Page 24 of Vanished in the Mist (A Mystic Lake Mystery #2)

“What happens now?” Peyton asked, sniffling and straightening on the couch.

Dawson pulled out a pair of handcuffs. “I need you to stand up and turn around.”

O NCE P EYTON WAS in the back of Officer Fletcher’s police car heading down the mountain, Kaden stood with Shanna and Chief Dawson by the chief’s SUV.

“What’s going to happen to Peyton?” Shanna asked.

“She’ll be arraigned before a county judge, who will decide whether or not to set bail.

However, even if she makes bail, I’d rather not let her out.

Five friends and one wannabe friend go into the woods.

Nearly a year later, most of those people are either missing or dead.

Peyton is alive and unharmed so far and I want to keep her that way. ”

“You’re talking protective custody?” Kaden asked.

“I am. I’ve issued a BOLO to neighboring law-enforcement agencies, be on the lookout, for Sam and Jack’s vehicles.

There’s only one road in and out of this town, so I’ve got eyes on that, not to mention security cameras.

But so far, there haven’t been any sightings.

We’ll perform a cursory search of the boat ramp as soon as I leave.

That’s all we can do with the sun going down soon.

A more thorough, organized search with local volunteers will take place tomorrow. ”

“Chief,” Shanna said. “If you do find Jack Neal, there’s something you should know.

Kaden and I got a look earlier today at Tanya’s last high-school yearbook.

She’d defaced Jack’s picture, adding devil horns and knives in his head.

From what I’ve heard, she was a smart, sweet young girl.

I can’t imagine her doing that unless he’d done something really bad to her.

I’m not sure if erasing the photos on her phone qualifies, like we told you earlier, especially since it appears that she was able to recover her pictures. ”

His jaw tightened. “I’ll keep that in mind if I do get a chance to interview him. Is there anything else?”

“Not from me,” she said.

“I’ve got a question,” Kaden said. “I’m sure you have this covered already, but I have to ask. Do you have someone at the hospital guarding Jessica DeWalt, just in case there really is someone after all these kids?”

Dawson winced. “She didn’t make it. Sorry. I know you both did everything you could to give her a chance. She passed away a couple of hours ago. I received the notification right before you called about Peyton and haven’t had a chance to update you.”

Kaden stared at him a long moment, shocked to hear about the girl’s death. He gave Dawson a terse nod to thank him for the update.

Shanna leaned against his side, her arm around his back as if to let him know she was there for him.

It was amazing how well she understood him.

She obviously realized what a sucker punch it was to find out that the young woman he’d tried so hard to save hadn’t been saved after all and was trying to offer him comfort.

He glanced down at her, the burden in his chest lightening, if only a little, as he met her knowing, sympathetic gaze.

“I appreciate what you’ve both done to light a fire under this investigation,” Dawson said.

“I assure you it’s no longer cold. It’s all hands on deck.

Shanna, take that vacation your sister promised.

It might be hard to enjoy it at this point, but at least you can relax and chill out for a few days before you have to head back to West Virginia. ”

“What is it with all you police trying to get me to quit? I’m going to see this through until we bring Tanya home.”

His jaw tightened. “I’ve got three young people dead now—Tanya, Tristan, and Jessica. And you have some crazy ex-boyfriend after you. I strongly recommend you go ahead and head back home, tonight. Get out of town. No one will think less of you. You’ve done what you could.”

She put her hands on her hips. “I don’t see you telling Kaden to tuck tail and run.”

“That’s because I’m selfish. I need his help.”

“The search for Tanya’s remains,” Kaden said. “You want me to check the lake out past Cooper’s Bluff with my sonar?”

“I’d sure appreciate it, if you’re inclined to do so.

I can’t pull the Chattanooga dive team off the crime scene for Tristan Cargill just yet.

They have to finish searching for additional bones and any evidence that might be at the scene.

It could be days before they free up. Even then, there’s no guarantee I’m next in line for additional dive-team assistance, not when the person I want them to dive for has been missing for nearly a year and we can’t say for sure exactly where her remains might be.

It sounds callous, I know, but they have to prioritize resources and have already spent a lot of time here in Mystic Lake.

But if your fancy sonar finds something, they’ll know it’s not a wild goose chase and might help us that much sooner. ”

“When do you want to head out?”

“As soon as the mist burns off the lake tomorrow morning.”

Kaden glanced at Shanna. “Are you leaving, as he suggested?”

“Hell, no.”

He sighed. “I’ll help you, Dawson. But only if you put Shanna in protective custody while I’m on the boat.”

She gasped and pulled away from him. “No one’s locking me up.”

He faced her and put his hands on her shoulders.

“I know the police didn’t find any proof that Troy Warren has been near your sister’s cabin.

But I’m not willing to risk your safety if he’s just good at covering his tracks.

I’m assuming the worst, that he’s here, somewhere in Mystic Lake. I’m not leaving you alone.”

