Page 97 of Dark Roads

“You’re kidding, right?”

“No. I can help you.”

“I’m fine. Jonny brought me another dirt bike for my lower camp.”

“So now you two are stealing bikes?”

“It was his old one.” Hailey frowned. “What’s your deal? You came out here to lecture me on my life choices?”

“I’m offering you a wayout. I told Vaughn that Mason admitted to killing you, but I don’t know if he believes me. I heard he’s been at the scene every day looking for evidence.”

“They’re probably searching for Mason’s cell phone and iPad.”

“Do you think there’s anything on them? Like pictures?”

“I don’t know. They’re locked with passwords.”

“It’s weird that both he and Vaughn were into taking photos of girls.” Beth and Hailey held gazes as they thought about what that meant.

Hailey opened her mouth to say something but stopped when Wolf let out a low growl. His gaze was focused on the direction Beth had arrived from, ears pointing straight, and his body stiff. His lips were twisted into a snarl, showing white fangs.

Hailey’s hand tightened on the rifle. “Get behind me.”

“What is it?”

“Footsteps. You were followed.”

Beth didn’t need to be told twice. She hurried over. “Give me a weapon.” The cops had confiscated her gun during the investigation and her bear spray was still in her backpack, sitting out of reach on the ground.

Hailey reached down her leg, fumbled for something under her jeans. Beside her, Wolf was still growling, the fur around his neck and spine standing up in a long ridge. He looked as though he were about to bolt into the bushes. Hailey gave a short whistle and he froze, one ear flicking in her direction, and then front again.

Vaughn stepped into view.

CHAPTER 38

Hailey

“So you are alive.” Vaughn’s eyes were almost bulging in rage, his pale skin flushed and sweaty. He was wearing tactical gear and a black baseball cap. “I fucking knew it. You set this all up.”

“I found your disgusting pictures.” I wanted to sound tough, but I heard the quaver in my voice. The butt of the rifle was wedged into my shoulder, the sight trained on Vaughn’s chest. I hadn’t had time to get my ankle knife loose for Beth. Wolf’s deep growl vibrated through the glade. He let out a sharp bark.

Vaughn rested his hand on the butt of his gun. “If he makes a move, I’ll shoot him.”

I heard the quick exhale in Beth’s throat, felt my own tighten. He would do it. No doubt about that. Would he shoot me next? He couldn’t. Beth was a witness. Then I realized that people already thought I was dead, and Beth probably hadn’t told anyone where she was going.

Vaughn looked at Beth. “Thanks for that tape marking your trail.” So that was how he found us. Beth had marked her route. If we got out of this alive, I was going to smack her.

“You can’t arrest me,” I said. “I haven’t done anything wrong.”

“I want Mason’s phone and iPad.”

“I don’t know what you’re talking about.”

“Give me what I came for, and I’ll walk away.”

I laughed. “You won’t leave me alone. You’ll kill me.”

“I could kill you now if I wanted.”