Page 26 of Danger in the Wilderness (National Park Protectors #1)

Quinton unclipped his cell phone from its holder and held it up, revealing a picture.

“This is our kidnapped vic. Rick Mason. His family just reported him missing.” He wiggled his finger in the air.

“Before you ask, I just got back from his campsite. Appears like he was abducted while eating breakfast. Maybe yesterday, as the flies and maggots were everywhere.”

“What? Why didn’t his family know he was missing?” Blaire shifted her ankle to find a comfortable position.

“His wife said that he wasn’t expected to report in while he was on his camping trip by himself. Required some alone time, apparently. Anyway, when he didn’t return, they called the police.”

Dekker shoved his hands into his pockets. “Remember too, cell reception is spotty throughout the park.”

Blaire reached her hand out to Dekker. “Help me stand. I need to get to the boardroom to assist Reed with the set up. Has everyone arrived?”

“Pretty much.” Dekker eased her upright. “Chase, let’s do this together.”

Blaire hated to have to rely on not one, but two men. However, she had no choice. Time to put her own needs aside and give the updated profile.

After adding the latest victim to the board ten minutes later, Blaire scanned the room from her position at the head of the long table. Several constables along with park wardens, officers and employees filled the room. Most leaned against the wall, arms folded and waiting.

Nadia, the park station’s manager, had set up the video to conference in those who had too far to travel. They needed to get this message out to all law enforcement and parks simultaneously. Their sergeant was also on video.

Blaire clapped and waited for the chattering to stop.

“Time to get started. Thank you all for coming and for those on the video. My name is Blaire Tremblay, lead criminal investigative analyst out of Whitehorse.” She gestured toward Reed.

“This is my colleague Reed Pratt. We’re here to update the profile of the Park Campfire Killer. ”

Manny’s hand shot up. “What’s wrong with the first one?”

“Nothing, but we’ve discovered more information and need to reset the profile.” Her gaze shifted to Reed. “Why don’t you start us off?”

He nodded and stood, moving to the murder board. “Our suspect is a Caucasian male. Mid-to-late thirties. He’s mission-orientated.”

“What does that mean?” Huck asked.

“He’s probably seeking some type of revenge and has a specific goal in mind,” Blaire replied.

“We don’t feel he’s psychotic, but he has a firm reason why he’s doing what he’s doing.

” She flipped a page in her notebook. “His MO is abducting his victims from campsites. He’s brazen as he’s kidnapped them in broad daylight.

He holds them captive for seventy-two hours then tortures them before killing them and disposing of their bodies in a different part of the park, or even a totally different park. ”

Reed motioned his hand around the group of pictures taped to the board. “He then leaves a picture of his next victim in their hands.”

“This is what we call PCK’s signature and part of the piece we were missing when we first gave the profile,” Blaire added. “We discovered that the photos have been printed on special paper that peels back. Each contains messages from PCK taunting us, along with initials.”

“This leads us to victimology.” Reed pointed to the list of initials on the board. “As you can see, there’s no commonality between vics. We have male, female, different ages and vocations.”

Blaire gestured toward Dekker. “Dekker pieced together that these initials all stood for wardens or park officers across the Yukon. That’s the connection. Each of the victims is linked to a park employee.”

Peter Koden slammed his hand on the table. “But why? Why is he targeting our loved ones?”

Blaire fought to keep her tears at bay as she read the anguish on the man’s face. “I’m so sorry for your loss, Peter.” She gathered her thoughts. “We feel it’s some type of revenge. Something from his past that made him hate park employees, specifically wardens and officers.”

“But he only started killing a few months ago. Why now?” Dekker asked.

“Something triggered him. Perhaps someone close to him died suddenly. Divorce. Loss of a child. Could be anything.” Blaire pointed to the pictures.

“As you can see, he takes his rage out on the victims by torturing them first.” She rubbed her neck, reminding herself of the man’s strength.

“He enjoys the fact that his victims put up resistance. PCK is physically fit. Strong enough to subdue his victims and keep them subdued.”

“Has the coroner stated if they had drugs in their system?” Constable White asked.

“Yes, he’s using benzodiazepine.” Blaire addressed Reed. “Anything else to add?”

“PCK is also a narcissist, so he’ll want to involve himself in the investigation. He may revisit the crime scenes, so watch for that. Study everyone closely.”

“Supervisor Nicols, why haven’t we closed the parks?” Huck asked.

“We couldn’t pinpoint a specific park, as PCK kidnapped victims from all over.” Supervisor Nicols turned to Blaire. “But lately, he’s focused on ours. Why?”

Blaire eyed Dekker. “I feel it has something to do with Dekker. Ever since PCK abducted Frank Hoyt, he’s accelerated his timeline.” She raised a finger. “But he’s keeping Frank alive.”

“Why would he do that?” Manny asked.

“My guess—and I hate to guess—is that he’s got something against Dekker.

He’s making it personal. Not sure why yet.

” She picked up the laser pointer and shone it on the map.

“We’ve determined where we strongly feel he’ll leave his next victim.

” She circled the red beam around the top of the flame. “Here and here.”

“Wait, that looks like a fire,” Peter said. “He left the same pattern on my sister’s abdomen. Why?”

“Yes, it’s part of his signature. He’s leaving them in locations across the parks to form a campfire…so to speak. To go with the name he coined himself.” Blaire turned the beam off.

Sergeant Mullins cleared his throat. “Supervisor Nicols, it may be a good idea to close this park to visitors and only allow trained search and rescue parties along with law enforcement in the park.”

Supervisor Nicols stood. “I need to consult with our leaders to do that, but I agree. It’s time.” He left.

“So, what are you doing to determine why PCK is targeting us?” Peter asked. “I want to know why he killed my sister.”

“We’re not entirely sure, but when we understand his motivation—” Blaire raised her index finger “—that will be the key to finding him.”

“Also, I’m in touch with various stations across the Yukon, and we’re questioning the park wardens and officers, including you, to see if we can find a common denominator,” Quinton said. “Constable White is going to talk to you after this meeting. That okay?”

Peter nodded.

Quinton’s radio squawked.

“Constable Chase, contact dispatch for an urgent message.”

“Constable Chase, acknowledging.” Quinton rose. “I’ll be right back.” He left the boardroom.

“Any other questions?” Blaire analyzed each person in the room, and when no one answered, she faced the monitor. “Anyone on the video call have a question?”

They shook their heads.

“One more thing I’d like to add. PCK is dangerous, so take all precautions.

He’s ruthless and wants to stop us from finding him.

He killed a member of my team and has targeted both Dekker and me.

” Blaire let that information sit in the room be fore continuing, “Please be careful. Report back on anything suspicious. That’s all. Thanks for attending.”

The group chatted among themselves. Seconds later, Quinton burst back into the room. “We found Rick Mason. He’s alive. I’m going to question him.”

Blaire froze. Could this finally be the break they’d been praying for?