Page 62 of The Tracker's Secret

I had known this in the general sense, but hearing it from Tom seemed to put the nail in the coffin of Ulfen’s theory.

“Still, I could try to track him,” I said uncertainly. “Ulfen isn’t a stupid man. What if he’s right?”

Tom frowned disapprovingly but said nothing.

“I wouldn’t take his money, though,” I added quickly, fearing his judgment. “I don’t want his dirt on my hands.”

“That’s up to you, kiddo,” he said. “You know well how I feel about it, but I’m not gonna tell you what to do, and I won’t judge you either.” His tone was fatherly, and his brown eyes full of understanding.

I smiled, a warm feeling in my heart toward this tough man who could also be so gentle when he needed to be.

“Your opinion will weigh heavily on my decision. I appreciate it,” I said. “If I find out anything of importance, I’ll let you know.”

“Be careful.”

“I will be.”

“At least Jake’s with you. He’ll protect you.” He chuckled as he walked away back to his office.

I shook my head and smiled sadly. Jake had tried to stay out of sight, but Tom still knew he was here. The walls in this place surely had eyes and ears and even noses.

A minute later, I met Jake back outside. He was reclining on the wall, one boot propped up on the brick. He pushed away and met me by the door.

Just then, a black car screeched to a stop in front of the building and Stephen Erickson jumped out. He rushed in our direction, barely registering our presence.

“Toni. Jake,” he said, blinking in surprise. He looked disheveled as if he’d rushed here without first taking a look in the mirror. “What are you guys doing here?”

I opened my mouth to answer, but Stephen cut me off.

“Actually,” his eyes darted toward the door, “I can’t talk right now. I’ll see you all later.” He hurried inside, a frantic quality to his rushed steps.

For a long moment, Jake and I stood staring at the door after it closed behind Stephen.

“Do you think we should go with him?” Jake asked, sounding doubtful.

I shook my head. “I don’t think we can be of any help.”

“Yeah.”

“Let’s go somewhere,” I said. “I need a drink. Badly.”