Page 142 of Secrets Along the Shore

I pile the pages back in a neat stack and tap the document on top. “I’m going to talk to Sheriff Vickers about executing another search of Fogerty’s trailer. Now that we know about Kamden, it’s possible something new will jump out.”

As I say it, I realize there’s little chance of uncovering new evidence. Not only have we been over Fogerty’s place with a fine-tooth comb, but his family could have cleaned it out at any time since the property was released months ago.

I return to my chair and take a long sip of my lukewarm coffee. Anuncomfortable heat rises up my neck, as my mind starts making connections I don’t want it to.

Four murders, but only three trophies that we know of.

Four murders, but only three were college-aged victims. The fourth was a waitress with a drug-dealing side hustle.

Four murders, but Kamden was the only one buried so far from the highway.

Ensuring justice isn’t the only motive a person might have for killing Fogerty right before he’s about to be sentenced.

There is another explanation.

I’m about to share my thoughts with the others when Cole strides through the doorway, his eyebrows knitted together. “Soph, are you okay?” He slides into the seat next to me. “I heard you were in the middle of the shooting when it went down.”

“I’m fine.”

“They said you ran after the shooter?”

He does not look impressed.

“You did what?” Tasha punctuates each word, her volume much louder than it needs to be in this small room.

I shrug and ready myself for what’s coming.

Cole rolls his eyes. “Well, that was stupid,” he says.

“Or brave?” I suggest, knowing good and well he’s right. Going after him on my own,unarmed, was idiotic.

“Nope,” he retorts, his voice gravelly. “Just stupid.”

“Sophie…” Tasha groans.

“I know, I know. I just reacted, okay? I didn’t think. I didn’t want him to get away.”

“Not an excuse, Soph. You need to be more careful.” He pauses. “I mean, what would James say?”

“James would know better than to say anything,” I quip, but with a smile. Cole is one of the few people who can take me to task without getting my hackles up. Probably because he’s Daniel’s best friend and Daniel left him the impossible job of looking after me—not something I’d wish on anyone.

I can be a lot.

I splay my hands. “See? All in one piece, no bullet holes.”

“Uh-huh,” he says, his tone lacking conviction. “Whatever. I tried.” He stands back up and steps toward the door. “So, Sheriff said to tell you he’ll keep you all posted.”

“Looks nuts down there,” Keel says, tipping his head at the window.

“Yeah.” Cole pats the doorframe. “I better get back. You”—he points a finger at me—“no more running after gunmen. Got it?”

I throw him a salute. He shakes his head and walks to the elevator.

Cole is barely out of hearing distance when Tasha starts in. “You ranafterhim?”

“Don’t you start.”

“That. Is. Epic.” Keel raises a hand to high-five me and I oblige, the resulting smack loud in the room.