Page 22 of Silent Smile

Sheila exchanged a look with Finn. That was a significant window of unaccounted time.

"Ms. Ryder," Sheila said gently, "you seem nervous. Is there something you're worried about telling us?"

Debbi's eyes darted to the door, then back. "It's just... Eric gets upset when I talk to people about him. He likes to know where I am, who I'm talking to. He says it's because he cares, but..."

"But it feels controlling?" Finn suggested.

Debbi nodded, blinking back tears. "A few weeks ago, some teenagers were messing around in a restricted area. The way Eric went after them... I'd never seen him like that. He was so angry, so aggressive. When I tried to calm him down, he turned on me, said I was undermining him."

"Has he ever threatened you?" Sheila asked.

"Not exactly. But sometimes, the way he looks at me when I disagree with him..." Debbi shuddered. "He gets this expression, like he's barely containing himself. And lately, with all the social media influencers in the park... he's been obsessed, ranting about how they're destroying everything he's trying to protect."

"Did he ever mention Amanda Weller specifically?" Sheila asked.

"I… I'm not sure," Debbi whispered. She looked up at Sheila, fear evident in her eyes. "Please don't tell him I talked to you. I don't want him to—"

"You don't have to worry about that," Sheila assured her, reaching for her card. "Here's my direct number. If Eric contacts you, if you feel unsafe at all, call me immediately. Day or night."

Debbi swallowed hard and took the card.

Sheila sensed they had pushed Debbi as far as they could for now. "Thank you for your time, Ms. Ryder. You've been very helpful. We may need to speak with you again as our investigation continues. I'd appreciate it if you'd make yourself available."

Debbi nodded, looking worried. "Of course."

Both Sheila and Finn were silent as they left the motel. As they pulled away, Finn cleared his throat.

"So," he said, "what do you want to do about Blackwell?"

"We need to keep an eye on him," Sheila said. "We don't have any hard evidence, and if we approach him again, he'll probably just lawyer up."

"I'll have someone tail him," Finn said.

Sheila nodded, her mind racing with the implications of everything they'd learned. "Good. But make sure they're discreet. If Blackwood is our guy, we can't risk spooking him."

Finn grunted in agreement. He looked ready to say something more, but he was interrupted by the sudden ring ofSheila's cell phone. She glanced at the screen: Ranger Hollister. A knot formed in her stomach as she answered.

"Hollister? What's going on?"

"Sheriff, we've got a situation," Hollister said, sounding troubled. "A hiker's been reported missing. Name's Carl Donovan."

Sheila felt her pulse quicken. "And you think this might be connected to Amanda Weller's death?"

Hollister hesitated. "Maybe it's nothing. People get lost now and then—it's not uncommon. I just thought you should know."

Sheila stared at the road for a few seconds. She sensed Finn's eyes on her.

"When was Mr. Donovan last seen?" she asked Hollister.

"His wife says he left for a day hike this morning, supposed to be back by 2 PM. It's not like him to be late, apparently."

Sheila glanced at her watch. Nearly 5 PM now. "You did the right thing. We'll head your way now."

"Ask about Blackwood," Finn whispered.

Sheila cleared her throat. "One more thing. Have you happened to see Eric Blackwood recently? Any idea where he might be?"

Another pause, longer this time. Sheila could almost feel Hollister's discomfort through the phone.

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