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Spring break had been a long time coming, and excited to be free from school at last, Leo Kelly and his best friends Ash Rogers and Zoe Ward headed into Stanton Forest for a day of fishing. They’d chosen the Devil’s Punchbowl waterhole, a favorite spot and not one discovered by the tourists. Being some ways from the hiking trails, it offered a secluded and bountiful day’s fishing. A stream running from one of the many lakes below Black Rock Falls fed the waterhole and replenished the fish at a rapid rate. As they moved higher up the mountainside, a chill seeped through Leo’s clothes, raising goosebumps on his flesh. He hadn’t expected the morning to be so cold. As they moved deeper into the dense forest, he led his friends along the trail at a good pace. The way ahead narrowed to little more than an animal track and they dropped into single file, negotiating their fishing rods and backpacks through the vegetation. Scanning the forest for bears and other wildlife, he slowed when something moved ahead. A crack of a branch pierced the silence. The hairs on the back of his neck prickled and warning bells clanged in his head. Stopping abruptly, he peered through the gloom. “Did you see that?”
“Didn’t see a thing.” Zoe flicked her long blonde hair over one shoulder. “You imagining things again, Leo?”
“Whoa.” Ash adjusted his backpack and stared into the forest. “I figured it was my imagination, but yeah, I thought I saw someone moving through the trees a ways back.”
Concerned, Leo turned to look at him. “I thought I saw someone in camouflage, moving ahead and to the left.” Nervous, he glanced over his shoulder. “Do you figure someone is following us?”
“There.” Ash pointed into the trees, his face creased with concern. “That can’t be the same person. If they’d crossed the trail, we’d have seen them. Maybe it’s just hunters.”
“Not in this part of the forest, and they’d be wearing orange vests, not hiding behind camouflage.” Zoe moved closer to Leo. “It’s too far to go back. We should push on to the fishing hole. There might be other people there.”
“We should spread out.” Ash scanned the forest in all directions. “We don’t know who is out there and we make an easy target bunched up like this.”
Heart racing, Leo nodded. “Okay, we run from tree to tree, stopping and then moving on. If they’re still following us by the time we get to the fishing hole, I’ll call the sheriff.”
“You can’t do that.” Ash indicated to Zoe with his chin. “We don’t have fishing permits and you know the first thing that she’ll do is ask us to produce them.”
Rubbing the back of his neck, Leo looked from one to the other. “You just tell her you’re watching me fish. We can hide your fishing rods in the trees and come back for them later.”
A rustle close by and a shadow moving silenced them. Someone was stalking them. Panic gripped Leo. He must get his friends to safety. Using hand gestures to indicate he planned to go ahead, he took off, moving swiftly from tree to tree. He glanced behind him, scanned the forest, and then motioned for them to follow. Crunching footsteps came from his right and something whizzed past his head.
He gaped in horror as a crossbow bolt thwacked into a nearby trunk. Fear had him by the throat as he ducked low and ran to the next tree. Midstride, a rush of searing pain sliced into the back of his leg. He hung on to a tree and stared in horror at the bolt protruding out of his flesh. “I’ve been hit. Go back.” He waved frantically at the others. “Call the sheriff.”
Ten yards behind him, Zoe was on the move. She dashed toward him and opened her mouth to say something, but in a sickening thud, a bolt pierced her neck. Frozen with fear, Leo stared in disbelief as her eyes widened, and her hands flapped wildly at her throat before she crumpled to the ground. Trembling with terror and fighting back waves of nausea, Leo dragged his injured leg toward her. Panic gripped him at the sight of her wide vacant eyes. Unable to make his mouth form words, he stared around the slight bend in the trail. Slumped on his side, Ash lifted his gaze to him and made a gurgling sound. Blood bubbled from his open mouth, his eyes rolled back, and he fell sideways, eyes fixed and staring.
Terrified, Leo looked all around. He wanted to scream and tear someone apart. “Why are you doing this?”
An arrow hit him like a cannonball to the chest. Stunned, he fell hard on his side unable to take a breath and grasped the bolt protruding from his chest. Running footsteps thundered toward him, but the last thing he heard was whoops of joy before the forest spun and darkness rushed up to swallow him.