“Kaden, I can take care of myself. I—”

“She can join us on the boat,” Dawson said.

“I plan on going with you as your backup. No one should ever swim or dive in Mystic Lake without someone around to help if something goes sideways—as it often does around here. Two people to back you up is even better. Shanna can call for help while I dive in after you if necessary.”

“Okay,” Shanna said, her face pale in spite of her brave words.

“No,” Kaden countered, still holding Shanna.

“Not happening. There’s no way you’re getting back on my boat.

It was hard enough for you last time, especially with how the trip ended.

I’m not going to put you through that again.

We already know how this trip will end, if we’re lucky.

It’ll end in the discovery of more remains. ”

Dawson looked at Shanna, his confusion evident. “If you’re worried about seeing a dead body, keep in mind we’re talking bones at this point.”

Shanna started to speak again but Kaden cut her off. “Her reasons are personal. She’s not getting back on my boat. Period.”

She shoved his hands off her shoulders. “Isn’t that my decision?”

“No.”

She raised her hands in the air and rolled her eyes.

Dawson smiled. “Okay, none of my business. I get it. But, there’s a simple solution.

Shanna, if you won’t leave town or let me put you in a holding cell for your protection, there’s someone else who can look after you while we’re on the boat.

Aidan O’Brien, Grace’s husband. Trust me.

No one’s going to mess with Aidan. You’ll be completely safe with him at your sister’s cabin. ”

Kaden shook his head. “I don’t like it. I’ve never met the guy. You may trust him, but I don’t.”

“Um, hello.” Shanna waved her arms in the air again.

“Quit talking about me as if I’m not here.

This isn’t either of your decisions. It’s mine.

” She turned to Kaden. “I appreciate you being okay with me not getting back on your boat. Since Chief Dawson is going to be your backup, I’ll agree to that.

But as for my protection, I’m a big girl.

Have you forgotten I have a gun?” She glanced at the chief.

“That’s okay, I hope? I didn’t even think about checking the Tennessee laws on gun ownership before coming here. ”

Dawson smiled. “We live in the wilderness with bears and so-called phantoms roaming the woods.” He winked. “I’d be surprised if any adults living around here don’t have a gun.”

She nodded. “That settles it.”

“No,” Kaden said. “It doesn’t.”

She pressed a hand against his chest. “Kaden, your protectiveness is sweet and I really appreciate that you care. But you’re going overboard with this.

The police don’t think Troy is in town. Even if he is, I’ll be just fine by myself in Cassidy’s cabin.

Chief, I appreciate you suggesting that Mr. O’Brien can protect me.

But I’d feel awkward with someone I don’t know there and honestly don’t feel it’s necessary. ”

The chief shrugged, appearing weary of arguing anymore.

“Shanna,” Kaden began again, “I don’t want—”

“It’s not what you do or don’t want that matters this time.

I really can take care of myself. And something you don’t realize is that Cassidy has real working shutters on all her windows.

Solid wood to keep out dangerous storms, or bears.

Thick enough to stop a bullet, just like the walls… as we both know.”

Dawson frowned in confusion again.

Kaden reluctantly smiled. “Yes. We do.”

“I’ll be okay, really. I’ll be locked up tight where I’m comfortable and can make myself useful with my laptop and the investigative folders to continue looking into the case.

Someone is after Peyton and her crew. If I can help come up with a list of potential suspects, then that’s what I’m going to do. ”

“I really don’t want you there alone,” Kaden told her.

“And I don’t want the Jerichos to wait days or weeks for the Chattanooga dive team to find their daughter. I want this over with before we both have to go back to our respective businesses. Please. Trust me. While you help in your way, I’ll help in mine. Okay?”

“You’ll stay inside? Locked up tight, no matter what? No going into town to conduct interviews?”

“I won’t open the door until I hear your voice. Even if I think Troy’s out snooping in the woods, I won’t go looking for him. Shooting him would just result in more paperwork for our friend Dawson.”

Dawson chuckled. “Thanks. I think.”

Kaden shook his head. “You’re really something, you know that?”

“So I’m told.”

He squeezed her hand, then faced Dawson. “I’ll do it. I’ll take the boat out, work with the sonar.”

Relief flashed across Dawson’s face. “Thanks. Thank you both.”

“How big of a search area are we talking about?” Kaden asked. “Any idea?”

“Too big to search without narrowing it down. I asked Fletcher to work with Peyton at the station, get her to mark the target area on a map. Hopefully, she’ll cooperate.

As soon as I’ve got some coordinates, I’ll text them to you so you can plan your approach.

Your boat is still docked at the Tate cabin, right? ”

“It is.”

“I’ll meet you there in the morning once we have those coordinates. My police SUV parked outside will be yet another deterrent against anyone up to no good.” He hopped into his SUV. “Kaden, is that your Lexus parked down the road?”

“It’s mine,” Shanna said.

“Hop in. I’ll take you to it.”