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“The fire.”

“We had dozens of campfires.”

“Not the one by the lake.”

Rylie’s expression changed.

Trigger saw it. “What?”

She raised one finger, asking him to wait.

“What happened at the lake?” she asked.

“You tell me.”

“I don’t remember.”

“You will.”

The call ended.

Judy took the phone and checked the screen immediately.

“No number.”

“Can you call it back?” Rylie asked.

“The call was blocked.”

“Then it tells us nothing,” Trigger said.

“It tells us he’s close enough to watch the office,” I answered.

Max was already moving toward the back door.

This time Judy didn’t argue when I followed him.

She came with me.

Trigger stayed with Rylie and Emily’s letter.

Outside, the temperature had dropped. Wind moved through the trees, carrying the scent of damp earth and old wood.

Max lowered his nose.

“Find him,” I whispered.

He moved behind the office, then turned toward the lake.

Judy stayed at my shoulder.

“You should be inside,” I said.

“So should you.”

“Max needs me.”

“And apparently, you need someone to stop you from doing something stupid.”