Eyes squeezed tight, Sheriff Jenna Alton pressed her cheek into the back of her husband’s leather jacket as the motorcycle accelerated along the highway. Exhilarated, she tightened her grip around his waist as they flew past vehicles so fast she could hardly take a breath. When the smell of pine trees and fresh mountain air hit her in the face, she opened her eyes, but the forest was just a flash of green. She trusted Kane’s driving but it had taken him some time to convince her to ride with him. Knowing his love of speed, she’d been hesitant. As they whipped past more vehicles, she peeked over his shoulder. Ahead the highway was clear and she relaxed a little. Soothed by the purring sound of the engine, the wind slamming into her, but still the feeling of vulnerability scared her. One small mistake at high speed and it was them against the blacktop and anything else in their way.
Off the grid, ex-special forces sniper and Secret Service agent, with ties right up to the Oval Office, David Kane had come into her life almost five years ago, after she’d arrived in Black Rock Falls, and he’d become her deputy sheriff. His story was similar to her own. After taking down and giving evidence against underworld kingpin Viktor Carlos, Jenna had left the FBI, and her life as DEA agent Avril Parker, far behind. Under witness protection but living in plain sight, with a new face and name, she’d fought her way to become sheriff in the backwoods town of Black Rock Falls.
During her time as sheriff, she had gathered a superior team around her. She had trained Deputy Jake Rowley and hired Zac Rio, a gold shield detective from LA. Rio had a retentive memory, apart from other gifts, and was able to recall crime scenes and make evaluations on the fly. Dr. Shane Wolfe, the medical examiner also doubled as Kane’s handler, having been the voice in his ear during his tours of duty. Together they made up a superior crime-fighting team, which was just as well because Black Rock Falls had become known as Serial Killer Central. A series of novels covering the cases had become bestsellers and made the town a tourist destination. Although, why people flocked to possibly one of the most dangerous towns in the state confused her.
The motorcycle slowed and Kane turned off the highway and onto a narrow dirt road leading into the forest. They drove through dense pines for about half a mile before turning into a side road, posted with a sign warning that trespassers would be shot on sight, but Kane ignored the sign and they bounced over tire ruts along a dirt road weaving in and out of trees. The sound of water running in the distance came over the purr of the engine. As the road opened up into a clearing beside the river, she turned to see a neat cabin with smoke coming out of the chimney. Smiling at the sight, she relaxed the grip on Kane, her fingers numb from the effort of holding on so tightly. The motorcycle stopped in front of the stoop and she unfastened the strap on her helmet and let out a long breath. “Wow! You drive so fast. I don’t figure I took a breath from the time we left till just now.”
“Oh, sorry.” Kane’s brow wrinkled into a frown. “I should have taken it easy for your first time on the Harley, but I figured you’d be fine as it’s not your
first ride on a motorcycle with me.”
Shaking her head, Jenna smiled. “No need for an apology. I enjoyed the thrill and it’s my fault for not riding with you sooner.”
Kane had built the classic Harley, spending months locating parts and creating his dream machine. This along with a bulletproof, bombproof missile of a black tricked-out truck affectionately known as the Beast were his pride and joy. The pressure of work meant that weekends like this one were few and far between, but they had struck gold when Special Agent Ty Carter and his partner, Jo Wells, arrived in town earlier in the week. Jenna had offered them the cottage on her ranch as a base while they investigated a local case. They were good friends, and she trusted them, so when Carter offered to care for their animals and give them the use of his fishing cabin for the weekend, they’d jumped at the chance.
Jenna’s cat, Pumpkin, was self-sufficient, but Duke, Kane’s bloodhound tracker dog, was very dependent on Kane and they rarely left him behind. After being found close to death, Kane had rescued the neurotic dog, who was so frightened of storms he hid, and words like bath and vet had to be spelled to avoid a meltdown. Duke trusted few people, but one of them was Carter, mainly because he’d bonded with Carter’s Doberman and bomb-disposal dog, Zorro.
