“Yes. He’s stealthy, so I can’t imagine he would change up his routine entirely. I would assume he’s done a little of both, honestly. I’m sure if he was able to get here last night, he would have been watching Oak to some degree. And that probably will lead to him setting a trap of some kind.”
“If he was watching me, he knows about Willow.”
Terror. Sheer panic is all I feel even speaking those words.
“I’ve called in some reinforcements,” Sheriff Arlo causally says.
“Who?”
“All the busybodies who have nothing better to do. They’ll keep an eye on her and the area. They’ve been told to look out for any trouble, not whom specifically.”
“Smart.” Woodcroft nods.
“No use in worrying the whole town if we’re able to get him without their interference.”
“I’ll be honest, as much as I want to get Tennison, I can’t let anything happen to Willow.”
“Heard.” Woodcroft turns back to the map. “It would make the most sense that he’s hiding in the national park. Do you have anyone well-versed in that area?” he asks Sheriff.
“Lennox Hutton is the park ranger. Knows the park better than anyone.”
“No,” I say immediately, heart clenching. Not only is he now a good friend but he’s Willow’s brother, and I won’t bring him into this.
“Oak… If this is our only chance, we need to try,” Woodcroft says.
“It would be up to Lennox anyway. We can bring him in, but if he wants nothing to do with this—and I understand if he doesn’t—then I’m not forcing him.”
Woodcroft and I nod at Sheriff’s assessment. It’s not our decision to make, it’s Lennox’s.
“I’ll send him a message. I’m not sure if he’s working today or not. If I don’t hear from him within the hour, I’ll call him, maybe run by his house.” The sheriff pulls out his phone, sending a message before tossing it on the table.
“Okay, so here are some obvious spots…”
The three of us look at the map and attempt a plan of attack.
Chapter 25
Wllow
The morning started off quietly, and I was thankful for it. Three hours later, and the whole damn place is packed.
“What can I get for you today, Mr. Mathews?” I ask Ainsley’s dad, Jim, as his eyes sparkle with mischief.
“Oh, just a drip coffee, please.”
That’s how I know something is going on. Every single person in here has ordered a regular drip coffee. I know for a fact half the people in here order complicated, fancy drinks. But not today.
“Coming right up.” As I get his coffee together, my mind wanders.
I have this gut feeling that Tennison is planning something big, but I can’t quite put my finger on what. The men seem to think they have it handled, but I don’t know. I just have a bad feeling about all of this.
“Here you go.” I slide Mr. Mathews’s coffee to him.
“Where is our dearest Oakley this morning?” he asks.
“He’s sick,” I throw out without thought. It’s not like I can tell everyone what’s actually happening. I can’t even imagine the panic that would incur.
“Well, I hope he gets to feeling better.” He winks and casually walks out the door.
