Page 30 of Clear Path

Sadie listened with her arms folded across her chest. When he mentioned the blood, her eyes widened and she made a soft ‘oh’ sound. She checked the time. “I’ll close up early and join you,” she said, though Bodhi detected reluctance in her tone. “Aaron, get them whatever they need.”

“Of course. And I’m coming, too.”

“As if there was ever any doubt,” she said dryly.

Bodhi raised an eyebrow at the exchange, and Julie leaned over to whisper, “It’s a long story.”

Sadie turned toward the pair of men who were pretending to examine headlamps. “The store’s closing in ten minutes. Please make your selections now.”

The taller of the two men stepped forward. “Actually, we couldn’t help overhearing. We’d like to join the search.”

Bodhi studied them more carefully. The taller one was in around forty, with carefully tousled brown hair and the kind of tan that came from recreational rather than occupational sun exposure. His companion was slightly older, maybe fifty, with alert, appraising eyes, a pronounced widow’s peak, and buffed and manicured fingernails. They looked strangely familiar. What was more, they sounded familiar.

Recognition hit him with a flash of insight. They were the men from outside Billy’s Burgers. The men in the silver Jaguar.

“We’re hiking the trail,” the taller one continued. “We have equipment, experience. We want to help.”

Diana cut a quick look to Bodhi. He shook his head almost imperceptibly. Ultimately, it was her decision. But he didn’t trust them.

She cocked her head. “Thank you for the offer. I think we have all the help we need. This isn’t going to be comfortable or fun. It’s not the experience we advertise when we invite you to have an adventure in Union Hill,” she said, softening the rejection with a smile.

A look passed between the men. After a beat, the older one spoke again. “I’m afraid we have to insist.”

“You insist?” Diana’s smile vanished.

For a moment, nobody spoke.

Bodhi hesitated, considering whether speaking up would violate the precept of right speech. While his beliefs forbade lying, they also prohibited divisive speech. And pointing out the men’s dishonesty would not create harmony. He made up his mind that he couldn’t let the lie pass unchallenged.

“But you’re not really hiking the GAP, are you?”

“What do you mean?” the taller of the men demanded.

“You’re traveling by car. A silver sports car.”

The man dropped his gaze and studied the floor. His companion squinted at Bodhi. Then he snapped his fingers.

“I know you. You’re one of the guys from that greasy burger shack in Clarkburg.”

“Clarksville,” Bodhi said. “And yes. I was at Billy’s Burgers when you drove up last night. I saw you again this morning. You drove past me in your Jaguar.”

“Through-hikers, huh?” Diana’s tone was frosty.

The man spread his hands wide and smiled broadly. “Okay, guilty as charged. Sorry for the subterfuge. But we really do want to help. We’re big fans of Ms. Westin’s work. And everybody wants the same thing, right? To find her and bring her back safely.”

Bodhi wondered if that was true. From the expression on Diana’s face, she had doubts of her own. But before anyone could respond, Aaron bounded over with an armload of equipment.

Oblivious to the undercurrent of tension, he began listing the items he’d gathered. “Everyone needs a headlamp, rain shell, water bottle, and some energy bars. I’ve got maps of the area and emergency whistles, too.”

Sadie looked up from the till. “For the record, this is a bad idea. It’ll be full dark soon if it’s not already. The trail’s not safe at night without proper equipment.”

“Then we’d better hurry,” Diana said.

Aaron returned with more gear to distribute. His movements were quick and efficient, but his gaze kept returning to Rory’s messenger bag and, each time, a muscle tensed in his jaw.

“Headlight?” Aaron asked Bodhi, extending one toward him.

“I have my own,” Bodhi replied, patting his backpack. “But thank you.”

---