Page 57 of Lost Truth
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Hayden pulled into the bus station parking lot in downtown Lost Lake, with Cady riding shotgun. His teammates didn’t know of any other public lockers in town, and Nolan had offered to run it by Mina, but Hayden suspected she’d demand control of the key, so he asked Nolan to hold off—at least until he had a chance to check the bus station.
His phone displayed a text. “It’s from Reece.”
Cady moved closer to him. “What does it say?”
“Palmer’s still at his office, but will be home in a little over an hour.” He texted his acknowledgment and put his phone away. “We’ll make our way over there to set up before he gets home.”
“Do we still have time to check the lockers?” Cady asked.
He met her gaze over the console and nodded. “Someone could’ve been keeping an eye on the boat and saw us search it. So be alert and aware of your surroundings.”
She gnawed on her lower lip. “Or someone could even be here watching the lockers, right?”
“I suppose they could know about the locker but didn’t have the key.” He took another look around the area for anyone acting suspicious. “Even more reason to keep our eyes open.”
She gave a quick nod and stepped out of the vehicle without a word.
He quickly slid out and jogged to catch up to her. Together, they made their way to the old station building that had been in service since the 1920s. Wide, black-rimmed glass doors and windows filled the entire front wall of the two-story structure, which was one of the few buildings in town constructed of brick. Not surprising in the big logging state of Oregon.
He gave the heavy door a firm pull and stepped aside to let Cady enter first. Following her into the grand, two-story lobby, he was immediately struck by the sweeping view of the ocean beyond. On the far wall, a set of glass doors mirrored those at the entrance, framing the rolling waves in the distance. Despite the clusters of bolted-down chairs and the steady flow of rushing passengers, the ocean’s rhythm remained visible and steady.
The air carried a mixture of scents—the salty tang of the sea mingled with the buttery aroma of fresh popcorn and the faint mustiness of an aging building. Oddly, it comforted him. Maybe it was the familiarity. His parents had always loved antiques, and he’d learned early on to find beauty in things with a little age and history.
He glanced around, checking for anyone casting a suspicious eye in their direction. Finding no one, he leaned closer to Cady. “The lockers are on the right side in the back. Lead the way.”
She started out at a quick clip, her shoes thumping a cadence on the marble tile floors. He matched her pace until they reached the wooden lockers with antique brass hardware. Maintenance on these old locks had to be a challenge, and he respected the people of Lost Lake for keeping the history of this place even when it might not be practical.
He pulled out the key and confirmed they were looking for number twenty-three.
Cady beat him to the correct locker and was tapping the brass number. “This one. Hurry.”
He crossed the space and inserted the key. Twisted. The lock clicked. The door popped and swung out an inch. She shot a hand in front of him and jerked the door fully open.
“Papers.” She frowned and stared at the open locker. “Just a stack of papers. Nothing more.” She started to reach inside.
He blocked her with a hand in front of the locker. “We need gloves again.”
He dug a pair from his pocket and put them on. Removing the documents, he quickly scanned them. “Wow! Not what I expected at all. Looks like documents linking Kai to financial transactions with a foreign group.”
“Kai!” A rapid flurry of blinks revealed her surprise. “Are you sure?”
Hayden nodded, his mind racing with what to do going forward. “We need to thoroughly review these documents and do extensive research on this group.” He glanced around, looking for anyone watching them.
She held out her hand. “Let me see.”
“Not here. Not out in the open.”
Her eyes lost the spark of excitement, and she pinched the bridge of her nose.
“Hang in there. We can start on it while we stake out Palmer’s place.” Hayden rolled the papers into a cylinder and tucked them under his arm. He secured the locker and pocketed the key. “Let’s move.”
She started off, but looked back at him. “Why do you think that key was left in the ice cream? To hide it so they didn’t get caught with it or for someone else to pick it up?”
“I’d rather not speculate until I’ve read through these papers.” He accelerated his speed, eyes scanning their surroundings. The terminal buzzed with the usual activity—travelers watching the monitors, chatting with companions, or lining up at food stands.
No one stood out. No one seemed to notice them. And more importantly, no one looked suspicious.