Scanning the area, Jenna grinned at Kane. “So, this is Carter’s secret hideaway when he’s in town.” She ran her gaze over the log cabin. Although small, it backed up to the mountain and, surrounded by trees, it was safe and solid. A porch swing sat on the front stoop. Wisps of curled wood overflowed from a bucket beside a few sticks for whittling. It was just how she’d imagined it. “Why doesn’t he stay here with Jo when he’s on a case?”
“Oh, maybe because there’s only one bedroom.” Kane smiled at her. “When I went fishing with him, I slept in front of the fire. It’s not a place to bring Jo. She’d be uncomfortable. She likes her own space.” He pulled her close. “I don’t intend to go fishing. Some nice walks and toasting
marshmallows in front of an open fire sounds good to me.”
Giggling, Jenna kissed him. “Okay, now I know why you wanted me to bring linen. I’m guessing Carter likes sleeping rough?”
“Nope, I just didn’t want to leave him a pile of laundry.” Kane shrugged. “I know he hauls his laundry to town to be washed.” He gave a reluctant sigh and let her go. “I’ll get the bags inside and go and start the generator.” He pulled the saddlebags from the motorcycle and waved her ahead. “The key is above the door.”
Jenna collected their helmets and led the way onto the stoop. She found the key and opened the door. To her surprise the inside was spotless, floors swept clean, and a fire was burning in the hearth. It was a small cabin, with a stuffed sofa before the fire, a small kitchen with table and chairs, and one dark bedroom with no window. “Is there a bathroom?”
“Outside, and a shower, but it’s cold. The water is pumped straight from the river.” Kane grinned at her. “It’s only for one night. I’ll heat some water and you can wash in the kitchen sink if it’s too cold for you.”
Shaking her head, Jenna laughed. “I’ll be fine.” She dived into the saddlebags and pulled out linen. I’ll make up the bed. You get the generator working, it’s as dark as a cave in that room.”
“Sure.” Kane disappeared outside.
Jenna walked around the cabin and checked out the small kitchen. The cabinets were packed with tinned goods, cans of coffee, milk powder, and dogfood. Everything was there for Carter to survive on for a week or so with his dog. She blinked as lights flooded the cabin and took the linen into the bedroom. By the time Kane had chopped more wood and built up the fire, she’d finished making the bed and walked into the other room. “How come the fire was alight?”
“Carter dropped by to restock the kitchen. He’d already asked me if we wanted a night in the cabin and set the fire to make it cozy for us.” Kane replaced the guard around the fire and straightened. “Grab my backpack and we’ll go for a walk along the riverbank.” He sighed. “It’s strange not having Duke with us. I should have driven the Beast.”
Jenna handed him his backpack, wondering why it weighed so much, and shook her head. “He loves to play with Zorro. It’s like a vacation for him, but I do miss him. He’s part of our family.” She took his hand and they walked out of the door, locking it behind them. Her mind went to Kane’s visit to their close friend Atohi Blackhawk, a Native American tracker, who owned Duke’s mother and a number of bloodhounds. “Talking about family, it’s been ages since Atohi took him to the res to put over his bitch. Did it take, do you know? Is Duke going to be a daddy?”
“He’s been a daddy quite a few times and she had seven this time, so it’s a lucky litter
.” Kane chuckled. “It’s not something Blackhawk discusses with you, is all. Why?”
The thought of seeing a litter of puppies warmed Jenna’s heart. “Can we have one of Duke’s pups?”
“Blackhawk always offers me the pick of the litter, but I have Duke.” He gave her a long look. “A puppy is a lot of work and a lifetime of care. They grow up real fast. Are you sure we have time to raise a puppy?”
Snorting, Jenna looked at him. “I sure hope so, because if a baby comes along, we won’t have a choice.” Her stomach dropped and a deep sadness engulfed her. “It’s never going to happen, is it?”
“The doctor said we were both fine and stressing over it will only make things worse.” Kane sighed and squeezed her hand as they headed toward the riverbank. “We’ve only been married for nine months, Jenna. Relax, enjoy our alone time together, because once we have a baby, life is going to become hectic, especially if you insist on continuing as sheriff.” He stopped by the river and turned to her. “Whatever you decide, I’ll support your decision.”
