Page 16 of Bait and Switch
“But no one saw anything because it’s winter and there’s hardly any traffic this time of year, foot or otherwise.”
Whoever had killed Peter Vale had to be familiar with the obscure Riddle Bay Marina and Heartstone Island. Had they been keeping an eye out, so they knew when Casey and Karne were both gone? Or had it been an opportunity presenting itself at the perfect moment?
If it were chance, they’d been damn lucky. If the dump was purposeful, some sort of message, it put a different light on everything. Was it a message to Karne? And if that was the case, why not leave Vale on theTicket? Why choose theShangri-La? Were they locals? The marina seemed to indicate so.
Casey was driving himself to distraction.
“Those are good questions. Hopefully, Rizzi and company are looking into them.” Greta sounded thoughtful. In his peripheral vision, Casey saw her head move as she turned to look at him.
“But that’s not what I meant when I asked you about your new neighbor. What’s he like? Is he hot? And don’t do that jaw-clench thing at me, I can think a guy is hot even if I don’t want to get it on with him.”
“For Christ’s sake, Greta.” Casey did not want to talk about Gabriel Karne with Greta. She had this way of weaseling information out of him when he least wanted to part with it.
“So, he is hot? Because I’m just saying, you not confirming or denying is suspicious.”
Dammit, Greta.
Casey could lie and say Karne wasn’t hot, but Greta was already on alert—how, he had no idea. Even if Casey planned on putting it off as long as possible, they would eventuallymeet, and Greta would give him The Look and promise a later conversation. Because Gabriel Karne was hot.
“I suppose he’s attractive. But his personality leaves something to be desired.”
“What? He didn’t just fall at your feet when you glared at him?” She snickered at her own stupid joke.
“Ha, ha, ha.”
“Casey, I think it’s about time you met someone who interested you. I only wish I’d been around to witness it. Were you broody and stern? I bet you were, that’s your go-to reaction when someone gets under your skin.”
Luckily, Casey spotted the turnout where the brush crew was working and pulled the truck over.
SEVEN
Casey
Tuesday in The Valley
Ten or so workers were huddled underthe protection of a massive six-armed cedar tree that was working hard to beat out the Douglas firs that surrounded it. The group watched Casey park behind a beat-up silver extended cab truck and a red van that Casey was surprised could still make the trip.
“That thing’s held together with duct tape and bailing wire,” Greta commented as she unbuckled her seat belt.
Casey mentally thanked Rowan for giving them the exact GPS address of Carlos’s last known location since there were miles of fire roads and trails leading off in all directions. Today, the search would focus on the trails that headed down The Valley, based on the assumption that the missing Carlos would try to get to civilization if he was able. Hopefully, with skill and luck, they would find him today. Alive.
Of course, when folks were lost, it could be hard to know which direction was up and which was down, especially ifthey were disoriented or injured. As he set the parking brake, another van pulled up, an Olympic Rescue logo on its side. Casey recognized the driver, Tor Torkelson, another experienced search and rescuer. There were three other people with Tor that he didn’t know.
Everyone got out of their vehicles and gathered at the front of the van. Tor introduced his team and Casey shared what Rowan had told him over the phone call.
“Would be nice to have a little more information,” Casey said at the end.
“We’ll work with what we’ve got.” Tor slapped his gloved hands together. “Let’s talk to these folks first and then do our best to find Carlos. Fingers crossed it doesn’t take long.”
The six of them walked over to where the group waited for them. Some looked concerned, but most were obviously impatient and ready to get on with their day.
“Thanks for waiting,” Greta said. “Please fill us in on Carlos Garcia so you can get to work. Did anything seem off yesterday? Was he nervous or twitchy? Maybe ill?”
“He was okay yesterday.” The speaker had long dark hair, most of it tucked up into a knit cap, but stray strands were doing their best to escape. Everyone wore practical clothing, heavy gloves, and hiking boots. “We took a break at the usual time. I think Carlos was there.”
He glanced around for confirmation, but no one seemed willing to provide it. There were a few shrugs andmaybes.
“I didn’t talk to him,” added another. “Not after we all got started.”
