Page 19 of Truth is the Ultimate Weapon

“Could be replacements. Three of them appear to be Nash’s alone. Maybe Mama kept the originals for sentimental reasons.”

“That sounds like her.” Coy smiled, remembering his mother fondly.

Kenzie's phone pinged, signaling an incoming message. She quickly glanced at the screen to read it before stowing it away, “That was Shanks. He's been conducting surveillance in town for the past few days. I provided him with the pictures we captured of those men a few weeks ago to keep an eye out for, as well as any others who don't seem to be locals and appear out of place, similar to those guys. He hasn’t seen them at all.”

“I knew they were up to no good,” Coy said. “You think they’re behind this?”

“Maybe?” Kenzie shrugged. “They made their point, and now they’re gone?”

“Even if that theory sticks, it doesn’t explain the decades-old remains found here,” Coy said.

“Or what happened to Nora and Cut last week,” Nash added.

Rip arrived through the back door, holding a stack of papers. As he settled with the group around the fire pit, he passed the papers around to everyone.

“Got an update.” He said. “These are 3D renderings of what the person those remains belong to would potentially look like based on DNA markers. It’s not one hundred percent accurate as it is new technology. Still, it comes pretty close at determining eye color, hair, suspected facial features specific to ethnicity, and all the other things DNA can tell us –– it’s pretty boring.”

“Boring?” Charlotte chuckled, “I’ve heard of this and find it absolutely fascinating. They use it to generate potential suspect sketches for crimes in instances where there are no eyewitnesses but DNA evidence is left behind.”

“That’s… exactly… right.” Rip hesitated before responding, taken aback by Charlotte's familiarity with the subject.

“I know. Strange thing to know. I watch a lot of true crime and love a good documentary.” Charlotte shrugged nonchalantly and returned her focus to studying the images.

“Right. Don’t we all.” Rip remarked, almost under his breath, earning a chuckle from the group. “You’ll notice there are a couple of different compositions using age-progression technology to show what our vic may have looked like over a span of several years since we don’t know exactly when…”

“He looks… familiar,” Nash said, comparing multiple versions of the photos.

Devyn snorted, “Because he looks kind of like you. I mean, different hair and eye color, and rough around the edges.”

“So, nothing like me.” Nash elbowed his sister.

“Yes. And no. I’m mostly teasing, but there is something familiar about him and a bit of a resemblance.”

“I see it too.” Coy said, “Who the hell did we dig up?”

Rip, already on edge, tensed as Diesel began to growl, his eyes locked on the darkness beyond, signaling that something or someone was present. The group fell silent, observing Rip as he assessed the situation, awaiting his signal to act, whether it be with urgency or to simply remain calm.

“I might be able to help with that.” As he approached from the shadows, a familiar man's voice emerged, causing the group to startle. “If… you really want to know.”

8

“I, uh, would’ve come sooner.” Glen Stoddard, Kenzie’s uncle and the identical twin brother of her father, spoke up, his voice carrying the weight of years of familial connection and shared experiences. As he addressed the group, his gaze swept over each person present, a mixture of fondness and concern evident in his expression. “I was out of town, fishing. Using that boat Kenzie’s daddy and I used to always talk about.”

“Great way to retire. Out on the water,” Coy's grin widened, a gesture of genuine appreciation for the older man's time and his presence. Coy seemed to feel a sense of comfort and reassurance in a time of uncertainty. The warmth and appreciation Coy felt for the man must have clearly shown on his face as he noticed Glen’s shoulders relaxed.

“Yeah. It was a great time, but it would have been better if my brother George and your daddy, Big Ben, were still alive and pretended they knew what they were doing out there, right along with me. Truth be told, I’ve yet to catch a single fish. Probably using the wrong bait or equipment or something, but the fish are just an excuse to get out there and relax –– away from the world and all its woes. One of these times, I’ll have to get you boys out there with me.” Glen grinned fondly at Coy and Nash.

“That sounds like a great plan.” Nash said, “Especially after everything going on around here.”

“Yeah, yeah… I heard it’s been rough for y’all since Lilah’s passing. I wish I had known. You have to know you can call me anytime, for anything… even things like this. I may not be the Sheriff anymore, but I still have ties to this community and influence. Let me help ya if ya need it.” Glen shared. “Your Pop was mine and George’s best friend. He and Lilah, as well as all of you, are like family to me.”

“Appreciate that, Glen and the feeling is mutual. That’s why you’re on the list and got on the property easily. We didn’t call because, truthfully, there wasn’t a lot anyone could do. It’s just been one hit after another, and we didn’t want to drag anyone else into danger, especially not knowing where it’s coming from.” Coy said. “But, if you think you can shed light on our original problem, we welcome the information.”

“I wish I could say I’m happy to share, but it honestly pains me that you’re dealing with this. We spent… years trying to protect you children from the truth.” Glen said.

Coy hung on Glen’s every word, “So you know who those remains belonged to.”

Glen nodded, “Ranch hand. Tommy was his name, and Ben gave him a job to help him get his life on track. Seemed he’d been wandering down a dark path, and your Pop was a sucker for a project. That was what Tommy was. Ben was determined to show that kid a better way of life.”

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