Page 36 of Bitter Truth
“I…” My teeth dig at my lip, finding the tender raw spot I’ve made from chewing on it. Though I’ve been trying to keep my affiliation with the Bureau on a need-to-know basis since my return, this woman has helped me in every way she’s been able, no questions asked. I should have confided in her, told her the truth before now. I promise myself I’ll make it up to her.
“Not many people do. I’m on medical leave at the moment,” I explain. “And the truth is, even once I’m cleared to return to active duty, I’m not sure I’m going to.”
Ignoring the scoffing noise the sheriff makes, she says, “But still. You have experience with this kind of thing, right?”
“Not with missing teenagers, but with investigating in general, yes.”
“You have to help, then. Please.”
“Of course I will,” I assure her. “I’ll do whatever I can.”
Sheriff Kingston curses. Donna shoots him a nasty look before continuing.
“My sixteen-year-old granddaughter and her friendwent hiking Monday. They never came home.”
“Do you know where they went?”
She nods.
“Did you check the trailhead?” I ask Kingston.
“That’s none of your concern,” he answers.
“This doesn’t have to be a pissing contest, Lyle. I’m just asking a question.”
“And I’m just—”
“Yes!” Donna interrupts. “At least, he said he did.”
The sheriff heaves the loudest sigh I’ve ever heard. “I assure you, one of my deputies was out there this morning. He said there were no cars in the lot.”
“Did he check the trail log?” I ask.
Kingston’s expression indicates that he has no idea what I’m talking about. He turns, angling his back to me.
“Donna, the two of us, we go way back. Longer than this one’s even been alive. You need to trust me. I know it’s hard to accept, but girls that age do these types of things. They get an idea in their head that they’ll be better off on their own and decide to take off. As soon as they’re out of money, they’ll come home.”
“And what if they don’t?” I ask. “What if something bad happens to them first?”
“Now don’t go making—”
“They didn’t run away,” Donna insists. “They wouldn’t. You believe me, don’t you, Cassidy?”
Before I can answer, the radio on Sheriff Kingston’s shoulder crackles to life. Reaching for the device, he says, “Donna, you know I feel for you, I really do, but I’ve got a whole town to keep under control here. The girls will turn up. You need to believe me on this.”
He starts backing away, toward the door. “And you,” he points at me again, like I’m a dog he’s commanding. “You need to remember that you don’thave jurisdiction in my town.”
The finger stays aimed in my direction until he’s no longer in sight. A moment later, the bell on the door rings, celebrating his exit.
I fight the urge to chase after him. Taking a deep breath, my fingers unfurl from the fists they’ve formed. Putting a palm on Donna’s shoulder, I give her what I hope is an encouraging smile.
“I believe you,” I assure her. “Which trail did they go hiking at?”
“The Indigo Hammock.”
It feels like a boulder just dropped in my stomach. “And you said they were out there Monday?”
“Yes.”
