Page 41 of Vanished in the Mist
“She can join us on the boat,” Dawson said. “I plan on going with you as your backup. No one should ever swim or dive in Mystic Lake without someone around to help if something goes sideways—as it often does around here. Two people to back you up is even better. Shanna can call for help while I dive in after you if necessary.”
“Okay,” Shanna said, her face pale in spite of her brave words.
“No,” Kaden countered, still holding Shanna. “Not happening. There’s no way you’re getting back on my boat. It was hard enough for you last time, especially with how the trip ended. I’m not going to put you through that again. We already know how this trip will end, if we’re lucky. It’ll end in the discovery of more remains.”
Dawson looked at Shanna, his confusion evident. “If you’re worried about seeing a dead body, keep in mind we’re talking bones at this point.”
Shanna started to speak again but Kaden cut her off. “Her reasons are personal. She’s not getting back on my boat. Period.”
She shoved his hands off her shoulders. “Isn’t that my decision?”
“No.”
She raised her hands in the air and rolled her eyes.
Dawson smiled. “Okay, none of my business. I get it. But, there’s a simple solution. Shanna, if you won’t leave town or let me put you in a holding cell for your protection, there’s someone else who can look after you while we’re on the boat. Aidan O’Brien, Grace’s husband. Trust me. No one’s going to mess with Aidan. You’ll be completely safe with him at your sister’s cabin.”
Kaden shook his head. “I don’t like it. I’ve never met the guy. You may trust him, but I don’t.”
“Um, hello.” Shanna waved her arms in the air again. “Quit talking about me as if I’m not here. This isn’t either of your decisions. It’s mine.” She turned to Kaden. “I appreciate you being okay with me not getting back on your boat. Since Chief Dawson is going to be your backup, I’ll agree to that. But as for my protection, I’m a big girl. Have you forgotten I have a gun?” She glanced at the chief. “That’s okay, I hope? I didn’t even think about checking the Tennessee laws on gun ownership before coming here.”
Dawson smiled. “We live in the wilderness with bears and so-called phantoms roaming the woods.” He winked. “I’d be surprised if any adults living around heredon’thave a gun.”
She nodded. “That settles it.”
“No,” Kaden said. “It doesn’t.”
She pressed a hand against his chest. “Kaden, your protectiveness is sweet and I really appreciate that you care. But you’re going overboard with this. The police don’t think Troy is in town. Even if he is, I’ll be just fine by myself in Cassidy’s cabin. Chief, I appreciate you suggesting that Mr. O’Brien can protect me. But I’d feel awkward with someone I don’t know there and honestly don’t feel it’s necessary.”
The chief shrugged, appearing weary of arguing anymore.
“Shanna,” Kaden began again, “I don’t want—”
“It’s not what you do or don’t want that matters this time. I really can take care of myself. And something you don’t realize is that Cassidy has real working shutters on all her windows. Solid wood to keep out dangerous storms, or bears. Thick enough to stop a bullet, just like the walls…as we both know.”
Dawson frowned in confusion again.
Kaden reluctantly smiled. “Yes. We do.”
“I’ll be okay, really. I’ll be locked up tight where I’m comfortable and can make myself useful with my laptop and the investigative folders to continue looking into the case. Someoneis after Peyton and her crew. If I can help come up with a list of potential suspects, then that’s what I’m going to do.”
“I really don’t want you there alone,” Kaden told her.
“And I don’t want the Jerichos to wait days or weeks for the Chattanooga dive team to find their daughter. I want this over with before we both have to go back to our respective businesses. Please. Trust me. While you help in your way, I’ll help in mine. Okay?”
“You’ll stay inside? Locked up tight, no matter what? No going into town to conduct interviews?”
“I won’t open the door until I hear your voice. Even if I think Troy’s out snooping in the woods, I won’t go looking for him. Shooting him would just result in more paperwork for our friend Dawson.”
Dawson chuckled. “Thanks. I think.”
Kaden shook his head. “You’re really something, you know that?”
“So I’m told.”
He squeezed her hand, then faced Dawson. “I’ll do it. I’ll take the boat out, work with the sonar.”
Relief flashed across Dawson’s face. “Thanks. Thank you both.”
