Page 108 of The Whispering Girls

John closed his eyes and concentrated on something else for a moment while he rested. Good memories flooded his mind. Then he rested his thoughts on Katie again, her smile, her tenacity, and her training sessions with Cisco. He remembered several searches she had done with the German shepherd. There were so many good times with friends and making new memories. He knew in his bones that it wasn’t his time to go.

John abruptly opened his eyes and looked up. He estimated the daylight would dwindle in approximately four to five hours—and then he would be shrouded in darkness again, working only by touch. He wasn’t ready to give up yet.

But then weakness and thirst overtook him, and his eyes slowly shut…

FORTY-SIX

Sunday 1330 hours

Katie drove to Devin’s property with the cabin on Pine Cone Way and then made a sharp left leading to the adjoining property owned by Jack. The road, even though it was mostly dirt and light gravel, had less snow, making it easier for Katie to maneuver the Jeep.

“I want to make this completely clear,” said Katie. “We’re doing a recon to try and find Jack, the chief, and most importantly John.”

McGaven nodded.

“But you know…”

“That we will do whatever it takes, no matter what,” he said.

“Until our backup arrives.” Katie clenched her teeth. Tension rose in her body. She wanted to catch the killer and demand answers. She thought about the article Jack had saved about a possible serial killer and that Carol Ann might have been a victim. Nothing in her experience indicated that Jack was a serial killer—she could see him performing a revengekilling or a crime of passion perhaps, but not the planned murder of young girls.

“Having second thoughts?” said McGaven.

“No. I’m just trying to make fit that Jack or the chief committed all these murders. But it just doesn’t.”

Katie decided to take a side road where they could hide the Jeep and continue on foot so no one would notice them or the car.

“Are we taking Cisco right away?” McGaven asked.

Cisco heard his name and whined. McGaven petted the large dog.

“Not right away.”

“You ready?”

“Absolutely.” Katie wasn’t as sure as she should have been, but there was nothing she wouldn’t do to save a friend.

The car was safely tucked in a wooded area. Katie prepared herself with layers of clothing, a big coat, gloves, and weapons. She made sure Cisco was fitted with his tactical vest, but he had to wait in the car until the door popped open. She also noticed that McGaven was moving slower than usual.

“Everything okay?” she said.

“Yeah, fine.” He finished layering his clothes and coat. Pulling on his gloves, he said, “I think it might be a bit warmer and the winds have died down.”

Katie nodded in agreement.

After looking at the map again, the detectives decided to sweep their search to the north, but first they wanted to walk the property line. Katie shut the doors and hatch. It always made her tense leaving Cisco behind, but he would be with them shortly. Her idea was to use the dog to search for the men, but they needed to know what they were up against first.

Katie took point and headed in the direction of the two property lines. Glancing at her phone, there was no cell signal. She trudged forward realizing the snow was more difficultto not only move quickly but move quietly, without making a crunching noise.

McGaven kept up easily behind her, constantly watching left, right, and behind.

Katie felt better once they had trees to camouflage them. She fitted her walkie-talkie and whispered to McGaven. “Can you hear me?”

“Affirmative.”

It made Katie feel protected from anything or anyone sneaking up behind them as she kept her focus straight ahead. She moved deliberately and at a consistent pace.

Once in the trees, it was clear it would make a good hunter’s spot. Katie stopped. Both detectives started scanning the immediate area for a wildlife camera. It took about ten minutes until Katie saw the brownish box affixed to a tree trunk with a black band. She retrieved it. There was some recorded video and a card. She showed it to her partner.