Page 8 of The Catcher
As Callie stepped out of her cruiser, she took in the scene. Towering pines cast long shadows across the clearing, and the distant peaks loomed ominously against a bright blue sky.
Approaching the group near the trailhead, Callie sought out Jake Richmond, a seasoned forest ranger tasked with escorting her to the crime scene.
“Deputy Thorne,” Jake greeted her with a nod, his voice low and steady amidst the chaos.
“How are you, Jake?" Callie acknowledged, her gazesweeping over the surrounding officers. Jake was based out of Region 5 in Ray Brook. The DEC building sat directly opposite Noah’s workplace, sandwiched between Saranac Lake and High Peaks.
“I’ve been better.”
“Who called it in?”
Jake’s expression darkened slightly. “A young couple stumbled upon the scene earlier this morning. They reported it to the nearest ranger station before we were dispatched.”
Callie nodded.
Although it wasn’t uncommon to see sheriff deputies called in for body retrievals or searches, these kinds of calls were usually handled by DEC special agents, and the state and sheriff’s office were only notified if needed.
As Callie followed Jake deeper into the forest, she couldn’t help but admire the dedication and commitment displayed by these individuals. Their tireless efforts ensured the safety and preservation of the wilderness, their presence a reassuring reminder of the protection afforded to those who ventured into the untamed beauty of the great outdoors.
Unlike park rangers or game wardens, DEC rangers played a crucial role within the U.S. Forest Service, providing frontline responders for many situations.
They were often the first to be called upon when emergencies arose, whether it be conducting a search and rescue mission for lost hikers, protecting natural resources from illegal activities, dealing with fires, or safeguarding those who ventured into the forest for recreation.
With their extensive training in wilderness survival, navigation, and law enforcement, they were more than equipped to handle many scenarios.
However, what set the DEC rangers apart was their unique blend of responsibilities. While they shared similarities with federal law enforcement officers, they operated on a state level, enforcing regulations specific to New York’s natural landscapes. Despite their distinctive role, they carried the same police powers as the State Police, allowing them to uphold the law and maintain order within the High Peaks wilderness.
“I’m curious. Why the call to the Sheriff’s Office? You folks are more than capable of handling these matters.”
“An unusual crime scene. The captain and special agents thought it was best we notify all agencies. What with the uptick of murders in the region. State Police is supposed to be sending out an investigator from BCI. Though, they should have been here by now.”
Callie thought about Noah. That would have been him if he wasn’t on a suspension. She wondered who would take his place. It wasn’t like they were crawling with investigators.
“Did you speak to McKenzie? He usually handles this.”
Jake shrugged. “We were informed that he was currently tied up with a case but would send someone. You must have gotten the short end of the straw.”
“Seems so.”
Jake glanced at her. “Been a while since we’ve seen each other.”
“Yeah. Been busy, distracted, you could say.”
“I heard about your sister. My condolences.”
She gave a pained smile. “Thank you.”
With a brief exchange of introductions and a rundown of the situation, Jake led Callie to an ATV parked nearby, its engine idling in anticipation of the journey ahead to Mount Jo Trailhead.
“It’s about a mile in, then we go on foot for a few miles.”
“A little far back to block off the road.”
“Had to with hikers heading this way. Hold on tight.”
The High Peaks Wilderness was split into two zones. The body had been found in the western zone. Often, rangers would use one of the State Police helicopters to retrieve bodies or those injured, but that wasn’t all the time. More times than not, rangers were left to trudge out of the wilderness carrying a body. It was a challenging task, considering the uneven terrain.
As they set off along the rugged trail, the engine’s roar drowned out the sounds of the forest. The ATV navigated twists and turns with ease. Callie held on tight, her senses alert as they ventured deeper into the wilderness.
