Witness Pursuit

by Hope White

  Once they got downstairs, Cassie asked, “Is she...upset?”

  Nate glanced at her as he opened the door and led her outside.

  “About the FBI?” Cassie prompted.

  “Nah, it’s a territorial thing. Sometimes various law enforcement agencies don’t play well together in the sandbox. She’s probably worried the agent won’t share information.”

  They got into the squad car and pulled away.

  “Sharing information is crucial, it’s—” he hesitated “—well, it can affect a man’s life.”

  “Yeah, I’m worried about Becca’s life right now.”

  “Hey, don’t go there. These guys usually don’t like breaking in when someone’s home. It complicates things. The assailant probably waited until she left for work this morning.”

  Cassie glanced out the window, wondering how yesterday at this time life seemed so simple, so easy: work to make money so she could travel. No complications, no second thoughts.

  “Cassie?”

  His deep voice speaking her name set off a round of second, third and fourth thoughts about her leaving Echo Mountain.

  She glanced at him, steeling herself against his concerned expression.

  “I’ll do everything within my power to find and help your friend,” he said.

  “I know, thank you. That gives me great peace.”

  “I wouldn’t go that far,” he muttered, eyeing the road.

  “Why not?”

  He shook his head as if the conversation was over, but she wasn’t giving up. She’d openly shared her frustrations about family and the challenges of battling her childhood medical condition. It would help her understand this guarded man if she knew a little about his past.

  “You said you used to come here with Chief Washburn’s nephew on break?” she started.

  “Yes.”

  “So you went to college?”

  “I did.”

  “And studied what, criminology?”

  “Actually, got a degree in psychology. Was going to do law school, but decided to join the Chicago PD instead.”

  “What was that like compared to being a police officer here?”

  He shot her a wry smile. “Different.”

  “I’ll bet. Why did you leave? To be near Catherine?”

  “Mostly.”

  Cassie waited. She sensed he wanted to talk, but rarely opened up. To anyone. Who would he confess his past to, anyway? As the local police chief, he had to maintain a strong, professional demeanor. Revealing any flaws or imperfections could make people feel insecure.

  How unfair, Cassie thought. People were human, not perfect. But it was also human nature to want to look up to people in leadership positions, sometimes even put them on pedestals.

  “I don’t mean to be nosy,” she said.

  “Oh yes, you do.” He shot her a quick glance and winked. “Just promise me none of this will end up in the community blog.”

  “Nate, do you honestly think I’d—”

  “I’m kidding.”

  “Because I want you to trust me as much as I trust you, and with everything I’ve told you over the past twenty-four hours, you’re one of the most trusted people in my life right now.”

  “I’m honored.”

  Redirecting her attention out the window, Cassie felt offended by his quip about her publishing his life story in the community blog. She thought he knew her better than that, knew that she wouldn’t ever share a confidence. Then again, how could he know that? It wasn’t like they were good friends, or something more serious like boyfriend and girlfriend. He was the police chief doing his job, and she’d been randomly targeted for some reason.

  The constant threat of danger must be wearing on her, that’s all. It was silly to be offended because Nate wanted to keep his secrets to himself.

  “My partner was killed.”

  She snapped her gaze to study his profile. He would not look at her.

  “Along with a witness he was guarding,” he added.

  “Oh, Nate, I am so sorry.”

  “I feel responsible.”

  “What? Why?”

  Again, he shook his head, as if to indicate that was as much as he could share.

  She waited, interlacing her fingers to remind herself that God was present and listening, and could hopefully ease the burden she knew was weighing on Nate’s heart.

  They reached a stoplight and he glanced at her. “He didn’t trust me with the truth.”

  “Which was?”

  “He and the female witness—” He hesitated and redirected his attention to the light. It turned green and he pulled into the intersection. “They’d grown close.”

  “And that isn’t allowed, right?”

  “It’s ill advised. If you’re distracted by a pretty face you can’t do your job.”

  She wondered if they were still talking about his partner, or if the comment was meant for her as another warning. Like he hadn’t given her enough warnings, drawing a firm line between them over and over again. Suddenly it hit her why it was so important for him to maintain his distance.

  “I don’t understand why your partner’s death is your fault,” she said.

  “Maybe I could have prevented it if I’d known what was going on. I would have at least been there as backup, knowing he couldn’t be in love with the witness and effectively protect her.”

  “You can’t blame yourself for his choices.”

  “Yeah, well...” A few seconds passed. “I was devastated by his death. When I pressed one of the guys, he said Dean didn’t tell me about the affair because he knew I’d judge him. It was just like my sister taking that garbage from her ex for years and not telling me. Why are people afraid to tell me things? Am I that intimidating or scary or what?”

  Cassie actually welcomed Nate’s uncharacteristic rant. When she’d share her frustrations with God, it often eased the pressure in her heart.

  “By your silence, I guess that means yes,” he said.

