“Well, whenever you are, I’ll be here to listen.”
“Thank you.” It was another of those moments. But this time, alcohol wasn’t skewing my perceptions. There was definitely heat in those green depths staring down at me. His eyes dipped to my lips. My breath caught. His arm tightened around me.
A vibration sent us jumping apart. “Shit.” Walker reached into his pocket. “My phone.”
It was then that I realized that Walker had sat down next to me, submerging his shoes and pant legs in the water. He hadn’t taken the time to even slip off his shoes and roll up his jeans. He’d seen me hurting and didn’t delay to bring me comfort. My stomach dipped with a mixture of joy and fear.
“Cole,” he clipped into the phone, rising to his feet. “Shit. Really? Okay, I’ll be there in about thirty. Did you let Tuck and Forest Service know?” Silence. “Okay, thanks.”
I got to my feet, studying the hard set of Walker’s jaw. “Everything okay?”
“Not really. A couple of hikers found a body in the woods. I gotta get out there, head up the investigation.”
My entire body went ramrod straight. How could I have let myself forget? Walker was a cop. His job was dangerous. Potentially lethal. I fought down the panic. “Be careful.” My voice sounded stilted.
Walker’s eyes roamed my face. “Always am.”
“Good,” I replied.
I headed back to the house, and Walker headed towards danger.
19
Walker
The sun shone down, casting shadows in leafy patterns across the ground as I made my way up the hiking trail. It was a haul from the trailhead, and I was thankful that I’d stopped at home to change out of my wet jeans and to pick up my hiking boots. Several officers appeared as I rounded a bend in the path.
“Hey, Walker,” Greg called.
I flipped my ballcap around so the brim wasn’t obstructing my vision. “Hey. Fill me in.”
“It’s a gnarly one. Husband and wife were out here from Portland. Thought they’d take in a little nature during their weekend of R&R.” I bit back a sigh. Greg, still green, was known for his long-windedness. “The wife needed to take a leak and headed about thirty feet off the trail. Nearly popped a squat right on the body. She and the husband called it in.”
“Crime techs here?”
“Arrived just before you. First glance, looks like it might be our missing hiker.”
“Shit.” I had been hoping for a much better outcome than this one. “Animal attack?”
Greg swiped sweat from his brow. “They can’t say for sure yet. The animals have definitely been at her, but no idea if that’s cause of death.”
I jerked my chin in a nod. “Take me to her.”
Greg stepped off the trail and led me south. Voices sounded from up ahead. My stomach roiled at my first glimpse of the body. There wasn’t much left of the poor girl to use for identification. Just a crumpled mass of flesh and bone, torn apart by scavengers. I took a breath through my mouth to avoid the stench in the air.
I flashed back to another body found in the woods a decade ago. Julie’s sweet smile burst to life in my mind. Her life stolen from her. From me. My fists clenched as I pushed the memories back.
I forced myself to study the crime scene. Guess the path the hiker might have taken. Search for any signs of a bear or cougar. My eyes caught on strands of blonde hair. They were matted in patches, stained a red-brown from blood. This time, it wasn’t Julie I saw but Taylor’s golden-blonde tresses.
Shaking my head to clear it, I asked the crime techs, “What do we know?”
Bryant straightened from his crouched position and handed me a small, clear evidence bag. “It’s the hiker.”
I pressed my lips together, studying the ID. Lucy Gaines. Age twenty-two. From Seattle, Washington. Gone way too fucking soon. I turned to Greg. “Call the station, let them know we have a preliminary ID, but I don’t want the family notified until the medical examiner confirms. All right?”
“You got it, Deputy Chief.” Greg turned on his heel and headed back towards the trail.
I met Bryant’s gaze. “I know it’s not your job, but any thoughts on cause of death before the M.E. gets here?”
Bryant glanced back towards the body. “I’m not sure, but I don’t think it was an animal.”
I raised my brows, studying the carnage. “You sure about that?”