Leaning into him, Jenna sighed. “Well, I guess it’s a good thing because it’s taking forever for the mayor to build the kindergarten.” She looked at Kane. “How will we deal with security while the new cottage is being built?”
They’d discussed a cottage for a nanny, drawn up plans, and gotten approval. Jenna had made the suggestion and Kane had planned and organized it. Although, as both of them carried secrets, bringing a stranger into their lives would be dangerous, but if she decided to remain as sheriff, having a reliable trained person her baby knew would be an advantage if they were on a case.
“Wolfe is organizing it.” Kane shrugged. As his handler and contact to the powers that be, Wolfe would make sure they were safe. “When the time comes, he’ll organize a nanny.”
Staring at the crystal-clear water, a chill slid over Jenna as the reminder that being married to Kane, a valuable asset to the government, had far-reaching complications. With a bounty on his head, Kane had already lost his previous wife in a car bombing. Even with a new name and face, his retinal scan, fingerprints, and DNA would never change
and there was always a chance of discovery. She had the same problem, but Kane’s enemies came from across the globe. The simple selection of a nanny could compromise him. She looked at him. “A puppy suddenly sounds easy. When can we go and look at them?”
“Soon.” Kane smiled at her. “I’ll call Blackhawk and ask him when they’re ready to leave home. There is one proviso.”
Frowning, Jenna looked at him. “And that is?”
“Duke has to like him.” Kane scanned the forest ahead of them. “Or, he’ll never come out from under our bed.”
Jenna laughed. “Deal.”
Sighing, Deputy Zac Rio pushed his chair away from his desk and stared at the ceiling. He had two cases and neither of them had offered up any leads. He had received a notification from the Blackwater sheriff’s department about a possible methamphetamine lab setting up in their county. The group, under surveillance by the Blackwater sheriff for some time, had disappeared along with the snow during the melt. Kane and Jenna had hunted them down and discovered they’d stored equipment and supplies in an abandoned warehouse on the outskirts of town. They’d arrested a young man guarding the place, but after going with Rowley to secure the scene, Rio had found the warehouse empty and wiped clean. The two vans on site had vanished. The only explanation was that the perpetrators had been close by and moved their apparatus fast, which suggested a large competent team. BOLOs on the vans had come up empty. The man in custody wasn’t talking and remained locked up in county.
It was obvious the meth lab had moved to another base. There were plenty of abandoned buildings all over. Black Rock Falls spread across a wide area and it was impossible to search every inch, although he and Deputy Rowley had sent up the drones and completed a grid search daily over suspicious areas. They’d being comparing the images for the last week but no suspicious movements had been noted. He hoped that whoever was running the drug kitchen had moved on to another county, but Jenna had insisted they keep due diligence.
The next case involved Native American tracker Atohi Blackhawk. He was a good friend of Jenna and Kane. Last week he had come to the office with a list of suspected gravesites he’d discovered during his time in the forest. Rio and Rowley had taken the horses and escorted him back to the sites. They’d marked them all with crime scene tape and taken GPS coordinates. None of the graves appeared to be fresh, so they’d notified the ME. As Wolfe had Norrell Larson, a forensic anthropologist, on his team, she would head up the investigation. In the meantime, without a time frame to go on, Rio had little to do. Rowley had just returned from patrol and dropped into the seat at his desk. “Anything interesting happening out there?”
“Nope.” Rowley added notes to his daybook. “I issued a few speeding fines. Booked three people for jaywalking and one person for allowing his dog to foul the sidewalk.” He glanced over at him and smiled. “That’s the most action I’ve had for a month.”
Yawning, Rio pushed to his feet and went through the office to the kitchenette. He looked at Rowley over one shoulder. “We have takeout from Aunt Betty’s Café and fresh coffee. We might as well take a break now. Just in case the sky falls in anytime soon.” He chuckled.
They were halfway through their lunch, when Maggie, the receptionist on the front counter, came to his desk waving a piece of paper. Rio swallowed his coffee and looked up at her. “Is there a problem?”