  “Actually, I was waiting to see if you were done.” She motioned with her hands. “Come on, there’s gotta be more in there.”

  “You’re teasing me.”

  “I most certainly am not. I’m impressed by your honesty, and now don’t freak out, but also your vulnerability.”

  “That’s not what a man likes to hear, Cassie, especially one who’s supposed to be protecting you.”

  “It means you’re human. You feel things just like the rest of us.”

  He frowned. “That’s how the town sees me? As some kind of unfeeling robot?”

  She touched his arm. “No, but sometimes the whole strong, silent type thing makes people uncomfortable. When someone’s unusually reserved, like you, people wonder what you’re thinking, and because they don’t know what’s going on up here—” she touched the side of his head “—they make things up. Stuff like ‘he thinks I’m an idiot’ or ‘he doesn’t like my choices.’ It’s just human nature.”

  “So what, I’m supposed to talk all the time like—” He stopped abruptly.

  “Like me?” Cassie finished for him. “It’s okay, I know I’m a chatterbox. But no, you don’t have to jibber-jabber to ease the tension with other people. Just be a little more open, you know, softer, like your friend Will Rankin.”

  “Will’s got two little girls to soften his edges.”

  “Well, you have friends, lots of friends, to help you practice your communication skills.”

  “Maybe if I’d had better skills my partner would have confided in me.”

  “And you would have said what?”

  “I would have told him it was a bad idea, that getting romantically involved on the job was insanity.”

  “Which would have felt l
ike he was being judged.”

  “Being brutally honest is the only way I know how to communicate. I was hoping a little of that would rub off on you.”

  “What is that supposed to mean?”

  “You could be more honest with your family.”

  “I can’t risk hurting their feelings. I told you that.”

  “Look at us, I’m brutally honest and you’re brutally careful not to hurt anyone’s feelings.”

  “It creates a kind of strange balance, doesn’t it?” she said, not censoring her words before they left her mouth. She wondered if she’d scared him back into his cave.

  “Yeah, it sort of creates balance,” he said in a soft voice.

  “Do you have anything else to get off your chest?” she said in a teasing tone.

  “Actually, I’m good for now.”

  “Then will you do me a favor?”

  “What’s that?”

  “Stop blaming yourself for your partner’s death.”

  “I’ll try.”

  “I’ve got an idea, how about surrendering the guilt to God? Does that sound doable?”

  “I’ve never... I don’t really have a connection to God.”

  “That’s okay. He has a connection to you. Open your heart to the idea?”

  “I guess I can do that.”

  * * *

  Nate wasn’t sure why he’d agreed to opening up to God, but for the first time in his life the idea didn’t seem all that foreign. It was probably Cassie’s nurturing personality and hopeful attitude that got through to that empty spot in his heart where he knew others found their faith.

  He’d envied his friend Will, a man of faith who always seemed so grounded, even as he balanced being a single parent with work and volunteering for SAR. But Nate figured the window of opportunity had passed, that he’d ignored God for too long and he’d missed his chance.

  Cassie thought differently.

  She continually amazed him by the way she talked, listened and counseled. Which was great, except that she was a witness in danger and this was a repeat of his partner’s situation. If Nate would have gotten in Curt’s face about falling in love with a witness, Nate deserved to give himself that same lecture.

  Falling in love? Was that what was happening between him and Cassie?

  No, Nate wasn’t thinking clearly due to lack of sleep. He knew the reality of the situation, and his focus had to be about protecting her. After they arrested the perpetrator or perpetrators and closed the investigation, that would be the time to see if there could be something more between Nate and Cassie.

  Only one problem: it was her life’s dream to travel, and he’d be a jerk to do anything to get in her way, like asking her out on a date.

  “You think she’s in trouble, don’t you?” Cassie said.

  Nate snapped his attention to her. “I’m sorry?”

  “You get this look when you’re worried about something. You think Becca’s in serious trouble?”

  “No, I was thinking about something else.”

  I was thinking about you.

  “Care to share?” she said.

  “Not at present, no.” Could he ever speak his truth to Cassie?

  Cassie’s phone rang. “It’s Blackburn Adventures,” she said, eyeing the screen.

  “Could you put it on speaker?”

  She pressed the speaker button. “Hello?”

  “This is Blackburn Adventures. I saw multiple calls from this number. Can I help you with something?”

  “This is Echo Mountain Police Chief Walsh. With whom am I speaking?”

  “Wendy Longmire, trail guide.”

  “May I speak with whoever is in charge, please?” Nate asked.

  “Sure, I’ll get my boss.”

  Cassie nibbled her lower lip. Nate shot her what he hoped was a reassuring nod, but even he didn’t know where this would lead.

  “This is Jeff Porter, can I help you?”

  “Police Chief Walsh here. I’m looking for Becca Edwards.”

  “She’s leading a group up the west side of Echo Mountain. They left at six this morning.”

  “I need to contact her. Is that possible?”

