CHAPTER 28
Wyatt,Kori, and Thunder had the direct line to the heat signature.
They’d started on the same trail as yesterday, but Wyatt had explained they’d need to break off after the first mile and a half. The good news was that some of the snow had melted. The bad news was everything underneath had turned to mud—slick, unstable, and just as dangerous.
Wyatt didn’t like coming out here with just the three of them.
Not after the slashed tires.
Not after the tracks running parallel to theirs.
Not after the body.
But the heat signature had been steady. Not moving. That changed things.
“Any other updates from Micah this morning?” Kori asked as they followed Thunder. “About Pete?”
“Unfortunately, no. But he’s working every angle.”
Kori nodded, her jaw tight. “I’m sorry to hear that.”
Thunder checked back, then pushed forward again.
Wyatt scanned the trees to the left.
Nothing moved.
But the silence felt wrong. Too complete. Like the forest was holding its breath.
He didn’t say that.
No need to put that in Kori’s head.
Garrett’s voice crackled softly through Wyatt’s radio. “You’re closing in. About a quarter mile north.”
“Copy that,” Wyatt murmured.
They moved off Lost Hollow.
The trail disappeared almost immediately, swallowed by undergrowth and snow. The canopy thickened overhead, filtering the light into a dull gray.
Each step took effort now. Snow to mid-thigh in places. Mud underneath.
Wyatt broke trail, setting the pace. Thunder worked ahead in tight, controlled movements—no longer ranging wide.
That told Wyatt they were close.
“Stay behind me,” Wyatt murmured.
Kori didn’t argue.
Garrett’s voice again. “You’re within a hundred yards.”
Wyatt slowed.
Thunder did the same.
Then the dog stopped.
