Page 29 of Clear Path

“Small things. The way you track sounds rather than movement. How you oriented your head just now to use your peripheral vision as if you have a blind spot in the center of your vision. The yellow-tinted glasses to help with contrast.”

“The dry form. Stable for now.” She matched his matter-of-fact tone.

“Are you sure you’re up for leading a search party?”

She pushed back her chair. “I’m up for joining it, but I won’t be leading it. You will.”

Before he could respond, Julie popped to her feet.

“I’m coming, too. I know this area better than most.”

“Count me in as well,” Evan added, buttoning his cardigan.

Bodhi surveyed the group. “It’ll be dark by the time we get to the cave.”

“We’ll stop by the OAC store for gear. Headlamps, jackets, first-aid supplies, maybe some food,” Julie suggested, signaling for the check.

Then their little group of four made their way through the thinning crowd and down the stairs. Bodhi offered Diana his arm, but she waved it away in favor of the railing. She counted the steps silently as they descended so she’d know when she hit the pavement.

By the time they reached the street, the sun had slipped below the horizon, and the retro street lamps and string lights blazed brightly. Diana realized they’d need more than headlamps if they wanted to start the search tonight.

As if he’d read her mind, Bodhi said, “We don’t have luxury of waiting until first light, unfortunately.”

“I know,” she said simply.

Rory was alone, bleeding in the woods. With each passing hour, the odds of finding her alive decreased.

19

Union Hill

Bodhi matched Diana’s pace as they followed Julie and Evan down the sidewalk toward the Outdoor Adventure Co-op Store. At the end of the block, the store’s large display windows glowed invitingly, showcasing mannequins dressed for outdoor adventure alongside kayaks and camping gear.

He was acutely aware of two men who had been trailing them at a discreet distance since they’d left the tapas bar’s deck. He leaned down, about to mention them to Diana. She placed her hand on his forearm and murmured, “I know.”

Evan pulled open the large door and ushered the women and Bodhi inside. Rows of brightly colored technical jackets and sturdy hiking boots lined one wall. Kayaks, bicycles, and tents hung on the opposite wall. Camping gear, water bottles, and trail maps filled shelves that ran down the center of the store.

One of the two men caught the door before it closed, and the pair drifted into the shop behind Evan. They peeled off to the right and made their way through the aisles of campingequipment. They were dressed like through-hikers—moisture-wicking shirts, convertible pants, trail runners—but their gear was too new, too clean. One man still had a price tag tucked into the collar of his jacket. The other’s shoes were immaculate and showed none of the scuffs and wear patterns of actual trail use.

“Diana!” A young man with an eager smile rushed over from behind the counter. His eyes landed immediately on the messenger bag she carried. “Is that—?” He stopped mid-sentence, his smile faltering.

“Yes, it’s Rory’s bag. Dr. King here found it on the trail along with her bicycle and some blood. We’re organizing a search party.”

Aaron’s face paled. “Blood? Is she hurt? Where?—?”

“We don’t know yet,” Diana cut in. “But we need gear. Headlamps, first-aid supplies, bright emergency lights if you have them. Maybe some food and water.”

Aaron nodded vigorously. “Of course, anything.” Then his eyes darted to the door set into the back wall behind the register. “I should get Sadie. She’s in the stockroom. She knows the trail better than anyone.”

As if summoned by her name, a woman with chestnut hair pulled into a practical ponytail emerged from the back. She took in the group with a quick, assessing glance.

“What’s going on?” she asked, her green eyes narrowing when they landed on Aaron’s anxious face.

Evan stepped forward. “Rory Westin is missing. We’re putting together a search party.”

Sadie’s expression shifted from confusion to skepticism. “Missing? Since when? We just saw her yesterday. And then she unveiled her … thing in her apartment this morning.”

“Since this afternoon, at least,” Bodhi said. He introduced himself and explained what he’d found.

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