Page 18 of The Fragile Ones

“Okay, I get it, Gav. It could always be worse,” she said, knowing that he was trying to be a supportive partner and help her relax.

Once she was dressed and had stretched her muscles, she walked back to be fitted with the climbing gear. She tried to ignore the stares of everyone at the scene, pushing bad memories from her mind. It was clear that having both her and John pursue, search, and document the crime scene was the best-case scenario. Her mind wandered to what, if anything, they might discover.

“How are you feeling?” asked John.

“Good,” she lied, forcing a smile.

“This is Tim Ludlum and he’s one of the sheriff department’s search and rescue guys.”

Katie nodded. “Nice to meet you.”

“Okay,” Tim said. “You’re going to be in a full body harness instead of just a chest or seat harness, which was probably what you used in the army.”

“Yeah, that’s right,” she said, stepping into the lower part of the harness and pulling upward.

“This will better distribute the impact of the force throughout your body. Basically make it an easy ride so you can do your job,” he said, smiling. He adjusted the leg straps snug to fit Katie’s thighs. “How’s that? Comfortable?”

“It’s fine,” she said, as he slipped her arms through the chest harness. It was comfortable, but confining. She tried not to think about anything but finding the evidence that would lead to the killer. Nothing was more important at the moment than the two little victims.

John handed Katie some gloves, which she pulled over her fingers, making sure she could move her hands easily.

Tim double-checked Katie’s harness and seemed satisfied. “You’re good to go.”

“One last thing,” said John. He retrieved a helmet with a camera affixed to the top to help document the scene. He would take photographs, but the video camera would act as an additional overview.

Katie slowly pulled on her helmet. It was surprisingly lightweight, and not so cumbersome it would obstruct her movements or views. Everything around her felt surreal, as if it was running in slow motion, but she kept moving forward.

“How does that feel?” asked John, as he tightened his own harness and got ready to attach the ropes and carabiners which would secure Katie.

“It’s fine,” she managed to say.

The daylight was wavering, flickering in between the branches of tall trees as the afternoon dragged on.

Detective Hamilton finally approached Katie as she checked and rechecked her restraints, running through the motions.

“Scott,” the detective said. “You must live for this kind of stuff.”

“I don’t know what you’ve been told,” she said, forcing a smile.

“We’ll be able to see and hear everything you do through the cameras. So it’s like we’ll be with you every step of the way.”

“Thanks. I appreciate that,” she said, looking around at the crowd grouping together towards the cliff.

“You okay?” asked John again as he came in close to check her gear one last time. He had a way of looking right through her with his intense gaze that made her nervous.

“Let’s get the show on the road,” she said, as Matt from Wild Oats Productions approached.

“Do you think I could have some of the footage?” he said.

“It’s a current open investigation, so no, but I’m sure you can watch the live feed with Detective Hamilton. Otherwise, you’ll have to go through legal channels and the video will be edited for obvious reasons,” she said.

“Thanks. All I can do is ask,” he said. “Good luck.” Matt eyed her and then walked away. Katie couldn’t help but detect a bit of cynicism, which seemed strange.

John came back with their ropes, looking eager to get to the site while daylight permitted. The wind was already picking up and the temperature had dropped, which would make the downward climb a little uncomfortable.

“You ready?”

“As I’ll ever be.”