Page 21 of Silent Trail

"Look at this," Sheila said, pointing to one particular message. "It's from just a few hours ago. Lila mentions how grateful she is to have Jade in her life, especially after everything that happened with Kristen."

Finn leaned in closer, reading the messages alongside Sheila. It was clear from their exchanges that Jade and Lila had a close bond, supporting each other through both good times and bad.

"Seems like they're really good friends," Finn said, rubbing his chin thoughtfully. "Could Jade have taken things into her own hands to protect Lila from Kristen?"

"I was wondering the same thing myself."

"Maybe we should look into this Jade Larson, see if she's got a record."

Sheila's fingers flew over the keyboard as she accessed the police database.

"Here we go," she muttered under her breath, scanning the screen for any relevant information. She found a report filed by Kristen Lee a few months ago, accusing Jade of threatening her after a volleyball game. According to the report, Jade had cornered Kristen in the locker room and warned her to stay away from Lila. The report mentioned that an officer had spoken to Jade about the incident, but no further action was taken.

"Looks like Jade was pretty protective of Lila," Finn said as he read the report over Sheila's shoulder. "I'd say this gives her a solid motive."

Sheila nodded, her thoughts racing. If Jade was willing to threaten Kristen once, it was entirely possible that she would take things further.

"Wait a minute," she said suddenly, her eyes widening as she recalled a detail from earlier. "Remember when we were on the college's website? There was a wrestling event happening today." She navigated back to the site and clicked on the link for the wrestling team's schedule. Sure enough, there was an event listed for that afternoon. "This could be our chance to talk to Jade in person."

"Good catch," Finn said, his voice tense with anticipation. "Let's get over there before it ends, because if Jade sees us coming, there's no telling what she might do."

CHAPTER TWELVE

Sheila's breath misted in the chilly air as she and Finn walked toward Coldwater Community College's gymnasium, their footsteps echoing in the dimly lit pathway. The sun had dipped below the horizon, casting an eerie glow on the campus buildings. She felt a shiver run down her spine that had nothing to do with the cold.

"Can't believe they're still holding this wrestling tournament after what happened this morning," Sheila said, her voice tinged with disbelief as she and Finn walked toward Coldwater Community College's gymnasium. The sun had just dipped below the horizon, casting an eerie glow on the campus buildings.

Finn shrugged, his hands buried deep in the pockets of his jacket. "Life goes on, I guess. People need something to take their minds off tragedy."

Sheila couldn't argue with that, but it still didn't sit right. It made Kristen's death seem commonplace, trivial.

As they approached the gymnasium, the dull hum of chatter and the occasional cheer from within grew louder. The campus seemed to be holding its breath, the shadows cast by trees and lampposts stretching out like dark fingers across the grass.

Entering the gymnasium, the scent of sweat and adrenaline hit Sheila immediately. A cacophony of sounds assaulted her ears—sneakers squeaking on the polished floor, coaches barking orders, and the raucous noise of the crowd. It was strangely comforting; it reminded Sheila of her own years spent training and competing.

The gymnasium itself was a vast space with high ceilings and rows of bleacher seating filled with spectators. In the center, a spotlight illuminated the wrestling mat where two girls grappled fiercely. The tension in the room was palpable, as if everyone was clinging to this event as a way to forget, at least for a moment, the horrifying reality that lurked outside these walls.

Sheila scanned the faces in the crowd, searching for Jade Larson. She needed to talk to her about Kristen, but finding her in this sea of people would be no easy task.

"Come on," Finn said, nudging her gently. "Let's get closer and see what we see."

As they wove through the crowd, Sheila felt a sense of déjà vu, a longing for the days when she fought for glory and recognition. She missed the thrill of stepping into the ring, adrenaline pumping through her veins as she prepared to face an opponent. But those days were long gone, replaced by a different kind of fight—one that pitted her against the darkness lurking in Coldwater.

And tonight, that fight had led her to Jade Larson.

The atmosphere buzzed with excitement and energy as Sheila and Finn navigated through the mass of students. The metallic scent of sweat hung in the air, mingling with the aroma of buttery popcorn from a nearby concession stand.

"Where could she be?" Sheila muttered under her breath, craning her neck to catch a glimpse of Jade Larson. Her eyes darted between the two girls wrestling on the mat, their bodies taut with exertion, and the animated spectators surrounding them.

"Go, Hailey!" a woman shouted enthusiastically beside Sheila, startling her. The woman appeared to be in her forties, with short-cropped auburn hair and a face flushed with excitement. She wore a denim jacket adorned with various buttons. Sheila guessed she was cheering for her daughter.

"Excuse me," Sheila said, tapping the woman gently on the shoulder. "Do you know if Jade Larson is competing tonight?"

"Jade? Oh, I think she's up next," the woman replied, barely tearing her eyes away from the ongoing match. Then she raised her voice and shouted, "Keep your feet spread, Hailey! That's my girl!"

It was clear the woman was too focused on the match to give Sheila her full attention. Still, Sheila had one more question.

"Do you know where Jade is now?" she asked.

---