Page 35 of Clear Path

“When did she post about the exhibit?” Bodhi asked.

“This morning.” Evan said. “But if you saw them last night on the trail, they were already on their way here. So that’s not why they came.”

“Maybe they were coming to try to convince her in person to do the nude self-portraits,” Diana said slowly. “Maybe they even talked to her and were headed back to Pittsburgh when the news broke about her online statement. And now, they probably figure a missing photographer is almost as good as a naked one for generating buzz.”

This was Evan’s point: With Rory missing, Tripp could capitalize on the notoriety of her DIY showing. She wouldn’t be able to stop him.

“It’s a theory,” Bodhi agreed. “But that’s all it is—a theory.”

“How do we prove it?” Evan asked.

“Easy. We ask Tripp and Lucas.”

“Just … ask them?”

Bodhi nodded. “You’d be surprised what people will tell you if you ask.”

23

When they reached a spot about a mile shy of the cave, Sadie halted and everyone behind her stopped walking, too.

Diana peered around, getting her bearings. Then she called, “The abandoned barn Rory photographed is about a third of a mile off the trail, up on the rise. Evan and Aaron, you two break off and search the area leading to the barn and the barn itself. The rest of you spread out and search along the trail.”

Evan nodded, pleased to be tasked with the first high probability area. Aaron bopped along beside him, full of energy.

“Are you from Union Hill, originally?” Evan asked as they picked over the rocks and tree branches to make their way up the hill.

Aaron was careful to shine the light low, which Evan appreciated. He wasn’t really an outdoorsman. He was more of a sit in the library with a book and a brandy man.

“Yes sir, born and bred.”

“Do you ever think about moving away?” Evan was always curious to hear the answer when he spoke to young people who had stayed in the area.

“No, never. Why would I? The trails are here, clean air, there’s good fishing in the summertime. It’s beautiful. And with all the investment and buildings that Julie’s bringing in, everything I want is here. And what I can’t get here, I can just go down to Pittsburgh for.”

Evan got it. As Rory had said, there were winners and losers in the revitalization. And apparently this young man felt at least that he was a winner.

“Do you like your work?”

Aaron’s expression tightened. “It’s a job. Like my dad always said, it’s not supposed to be fun. That’s why they call it work. I just kind of wish I didn’t work for such a big corporation.”

Evan cocked his head.

OAC had a reputation for being one of the best employers in the country, right up there with REI and Patagonia in the outdoor adventure space. Sure, they were big companies, but they were certified B corporations. All three offered good benefits, progressive policies, and generous pay.

“Really?” he asked.

“I mean, it’s fine.” The young man huffed out a breath and shook his head. “It’s just, Sadie’s my manager.”

“Ah, the young woman who organized the search party.”

“Right. She’s also my girlfriend.”

That wasn’t really a corporate issue. Or was it? “And there’s no prohibition about the two of you dating?”

“No, but because Sadie’s in management, she had to disclose it to human resources. And instead of cutting me slack, like you would when you’re someone you’re dating, she feels likeshe’sunder a microscope, so she’s gotmeunder a microscope. If I come in a couple minutes late, she writes me up. If my drawer’s short, she files a report. She never just lets anything slide.”

Evan considered this. “Well, she may be trying to do everything on the straight and narrow because you’re dating, orit could just be her personality. Some people are cut out be cogs in a wheel.”

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