Page 38 of In Cold Blood

“Probably off the grid.”

“What?”

Dax blew out smoke and drummed his fingers on his thigh. “Well, Aiden’s into that. Disconnecting from technology, heading out into the backcountry. She’s probably turned off her phone.”

“That would explain things.” Noah drove on Lake Flower Avenue, the main stretch which cut through Saranac, a town that was less touristy and had far more of a friendly, community vibe than High Peaks. Those in High Peaks would dispute it but facts were facts, rent was cheaper here, it had better restaurants and they weren’t tripping over tourists. “How are your parents?” Noah asked.

“Mother passed a few years back. And Gerald, well, let’s justsay he and I aren’t on speaking terms. He comes into the bar from time to time but won’t look my way. He thinks I’ve blown my life away with bad choices. You know — after things went wrong in the army.”

“Sorry to hear that. What happened with the military?”

Dax blew out smoke and tossed the remainder of his cigarette out. “Oh, you know me, Noah. I’ve never been one to listen to authority. Probably wasn’t a good idea to join in the first place but I figured I’d give it a shot. Let’s just say me and some stroppy sergeant went toe to toe and after the dust settled, he was on the ground and I was left packing my bags. I got the hell out of there.”

“They discharged you?”

“After they caught me going AWOL.” Dax laughed. “Yeah, then they released me from the stockade.” He shrugged. “Ah, no skin off my nose. They did me a favor. I wasn’t ready for all that yes sir, three bags full sir, bullshit.”

Noah chuckled, thinking back to his time in the Marines. He’d seen many a soldier quit, unable to deal with drill instructors in their face. It was all an act. A means of stripping a person down and then building them back up. It also helped to weed out those who weren’t meant to be there.

“So how long did you last?” Noah asked.

“A year. Worst year of my life. But what about you? Eight years is a long time. You must have been a sucker for punishment.”

Noah stifled a chuckle.

“Then again, once you set your mind to do something, you don’t waver,” Dax said.

“I guess so.”

Dax shot him a sideways glance. “Your brother was the same. At least I got that sense.”

Noah couldn’t hold it in any longer. “Look, Dax. Alicia saidyou worked with my brother. Your tips contributed to the success of Operation Heat Wave. Is that true?”

“She told you that?”

Noah shot him a sideways glance wondering why he didn’t just admit it.

“Hang a right up here,” Dax said, shifting the conversation away as they got closer to Main Street. “Best place in town for pancakes.”

11

The Daily Grind Cafe was a funky establishment that touted itself as the best neighborhood restaurant in the Adirondacks. What had started as a coffee bar, run by a couple eager to showcase coffee, tea, and baked goods, soon found its footing as a full-fledged diner.

Everything about it conveyed the love of all things local. The pictures on the walls ranged from historic aerial photos of the region to portraits by well-known locals. It had an old-school charm, serving homemade goods, fresh coffee to die for, and mouth-watering lunch and dinner options for those seeking a little comfort at all hours.

Inside, a handful of bar stools lined a mahogany bar.

Against the far wall were square tables full of young and old.

That morning, the staff were rushed off their feet due to one of the waiters calling in sick.

“You never answered the question,” Noah said, stirring his coffee as Dax spooned out sugar. Heat swirled off their drinks. “What was your involvement with my brother?”

“Before I answer that, I’ve got to ask you what your involvement is in his case?”

Noah shrugged. “I’m not officially involved so far.”

Dax leaned across and shifted Noah’s shirt to one side.