Page 59 of Hunting the Truth
“Because...”
She waited for his answer, her chest constricting. What was she hoping he would say? Because he loved her?
“Because you’re a good friend,” he finally said. “You gave me a second chance when others didn’t. You understand me and so I’ll always be there for you too. That’s what friends do.”
Maya smiled but felt some disappointment. He saw her as a friend and she was grateful for that, but she admitted to herself, she really wouldn’t mind something more than friendship with Josh.
Chapter Twenty-Nine
Juniper curled up in the shade while Maya and Josh continued to wait for a deputy to come stay at the scene. Miranda was out on another call. Doc Clark was also busy with his appointments with patients who were still breathing. The body couldn’t be moved and the scene couldn’t be processed and released until they could arrive. Because of the location, they were also going to have to wait for a sheriff’s posse horse to come and pack the body out.
A wave of exhaustion swept over Maya as they waited. The day had become warmer, and she took off her vest and sweatshirt and settled in the shade next to Juniper. They sat together and Maya tried to comprehend everything that had happened.
Josh leaned against a nearby tree. “You want a ride to your vehicle when we head out? I’m parked closer.”
“That would be great,” Maya said. She let out a heavy sigh. She had to stop being so impulsive. Her mother had been the same way and that didn’t turn out well for her.
“What are you thinking about?”
“My mom.”
“What about her?” Josh asked.
“I keep thinking about how much alike we are. She was stubborn and independent too, only she went down a road that got her into a lot of trouble. Sometimes I think I’m headed down the same road. I’m even an addict like her.” Maya leaned her head back against the tree trunk. She rubbed her neck with her hand. It still had a kink in it from sleeping at the office. Tonight, she’d get a hotel. It wasn’t like she was broke. She could afford a room for a few nights.
“We all have our faults. It doesn’t mean we can’t change or go down a different path.”
“Yeah, true. Why do you put up with me? Why are you still my friend? I think I’m a pain in the ass,” she said.
“Youarea pain in the ass,” Josh said with a grin.
Maya laughed and said, “You didn’t have to agree so fast. I think I’m just being pitiful.”
“No, you’re not. You’ve had a lot going on and in the middle of all of it, you’re working on staying sober. You’re amazing.”
“You always say that, but I don’t know.”
“I remember the first time I met you. You stormed into the sheriff’s office because your grandfather had turned down your application to be a deputy. You weren’t working for the Forest Service yet. You and your grandfather stood face-to-face. I’d never seen anyone stand up to him before. I mean, everyone loves and respects him, but no one, and I mean no one, myself included, would ever get in his face. I loved how strong you were and that you weren’t afraid to stand your ground. Of course, then he tore up your application and that was that. But that was the moment I knew you were different. In a good way.”
Maya chuckled at the memory. “I was so angry at him. I couldn’t believe he wouldn’t hire me.”
“I was bummed he didn’t hire you either. I saw your application and knew you’d be a great asset to the department. But I think things worked out.”
“They did,” Maya said.
Someone called out in the distance. Juniper lifted her head up and jumped to her feet.
“Sounds like Deputy Wilson is here,” Josh said.
A few seconds later the deputy came into view on the trail. He had gear with him to tape off the crime scene. Maya and Josh helped him out, and then Josh told him to stay there until Doc Clark and Miranda arrived. Wilson agreed, and Maya, Juniper and Josh started hiking out to Josh’s vehicle.
They were out of sight of the crime scene when Josh said, “How’s your neck feeling? I see you keep massaging it.”
“I slept on the couch in my office last night. I don’t really fit well on it, and I gave myself a kink. It’ll be better tomorrow.”
“Where are you staying tonight?”
“I was thinking the local hotel.”
