Page 54 of Love Me Dangerous

“I’m not talking about athletes.”

She turns into a parking lot. Four large dumpsters line the opposite side. One is blue, with the symbol for recycling on the side. The others are dark gray with black lids. At the end of the row is a wire mesh bin half-full of flattened cardboard.

“What, then? Buried treasure?” Sofie says.

I think about changing the subject, then remember her question about keeping her in the dark. “I came across this shallow hole. It looked like something had been buried there. Do animals dig out places where they bed down?”

Sofie turns off the engine and sits back. “How big was it?”

I recreate the shallow bowl shape with my hands. “One had shredded bits of decayed wood at the edges.”

“Were there scrape marks in the ground? Like from animal hooves?”

At the time, I thought maybe they were from bear claws. In Alaska, a grizzly will completely destroy a decaying log in search of grubs, but I don’t think grizzlies are as prevalent in Idaho. “Could be. I took pictures, but the phone was in my pack.”

A wary look passes through her eyes. “Sounds like a salt lick. Hunters use them to bait animals.”

“They’re illegal, right?”

“Yep.” She cocks her head and peers at me. “Where did you see it?”

If she’s right, my two-day mission for Sheriff Olson was a waste. “On the other side of Crooked Pine Pass.”

Her gaze turns wary. “Zach, that’s Sage Creek Outfitters’ territory. Their clients come from all over the world. And Finn River Ranch guests who hunt almost always work with Sage. Did anyone see you take those pictures?”

My neck prickles. Was someone watching me in that hollow? “Wait, are you saying that’s why I was attacked? Why my pack was stolen?”

“Do you know how much those guides make just in tips? If one of them got caught baiting, that could end their career. Not only that, but a scandal like that could destroy Sage Creek Outfitters.”

As terrifying as that attack was, knowing it was some local looking to protect his way of life is ten times easier to bear than the alternative.

“You should tell my dad.” Sofie shoots me a stern glance.

“Why? It’s not like I have any proof. If you’re right, then whoever came after me has covered up those holes by now.”

Her expression turns apprehensive. “Gabe guides for Sage Creek.”

I stare at her. “What?”

“But it couldn’t have been Gabe who attacked you. He was at The Limelight. We both saw him.” She turns sideways in her seat. “If we tell my dad about the salt lick, he’ll get to the bottom of this.”

After what Sofie said about her dad’s duties, it seems unlikely that he wouldn’t be involved in a smuggling investigation suspected on state or federal wildlands. Yet Sheriff Olson didn’t mention collaborating with anyone. That could mean he’s keeping it quiet. Is it because he’s protecting his son at the same time?

Shit. More secrets?

“What were you doing all the way out at Crooked Pine?” Sofie asks.

Moving carefully, I open the car door. My side gives a tight pang, but I use the edge of the seat to help get me to my feet.

For the second time this morning, I endure Sofie’s frustrated sigh. Even though just a moment ago, I trusted her with my question, until I know more about what’s going on here, it’s best not to share any more.

By the timewe leave town for the ranch, I’m in so much pain that when Sofie insists on dropping me at the employee entrance so I don’t have to deal with the bus, I can’t argue.

At the curb, Sofie’s quiet.

My frustration is like a pot ready to boil over. It’s not like I expected to find the rest of my belongings or my savings, but searching for them was a waste of time, not to mention humiliating.

“Thanks for your help,” I say.

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