“I can’t be sure of anything until the M.E. says so, but I think there would be more blood if an animal had made the kill. The corpse has been destroyed by scavengers, but there’s a lack of blood in most of the tissue.”
I nodded, wondering if the woman could have been injured while hiking or if something more sinister was at play. A rustling sounded behind me, and I turned to see Tuck heading towards me in his Forest Service uniform. “Greg said it’s the hiker.”
“Unfortunately. What took you so long to get here?” I asked.
Tuck worked his jaw. “I was tracking a poacher when the call came in, so I couldn’t exactly hop in my car.” Tuck was an expert tracker, a skill that had been passed down through his family for generations. “You just got here, didn’t you?”
“I wasn’t trying to give you shit, I was just curious.”
Tuck shook his head. “Sorry, I’m in a crap mood. A hunter’s been trapping in areas of the forest he shouldn’t, but every time I feel like I’m getting close, he slips away.”
“Sorry, man, that sucks. You’ll find him. Give yourself a little time.”
I filled Tuck in on the little I knew while we waited for the M.E. “She was so young,” Tuck said.
“I know,” I echoed as I saw the medical examiner making her way off the trail. Tuck and I made a beeline to help her with her gear.
“I love working around Sutter Lake, the men here are always such gentlemen.”
Both Tuck and I chuckled, but it was Tuck who spoke. “We try our best, ma’am.”
“Maybe draw the line at ma’am. Call me Carly.”
“All right, Carly.”
As soon as Carly spotted the body, she switched into professional mode, throwing questions at the techs and Greg, who had been the first officer on the scene. Then, she got to work, doing all sorts of things I knew nothing about. It became a waiting game.
Tuck and I did our best to survey the area, but between the hikers who had discovered the body tromping around, and law enforcement trekking through, there was little to be gained.
“Fellas,” Carly called. “You might want to come take a look at this.” We rushed back over. “I believe I’ve found cause of death.” She held up a relatively small-caliber rifle bullet between the tongs of a pair of tweezers.
Tuck cursed under his breath as I studied the bullet. “Definitely not an animal attack.”
I pulled my gaze away from the bullet. “Hunter hunting illegally? Maybe your poacher?”
Tuck’s jaw looked hard as granite. “Could be,” he gritted out. “I’ve been wondering if I should pay a visit to Frank Pardue.”
“It might not be a bad idea. I can go with you if you want.” Frank was a coot of an older guy who lived in a cabin with no running water or electricity. While technically on the edge of national forest land, it had been grandfathered in because it was passed down from generation to generation in the guy’s family.
“I can handle Frank,” Tuck said through gritted teeth.
“He’s always pissing and moaning about not being able to hunt when and where he wants to.”
Tuck looked from the body to the bullet and back to me. “So, what do you think? He accidentally shoots the girl, and when he realizes it, he leaves her here to die?”
“People panic. Killing an animal is one thing. A person is a whole other ball of wax.”
Tuck ran a hand through his hair. “I guess you’re right.”
Carly broke in then. “I won’t know for sure if it was the bullet that killed her until I do an autopsy, but I don’t think it was animals. I need to get he
r back to the lab so I can do a full examination.”
“All right. Let us know as soon as you have more information,” I said.
“Will do.” Carly placed the bullet in an evidence bag and got to work putting what remained of the corpse in a body bag.
I pulled out my phone to check the time. “I’m going to head back into town to update the chief. Will you give me a call once you’ve made a go at Frank?”
“You got it,” Tuck said, his jaw still carrying some residual tightness.
I picked my way through the brush and moved back to the trail. I gave some instructions to Greg and then trekked back to my truck. I clenched and unclenched my fists as I walked. Someone had ripped this woman’s life away from her, from those who loved her. The pain they would feel when they learned what happened would seem insurmountable.
Longing filled my chest. A desire to share my day with someone who really understood loss. Someone whose simple presence was a balm. Taylor. I fought the urge. Unloading all the shit in my mind wouldn’t exactly be taking it slow. Instead, I opted for a cold beer and the solitude of my front porch.
