Page 87 of Tough as Steele

“You know it.” Excitement burned in Mackenzie’s eyes.

“If I remember right, Rooster Rock is near Bridal Veil,” Nate said.

Londyn nodded. “Which means the park’s near Wigg’s house, making it even more likely that we’ll soon be identifying Jessica Oates.”

21

Nate showed his ID at the gate and drove east into the park. He scanned the area for anything out of the ordinary. The park ran along the Columbia River for three miles and had picnic areas, a trail, disc golf courses, and miles of beach. Part of the park was classified as separated clothing-optional—a nudist beach. That beach was out of sight from the main area, and Nate was thankful they hadn’t found Jessica there.

Londyn nodded at the sign for that section of the park. “I never understood why anybody would do that.”

“Me either,” Nate said. “But then it’s part of the Keep Portland Weird culture. Something I don’t often understand.”

“Weird or not, Portland’s a great place to live.”

“I’ve seen a lot of the world in my deployments, and I wouldn’t live anywhere else.” He glanced at her. “But then I was often on a combat mission in these other spots so that weighs in my thoughts.”

“Do you miss it?” she asked. “Being a SEAL, I mean.”

“Sometimes, but I like my job and am pretty content.”

“Why did you leave?”

His hands tightened on the wheel. He pointed out the window at the crime scene tape strung across the end of the parking lot that led into a thickly wooded area. “That’ll take more time to answer than we have.”

“I’ll just have to ask again later.” She gave him a mischievous smile.

He didn’t want to talk about his leaving, as it was too painful, but he had to return her smile as he parked. No way he couldn’t. She had that effect on him, and he could ignore that painful past as long as her smile was pinned on him. Even when they got out and started toward the murder scene.

“Londyn,” Mackenzie called. “Over here.”

Mackenzie was highlighted by the glow from a streetlight in the dark night. She waved at them from this side of the yellow tape fluttering in the wind whipping off the river. She wore black tactical pants, a turtleneck, and an OSP windbreaker. Did she own the jacket and wanted to look like she fit in, or did she borrow one from the team on scene? Either way, she carried herself with confidence, and he could easily see her as a former law enforcement officer.

He and Londyn approached the scene. The damp breeze sent a shiver over his body. Or maybe it was just the thought that he was going to look at one more homicide victim in the list of the many he’d seen in the past few years. It never got easier. He just got better at hiding his horror at what one person did to another.

He took in the park details as they walked. The parking spaces were all empty at this end, where the drive turned back toward the entrance. The day-use park was open year-round but closed long before the one a.m. hour that was fast approaching. Even if the park hadn’t been closed, the gray, rainy days in February kept most people away.

Mackenzie grabbed a strand of hair flying in her face and shoved it behind her ear. “Follow me, and I’ll take you to the lead investigator. His name is Oscar Yost. I worked with him before. He’s a seasoned investigator and good at his job.”

She headed into the wooded area, her long legs taking her away fast. She led them under the tape and down into the dark forest. The area was carpeted with leaves and pine needles and smelled of fresh pine.

An older man with a gray flattop haircut stood, his head down. He wore jeans and a buttoned-up windbreaker matching Mackenzie’s jacket. He looked up and signaled for them to join him. Mackenzie introduced them.

He held up his gloved hands, showing why he couldn’t shake their hands. “Thanks for coming so quickly.”

“Glad we can help,” Londyn said.

He gave her a tight smile. “As your cousin tells me, it might help you on your investigation as well.”

Nate nodded. “Can we see the woman to confirm her ID before we get into any details?”

“Sure. Sure. Follow me.” He spun and headed deeper into the wooded area, where Klieg lights had been set up, making the deeply shadowed woods shine bright like a Friday night football game.

He pointed at a large fallen fir tree. “She’s just behind the log.”

Nate stepped around gnarly tree roots, careful not to get too close and contaminate the immediate crime scene. He passed Dr. Albertson, who stood over the body, her eyes narrowed below a cap of silvery short hair.

She gave him a grim nod. “Good to see you again, Detective. Not in this situation, but then that’s about the only time our paths cross.”

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