“You think we need traffic help because bears might be out?”
“No, it’s because I want to go to see if Josh has made it to the location where I think he was headed,” Maya answered. “But when I went to get coffee and snacks at the gas station, I had company.”
“Really? That’s brave out here in the middle of nowhere with no other traffic.”
“Yes, which makes me think they’re either idiots or getting desperate. If they’re desperate, then they’re dangerous. So, what’s that saying about keeping enemies close?” Maya said. “I don’t know for sure that it’s the senator’s security detail following me, but I want to see if that vehicle that’s been sitting up there for a while drives down here and who’s really in it.”
“Actually,” Lucas said, peering over Maya’s shoulder, “a SUV just pulled out and is coming this direction.”
“Bingo,” Maya said. “Give them something to keep them busy but away from the investigation. Then we’ll leave and make sure we don’t have anyone with us.”
“We? Are you back to trusting me?”
“I never lost trust. I was just frustrated that Josh was getting framed. Have you found any connections between them and the Dark Angels?”
“Not yet, but I have someone working on it,” Lucas said. “Let me get them going. I think this crime scene needs traffic directors and someone to watch the very edge of the tape and make sure no one sneaks in there. Like a reporter.”
“This is why we’re friends,” Maya said, giving Lucas a fist bump.
She waited while he went and talked to the men that had arrived in the SUV. Maya wanted to find out more about them and saw them give her frustrated glances. If Josh was here, he’d know more about who they were. Sadness washed over her. She didn’t know what she’d do without Josh. It would be even worse if Pops was found guilty.
Lucas came to where she was standing. “It’s taken care of. I told one of my guys to make sure they stay busy and keep me posted if they leave. Let’s get out of here and go see what we can find at your cabin.”
* * *
They arrived at Maya’s camper about thirty minutes later. She’d had more coffee on the drive and felt a little more awake, adrenaline fueling her.I can sleep when this is all over.
Parking, she took in the surroundings. A small sliver of light appeared on the horizon as the sun started to rise. To say it had been a long day and night was an understatement. Everything around her property seemed peaceful. There were no lights on in the camper, although Josh would be smart enough to not turn anything on.
Lucas pulled up next to her. Maya gave Juniper a little rub on the head and then got out.
“It doesn’t look like anyone is here,” he said.
“No, but let’s clear the camper really quick.”
Maya strode over and stood to the side, knocking on the door. Normally she’d announce that she was a Forest Service officer, but since the only person she expected was Josh, she didn’t say anything. There was no answer and Maya tried the handle. The camper was open. Not sure if someone could be holding Josh hostage, she unholstered her gun and, along with Lucas, opened the door. There was no one.
They cleared the camper, Lucas taking the back, Maya the front when she saw the bag with the gloves. “I think Josh left this.”
“A bag with used gloves, that’s a great present.”
“No,” she said, grinning. “It’s not for me. It’s a present for Juniper. He left these as a scent article to find something.”
“They’re awfully tiny gloves,” Lucas said. “Do you think there’s a chance he found our other missing person? Elena?”
“I think there is,” Maya said, before sharing that she saw the smaller footprints at the house where they’d arrested the female suspect and found the deceased male.
“Okay, well, let’s go get your wonder dog and figure out the next part of the clue.”
Maya went to Juniper’s compartment. The Mal had apparently napped enough and was ready to work again, spinning circles as she saw Maya pull out her tracking harness.
“You can go off leash here, girly,” Maya said, trying to help her dog out of the vehicle. Juniper managed to fly out before Maya could do much. “We need to work on you waiting for me.”
Juniper answered with a grunt and head tilt.
“Okay, girly,” Maya said, opening the scent article and allowing Juniper to stick her nose in to get a good whiff. “Let’s go find ’em.”
Juniper put her nose up in the air, taking in the scent from the light breeze. Maya would let her go out and work the area first, but if need be, she’d also direct her to allow the airflow to help Juniper pinpoint the scent. Juniper’s body language quickly changed, and Maya could tell she was in odor. They didn’t have to go far as Juniper trotted over to the stone chimney, worked the area, and then lay down, staring up.
