Page 12 of Ranger Belief
“I thought Ryker was in Hawaii on his honeymoon.”
“Got back last night.”
She winced. “Hannah can’t be happy about us stealing him away. The man barely had time to unpack.”
“Are you kidding me?” He eyed her incredulously. “Have you checked your cell phone recently?”
Laney pulled the device from her pocket. She’d put her cell on silent for the meeting with her staff and Douglass, and was stunned to see 30 new text messages. Rangers from Company A—along with their wives and significant others—all texted their support, prayers, and offers to help. Hannah was among them. The demonstration of love was overwhelming. “That’s…wow.”
“They care about you.”
“Clearly.” She shot off a message to the group, thanking them, and then arched a brow. “I wonder…how many text messages did you receive?” The corners of her mouth lifted even though Laney battled against it. Teasing Jonah was one of her favorite pastimes, mainly because he made it so easy.
He scowled. “They like you better than they like me. I know that already. You don’t need to rub it in.”
“They do not, and you know it. Although it might help matters if you smiled more.”
“What? Change my sparkling personality? No thanks.” Jonah gestured to her computer. “Can you log in and tell me who checked Ava and Tyler in when they arrived yesterdayafternoon? And the exact time they checked in, along with any activities they registered for?”
“Trying to figure out who they ran into at the park?”
He nodded, leaning on her desk. “The incident this morning changes things a bit. If the killer is afraid you’ll recognize him, then chances are its someone who works here. I’d like to trace Ava and Tyler’s movements in the park from the time they arrived until the murders.”
“Okay.” She logged into the system and navigated to the check-in log. Her finger scrolled down the screen until she found the entry. “Brett was at the front desk when they arrived. He’s there now, so we can interview him. Looks like Tyler registered his vehicle, per policy, and got a parking tag for it. They also rented a two-person kayak from the boathouse.”
“Sheriff Morrison mentioned Ava loved kayaking.”
“Eddie Sorenson was working in the boathouse.” She checked the schedule and frowned. “He’s supposed to be here this morning, but I didn’t see him at the staff meeting. Maybe he arrived late.”
Jonah straightened. “Or maybe he didn't show up at all.” His expression darkened. “After someone was lurking around your cabin this morning, I don't like coincidences. Let's find Eddie.”
SEVEN
The boathouse was locked up tight, with a sign hanging from a nail on the front:Be Back in Fifteen Minutes.Sunlight beat down on Jonah's shoulders as he tried the handle anyway. Locked. “Could he still be inside even though it's locked?”
“Yes.” Laney gestured for him to step aside and used a key from the ring on her belt. Scout waited patiently at her side, ears pricked.
Jonah gently pushed past her as the door swung open. “Let me go first.”
She looked annoyed, but didn't fight him on it.
The boathouse was dim and cool, water lapping at the edges of the dock. Kayaks and canoes lined up neatly on metal racks. Life jackets of various sizes hung from hooks along the far wall. Everything appeared in order, but there was no sign of Eddie.
The door swung shut behind them with a soft thud.
“Hello? Eddie?” Laney called out, moving past him toward the small office in the corner. Its door stood open, light spilling out. She leaned in, then gestured to the computer. “He's logged in. And his truck's in the parking lot. He's definitely here.”
The main entrance creaked open. A man entered, looking pale and drawn, sweat beading on his forehead. Eddie, Jonah presumed. He wore the staff uniform, which consisted of a polo shirt and cargo pants. His boots were dusty. Gray threaded through his hair at the temples. Despite his hunched shoulders, it was clear Eddie was in shape, with the tan of someone who spent a lot of time outdoors.
Scout scooted closer to Laney, taking a protective posture.
Eddie startled when he spotted them. “Good morning, ma’am.” His gaze flickered to Jonah. “You must be Ranger Foster.” He let the door swing shut behind him and approached with his hand outstretched. Eddie cast a wary look toward Scout, suggesting the mistrust was mutual.
Jonah shook Eddie’s hand. “Nice to meet you.”
“Same.” He withdrew his hand and used the heel to wipe a bead of sweat from his forehead. “It’s a scorcher out there today. I keep waiting for the weather to cool off, but it seems we might have to wait a bit longer.”
“Where were you?” Laney's tone was polite, but her gaze sharp. “I noticed you clocked in late, and the boathouse is supposed to remain open.”
