Page 31 of Silent Bones

“So…”

“Um. Yeah, she was invited. But I told her not to go. Like I did with the previous campout they had been on. I didn’t like the direction that group was heading. Too much drinking, too much chaos. You have kids, Noah, you get it, right?”

Noah gave a noncommittal shrug.

He continued. “I hear Mia’s been asking about the law program. She wants to go into law enforcement, correct?”

He nodded.

Bill’s eyes twitched with something close to approval. “Then you definitely get it.”

Callie leaned in. “So Avery skipped the trip because of your advice?”

“Not advice. Parental authority.” He smiled again, colder this time. “She wants to work here, for the DEC someday. She's got good instincts but she has to understand that a job like this relies on living up to a standard. That standard is established long before you get the job. I wasn't going to let her throw it away for a weekend of bad decisions.”

Noah scratched the back of his neck. “Something change recently? I mean, she was always with that group before.”

Bill paused. “You’d have to ask her.”

Noah opened his mouth to respond, but Bill was already reaching for the phone on his desk.

“You know what… I’ll call her now. Save you a trip. No need to waste more time.”

“Not a problem for us,” Callie said, but the commander was already on the case.

It was clear who was still running this show, even if Avery was supposed to be the adult now. “Avery. Can you come to the office? We’ve got some people who’d like to talk to you.” A pause. His brow furrowed. “No. Not later. Now, please.”

The frown disappeared as he hung up and rose to his feet. “She’ll be here in ten. Our place is just down the road. Can I offer you some coffee while we wait?” he asked, already stepping toward the door.

“Sure,” Callie said. “Thanks.”

As soon as the door closed behind him, Noah wandered over to the framed photos and plaques lining the back wall. Most were awards or commendations: flood rescues, wildlife preservation, community engagement. A couple showed Bill shaking hands with state senators or standing beside wrecked snowmobiles in avalanche zones.

“Guy sure likes to remind people he’s important,” Callie murmured.

Noah half-smiled. “Search and rescue guys always want you to remember they’re heroes. Even when they’re just blocking trails and handing out citations.”

When Bill returned, he handed each of them a paper cup and sat back down.

“Appreciate it,” Noah said.

Bill leaned back in his chair. He drummed the desk with his fingers. “It’s a damn shame about those kids. Just awful.”

“It is,” Callie said. “One of the worst scenes I’ve been part of.”

“You did good work last month, by the way,” he added, glancing at her. “Jake was telling me how sharp you’ve been. Said you helped the team more than once.”

Callie blinked. “He said that?”

“Sure did. That’s why it’s going to be a loss to the team when he leaves us.”

Something shifted in her expression. “Leaves?”

“Oh, you didn’t know?” Bill asked, surprised. “Jake’s been reassigned. Region 1. Long Island.”

“Since when?”

“Since a week ago. He requested it. Said he needed a change. A fresh start, I believe were his words.”