  “Let’s see...by now they’ll be a few miles west of Rattlesnake Pass. I can try, but reception tends to be hit or miss on that side of the mountain.”

  “I’ll be there in about five minutes. In the meantime, can you tell me how she seemed this morning when she came to work?”

  “Hang on. Hey, Wendy, how was Becca this morning?”

  “She seemed okay,” Wendy said from the background. “Excited about some trip she and her boyfriend were planning. I think they were leaving after today’s hike.”

  “Did she seem anxious or worried?” Nate asked.

  “No, sir.”

  “Thanks.”

  “Do you want me to try to contact her before you get here?” Jeff said.

  “No, I’d rather you wait.”

  “Will do.”

  “See you soon.” He nodded at Cassie, who ended the call. His fingers tightened around the steering wheel. None of this made sense.

  “What?” she said.

  He shot her a quick glance.

  “You’re gripping the steering wheel so tight your knuckles are turning white.”

  “I can’t seem to make sense of this. Someone’s after Becca, and she’s planning to leave town, but she takes a group up into the mountains? If she’s fleeing the jurisdiction she must know she’s a target, right? But then why go to work and act like everything’s fine?”

  “You almost make it sound like she’s a suspect.”

  “Right now she’s acting like one.”

  A few minutes later they pulled into the Blackburn Adventures lot. Jeff, the manager, introduced himself.

  “I’m Chief Walsh and this is Cassie McBride.”

  “Right, Aiden’s little sister,” Jeff said.

  “That’s me.”

  He led them into the office and clicked on a high-powered radio.

  “Becca, this is base, over,” Jeff said. “Becca, come in, over.” A few seconds passed.

  “Why isn’t she answering?” Cassie said.

  “Like I said, bad reception,” Jeff explained. “If they’re in trouble someone will hit the locator beacon.”

  “How many people did she take up there?” Nate asked with concern. Not only was Becca in danger, but potentially her entire group.

  Jeff eyed a clipboard. “Looks like seven.”

  “Could you give her another try?” Nate pressed.

  “Becca, this is base. We need you to check in, over.”

  Scratchy silence echoed across the line.

  “When do you expect them back?” Nate asked.

  “About one o’clock.”

  Nate had agreed to meet the FBI agent at that time, but needed to be here when Becca returned.

  “Hello? Hello, are you there?” a voice said through the radio.

  “Becca, is that you, over?” Jeff responded.

  “No...she’s gone!” a female voice said.

  NINE

  Cassie’s heart leaped into her throat.

  “Gone, what do you mean, gone?” Jeff said. “Who is this?”

  “Tanya Holmes. I’ve got a little hiking experience so they put me in charge.”

  Jeff clicked the radio so Tanya couldn’t hear them. “This is a novice group,” he said to Nate. “Little or no hiking experience to speak of.”

  “Let me.” Nate took the radio.

  “Tanya, this is Police Chief Walsh. When did Becca go missing?”

  “About an hour ago. We stopped to eat lunch. She said she was going to check the
trail up ahead because of bear sightings. She never came back.”

  “Is everyone okay?”

  “For the most part, but one of the gals twisted her ankle when we tried to find Becca.”

  “The hiker who injured her ankle, is she mobile?”

  “We were just trying to figure that out.”

  “Please assess the situation and let me know.”

  “Okay, hang on.”

  Cassie studied Nate’s profile and marveled at his calm and confident demeanor in the midst of a crisis. Somehow his controlled reaction took the edge off the panic swirling in Cassie’s stomach.

  “Chief?” Tanya said through the radio.

  “Yes, Tanya.”

  “Carly is unable to put pressure on her ankle.”

  “I’ll dispatch search and rescue. Do you know your exact coordinates?”

  “We’re at the Lake Mirage Overlook.”

  Jeff pinpointed it on the map.

  “Tanya, it should take them about ninety minutes to get to you,” Nate said.

  “A few of the guys want to head back down,” she said.

  “I’d prefer everyone stay together.”

  “I’ll tell them.”

  “Which direction was Becca headed when you last saw her?”

  “North on Chinook Trail.”

  “Hang tight. Help will be there ASAP.”

  “Okay, thanks.”

  Nate clicked off the radio and pulled out his phone.

  “Ninety minutes is pushing it,” Jeff said.

  “You’re not familiar with SAR,” Nate countered. “It becomes a contest to see who can get there first.”

  * * *

  As Nate drove Cassie to a safe location so he could join the search, she considered what could have happened to her friend, a seasoned climber.

  “I’ll find her, Cassie,” he said.

  She glanced across the car at Nate, realizing he knew her so well he could sense what she was thinking.

  “I want to go with you.”

  “Not an option. You know that.” He pulled onto Resort Drive and only then did she realize where he was taking her.

  “Nate—”

  “Echo Mountain Resort has the best security in the county. I know you don’t like being told what to do, but this once, could you be okay with my plan to keep you safe?”