was rising off the lake now, showing just the lower halves of the firs around it.
“Sorry about fishing, but I gotta get to the station and start making calls. Keep an eye out, will you?” Jake turned to leave.
“I will,” Daniel said to his back. “I guess I could tell people at the rodeo this afternoon if you need help spreading the word.”
Jake stopped and spun on his heel, staring. “You’regoing to the rodeo?”
Daniel nodded, and Jake made a sound of disbelief.
“Brother, I’ve invited you to church potlucks, parades, and the New Year’s Eve party year in and year out, and not once have you showed. What’s up?”
Annie. Annie was what was up. She would be at the annual Ward Family Rodeo, the most anticipated event on the Lake Lumin social calendar, waiting for him with a blanket to share on the grass and two jars of his freshly brewed sun tea.
Daniel hesitated; his answer lodged in his throat.
Annie had told him that Jake was just a friend, nothing more, and he’d taken her at her word. He had no reason not to. But just because she only saw Jake as a buddy, it didn’t necessarily mean the feeling was mutual.
Still, staking a claim on the same blanket at the rodeo was as good as a bulletin announcement in a town this size. It would be their first venture into town together as a couple, and Jake was bound to find out at some point. Going public was another big step, but Daniel was ready to take it. With Annie by his side, he might actually become a part of the community here, at last. But still, he didn’t have to tell Jake right this second.
Daniel shrugged, but couldn’t fight the smile tugging at his mouth.
Jake shook his head. “Seriously, man, what’s with you? You’re… giddy.”
The smile was breaking free, a losing battle, and Daniel shook his head at the dock.
“It’s nothing.”
A scoffing sound came from Jake’s throat. “I know that look, brother. It wouldn’t have to do with a certain someone who lives down the road, would it?”
Daniel looked up to meet Jake’s eyes. They were searching, but not affronted.
“It might. It’s been going on for a couple of weeks now.”
Jake’s brows rose in mild surprise. “Well, I’m happy for you.”
Daniel waited with his breath held for the other shoe to drop, but Jake looked genuinely pleased.
