Page 17 of Hunting the Truth
“Thanks,” Maya said. “You know, I think I went camping with my mom and Nana up near Deer Valley Pass. I can’t totally remember it, except for roasting hot dogs over the fire. I think we had s’mores too. I know I went with Nana up there before I left for boot camp. If you hike back in, there’s a beautiful waterfall and even a Forest Service fire tower. Anyway, it’s funny what triggers memories and I think I’ve had more than usual. It’s a weird thing—a few months ago I drank like crazy to forget. Now that I’m three months into recovery, I’m hoping to remember. But the biggest thing I keep remembering is the smell of cigarette smoke. And I keep thinking I smell it when I’m at my cabin, but I’m not sure I really do. Is that weird?”
Josh reached over and took Maya’s hand. In the past Maya would have pulled away, but today, she needed the connection and reassurance. She responded by interlacing her fingers with his. “What if youaresmelling cigarettes? You need to be careful. Think about it. We found cigarette butts at both your mother’s and nana’s crime scenes. I’d feel better if you weren’t alone up there. I know you want to have your space, but how about I bring dinner tonight? If Juniper reacts again or if you smell cigarettes, then I can help you check it out. That way we know for sure if it’s memories coming back or if someone like a neighbor kid is out smoking near your house. Sound good?”
“It does. Thank you,” Maya said, gently giving his hand a squeeze before she let go. “I’m going to get a few more things together and then I’ll stop in to say hi to Kendra before I head out for the day. I also want to see how Pops is doing this morning and say hi to him too. Once I’m out into the wilderness, I won’t be back in town until this evening.”
“I’ll see you in a few minutes then,” Josh said, standing. Juniper came over and leaned into him, wanting to be petted. He scratched her behind the ears and then headed to the door, his tall frame taking up most of the doorway. “Catch ya later.”
The door shut behind him and suddenly Maya’s office felt empty. She ate her last bite of doughnut and stood to gather some important items she’d need to be out in the forest all day, including water and nonperishable food. She had a pack in her patrol vehicle that included essentials like a compass and rain slicker. She made sure she had Juniper’s portable water bowl and some extra food just in case they spent more time out there than expected. She took a quick glance at her phone hoping that a miracle would happen and Lucas would have already had a hit in CODIS, but her screen was blank. No missed calls or texts.
“Let’s go,” Maya said to Juniper.
Chapter Eight
Maya arrived at the Western River County Sheriff’s office and found a visitor spot. She backed in; it was always better to be prepared to leave quickly. It was a habit from the military days and now law enforcement. It was one she’d never stop.
She made sure Juniper’s climate control system was working and then headed into the front office. The sheriff’s office was a bit outdated, but it seemed like home. It hadn’t changed much from when Maya was a little girl, but Pops had decided recently that he would allocate some funds to updating the place. When that would happen, she wasn’t sure. Or if it would with Pops being under investigation.
The front desk deputy nodded at her. She went through a door and down a hallway toward the interview room. She heard Pops and Josh talking and they didn’t sound happy.
Maya knocked on the door. “Come on in,” Pops said. When Maya entered, he added, “Hey there. Your friend doesn’t happen to be up front, by any chance? You see her on your way in?”
Maya glanced at her watch. No wonder Pops and Josh didn’t look happy. It was 0915. Kendra was late. Nobody liked that, but maybe there was a good explanation.
“I didn’t see her,” Maya said. “In fact, I came by to say hi to her before I head out on patrol. Want me to call her?”
“I’ve called her a couple times,” Josh said. “No answer.”
Maya walked over to the old table in the middle of the room and pulled out a chair with worn gray fabric. She took a seat and unlocked her phone. “I’ll try her really quick.” She found the contact for Kendra and hit send. It rang over and over and then went to voice mail. “Maybe she’s out of range.”
“Or maybe she’s blowing off this interview,” Pops said. He drummed his fingers on the table. “We really need another deputy, but it’s hard to find good officers who want to live up here.”
“I’m sorry, Pops,” Maya said. “I thought she’d show. I’ll give her grief next week at our next meeting. If I hear of anyone else who might be interested in the job, I’ll let you know.”
“Thanks,” Pops said.
Josh stood. “I’ll walk you out.”
“Sounds good,” Maya said.
As she went out through the door, her shoulder radio went off. “FS 28.”
Dispatch. Maya pushed the button, thinking this could be a busy day. “This is FS 28. Copy.”
“FS 28, we need immediate response up the canyon at the Big Gulch pull-out. Have a distraught Forest Service employee who says she found a deceased female. Can you respond?”
“Copy,” Maya said again.
“I’ll go with you,” Josh said.
“Thanks.” Maya started to walk down the hall and then stopped. She hit her shoulder radio again. “This is FS 28. Is the RP a researcher with the Forest Service?”
“I’ll ask,” said the dispatcher.
“Why are you asking that about the reporting party?” Josh asked Maya.
“I had a researcher who stopped by last week. She had multiple things stolen out of her vehicle, including all her cash and a tree borer.”
“What’s a tree borer?”
