“Fowler’s gone missing.”
Reid sucked in a breath of the crisp air. “What do you mean missing?”
“He was supposed to check in with his probation officer today, but he never showed up.”
“Did they send someone out to follow up with him?”
“No. He’s starting with a phone call, text, and email. If that fails, they’ll call his employer. Then they’ll stop by his place. The last resort is to check with known associates. If they still don’t find him, they’ll issue a warrant for his arrest.”
“You’re right. I don’t like it at all.” Reid paused and stared into the dark sky. “He’s not at his motel and hasn’t shown the whole time Colin’s been on duty. I don’t like not knowing where he is.”
“Sorry for the bad news, but I thought you should know he’s not likely in Portland.”
“I appreciate it. Not that I think he’s at the lodge. I’m certain he didn’t follow us.”
“Doesn’t mean he can’t find you, though.”
“How?”
“He could remember you from the trial and if he was watching the hospital, saw Megan leave with you. A quick internet search and he could discover that you manage Shadow Lake Survival.”
“Even if he did figure that out, we’re staying at the lodge. It has no tie to the business.” The business was housed on land where his father had run the resort, but his dad had legally separated the resort from the lodge. Fowler wouldn’t be able to find any official records to connect the two and lead him to them.
“But the locals know, right?” Jack asked. “He could come to town and chat one of them up. Maybe at a gas station.”
Someone like Gladys Miller. The local gas station owner was a real busybody. She’d be glad to share any piece of information she could if the person asking flattered her enough.
“It’s possible,” Reid admitted reluctantly. He didn’t want to think he hadn’t done his due diligence and let Fowler find him so easily. Still, he couldn’t take any chances and needed help.
Reid thanked Jack and disconnected. He tapped Russ’s icon. “You and Sydney wouldn’t want to form a protection detail tonight, would you?”
“Fowler figure out where you are?” Russ sounded sleepy.
“I don’t think so, but he failed to check in with his probation officer today. Means he’s likely still in our area, and it’s got me a little spooked. Figured it wouldn’t hurt to take a few precautions.”
Russ snorted. “Says the guy who gets to spend the coldest night of the year inside.”
“C’mon, bro. You’ll have Sydney next to you to keep you warm.”
“Let me check with her.”
Reid heard him asking if she wanted to join him and her quick reply that she’d be happy to do it.
“We’ll be over in a few minutes.” Russ disconnected.
Reid stowed his phone and walked the porch, gazing into the area surrounding the house. His hand automatically drifted to his gun but found it missing. Jessie’s comment about him carrying again had him returning it to his gun safe. He would retrieve it the moment she went to bed.
Confident no one lurked outside, he went in and hung up his jacket.
Ella sat on the sofa. Her eyes were droopy and a big book rested on her lap. Jessie and Megan were in the kitchen chatting like old friends and doing the dishes.Wow. Just wow.His daughter was acting like Megan was her new best friend. What a change. Jessie hadn’t been able to enjoy life this freely since her mother died.
Megan gazed at him, her eyes narrowed. “Everything okay?”
Jessie’s head shot up, and she rubbed her hands on her pant legs.
“Everything’s fine.” He smiled and headed toward the kitchen. “You want help with the dishes?”
“Sure,” Megan answered.
