Page 53 of In Cold Blood

The area Erikson had been patrolling was vast with many designated trails. Forty-two of the forty-six peaks are in an area of over 300,000 acres known as the High Peaks Wilderness Area. Temperatures in September can drop into the low 40s.

Erikson had been a game warden for six seasons and was an experienced mountaineer and outdoorsman who had previously worked as a ski patroller at the nearby Whiteface Mountain Ski Resort.

Fish and Game officials said Erikson was carrying a radio and a backpack with enough gear to survive overnight. Anyone with information is asked to contact the Adirondack County Sheriff’s Office.

Callie looked up at him,slightly frustrated. “What am I looking for here?”

“The name of the hiker. The location of where his body was found.”

“That’s because we didn’t release it. Erikson was only found last night.”

“Then how did this get out so soon?”

She glanced down and tapped the newspaper. “Maybe you should speak to your ex-wife. She wrote the piece. Now if you don’t mind, I’m a little busy this morning.” She pushed the paper back toward him.

Noah tilted to his right and glanced past her. “Parish in the restroom?”

“No, Noah.” She looked over his shoulder at the main door to the diner.

“Huh. I figured you would be in Parish’s shadow.”

“And I thought you would have left town by now. Look, if you don’t mind, I’m meeting someone this morning.”

“Then I’ll keep this short. Who was the hiker?”

She took a sip of her coffee, feeling it awaken her senses. “You know I can’t tell you that. Shouldn’t you be on your way home by now?”

“C’mon, Callie. A name. That’s all I’m asking for.”

“People deserve privacy.”

“Then where was he found? I know where his truck was abandoned. Was he nearby? In the lake?”

She groaned again and pinched the bridge of her nose, feeling a tension headache coming on. “If I tell you, will you leave me be?”

He smiled but before he could answer, the waitress returned. “Noah Sutherland. Well, aren’t you a sight for sore eyes?”

“My words exactly,” Callie muttered under her breath, clutching her cup.

Noah leaned back. “Nora Masterson. Well, look at you. You really did turn into a swan.”

“Oh, stop it,” she said, setting the plate of toast in front of Callie.

“I’m serious. You look good, Nora.”

She beamed. “You always had a way of buttering people up. Can I get you some coffee?”

“That would be lovely.”

“He’s not staying, Nora.”

“And there was me thinking you had a new beau,” Nora replied.

Noah’s eyes darted between them. “You know each other?” he asked.

“Family friends,” Callie replied.

“And college. Not that it helped me.”