Page 40 of A Mile of Ocean

“We could fine-tune the settings so that it wouldn’t pick up small critters,” Trish countered. “I’ve seen it done on high-profile stakeouts.”

“Sounds like overkill to me,” Trent argued. “Couldn’t we go back to where we know the guy has been and use the dogs to track him? Locke and Lotus are amazing trackers.”

“Use the dogs. Use everything at your disposal to catch this asshole,” Brent advised. “This guy has murdered two people. We want him before he makes it three.”

“Better safe than sorry,” Theo stressed. “Throw the kitchen sink at him. But it’s your call.”

Trent blew out a heavy sigh. “You’re right. Let’s get those cameras up before nightfall. Tate and I will take Locke and Lotus with us tonight.”

“Maybe trade-off with the other teams,” Tate suggested. “Locke and Lotus work well with anyone they know.”

“We could also call in Terra Search & Recovery,” Brent tossed out. “If they’re available, Birk and Beckett Callahan would help us in a heartbeat.”

“Go for it,” Trent said. “I want to nail this guy before anyone else dies.”

Trish and Eastlynagreed to take turns monitoring the surveillance system from the attic because it was better than sitting outside the gate all night in the cramped front seat of a vehicle on a stakeout. At least this way, neither had to pee in the bushes. They could use a bathroom like a normal person.

Hawk and Drum had the camera system hooked up and running before the nightly patrols began. But the motion detectors were another matter.

Trish spent the first night familiarizing herself with the controls and settings, adjusting the motion sensors so that they wouldn’t set off an alarm each time a raccoon, possum, or deer crossed the path. After modifying the hardware and fine-tuning the software, she avoided false alarms.

As she settled into her routine, she found a certain satisfaction in watching the monitors, knowing she might spot the murderer at any moment. The landscape appeared serene, almost deceptively so, under the watchful eyes of the cameras. Despite the relative tranquility, Trish remained vigilant, her eyes scanning the screens for any sign of the elusive killer. She knew that the safety of the Callums and their employees depended on her due diligence.

Meanwhile, Trent and the rest of his crew continued their nightly patrols, communicating regularly with Trish to ensure every corner was covered.

Colt and Theo joined the ranks, taking turns patrolling the more remote areas. At the same time, the other team members stuck to their original assignments, focusing on well-traveled pathways and anywhere else their suspect might set up camp.

With the new approach, Trent didn’t have to say much to convince Savannah that leaving the ranch, even in the middle of the day to show up at school, was a bad idea. She readily agreed that he needed to take that time and catch up on his sleep or do whatever chore needed doing. Things like riding lessons, dinner and a movie, or simply picking up life where they left off would have to wait.

The killer didn’t make a move that night or the next. The lack of progress was frustrating. By the third night, the tension began to wear on everyone. Yet, Trent knew they had to stay the course. He became convinced the surveillance system was their best chance at catching the guy off guard.

One evening, as Eastlyn watched the monitors, something caught her eye. A shadow moved swiftly near the perimeter fence, too tall to be an animal. Her heart raced as she zoomed in, trying to get a clearer view. The figure vanished almost as quickly as it had appeared, leaving behind a trail of broken twigs and crushed grass.

She immediately alerted the others to the exact location, dropping a pin via text message, and within minutes, Colt and Theo responded to that section to begin tracking him with the dogs. Soon, the team nearest the quadrant—Cecil and Lincoln—joined the hunt.

Trent radioed everyone else to remain in position, just in case it turned out to be nothing or the man wandered into another sector.

Nothing came of it after spending nearly two hours pursuing the lead. Locke and Lotus lost the scent after crossing a dry creek bed and scrambling up boulders as if their mystery man had vanished into thin air. Not even the dogs could pick up his scent on the other side of the rocks.

Despite the setback, Trent’s determination grew stronger with each passing night. The fourth night brought a renewed sense of awareness among the team. They refined their strategies, ensuring every possible angle was covered. Trish’s eyes never wavered from the monitors. Her senses heightened by the anticipation that tonight might be the night they caught their suspect. The team understood that patience and persistence were their best allies in this relentless cat-and-mouse game.

A renewed sense of determination filled the air as the minutes ticked by with agonizing slowness. The ranch seemed almost impenetrable under the watchful eyes of the cameras and vigilant patrols. But they all knew that the killer could strike at any moment from anywhere. They hoped he would eventually make a mistake, and they would be ready when he did.

The team continued their patrols methodically, communicating with Trish or Eastlyn, whoever manned the monitors, along with each other to ensure no corner of the ranch remained unguarded. The nights stretched on. Each shadow was scrutinized. Each movement was evaluated. The ranch lay in a tense silence, waiting for the moment to break the monotony and bring them one step closer to capturing their elusive prey.

While on guard duty, Tate and Trent often talked more than they had since they were kids. They tossed out theories, discussed personal issues, and spent much of their time wondering how their grandmother fit into all this.

“I just wish I could get her to come clean about what she knows,” Tate reasoned. “Why would anyone want to hurtMom and Dad? Why wait twenty-two years to kill Granddad? Something tells me she holds the answers to both those questions.”

Trent sighed. “The Duchess always did keep her cards close to her chest. But I agree, we need to find a way to get her to talk to us. Maybe she knows something that could explain why all this is happening now. I just don’t see her opening up to us, though, at least not yet.”

Tate glanced around, the darkness pressing in. “I just hope we get to the bottom of this before anyone else gets hurt.”

“Same here. Savannah mentioned she wanted to join us on night patrol. I don’t think it’s a good idea. But I don’t want to discourage her, either. I don’t want to sound like one of those guys trying to tell her what she should and shouldn’t do. Have you ever seen her ride? Is she any good?”

“Of course, she’s good.”

Trent narrowed his eyes. “You’ve never seen her on a horse, have you?”

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