Page 12 of Silent Smile

"No," Finn agreed. "She was well aware of what she was doing."

As they continued their research, Finn suddenly straightened in his chair. "You know, I think I might have a lead on that symbol."

Sheila looked up, surprised. "Oh? What have you found?"

"Not what, who," Finn replied, turning his monitor toward her. "Dr. Elena Fuller. She's a professor at Coldwater Community College, specializes in Native American symbolism and culture."

Sheila leaned in, scanning the webpage Finn had pulled up. "How did you come across her?"

"I remembered her name from a case a few months back," Finn explained. "She consulted on that grave desecration at the old Mission site, remember? I figure she might be able to give us some insight into this symbol."

Sheila nodded slowly, impressed by Finn's initiative but also feeling a twinge of... something. Jealousy? Insecurity? She pushed the feeling aside. "That's good thinking, Finn. Have you reached out to her yet?"

Finn shook his head. "Not yet. I was thinking of heading over to the college, see if I can catch her between classes."

"Good thinking," Sheila said, rising. "Let's get going."

"Actually," Finn said, still seated, "I was thinking I'd go on my own. Divide and conquer, and all that."

Sheila hesitated. "Are you sure?"

"I can handle it."

"I wasn't trying to imply you couldn't."

The words hung in the air between them, charged with unspoken tension. They stared at one another before Finn glanced away.

"Listen," he said in a softer voice, "this is going to be an adjustment for both of us, okay? It's going to take some to figure out how… how this all works."

Sheila nodded. "Of course."

Finn rose and made his way to the door. "I'll let you know what I find," he said. And with that, he left.

For a moment, Sheila simply stood there, unsure how to process what had just happened. "Divide and conquer," she murmured. She wished Finn had just told her he needed some space, which she believed was his true reason for wanting to go alone.

She just hoped this stress between them wouldn't compromise the investigation.

Sighing, she turned her mind back to the case. She decided she'd head back to Coral Pink Sand Dunes State Park, talk to the staff. Considering Amanda's reputation for breaking the rules, there was a decent chance someone working at the park had caught her.

And maybe, just maybe, they had killed her for it.

CHAPTER FIVE

Sheila pulled into the parking lot of the Coral Pink Sand Dunes visitor center, her mind still churning over her recent interaction with Finn. She paused to check her phone.

Nothing—no updates. She tried to tell herself that he was probably busy talking with Dr. Fuller, but inwardly she sensed that his lack of communication was yet another piece of evidence that something was wrong between them.

Something she didn't know how to fix.

As she stepped out of her vehicle, the stark beauty of the landscape momentarily pushed her personal concerns aside. The visitor center, a modern single-story building, emerged like a moon outpost from the ancient dunes that surrounded it. Its rust-colored exterior was clearly designed to blend with the natural environment, a thoughtful touch that Sheila appreciated.

A few families milled about near the entrance, studying informational placards about the park's unique ecosystem. A tour group huddled around a guide, listening intently as she gestured toward the towering dunes in the distance.

Sheila took a moment to observe, noting the mix of excitement and awe on the visitors' faces. It was a poignant reminder of why people like Amanda Weller were drawn to such places, seeking adventure and beauty.

Stepping inside, Sheila was greeted by a blast of cool air, a welcome respite from the heat outside. The interior of the visitor center was a carefully curated blend of educational displays and practical amenities. To her left, a large topographical map of the park dominated the wall, with blinking lights indicating various points of interest. Sheila approached it, studying the layout of the dunes and the surrounding area. She noted the locationwhere Amanda's body had been found, trying to visualize potential access routes a killer might have used.

To her right, a small gift shop offered the usual array of postcards, t-shirts, and local crafts. Sheila's attention was drawn to a display of books about local flora and fauna. One title caught her eye: "The Delicate Balance: Preserving the Coral Pink Sand Dunes Ecosystem." She made a mental note to pick up a copy before she left.

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