Page 25 of Silent Smile

"He's become a person of interest in our investigation," Sheila said carefully, watching Redfeather's reaction. "And now he seems to have disappeared."

Redfeather's brow furrowed, creating deep lines of concern on her forehead. "Disappeared? That doesn't sound like Eric at all. He's always been so reliable, so dedicated to his work here at the park. Are you sure?"

Sheila nodded grimly. "I'm afraid so. As of this afternoon, no one's been able to reach him. Given the circumstances, we're naturally concerned."

"The circumstances?" Redfeather echoed. "You mean the missing hiker? Surely you don't think Eric had anything to do with that?"

"At this point, we're not ruling anything out," Sheila replied diplomatically. "What can you tell me about him? What kind of person is he?"

Redfeather was silent for a moment, considering her words. The only sound was the crunch of sand beneath their feet and the distant calls of the other searchers. Finally, she spoke, her voice thoughtful. "Eric is... passionate. Fiercely so, especially when it comes to protecting the dunes. He's been known to clash with park visitors who disregard the rules, but…"

"Has he ever mentioned Amanda Weller to you? Or expressed strong feelings about social media influencers in the park?"

Redfeather shook her head, her braid swinging with the motion. "Not specifically, no. But he has spoken out against what he calls 'irresponsible tourism'—people who come here for the perfect photo op without any regard for the damage they might be doing. It's a sentiment many of us in the conservation community share, to be honest."

Sheila nodded, filing away this information. "And you've never seen him exhibit any violent tendencies? Never heard him threaten anyone?"

Redfeather was silent for several paces. "Eric can be intense, even abrasive at times. Does he go too far? Maybe so. But it's allwith the best of intentions. He's dedicated his life to preserving this place, to educating people about its importance."

This wasn't exactly a ringing endorsement of Eric's character. Sheila wanted to ask more, but just then her phone buzzed in her pocket. She pulled it out, noticing Finn's name on the screen. Her heart rate quickened—could he have found something?

"Excuse me," she said to Redfeather. "I need to take this."

Stepping a few paces away, Sheila answered the call. "Finn? What have you got?"

"No sign of Blackwood," Finn said. "I've checked his apartment, his usual haunts, even called some of his known associates. It's like he's vanished into thin air."

Sheila felt her hopes deflate slightly. "Nothing at all?"

"Well, not nothing," Finn continued, his tone shifting. "I did find something interesting. I've been digging into his recent activities, and guess what his last few online purchases were?"

"I'm all ears," Sheila replied.

"Digging equipment."

"Digging equipment?"

"Shovel, pickaxe, prybar. Ordered just a week ago, rush delivery."

Sheila felt a chill that had nothing to do with the desert night. "How did you find this out?"

"Got a warrant for his financial records," Finn explained. "Figured if he was planning to run, there might be a paper trail. Didn't expect to find this, though."

Sheila's mind raced with the implications. The image of Amanda Weller, buried up to her neck in sand, flashed before her eyes.

Could this be the smoking gun they'd been looking for?

"Good work, Finn," she said, her voice tight with suppressed excitement. "I think it's time we got a warrant to search Blackwood's home."

"Think he's hiding out there?"

"If he is, great. If he isn't…" She paused. "Then let's find some hard evidence so we can nail this guy."

CHAPTER TWELVE

Sheila Stone stood on the cracked sidewalk outside Eric Blackwood's bungalow, the search warrant a heavy weight in her jacket pocket. Finn stepped up beside her, his face a mask of concentration.

"Judge Martinez didn't give us any trouble?" Finn asked, eyeing the peeling paint on the house's exterior.

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