Page 10 of Grave Consequences

“They are.”

A different type of mark on her right palm caught his attention. “And what is that?”

“The cub mistook my hand for a pacifier.”

It would’ve taken a great deal of suction to make a mark like that. “Looks painful.”

“It’s sore, but I’m fine.”

“I’m going to need to take some pictures of your arms for the case file. Okay?”

She nodded, so he snapped a few photos of her arms and hands.

The scent of fresh coffee brewing, and the sound of his coworker, Kevin, bustling around reminded him of his manners. “Can I get you a cup of coffee or tea?”

Her gaze flicked to the door. “Nah. I need to get back before he notices I’m gone.” The words came out in a strangled whisper. “I need you to arrest him.”

Undoubtedly, she was afraid of this Reece fellow. What else had the man done to cause her such anxiety? Malachi wished he could reassure her an arrest would be made, and she’d be safe, but he wouldn’t lie. “If we catch him in the act selling wildlife parts or endangered species or something along those lines, we may be able to arrest him, but I’m afraid most crimes against wildlife don’t hold a lot of jail time. There are few exceptions.”

Becky bit her lip. She had a weird way of twisting her lip up and then chomping down like a crazed person, but he was certain he’d seen the action before. The gesture seemed strangely familiar. He averted his eyes and sucked in a breath.

Her name was Rebecca. No. It wasn’t her. Couldn’t be. His desire to see her again, to save her, was playing tricks on his mind. Her eyes were the same hazel color as his own, but it wasn’t all that unusual to have hazel eyes. This woman was not the one who gave him life. Her circumstances might match: group camping with an oddly charismatic leader. Probably a cult. Just like the vague memories from his early childhood.

He saw the similarities between the two women, and it was sad, but it didn’t mean a thing. His biological mother hadn’t been the only woman in the world taken in by false religion. And the name was common. Besides, she said her last name was Groves. His mother’s surname was James. Rebecca James.

This Becky had brought him useful information. He wasn’t sure why she turned against her friend. Something was amiss in her circle of friends, but that wasn’t his concern. It wasn’t in his job description to mend relationships, and he wasn’t sure where the strong urge to protect this woman came from. She’d unnerved him with her staring, and he wondered if she needed his help. There were missing pieces to her puzzle, but he didn’t have time to invest in figuring out the mystery just because he had some irrational desire to protect this lady.

He had bear cubs that needed to be placed with a surrogate before they perished. Maybe while tending to that business, he’d find some way to help Becky.

Heading to the cabin before they had a chance to move the cubs was imperative, but first he’d call Cate with an update. No doubt she’d be thrilled to have a lead.

Cate tried to ignore the strong chlorine smell as she paced beside Gavin’s pool. The sunshine streamed into the room, giving the water a mirror-like appearance. She tried to puzzle out her next steps. There had to be something more she could do to rescue those missing cubs. The dark web sale turned out to be in Florida, and that made her think they weren’t the cubs they were looking for. It was possible they’d been driven down there after being taken from the den, but it wasn’t likely. They didn’t have any other leads, and she’d soon be forced to give up trying.

Her cell buzzed and upon seeing Malachi’s name flash across her screen she clicked to read his text.

Malachi: Busy?

Cate: No, but I only have two days to locate the cubs, then I need to be in Mount Pisgah. What are you up to?

Malachi: Cubs have been located. Are you able to take possession for the Game Commission?

Cate’s shoulder’s relaxed as she absorbed the welcome news.

Cate: Absolutely. I’ll call dispatch and get a game warden to meet us. Where are we going?

Malachi: Here at Worlds End. Cabin rental. Number 7.

Cate: Wow. It takes guts to keep them on park property.

Malachi: Sure does. Woman who came in to report the crime claimed they were bottle feeding the cubs and the evidence on her arms leads me to believe her. Says she was forced to help. Has a hickey-like mark on her palm from one of the cubs.

Cate: They have razor-like claws, so it doesn’t surprise me to learn they did damage. Hopefully, they didn’t get too used to people. It won’t serve them well in the long run if they’ve lost their fear of humans.

Malachi: What will you do with them?

Cate: We’ll try to place them with denned sows who had their own cubs. They’ll have to be separated since we can’t place more than one in each den.

Malachi: The mama bears accept them?

---