Page 24 of Danger in the Wilderness (National Park Protectors #1)

The next morning, Blaire massaged her neck where PCK had tried to strangle her with the rope.

Her voice had almost returned to normal, but her throat was still raw.

She wasn’t complaining. If Dekker hadn’t intervened when he did, Blaire wouldn’t be alive.

She had been too weak to fight off the powerful man.

So she’d contend with a little sore throat.

The constables had reported nothing suspicious on Justin’s ranch property and no prints were found on the knife.

More dead ends. Dekker had shared about his confrontation with Reed.

Her coworker had created more tension within the group with his impromptu presence.

Truth be told, she’d been going to request Sergeant Mullins send Reed here to work together instead of over a videoconference, but her coworker beat her by inserting himself into the thick of things since PCK was targeting Clovercross National Park.

But so far, Reed’s presence hadn’t gone over well.

Blaire realized he was quirky, but a killer? No way. She suspected he only wanted to break the case wide open so their sergeant would promote him over Blaire. She’d seen his competitive nature many times and had been the target of his continual critical comments.

She popped a lozenge in her mouth and followed Dekker into the park station for another morning of searching.

“Are you sure you’re okay to do this?” Dekker pointed to her neck. “Those bruises are nasty.”

“I’m fine.”

He tilted his head. “Um, I don’t believe you.”

“You should—”

“Blaire, Dekker!” Quinton blasted into the station’s foyer. “A hiker just found the body of our latest kidnapped victim. Constable Hudson is securing the scene, and we’ve called in the coroner.”

“Not good. PCK keeps accelerating his timeline.” Blaire pulled out her new cell phone. “I need to let my sergeant and Reed know. Reed is coming here to set up for this afternoon’s meeting.”

“What part of the park did they find her?” Dekker asked.

“Northern region, close to Paintbrush Point. I’m heading there now. Blaire, I know how you want to get inside PCK’s head, so do you want to join me?”

“Yes. Just let me update Sergeant Mullins first.”

Thirty minutes later, Blaire dismounted her ATV and followed Quinton into the secluded campsite with Dekker close behind.

Stillness descended upon the area. Birds singing in the trees and the soft rustling of the leaves created a peaceful atmosphere.

Except for the body slumped against a tree, spread out in the same fashion as the others and covered in leaves.

Constable Hudson tipped her chin, acknowledging their presence, but remained quiet, as if her normal chirpy personality would disturb the female victim’s resting place.

Dekker gestured toward Paula’s body. “Peter is going to be devastated. Chase, has anyone alerted him?”

“Yes. He’s on his way here. Was coming for the profile meeting this aft anyway.”

Blaire proceeded to the yellow police caution tape. “When is the coroner arriving?”

“Any minute. Take your pictures, but don’t get too close.”

Blaire withdrew her phone from the case on her belt and snapped multiple pics. She enlarged one photo and focused in on Paula’s hand. “She’s holding a picture. We need to see it.”

“Not yet, you don’t.” A redheaded, fortyish man advanced into the clearing. “I’m Kalvin Gibson. Chief coroner.”

“Nice to meet you.” Blaire introduced herself and Dekker.

“Sorry, I don’t mean to rush you, but can you focus in on the picture she’s holding?

I’d like to examine it and read what it says behind the sticky backing.

If possible, of course.” She had to tread lightly.

The body was the coroner’s jurisdiction.

“Right, you’re the profiler.”

“Well, technically, criminal investigative analyst, but yes.” Blaire braced herself for criticism.

“I’ve heard great things about you. Glad to have you here in the Yukon.”

Not what she thought he’d say. “Th-thank you.”

Kalvin ducked under the tape and circled Paula’s body, setting his bag on the ground.

He lifted the camera dangling around his neck and took multiple pictures of the scene.

Then squatted in front of her right hand.

He retrieved his gloves from his bag and put them on.

“What do we have here?” He slowly pried the photo from her hand.

“Looks like a picture of an older gentleman and a younger one. They’re tied back to back. ”

“Permission to enter, sir?” Blaire didn’t want to cross the crime scene line without authorization.

“Wait, please. I’ll bring the picture to you. Just need to document everything.” He removed his tablet and tapped his screen before standing. He approached the caution tape and handed her a pair of gloves. “Put these on first.”

She complied.

Kalvin passed her the picture.

Blaire studied the image with Dekker looking over her shoulder.

Bruises covered Frank Hoyt’s face along with swollen eyes. PCK had tortured the man.

Dekker cried out and teetered.

Blaire turned.

His chest rose and fell rapidly, red flushing his face.

“Breathe, Dekker.”

He inhaled. “Dad doesn’t look good.” Worry laced Dekker’s words. “We have to find him fast. We don’t know what else PCK has planned for him.”

Blaire’s heart broke for the park warden.

She read regret on his face. Blaire recognized the look because she saw the same expression staring back at her whenever she looked in the mirror shortly after her father died.

She hated the last angry words she’d spoken to him before he got in the car that day.

“You can’t tell me what to do, Dad. Stay out of my love life.”

The words haunted her every day since he died. Words she wanted desperately to take back. Now it was too late.

Lord, help it not be too late for Dekker.

Blaire turned and squeezed his shoulder. “We’ll find him. This proves he’s still alive.”

“But who’s the other person?”

“Good question.” Blaire addressed Quinton. “Have you heard of any other abductions?”

“None.”

“Odd. Dekker, do you recognize the man? He appears to be in his early thirties.”

“I don’t.” Dekker peered closer. “Wait, look at the backdrop.” He pointed. “This isn’t a cave. PCK has moved Dad.”

