Page 19 of Silent Prey

Jones shook his head. "I can't say I do," he replied, scratching his head while he thought about it. "Though I suppose if he's a guide in these parts, you could check records at the ranger station or look into local agencies."

“We’ll do that,” Sheila said, nodding. “Thanks, Ira.”

As Sheila and Finn left the crime scene, heading back to civilization so they could figure out which companies gave tours on Antelope Island, Sheila kept thinking about the sight of Kaylee’s lifeless body and the bruises around her neck.

"All those animal parts," Finn began, following his own line of thought. "The badger fur, the snake skin, the ram’s horn—those are all part of his signature. It’s like he’s taking credit for the kills."

Sheila made a murmuring sound but didn't reply.

"Something else on your mind?" Finn asked.

"The bruises around Kaylee's throat—she was strangled, not drowned. The killer changed his MO…which makes me wonder: What other curveballs is he going to throw us?"

CHAPTER NINE

Sheila was still thinking about the killer’s signature as she and Finn pulled up to Untamed Utah, a tour agency that specialized in highlighting the raw beauty of Antelope Island and its surrounding areas. It was a modest two-story wooden building with an array of leaflets and brochures scattered across the front desk, pictures of scenic views and wildlife on every page.

The receptionist, a middle-aged woman named Molly per her name tag, greeted them with a warm smile. "What can I help you with today?" she asked, her fingers hovering over the keyboard.

"We're looking for a tour guide," Finn began, flashing his badge briefly. "Taylor or Tyler? We were told he gives tours on Antelope Island, and we thought he might be with your company.”

Molly's brows furrowed. “Is he in some kind of trouble?”

"We're not sure yet," Sheila answered with an apologetic smile. "We're just looking to ask him a few questions about someone he might know."

Molly nodded, her fingers clacking against the keys as she started a search through their employee database. After a moment, she looked up and said, “Sorry, it doesn’t look like we have anyone with that name who works here. You’re sure the name is right?”

Sheila sighed. “No, not exactly.”

“You sure you’re not looking for Trevor? Trevor Lindell?”

"Trevor?" Finn echoed, exchanging a glance with Sheila. "Yes, that might be it. Can you tell us anything about him?"

"Well, he's been with us for about seven years now, if I remember correctly,” Molly said. “Mostly gives tours on Antelope Island. He has a few disciplinary warnings—mostly complaints about his eccentric behavior, nothing serious."

"Eccentric?" Sheila repeated, curious.

"Always talking on and on about 'natural order,' 'balance in the ecosystem,' that sort of thing," Molly explained. "Some find it interesting, but others...well, let's just say he rubs some people the wrong way."

"How so? Seems like those would be routine things to talk about on a tour like this."

Molly sucked in a hissing breath. "Not the way Trevor does it. He can be very preachy, like he's got a chip on his shoulder. Excited almost to the point of being aggressive. It can be very intimidating."

Sheila and Finn shared a look. "Do you know where we could find him?" Finn asked.

Molly glanced at a wall clock. "He's probably wrapping up his noon tour around now. They usually end at Buffalo Point."

"Thank you, Molly," Sheila said, already turning toward the door.

"Wait," Molly called out, slowing them down. She looked uncomfortable. "Just...be careful with Trevor, okay? He's a bit...sensitive. He can get upset easily if he feels like his routine is disrupted."

“Upset?” Finn asked.

Molly glanced around, embarrassed. “I don’t want to get him in trouble.”

"He's not in trouble, Molly," Sheila said. "We just need to ask him a few questions. But if there's anything you think we should know about him, it’d help us approach him the right way."

Molly bit her lip, clearly hesitant. After a moment of consideration, she said, “There have been some…rumors about him paying a little too close attention to some members of his tours. Members of the female persuasion, if you understand what I’m getting at.”

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