Page 21 of Lost Lake
Jude planted his feet. “Feels like I should stay.”
“I think he should stay, too,” Abby said. “He’s your backup. You might need his help.”
Gabe watched her carefully, perhaps deciding if Jude was staying because of his role or because he thought something terrible was about to happen and Gabe would need him.
Gabe’s focus drifted to the van where the diver had flung open the back door and was unloading equipment.
He took a sharp breath. “Fine. Hang back with me.”
The diver hefted up his oxygen tank and fins and started across the lot. He gave Gabe’s departing team a curious look, but continued ahead until he stopped in front of El. “Lead diver, Vance Porter.”
“Detective Elaina Lyons.” She shook hands with him. “Thanks for coming.”
He released her hand and peered over the lake. “We put our boat in at the nearby access ramp. My partner will be here soon, and we’ll get started.”
She nodded, trying to control emotions sitting right on the surface like a cyst waiting to erupt.
Please, please. Please don’t let them find little Lucy in the water.
Gabe’s mind swirled with the activity buzzing around the crime scene. The dive boat motored up to the dock, and divers were shimmying into their wetsuits. Multiple vehicles, carrying search personnel from nearby jurisdictions, rolled into the lot behind him.
A sturdy-looking handler with two dogs, a German shepherd named Scout and a Labrador retriever called Diesel, met El andUlrich near the water. Scout was on a leash, patiently waiting for his assignment but Diesel was hooked to a metal stake as if he was a backup dog.
Everyone shared somber expressions. Somber like a funeral, and Gabe didn’t like it. Sure, they shouldn’t be joking and laughing, but their attitudes said they’d already reached a conclusion.
They didn’t expect to find Lucy alive.
Jude dropped his hand from shading his eyes as he stared at the water. “Looks like El’s doing a great job organizing everything.”
Gabe nodded. “I’m impressed. Even keeping me from participating is the right thing to do.” She might not have let him help, but he had to give her credit for successfully coordinating a major investigation.
“You think anything more of my theory I tossed out?”
“Unfortunately, yes. Finding indications of a boat at the ravine suggests premeditation, and Lucy didn’t just wander off, but the killer took her.”
“Kenna’s voicemail said she was scared. Say this was the guy she was afraid of. Why would she meet him when she had Lucy with her?”
Gabe couldn’t imagine the pressure she must’ve been under to bring Lucy to such a meeting. “She must not have thought he would harm her, but obviously, she was wrong. It cost her life and maybe Lucy’s too.”
“So that clock’s ticking down even more on you, then.”
“Yeah, standing here while everything’s going on around me is infuriating. If El doesn’t give me an opportunity to get involved soon, I’ll find a way.” Gabe’s focus zoned in on Ulrich.
He spoke to the canine handler, who turned his attention to the large German shepherd. The guy gave a sharp nod andopened the evidence bag containing Lucy’s sweatshirt to hold it to Scout’s nose.
“Let’s hope we get results soon,” Gabe said.
Scout perked up, his whole body vibrating as he danced in place.
“Search!” The handler freed the dog from his leash.
Scout transformed from obedient partner to driven hunter, every sense locked onto his task. Nose to the ground, he moved with purpose and each step was silent but charged with energy. His ears swiveled to catch the faintest sound, nose working in quick, sharp sniffs. When he picked up a trace, his body changed. Muscles tightened, tail stiffened into a steady line.
He surged ahead, weaving in a focused pattern as he followed an invisible trail to the woods on the beach’s south side. At the dirt path entrance, he barked.
Once. Twice. Sharp and urgent.
He glanced back at his handler, who’d followed him.