20
Taylor
A knock sounded at my door, just after I’d thrown the rest of my ruined dinner in the trash. Learning to cook was not a task I was taking to well. I wiped my hand on a kitchen towel and yelled, “Coming,” in the direction of the door.
My socked feet shuffled against the hardwood. My heart did a little stutter at the thought that it might be Walker. I hadn’t heard from him since the day he’d sat with me by the pool and then was called out to deal with the dead body.
Almost a week had passed since then, and if I hadn’t seen Jensen at the Kettle, I wouldn’t know if Walker were dead or alive. I had his cell phone number and could have called him if I was really worried, but that just seemed too forward somehow, inviting an intimacy I wasn’t sure I was ready for. Especially after sobbing on his shoulder.
I took a deep breath and pulled open the door. Standing on my porch were Jensen and a hopping up and down Noah. “Tay Tay!” he exclaimed. “You’re coming to the movie with us!”
My brows pulled together as I looked at Jensen. “What?” We didn’t have any plans.
Jensen grinned. “Grab a sweatshirt, you’re coming with us to the Cole family outdoor movie night.” When I didn’t move, she continued. “We’re not taking no for an answer, so hurry your booty up.”
“Yeah, Tay Tay. Hurry your booty, this is so fun! We get popcorn and candy and watch the movie outside on blankets, and I get to stay up way past my bedtime.”
My face stretched into a smile. “I can see how that would be a blast, but I’m pretty tired.”
Jensen held up a hand. “Uh-uh. Sweatshirt, keys, on our way.”
I let out a laugh, helpless against Jensen’s determination. “Oh, all right. Give me a second.” A movie meant no talking, so it wasn’t like Walker could attempt another heart-to-heart. I grabbed a hoodie, bypassing the one Walker had given me a couple of weeks ago. I wasn’t quite ready to give that one back, and I didn’t want to study my reasons for that too closely.
I nabbed my keys and phone from the kitchen counter and headed for the door. “So, Noah, what are we watching tonight?”
“The Sandlot!” he cried, jumping down the last few stairs and nearly giving me a heart attack.
“An oldie but a goodie,” Jensen said, twirling her keys around her finger.
“I’ve never seen it,” I admitted.
“Really?”
“Nope.”
“You’re going to love it. It’s hilariously adorable. This is Noah’s first viewing, but he’s excited because it was his uncle Walker’s pick.”
My cheeks heated at just the mention of Walker’s name. Shit. I needed to get this under control. I cleared my throat. “Well, this all sounds like fun.”
Noah chattered the entire ride back to the ranch house, barely letting Jensen or I get a word in edgewise. When Jensen parked, Noah bounded out of the car and rushed towards the backyard where I had seen a glimpse of a large projection screen.
Jensen opened her door but then paused, her fingers drumming on the armrest. “Bryce and his sister, Ashlee, are coming, too. Noah knows them, but he doesn’t know that Bryce and I are dating. This is my way to feel it out to see if they get along.”
“Are you nervous?”
She bit her bottom lip. “A little.”
“I’m sure it’ll go great. But if it helps, I think you’re smart to take it slow.”
Jensen reached over and squeezed my hand. “Thanks.”
I gave her a reassuring smile and slipped from the SUV. Rounding the side of the house, I saw that the Cole clan had gone all out. Not only was there a massive screen up against one of the pasture fences, there were also blankets spread everywhere, each housing a few pillows. There was a table laden with snacks of all kinds, including old-fashioned boxes of popcorn. “J, this is incredible.”
She grinned. “I know, right? We do this at least a couple times each summer and invite friends and neighbors. It’s always a blast.”
“Lead me to the snacks. I haven’t had dinner.” Because the food I had made, or attempted to make, was very much inedible.
“We’ll get you fixed right up. I can make you a sandwich too if you want some real food.”
I shook my head. “A few pounds of popcorn and candy should do the trick.”
“Yet again, a girl after my own heart.”
