Page 20 of The Whispering Girls
But there were deep tire marks that appeared relatively recent. Looking at the marks, Katie assumed it to be a utility truck from the city or county. A little farther, she saw deep divots about two feet apart that didn’t look as if they were from a vehicle.
There was another trail ahead but Katie glanced at her watch and saw it was getting late. Soon it would be dusk and the light would disappear. She didn’t want to return in the dark because she didn’t have a flashlight and didn’t want to use her cell phone for the only illumination.
Katie used her good judgment and decided to return to the lodge to prepare for the investigation and made a mental note that she would return to this area with McGaven. But first she needed to inspect the crime scene zone and to map out the hiking and accessible areas.
ELEVEN
Wednesday 1545 hours
Katie and Cisco took a slower pace back to the lodge. This time she studied the path and the surroundings, musing that the killer had perfect places to stay hidden and to stage his crime scene. It became clear the killer knew the area well—so they were either a regular resident or someone who had lived in the area previously.
Katie stepped back into the patio area of the lodge, where everything was still stored in the same manner as when she left. She didn’t know why she thought it would be changed, but the area, especially the walking paths, seemed to make her feel uneasy. Perhaps it was just her exhaustion.
Before going inside, she peeked out front and noticed that Jack’s truck was still gone.
“C’mon, Cisco…”
Katie climbed the stairs and paused on the large landing for a moment, staring out into the forest. The creek moved along in between trees over smooth river rocks. She could imagine in warmer weather relaxing out here and listening to the tranquilsound of the water. In the distance, nestled in between trees, she could see two rooftops that appeared to be barns. There was some fireplace smoke farther away that swirled up among the treetops in a ghostlike manifestation.
Katie quickly punched in the five-digit code: 55959. The lock disengaged and she pushed open the door. Upon entering the lodge a second time, it still had a welcoming feeling. Cisco ran inside and took a few laps around the main area.
“Okay, Cisco, calm down, we’re guests here…” Katie laughed, watching the dog running and then checking stuff out before opting to run again.
Katie went to her suite to gather a few things then returned to the living area—it seemed to be a good place to set up their headquarters. She found a notebook in one of the front desk’s drawers and began to make a list of things they would need: crime scene report, photographs, victim information, autopsy report, and any witness reports from nearby neighbors, etc.
Katie called Officer Bobby Clark. “Officer Clark, this is Detective Scott,” she said.
“Yes, Detective, I’ve been waiting for your call.”
“First, how is the chief doing?”
“He’s stable, but they’re going to keep him under observation for the next few days in the hospital. He’s tough.”
“Hmmm. He doesn’t strike me as the kind of person to take it easy,” she said.
The officer laughed. “No. You’re spot on about that. He wanted me to tell you that he appreciates you taking lead on this investigation.”
Katie looked around the room and thought she couldn’t be anywhere that was more beautiful or comfortable. “Please tell him thank you from me. He doesn’t know me, so I appreciate his trust.”
“Your sheriff spoke highly of you and your record speaks volumes. We’re lucky you decided to come to Echo Forest.”
Katie didn’t say anything. She had been wondering if she had made a mistake by getting involved.
“At your convenience, he would like for you to update him in person,” said Officer Clark.
“Of course,” she said. “I’ll need your help, though. Could you spare one or two folding tables, power strips, and some minor office supplies like pens, notepads, and file folders for me?”
“Detective, I will have these things for you in a couple of hours.”
“Sounds great. My partner will be arriving this evening, so we plan on hitting the ground running.”
“Got it.”
“Thank you.”
The phone connection ended.
Katie scrutinized the large common area, where a folding table would best fit, but then realized she was getting hungry. She set the legal notepad and pen on the dining table and headed to the kitchen, where she had put her groceries in the large restaurant-size refrigerator. The kitchen seemed extremely big for four suites and Katie wondered if Jack was planning to hold gatherings or special parties.
