Page 36 of Whisper Through the Pines

“Did something happen at the Old Mitcham Ranch?” Marty’s eyes widened as his gaze flicked over the FBI jackets.

Jenna met his gaze. “Not that we’re aware of, but we believe that you might have seen something unusual. Do you mind stepping out onto the porch and chatting with us?” She looked at Mrs. Flynn. “Would that be okay with you, ma’am?”

“I guess so.” Mrs. Flynn looked nervously at Kane. “I would like to know if he’s in any trouble.”

“No trouble at all.” Kane leaned against the railing, relaxed and nonthreatening. “But he may be able to help us with our inquiries in a current case that we’re investigating.”

Seeing Marty’s eyes flitting back and forth between everyone on the porch, she introduced them to him and then waited for Jo to take over the questioning.

“Are you enjoying your work at the Old Mitcham Ranch?”

“I’m very interested in how the special effects work.” Marty’s eyes sparkled. “It’s like creating magic, but most times it’s very long days and hauling stuff from place to place. I’d rather be working at the Haunted House because I could work there year-round. I know the crew at the Old Mitcham Ranch moves around from carnival to carnival, but that’s not the kind of life I want, so volunteering there is only temporary. Once I have more experience, I’ll apply at the Haunted House to see if I can get a job there.”

Encouraged by this young man’s enthusiasm, Jenna looked at him. “Have you considered an animation and visual effects major at our local college?”

“I have six brothers and sisters, and my folks couldn’t put aside for a college fund for us.” Marty met her gaze. “I’m a straight-A student, but I don’t play football or any other sports to apply for a scholarship.”

Jenna flicked a look at Kane and he nodded. “Well, when you get time, make an appointment to speak to one of the career advisors at Her Broken Wings Foundation. Black Rock Falls U is actively offering scholarships for gifted students just like you. The advisor there will walk you through every step of the application process.”

“Really?” Marty’s dumbfounded expression spoke volumes. “I didn’t know.” He straightened, no longer afraid of them. “How can I help you?”

“I believe you stay overnight sometimes. Why is that?” Jo’s voice was calm and conversational.

“Yeah, I did, but not anymore. Sometimes they wanted to make sure everything is working at night.” Marty shrugged. “It goes pretty late, so I just crashed there. They have workers coming and going all the time, so there’s always space.”

“What happened to make you want to come home?” Jo inclined her head. “Are you having problems with someone?”

“No, I just sleep better at home and now I can use the old truck.” Marty’s Adam’s apple bobbed up and down and he wouldn’t meet their gaze.

“There must have been a reason to make you stop staying over?” Jo lowered her voice. “You can trust me. What you tell me goes no further than this porch.”

“I don’t want to get anyone in trouble.” Marty’s gaze flitted to the door and then back to her. “I’ll lose my job.”

Stomach twisting, Jenna kept her voice low. “You won’t and you might be helping us keep people safe.” She indicated to Kane and Carter. “One call to us and Deputy Kane and Agent Carter will be there in minutes. The Old Mitcham Ranch is close to our home.”

“Okay. It was the same night as those teenagers were killed.” Marty lifted his gaze to her. “It was late and Mr. Woodman told me to bunk down in one of the empty trailers. It was the one close to the barn. I didn’t like it in there alone. It was real creepy.” He glanced up at Kane. “I couldn’t sleep.”

“So, what happened to spook you?” Jo leaned a little closer, the wind tousling her hair. “Did you see something or someone?”

“I saw Jonah Pike leaving real quiet.” Marty pushed his hands into his pockets and moved from foot to foot. “He was carrying a backpack and one of the axes from a display. They’re real, not props.” He blew out a stream of steam like cigarette smoke. “Then he drove out in his white pickup without the lights. I heard him come back about an hour or so later. He came in the same way. Parked way back by the gate and walked back to his trailer.”

“Carrying the ax?” Carter moved closer.

“Yeah, but he cleaned it.” Marty screwed up his nose. “I watched him over by the tap. He scrubbed it and poured bleach all over. I could smell it.” He ran a hand down his face. “I was watching through the window and he looked straight at me. It was dark inside and I was kinda peeking around the edge of the window.”

“Did he threaten you?” Kane straightened and stared at the boy.

“Nope, he hasn’t said a word to me.” Marty lifted his gaze to Kane. “It was the way he looked at me like he knew I’d seen him. I came right out and asked him if he had a problem with me. He said, ‘If I do, you’ll know it.’ I’ve been keeping away from him since then and I come home each night. I told Mr. Woodman that my folks didn’t want me staying there overnight any longer. I need the job, but I don’t trust Jonah, not after the deputies came by and told us about the murders.”

“You did the right thing.” Jo exchanged a look with Jenna. “Do you have a phone?”

“Yeah.” Marty pulled it from his pocket.

Jenna handed him her card. “If you’re in trouble, or see anything else strange, call me day or night. Don’t forget to make time to see the advisor at Her Broken Wings. They can make appointments on nights and weekends.”

“You’ve been a great help.” Jo patted him on the shoulder. “Keep this information about Pike to yourself, but tell your parents about the scholarship opportunity. Maybe your mom or dad can go with you to the interview.”

“I will.” Marty brightened and pushed the card inside his jacket. “Thanks.”