I bumped her shoulder with mine, well I nudged her arm since she was so much taller than I was. We perused the snack table offerings with the rapt attention of true junk food connoisseurs. Popcorn, check. M&Ms to dump into the popcorn, check. Red Vines, check. Bottle of water, check. And Diet Coke, check.
Jensen snickered. “I’m not sure you can carry all that.”
“Oh, hush you.”
“I’ll help her,” a warm and weathered voice piped in.
I turned to see Irma walking up to the table with a stride of a much younger woman. “Thank you, Irma.”
“I like a girl who likes her food,” she said with a grin.
“Then you and I will get along great.”
She patted my shoulder and then relieved me of my popcorn, Red Vines, and water. “I’ll show you to a blanket.” A mischievous glint shone in her eyes, but I followed anyway. She led me towards a blanket on the outskirts of the grouping with two large pillows. “Here you go. Best seat in the house.”
I cocked my head, studying her expression. This didn’t seem like the best seat in the house, but who was I to argue with Irma. “Thanks for your help.”
“No problem, honey pie. Now, I gotta go grab me some Junior Mints before my son steals them all.”
I chuckled. “Good luck.”
“I don’t need luck, I’ll duel to the death for some Junior Mints.”
I shook my head as I watched Irma make a beeline for the snack table. I took in my snack bounty and set to work getting ready for the movie. I lined up my water and Diet Coke to the side of the blanket, Red Vines next to them, and then tore open my bag of M&Ms.
“You’re in my spot.” The rough voice sent a thrill through me.
I blinked up to see a large form against the white of the projection screen. Broad shoulders encased in a navy Henley cut to a narrow waist. The shirt showcased the dips and curves of well-developed muscles. I swallowed hard. “Hey, Walker. You know, there are about twenty other open blankets.”
He frowned down at me. “I always sit here.”
I started to giggle, couldn’t help it.
“What’s so funny?” Walker put his hands in his jeans’ pockets.
“Your grandmother sat me here.” The sneaky little minx.
Walker shook his head and looked heavenward as if asking for guidance. “It’s all right, there’s enough room for us both.”
My body tensed. Hours lying on the same blanket as Walker, the human embodiment of temptation? Not a good idea. “I can move. It’s
no big deal.”
“Stay.” His voice was rough, sending a shiver through me.
I pressed my lips together. I would look like a fool if I made a big deal out of this. It was just a movie. A movie surrounded by more than a dozen other people. “Okay.”
Walker eased onto the blanket with the perfect balance of power and grace, only some popcorn and a beer in his hands. I squirmed in my seat and turned my eyes back to my M&Ms. Carefully, I dumped the contents of the bag into my box of popcorn.
“What in the world are you doing?” he asked, grimacing. “Are you pouring your M&Ms into your popcorn?” Disgust filled his voice.
My eyes narrowed at him. “Don’t use that tone. Have you ever even tried it?”
“Why would I?” he scoffed.
“Because it’s the perfect balance of salty and sweet. Don’t judge unless you’ve tried it.”
Walker reclined against one of the pillows. “I don’t need to try anchovy pizza to know that it’s disgusting. I think I’ll pass on the chocolate and popcorn.”
I shrugged a shoulder. “You don’t know what you’re missing.” A combination of crickets chirping and people chatting filled my ears. Walker and I said nothing. A nervous energy began to course through me, and I became aware of every miniscule movement my body wanted to make. Setting my popcorn down, I got to my feet. “I’m going to run to the restroom. Do you need anything?”
Walker’s gaze trailed over my face. “Nope.”
“’Kay. Don’t eat any of my delicious M&M popcorn.”
Walker gave an exaggerated shudder. I turned on my heel and strode to the house. In my distraction, I almost ran smack into another woman. “Ohmigosh. I’m so sorry,” I said, reaching out to steady her and her popcorn.
She gave me a soft smile. “It’s okay. I wasn’t paying attention.”
“No, it was all me. I’m distracted. I’m Taylor by the way.”
“Nice to meet you, I’m Ashlee.” Ashlee was pretty in an understated way. She wore no makeup, and her hair was pulled back in a tight braid.
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