Page 19

19

Union Hill

B odhi matched Diana’s pace as they followed Julie and Evan down the sidewalk toward the Outdoor Adventure Co-op Store. At the end of the block, the store’s large display windows glowed invitingly, showcasing mannequins dressed for outdoor adventure alongside kayaks and camping gear.

He was acutely aware of two men who had been trailing them at a discreet distance since they’d left the tapas bar’s deck. He leaned down, about to mention them to Diana. She placed her hand on his forearm and murmured, “I know.”

Evan pulled open the large door and ushered the women and Bodhi inside. Rows of brightly colored technical jackets and sturdy hiking boots lined one wall. Kayaks, bicycles, and tents hung on the opposite wall. Camping gear, water bottles, and trail maps filled shelves that ran down the center of the store.

One of the two men caught the door before it closed, and the pair drifted into the shop behind Evan. They peeled off to the right and made their way through the aisles of camping equipment. They were dressed like through-hikers—moisture-wicking shirts, convertible pants, trail runners—but their gear was too new, too clean. One man still had a price tag tucked into the collar of his jacket. The other’s shoes were immaculate and showed none of the scuffs and wear patterns of actual trail use.

“Diana!” A young man with an eager smile rushed over from behind the counter. His eyes landed immediately on the messenger bag she carried. “Is that—?” He stopped mid-sentence, his smile faltering.

“Yes, it’s Rory’s bag. Dr. King here found it on the trail along with her bicycle and some blood. We’re organizing a search party.”

Aaron’s face paled. “Blood? Is she hurt? Where?—?”

“We don’t know yet,” Diana cut in. “But we need gear. Headlamps, first-aid supplies, bright emergency lights if you have them. Maybe some food and water.”

Aaron nodded vigorously. “Of course, anything.” Then his eyes darted to the door set into the back wall behind the register. “I should get Sadie. She’s in the stockroom. She knows the trail better than anyone.”

As if summoned by her name, a woman with chestnut hair pulled into a practical ponytail emerged from the back. She took in the group with a quick, assessing glance.

“What’s going on?” she asked, her green eyes narrowing when they landed on Aaron’s anxious face.

Evan stepped forward. “Rory Westin is missing. We’re putting together a search party.”

Sadie’s expression shifted from confusion to skepticism. “Missing? Since when? We just saw her yesterday. And then she unveiled her … thing in her apartment this morning.”

“Since this afternoon, at least,” Bodhi said. He introduced himself and explained what he’d found.

Sadie listened with her arms folded across her chest. When he mentioned the blood, her eyes widened and she made a soft ‘oh’ sound. She checked the time. “I’ll close up early and join you,” she said, though Bodhi detected reluctance in her tone. “Aaron, get them whatever they need.”

“Of course. And I’m coming, too.”

“As if there was ever any doubt,” she said dryly.

Bodhi raised an eyebrow at the exchange, and Julie leaned over to whisper, “It’s a long story.”

Sadie turned toward the pair of men who were pretending to examine headlamps. “The store’s closing in ten minutes. Please make your selections now.”

The taller of the two men stepped forward. “Actually, we couldn’t help overhearing. We’d like to join the search.”

Bodhi studied them more carefully. The taller one was in around forty, with carefully tousled brown hair and the kind of tan that came from recreational rather than occupational sun exposure. His companion was slightly older, maybe fifty, with alert, appraising eyes, a pronounced widow’s peak, and buffed and manicured fingernails. They looked strangely familiar. What was more, they sounded familiar.

Recognition hit him with a flash of insight. They were the men from outside Billy’s Burgers. The men in the silver Jaguar.

“We’re hiking the trail,” the taller one continued. “We have equipment, experience. We want to help.”

Diana cut a quick look to Bodhi. He shook his head almost imperceptibly. Ultimately, it was her decision. But he didn’t trust them.

She cocked her head. “Thank you for the offer. I think we have all the help we need. This isn’t going to be comfortable or fun. It’s not the experience we advertise when we invite you to have an adventure in Union Hill,” she said, softening the rejection with a smile.

A look passed between the men. After a beat, the older one spoke again. “I’m afraid we have to insist.”

“You insist?” Diana’s smile vanished.

For a moment, nobody spoke.

Bodhi hesitated, considering whether speaking up would violate the precept of right speech. While his beliefs forbade lying, they also prohibited divisive speech. And pointing out the men’s dishonesty would not create harmony. He made up his mind that he couldn’t let the lie pass unchallenged.

“But you’re not really hiking the GAP, are you?”

“What do you mean?” the taller of the men demanded.

“You’re traveling by car. A silver sports car.”

The man dropped his gaze and studied the floor. His companion squinted at Bodhi. Then he snapped his fingers.

“I know you. You’re one of the guys from that greasy burger shack in Clarkburg.”

“Clarksville,” Bodhi said. “And yes. I was at Billy’s Burgers when you drove up last night. I saw you again this morning. You drove past me in your Jaguar.”

“Through-hikers, huh?” Diana’s tone was frosty.

The man spread his hands wide and smiled broadly. “Okay, guilty as charged. Sorry for the subterfuge. But we really do want to help. We’re big fans of Ms. Westin’s work. And everybody wants the same thing, right? To find her and bring her back safely.”

Bodhi wondered if that was true. From the expression on Diana’s face, she had doubts of her own. But before anyone could respond, Aaron bounded over with an armload of equipment.

Oblivious to the undercurrent of tension, he began listing the items he’d gathered. “Everyone needs a headlamp, rain shell, water bottle, and some energy bars. I’ve got maps of the area and emergency whistles, too.”

Sadie looked up from the till. “For the record, this is a bad idea. It’ll be full dark soon if it’s not already. The trail’s not safe at night without proper equipment.”

“Then we’d better hurry,” Diana said.

Aaron returned with more gear to distribute. His movements were quick and efficient, but his gaze kept returning to Rory’s messenger bag and, each time, a muscle tensed in his jaw.

“Headlight?” Aaron asked Bodhi, extending one toward him.

“I have my own,” Bodhi replied, patting his backpack. “But thank you.”

Undaunted, Aaron held out a first aid kit. “Here. This has everything—bandages, disinfectant, trauma shears, even a tourniquet.”

“That’s very helpful. Thank you.” Bodhi took the case he offered even though he had a well-stocked first aid kit of his own. The young man was clearly eager to feel useful.

Aaron turned toward Diana, wide-eyed. “We have to find her. She’s so special … I couldn’t bear it if …” His cheeks reddened as he tripped over his words. Then he trailed off for good as Sadie strode over, keys in hand.

She stared at Aaron for a long moment. He didn’t meet her eyes.

She exhaled loudly.“Let’s go,” she said briskly. “I’ve locked up the register and put the ‘Closed’ sign up.”

As Aaron jogged off alongside Sadie, Diana whispered to Bodhi, “Sadie and Aaron are a couple. They were taking a break when Rory moved to town. She and Aaron had a few dates and, apparently, he has a lingering crush. You may have noticed.”

“It seems Sadie is aware of it, too.”

Diana nodded. “She is.”

“Unresolved emotions can cloud judgment, especially in a crisis situation,” he observed.

The former police chief nodded again. “True. Something to bear in mind.”

Then she turned to the two men. “We’re not in a position to turn down help. So if you want to join us, you may. Do you have names?”

“I’m Tripp Davidson,” the older man said immediately.

“Lucas Hamilton,” his companion said.

As the others introduced themselves, Diana leaned close to Bodhi and murmured, “I don’t like it, but I also want to keep them in sight. Whatever they’re up to, I’d rather know than be surprised.”