Page 60 of High Density

“At High Meadow? Stephanie Kramer?”

“Yes, and yes. Jonas was mighty ticked off he was just finding out what apparently half of his team already knew, and called us all into the office. Drug smuggling. How the fuck did you land in the middle of that?”

I do a mental tally of who was in the know since I only told my father. He obviously shared with Ma, which makes two, and Bo is three, since he was at Janey’s last night playing nurse. I guess maybe Dan heard something through Sloane, which would make four, and I guess I’m number five.

Maybehalf the teamis more accurate than I thought.

“Not voluntarily,” I clarify before asking a question of my own. “What did Kramer want?”

“Manpower. We’re actually loading up the horses as we speak. Sully already has the Matrice in the air, looking.”

The Matrice is the team’s state-of-the-art drone, which can be helpful on searches. Although, it’s less effective in densely forested areas.

“Looking? For who?”

We found the only missing person I know, and she’s currently at the morgue awaiting an autopsy in the morning.

“One of the drug peddlers has gone missing,” Jackson clarifies. “Guy by the name of John Mackey. He was spotted on the side of Highway 37 about four miles east of the park, near Tub Gulch. The feds think he may be hiding out in the woods on the north side of the highway.”

Mackey missing? That’s the first I hear of it. If Ewing knew, he never mentioned anything this afternoon. Although I’m sure the guy had other pressing things on his mind at the time. Agent Wilcox didn’t mention anything either, but I wouldn’t expect him to volunteer anything.

I’m curious to know how the FBI came to the conclusion he must be hiding in the woods, or he was even on the run to begin with. Wouldn’t it make more sense for him to drive or hitch a ride instead of walking, to get as far away as he could?

Maybe Kramer will be at the clinic by the time I get back so I can pick her brain.

“So you guys are heading out soon?”

“Within the hour. But I was going to drive myself anyway, so I can pick up your shit and drop it off at Doc’s place. It won’t take me that long, it’s all on the way.”

“Appreciate it. Grab me a couple of changes of clothes—there should be bags under the kitchen sink—and take my cooler from the front closet and throw in what’s edible from my fridge.”

“Little soon to be moving in, isn’t it?” he goads me with a chuckle.

“You’re fucking hilarious,” I snarl, not in the mood for jokes. “I’ll meet you at Janey’s in twenty.”

“10-4.”

Janey

Shit.

I must’ve dozed off.

I put a hand at the nape of my neck and try to stretch the kinks out. I had my head back in an awkward position. Turning my eyes to the clock on the kitchen wall, I check the time. I only slept for about twenty minutes, which means JD will probably be back soon. I can still smell myself and it’s not pleasant, I should grab a quick shower before he gets here.

But as I get to my feet, my eyes catch on the empty dog bed.Ginger. I forgot all about her, she has to be hungry by now. Feeling guilty for forgetting about her, I head for the front door, shove my feet back in my dirty boots, grab my keys, and head outside.

Sundown isn’t until about ten in the summer months, but the sky is looking dark. It must be that rain they were promising overnight. Thunderstorms, more likely, given the high temperatures of the past few days. The weather can be unpredictable, especially in the mountains.

I love summer thunderstorms, it’s a break from the stifling heat and there’s nothing better than sitting on the porch, witnessing the force of nature at work. Everything feels and smells so fresh afterward.

Unfortunately, not all animals share my appreciation, which is why I’m rushing to get Ginger before the storm hits. I’m not sure how she feels about thunder, but I’d rather err on the side of caution. I’ll poke in to the barn to check Red is secure. Come to think of it, I should make sure there’s a stall ready for the pinto. JD could be back with her any minute.

Ignoring my aching muscles, I duck my head against the wind, which is suddenly picking up, and head for the barn. Halfway there, I can feel the first drops of rain falling.

Wonderful.

I jog the rest of the way, and rather than heading around the back to go in through the clinic, I opt for the big barn door, which is closer. I quickly shove my key into the lock, keeping the latch closed, and slip inside, making sure to pull the door shut behind me.

---