“There sure is.” Maggie slapped the paper down in front of him. “The forest warden found three bodies on one of the hiking trails. He just called it in. Here are his details and the coordinates.”
“Did he give any other details?” Rowley was on his feet, pulling on his jacket.
“Nope. Only that you should get there ASAP.” Maggie looked from one to the other. “Do you want me to contact the sheriff?”
Confused why the forest warden hadn’t provided more details, Rio shook his head. “Not yet. We’ll go and take a look. It might be a hunting accident. If it is, there’s no need to disturb them.”
“Okay.” Maggie gave them a stern look. “Don’t you forget to call in and give me your position. If you don’t and get yourself into trouble out there, I won’t be able to send you backup.”
After being a gold shield detective in LA for two years prior to arriving in Black Rock Falls, Rio knew the deal, but he also understood Maggie felt she was responsible for them during Jenna and Kane’s absence. He nodded and turned to grab survival packs out of the closet. “I’ll call in when we get to the location, Maggie.” He tossed a pack to Rowley, grabbed his jacket, and followed him out the door.
As Rowley headed for the location, Rio called the forest warden to get more information. “This is Deputy Zac Rio. We’re on our way to your location. Can you give me an update on the bodies you found on the hiking trail?”
“We have three victims, all Caucasian, approximately sixteen to eighteen years old, two male and one female. All have sustained kill shots from, I suspect, an arrow. I doubt if this is a hunting accident, as this isn’t a designated area for archers. It is a specifically marked hiking trail. I am convinced this is a homicide.” The forest warden let out a shuddering sigh. “I have one of my colleagues on horseback guarding the entrance to this trail, I’m approximately twenty yards from the crime scene. I haven’t seen anyone in this area since I arrived, approximately ten minutes ago. We were following up reports of a mountain lion in the area, and managed to move it on, but other wildlife are moving in. We need to move these bodies before dark.”
Running the protocol through his mind, Rio cleared his throat. “Okay, I’ll notify the medical examiner and we’ll be there shortly.” He disconnected and then called Wolfe to explain the situation.
Fortunately, Rowley had been raised in the area and knew all the trails to the local fishing holes. After perusing the map, he’d taken advantage of the fire
roads to get as close as possible, to the trail. Rio stepped out of the cruiser, and a cool breeze from the mountains, still carrying the frosty aroma of snow, brushed his cheeks. He inhaled deeply, knowing that the pine-scented fresh air wouldn’t last long. He turned to Rowley. “Can you find your way from here?”
“Yeah, I used to come here all the time as a kid.” Rowley collected his things from the back seat. “It’s the worst-kept secret in town. I’ll send Wolfe the directions to get here the way we came. If he follows his GPS, he’ll be walking about an extra mile. I figure we’re only about three or four hundred yards from the crime scene.” He hung his backpack over one shoulder and took out his phone. He indicated to a trail on the left. “That way.”
Slowly scanning the lush dense forest, Rio placed one hand on his arm. “We need to proceed with caution, there’s possibly a killer on the loose in the forest. He could be considering us as his next victims right now. Make sure you inform Wolfe to be on his guard.”
“Sure.” Rowley turned slowly, looking all around. “Our Kevlar vests are in the back of my truck.” He pulled open the back door and dragged them out. He handed one to Rio. “Better safe than sorry. These will stop a bullet or an arrow. I figure if he’s attacking with a knife, he won’t be game enough to take on both of us.”
Rio removed his jacket and pulled on the vest. “Okay, but no talking once we’re on the trail. I don’t want to alert anyone of our presence until we get on-scene.” He shrugged into his jacket and grabbed his rifle from the back of Rowley’s truck. “Move out.”
Stanton Forest surrounded Black Rock Falls from the lowlands to the foot of the mountains spreading west. At this time of year, after the melt when new growth was in abundance, the forest became dense and formidable. Walking the trails could be a beautiful or terrifying experience. As they walked, sunlight filtered through the trees, dappling the way ahead with constantly moving shadows and small patches of bright sunlight. As they went deeper, the sunlight was obscured by the dense canopy above, ...
