Page 21 of Her Final Hours
“Fantastic. Bring him in.”
“Kind of hard; he’s dead.”
8
Monday, March 19, 10:18 a.m.
Abone-chilling cold seeped into their bones as Noah and the team closed in on the secluded farm in a rural part of the Adirondacks. The air was thick with the anticipation of an impending storm, with delicate flakes dancing and twirling, painting the landscape in a pristine white blanket.
Noah lowered the volume dial of the radio after listening to another weather warning. They’d told people to make sure they had enough food and water for three days.
“You know, I saw folks lining up for generators yesterday, a couple even fighting over the last one. I mean, it’s the epitome of stupid to wait until the last minute to get one, but folks don’t learn,” McKenzie said, shaking his head and riding shotgun while Noah drove. Callie was following in a cruiser close behind. Rivera had given her a lot of slack, allowing her to assist after hearing how useful she’d been in the previous two cases. However, there was one caveat. If push came to shoveand a call came in, and she was close, she had to attend to that first.
“When will you give me the rundown on this Payton girl?” McKenzie asked.
“I would have figured you would have devoured the articles by now.”
“That’s what my secretary is for.”
“Your what?”
“Secretary.”
“You don’t have one.”
“I do now. Thorne,” he muttered.
Noah shook his head. “Rivera said you’ve taken her under your wing.”
“I have, and I’m squeezing the opportunity for all it’s worth.”
“McKenzie.”
“Ah, don’t get your panties in a twist. I’m pulling your leg. That damn girl wouldn’t let me boss her around even if I tried.”
“Good. So you haven’t.”
“Oh no, I have,” he quipped before chuckling. “Not that it did me much good.”
Noah smiled, finding the dynamics between the two amusing. Gravel and snow crunched beneath the tires as they veered into the long driveway off Decker Road. The sky, a canvas of leaden gray, hung low over the rugged terrain, casting a shadow over the farmstead behind which the crime scene awaited. The old, weathered barn stood defiantly against the elements, its wooden beams bowing from the weight of snow over the years. The fields on either side, once teeming with life, now lay barren and dormant, covered in a glistening layer of white.
The majestic Bouquet River bordered the area, its tranquil waters snaking silently beneath a nearby bridge that arched over its surface.
As he eased off the gas, a chaotic scene unfolded beforethem. Adirondack Sheriff’s Office deputies and patrol cruisers were dotted throughout the area. Their flashing lights cast an ominous glow. Yellow crime scene tape cordoned off the perimeter, marking the boundaries of the investigation. Curious neighbors, drawn by the commotion, peered from a distance, their expressions a mix of concern and intrigue.
Amidst the flurry of activity, a striking figure caught Noah’s attention. His long-time friend Alicia Michaels, a game warden known for her expertise, stood engaged in conversation with deputies. As a full-fledged peace officer who worked with various agencies, it wasn’t unusual for Alicia to be the first on the scene in remote areas like this. Still, Noah’s surprise at seeing her again was palpable. They hadn’t spoken in months, ever since he’d shown an interest in buying her property near Ed and finding out that she was dating someone else. Once, they’d shared more than just a professional connection; time and circumstances had driven them apart. Now, this unexpected encounter provided an opportunity to catch up, albeit during a grim investigation.
As they exited the Bronco, they were joined by Callie, who trudged through the cold toward them, her breath forming an icy cloud in the air. He couldn’t help but feel the weight of the unforgiving surroundings. It was where nature dictated the rules, where survival meant adapting to the harshest conditions. And against this wintry backdrop, they were determined to unravel what lay ahead, no matter how hard the weather conspired against them.
Outfitted in her green uniform, Alicia glanced over her shoulder as a deputy motioned with a nod. Noah greeted her with a small smile. “Alicia. It’s been a while. Didn’t expect to see you here.”
Her dark eyes met his with a hint of nostalgia. She almost looked a little uncomfortable, if her expression was anything togo on. “Noah. Good to see you.” She smiled at McKenzie and Thorne. “Yeah, I was just checking licenses up in the area and heard the call come in. I figured I would handle it. The deputies here were telling me about the girl. It seems like you’ve got quite the situation on your hands.”
“You could say that. So, what’s the situation?” he asked.
“The farm is owned by Timothy Miller and his wife, Josephine. Both are retired. They have the grandkids with them for the week while their daughter is vacationing in Florida.”
“Nice for some,” McKenzie barked, shivering and tucking his hands into his jacket.
