Page 33 of Craving Sin (Touch of Evil 13)

Adamp sensation lingered on Brook’s skin beneath her second layer of clothing. Despite the absence of any forecast for rain, the altitude gave the impression of it. As she ascended higher, her body exerted effort to preserve some warmth.

Even as the group ahead widened the gap between them, she hung back for a better view of their surroundings. The trees towered on all sides, their branches intertwining overhead to cast a shifting pattern across the open areas. It would have been peaceful, even beautiful, if not for the circumstances that had brought her here.

A twig snapped beneath her boot, the sound sharp in the heavy silence. She jogged almost every day and considered herself fit, but that didn’t stop her muscles from complaining as the slope became steeper.

It would have been all but impossible for anyone to bring a body up this far.

The steady thrum of the helicopter blades could be heard as it maintained its watchful presence above the treeline. The rhythmic sound was interrupted when the satellite radio in her hand crackled to life. She lifted it immediately, thumbing the button to confirm communication, not worried that Jacob or Mitch would hear the exchange. They were far enough ahead that she could transmit freely.

“We have visual.”

Brook slowed her pace even further, letting the distance between her and the group grow. She wasn’t comfortable with how closed in the area was rapidly becoming, and she was convinced Jacob was leading them into some type of trap.

Jacob had come to a complete stop, causing the others to do the same.

“Copy,” Brook replied into the radio. “Hold your position for now.”

The two forensic techs were in the process of removing their backpacks. Each of them also carried a case containing tools necessary for starting the excavation of the remains. Most of their equipment would be delivered by helicopter once the rest of the forensic team was informed to start their trek. Their gazes were currently fixed on an opening of some sort on the steepest slope in the area.

Brook studied what resembled a jagged wound in the mountainside as she continued to climb closer. The small black slit seemed to swallow the light. It was hardly more than a crack, the opening just wide enough for a person to squeeze through sideways.

Russell had remained close to Mitch since the news of a mistrial had been handed down. The defense attorney had initially verbally attacked Jacob but stopped short of any admission. It was during that point that Jacob had voluntarily offered to continue their journey, which was when Russell explained what it would take to continue the recovery mission.

The fact that Jacob hadn’t flinched at signing away his right to counsel spoke volumes, and Brook had imparted to Russell how important it was for this day to play out.

“I’d like to go on record that I had nothing to do with Lusa Kalluk’s death,” Mitch called out as she walked past him. She hadn’t planned to even glance in his direction, but his next words brought her to a complete halt. “Kate Lin’s death isn’t on me, either.”

“Mr. Norona, you and I both know that everything that has happened since 2014 lands on your shoulders.” Brook should have had Victor or Justin escort Mitch back down the mountain, but she wasn’t comfortable being short one agent. “I don’t know what you did back then to be in Jacob’s debt, but everyone has a choice. You made yours a long time ago.”

Brook broke their stare as she advanced toward her brother. Jacob had already pivoted around to witness her exchange with Mitch, but she paid him little attention. Her focus was fixed on the narrow entrance leading to what she now believed to be an ice cave. The rock appeared different just inside the edges, exposing a bluish-white hue that shimmered subtly in the thin stream of daylight.

The air around the opening was unnaturally still, as if even the breeze feared to enter. No sound came from within, no drip of water or echo of wind. It was as if the cave was holding its breath, waiting.

Jacob advanced forward until he was able to lean against some rock formation next to the dark opening. He inhaled deeply in satisfaction, as if he had waited a very long time to visit the area.

“Let me guess. Whoever killed Lusa Kalluk brought her remains up here because you gave your word that her body would never be found,” Brook said before he could speak. She was talking about the mountain in general. Not the ice cave. “You want me to believe that Lusa’s remains are inside this ice cave. I suppose it could be. Every shred of DNA evidence passed from the killer to his victim would be preserved for your prosperity.”

“I already told you that—” Mitch’s words were cut off quickly.

Russell must have stopped the man from interrupting her. She didn’t turn around to confirm her suspicions. Instead, she continued with her theory while monitoring Jacob’s reaction. He hadn’t really uttered a word since their previous conversation.

“I believe Mitch’s claim of innocence, but you still managed to find something to hold over him.” Brook shrugged, as if it didn’t make a difference. Whatever it was, it literally didn’t change anything, past or future. “What I can’t wrap my mind around is what it is you could possibly hope to gain from this? You wanted to be here. Specifically, this month. You’ve accomplished that. So, we’re here. Why?”

“Do you know how ice caves are formed?” Jacob asked casually. He didn’t bother answering her question, so intent on his own agenda. The others shifted behind her with unease. “It starts with the smallest of cracks. Tiny fissures in the rock, hardly wider than a finger. But over time, water seeps in, freezing and expanding, widening the cracks bit by bit.”

Jacob turned his head to stare at the opening with what she could only describe as admiration. He shifted to lift his hands, extending both arms due to the handcuffs, and traced his fingers along the edge of the opening.

“With each freeze and thaw cycle, the cracks grow deeper, longer. Meltwater flows down, pooling in hidden chambers and freezing solid. Passages form through the year, twisting and turning through the heart of the mountain. Can you imagine what lies waiting in those depths? Secrets frozen in time, preserved for eternity in the ice."

“Lusa’s remains, for one?” Brook had posed an inquiry instead of a statement. He wanted inside this cave for a reason, and she needed to make sure that didn’t happen. Not until the interior was searched by her. “You sound like you’re very familiar with this ice cave, Jacob.”

“Indeed, I am,” Jacob murmured with a smile that was razor-thin. “But which passage, which chamber could Miss Kalluk’s remains be in...well, that's for us to discover together, isn't it?”

“You’ll tell us,” Brook replied, her voice flat and unyielding. “And if not, we’ll find it on our own. Either way, this is the end of the line for you. Victor and Justin, you can take Jacob back down to the clearing.”

“Ah, but where's the fun in that?" Jacob's eyes held a hint of dark amusement. “I’m disappointed, little sis. I’ll tell you what. You go on inside and take a look for yourself. If you discover that locating Lusa’s remains is as simple as finding the right passageway, then send me on my way. On the other hand…”

Brook studied her brother for a moment before turning away. She instructed everyone to make themselves comfortable as she took time removing her backpack. While she had dressed appropriately, an ice cave hadn’t been taken into account. Still, she had stuffed an additional shirt inside her backpack.

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