“That’s why we couldn’t find him.” Blaire examined the wall behind the men. “It appears to be a log cabin. Do you know of any in your park?”

“There are a few abandoned ones throughout the region.” Dekker extracted his radio. “I need to update Nicols. We have to adjust our focus.” He walked away, speaking into his two-way.

Blaire shifted her attention to the coroner. “Dr. Gibson, you okay if I peel the paper back? PCK is leaving notes there.”

“That’s really for forensics to answer.”

Quinton stuck his gloved hand out. “Let me do it. If anything happens, I’ll take the heat for it. We have to see it now.”

Constable Hudson cleared her throat as if cautioning Quinton without verbalizing her statement. After all, she was the newbie and probably considered Quinton’s action a rookie move.

Blaire ignored the woman and handed the photo over.

Quinton separated the special paper and peeled the top layer partially back.

Blaire read the note.

You’ll never save them in time. CM

Dread turned her breakfast to lead, souring her stomach. How could they save them if they kept coming upon stumbling block after stumbling block?

Dekker returned from radioing his leader. “What is it, Blaire? You’re white.”

She held up the message.

He read and staggered backward, pounding his fist on his leg. “We have to find them.”

“Well, I’ll be.” Dr. Gibson whistled. “This is new.”

Blaire pivoted and approached the caution tape. “What is it?”

He pointed to the bruising on Paula’s face. “This is consistent with the other vics, but the ligature marks on her neck are new. The markings appear to be from some type of rope. He used his hands on the others.”

Blaire’s hand flew to her own remnants of PCK’s attack. “He keeps changing his MO. Do you feel that’s the cause of death?”

“I won’t know for sure until an autopsy is done, but I’m guessing she died from asphyxiation.”

“So why would he use a rope this time?” Dekker asked.

Blaire studied the young blonde’s face. “This one was personal, but how is the question.”

“This is also interesting.” Kalvin lifted Paula’s blouse to reveal her abdomen. Multiple cuts were strategically positioned. “The other victims also had stab wounds, but this female has more, and they seem to form some type of pattern. It’s not a circle, rectangle or a square.”

The symbol on the geographical map entered Blaire’s mind. “It’s a flame.” She fished out her phone. “I took a picture of the map.” She enlarged it and pointed to a spot in the park. “Paula’s burial ground is here. The top part of the flame.”

Dekker motioned toward the two other points. “This will complete the picture.” He pointed to the photo. “And they will finish the flame.”

“He’s gotten a taste for the kill. I’m not sure he’ll stop. Unless…”

“He’s wanting us to stop him, but why? Remorse?” Quinton asked.

“Or he’s finished with his revenge.” Could that be what this was all about?

Dekker took off his hat. “You think PCK’s motive is revenge?”

“There’s a reason he’s targeting park wardens. We need to check their backgrounds.” Blaire turned to him. “Including yours.”

“I have nothing to hide and can’t imagine why PCK would target me.”

“Maybe it’s not something specific to you or the others, but to your vocation.” Blaire unclipped her cell phone. “I’m going to text Reed to run with this and see what he can find. He’s a technology whiz.”

“I still don’t trust that man.”

“Reed isn’t a killer, Dek.”

Dekker’s gaze flew to hers. “He lashes out at you constantly, and you’re defending him?”

Blaire bit her lip. “He’s the only one left on my team.”

“I’m sorry for being insensitive. I—” Dekker stared at the picture, his jaw tightening.

“What is it?”

“The cabin walls look familiar.” He tapped on his cell phone. “I want to check my park map.”

“Is this cabin nearby?”

Dekker enlarged the picture and focused on an area. “Close. It’s on the north side and by another waterfall. We can take the ATVs until we get to the ridge. Then we’ll have to hike. You up for it?”

“Will we have time?” Blaire checked her watch. “It’s nine thirty, and our meeting starts at two thirty.”

“Loads of time.” Dekker turned to Quinton. “We’ll meet you back at the station.”

“Sounds good. I hope to find out more about the other man in the picture by then. I know you’re trained, Dekker, but be careful and radio us if you notice anything the least bit suspicious.”

Dekker patted the weapon at his side. “Will do.”

Thirty minutes later, Blaire followed Dekker up the incline toward the cabin. The peacefulness of the waterfall flowing beside them brought her comfort, but that changed to alarm once the dilapidated cabin came into view in the small clearing.

The weathered logs surrounding the windows had succumbed to the rough winters, shutters dangled on their hinges, and the roof gave the appearance it would cave in at any moment.

Blaire tugged on Dekker’s arm. “I don’t like the look of this.”

“Let me check it out. You stay here.” He withdrew his sidearm.

“Be careful.”

Dekker approached the cabin, his weapon in ready-mode. He inched the door open and stepped inside.

Blaire held her breath. Lord, keep him safe.

A rustling disturbed nearby foliage.

She stiffened. “Who’s there?”

Silence answered.

A minute later, movement sent an eerie inkling into the pit of her belly. She dug out her flashlight—her only weapon.

Blaire shuffled forward but missed the activity stirring behind her. Before she could react, two rough hands shoved her into the woods.

She stumbled into a pile of brush. A bear trap clamped shut, sending piercing pain through her ankle and leg. Ringing invaded her ears as panic held her captive. Do something! She screamed and dropped to the ground, holding her leg.

“Dekker, help!” Blaire turned to catch a glimpse of whoever had pushed her.

But silence had returned to the forest. Only the sounds of a gushing waterfall and her hammering heartbeat remained.