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“I might have memorized it in high school.”

High school? “That was over a decade ago. How did you know it hadn’t changed?” The red in her cheeks deepened. She was adorable when she was embarrassed. He straightened at that thought. Where had that come from?

She attempted a nonchalant shrug. “I happened to see it pop up on Bryce’s phone a while back.”

“I didn’t realize you were so good with numbers.”

She shrugged again but didn’t offer a response, and they lapsed back into silence. A few minutes later, she pointed. “I think it was over there.”

They approached the bush she indicated, and he let her pull away from him but stayed close behind her as she departed from the trail and knelt down to search. The area behind the bush didshow signs of her presence the day before. Nothing too obvious—especially from the trail, which would explain why he hadn’t seen it Friday—but subtle depressions in the flora and a still-shiny safety pin caught his eye. He crouched beside her and picked up the pin to dispose of later. If it was Allye’s, he doubted she would want it back after it had lain in the dirt for two days.

“Anything?”

“No.” Her worry was clear. “If it’s not here, I don’t know where to look.”

He sifted through some of the nearby leaves, then moved a few steps away. “This yours?” He held up a tube of Chap Stick.

She took it and examined it. “Yes.”

“So your card could have rolled farther than the area you’re looking in.”

“True.” She felt under the base of the bush, then moved to his left. They searched together for a couple more minutes before she released a triumphant cry. “Found it!”

“Is it okay?”

She popped the case open and felt the memory card. “Looks okay and feels dry.”

“Great.” He stood and held out his hand. She took it without hesitation this time and allowed him to pull her up. They returned to the trail, and he looked back the way they came. “I think we’re about halfway through. Do you want to complete the circuit or turn around?”

“Forward is fine. I wish I had my camera though. I didn’t continue on Friday because...”

Because her attacker had gone that way. Or at least, that’s what she’d thought happened. No need to get into all that right now. Instead, he nodded understanding and guided her down the trail.

“It’s so pretty out here,” Allye breathed as they walked.

It was a beautiful area, he couldn’t deny that. He didn’t often take time to enjoy nature. Most of his free time was spent either fixing up his house or helping with the teens at church.Perhaps he should consider an occasional walk out here to clear his mind.

They rounded a bend in the trail, and Allye pulled him to a stop.

“What is it?”

“That would make an excellent print.”

He followed the direction of her gaze, but although it was as pretty as the rest of the trail, he didn’t see what was so exceptional about it.

“Come on.” She tugged at his arm.

“You don’t have your camera.”

“I can use my phone. It might not be print quality, but it’s not bad. I’d still like to get a few shots.”

“As long as you feel up to it.”

She mumbled something, but he didn’t quite catch it as she led him off the trail. She released his arm, pulled her phone from her pocket, and began taking photos.

He stood back, watching but trying to stay out of her way. She was smiling, but he doubted she realized it—she seemed totally immersed in the world of photography. No doubt she loved what she did.

After what had to have been fifty photos, she slowed and leaned against a tree.