Page 64 of Lost Cause
Burke flashed her an incredulous look.
She smiled at him. “Follow me if you want to know what I have planned.”
They went in search of Sam and found her in the library, kneeling under the display case where the crown had once been stored.
“You must’ve read my mind.” She stood. “I was just going to come find you.”
“Did you locate something?” Abby asked.
Sam held out a vial holding a pale greenish-gray item.
Abby squinted at it. “What is it?”
“A lichen someone must’ve tracked in on their shoe. I can’t be certain until I analyze it, but I did a quick internet comparison and it looks like aCladoniaspecies, specifically Cladonia arbuscula.”
Abby rolled her eyes. “Well, that clarifies it for me.”
“Sorry.” Sam laughed. “A lichen partners with a fungus and a tiny plant-like organism, like algae. They thrive on rocks, tree trunks and branches, and soil.”
“Okay, I’ll pretend to understand that part. But what does this lichen have to do with our investigation?”
“First of all, this particular lichen isn’t common in Oregon, but can be found in the coastal areas, so it likely attached to someone’s shoe while walking the property and was brought inside.”
“And that’s important, why?” Burke asked.
She gave them an all-knowing look. “One thing I didn’t mention is it can commonly be found on gravestones.”
“Gravestone?” Abby let the idea settle in. “You’re thinking about Estelle.”
Sam nodded.
Burke tilted his head. “But if she was murdered and buried on this property, it’s not likely the killer would’ve put up a gravestone for her.”
“Agreed,” Sam said. “But the lichen also frequently grows on wood chips over a grave.”
“Then we need to get this analyzed ASAP to find out if it really is what you think it is.”
“I couldn’t agree more.” Eagerness burned in Sam’s eyes. “My assistant and I’ll be here at least another four hours, and then we’ll pack up and catch the ferry. I can start analyzing it the minute I get to my lab.”
“Speaking of leaving…” Abby explained about needing the helicopter for Victor. “Do you think Gage would be agreeable to such a big ask?”
“Of course he would, as long as the helo isn’t in use and Riley or Coop are available to fly it.”
“Perfect,” Abby said. “Let me know what Gage says. Then after we get cameras installed, I’ll have Gabe stay here until you’re ready to go, in case you need anything.”
“I’d appreciate that.” Sam got out her phone. “Let me call Gage to arrange your flight.”
Abby squeezed her friend’s arm in thanks.
A quick call to Gage, and hopefully they’d soon have Victor in the air, safely winging his way to Blackwell Tactical’s secured compound and out of danger.
17
Abby settled back as their pilot, Cooper Ashcroft—Coop—flew her, Burke, and Victor over the ocean toward the compound. Long bench seats ran on each side of the chopper in the opposite direction of most commercial aircraft seats. Coop said they’d customized the helicopter to fit as much equipment and as many team members inside as they could.
Victor and Burke sat across the aisle from her, and everyone wore headsets so they could communicate over the loud rotor thumps. The moment they’d taken off, Victor had swiveled toward the window, his face nearly pressed against the acrylic pane. He’d been wound tight, searching through the setting sun around them as they made their way to the helicopter, and while waiting for Coop to explain safety rules. His unease ended the moment Coop had them winging away from the island.
Victor let out a deep sigh, and his shoulders dropped. This was the most relaxed she’d ever seen him.
