Grainger returned. “I’d go with the rainsuit. Waders could fill with water and slow you down.”
Owen grabbed two rainsuits, guessing at Mackenzie’s size, and added them to the pile at the counter along with a pair of binoculars he snatched along the way. He’d used his credit card to pay and couldn’t wait to see his LT’s face when he explained the charges.
The owner bagged their purchases. “I can’t charge you for the boat because I’m not licensed to rent it. Just lending it to a friend. But I want to see that water license.”
Owen displayed it on his phone.
“All’s in order.” Grainger handed Owen the bags. “Let’s head outside, and I’ll get you launched with instructions.”
Owen and Mackenzie followed the man over a rocky hillside down to the river where a boat was tied to the shore and bobbed in the water. A cold wind whipped along the river, and he dug out the smaller rainsuit from the bags and handed it to Mackenzie.
“I’m glad you thought to buy these.” She ripped open the package and slid her feet into the pant legs.
Grainger gave concise and detailed instructions on the motor and boat, along with basic safety items for both of them to follow. Owen dressed in his rainsuit as he listened. The fabric cut the wind down, and he was thankful for the extra protection.
Grainger got a bag out of the boat and handed it to Owen. “You’ll want to stow all your supplies in the dry bags I provided. Especially your cell phones. You’ll find the river map in this one. Let me grab some ice for your water and a few sandwiches too. You might need them.”
Grainger took off up the bank before Owen could tell him they’d had lunch on the drive and didn’t need the sandwiches. Nor did Owen care if his water was cold, but they might indeed want the food later in the day.
Grainger came barreling down the hill with a bag of ice and another bag holding food. He put it all in the cooler and then Owen added the bottles of water and protein drinks.
Grainger shared the best location where Owen could get off the river and call Grainger to come get them.
“Your phone won’t likely work out here. Take my SAT phone.” He dug the phone from his pocket and held it out for Owen.
Owen waived a hand. “We can’t take your phone.”
“Humor me. I’d feel better if you had a way to communicate.”
Owen would take it so the guy didn’t worry, and it might come in handy too.
“Thank you for all your help.” Owen put the phone in a small dry bag then pocketed it in his rain jacket.
“Take care, Detective Greer,” Grainger said. “It’s not a hard river to navigate, but the current is swift, and you don’t want to become a victim of carelessness.”
Owen shook hands with Grainger and put on his life jacket as he waited for Mackenzie to do the same thing. “Let’s listen to Grainger and use the small dry bags for our cell phones too. Just in case.”
They both inserted their phones into small bags and secured them in zipped pockets. He considered putting his sidearm in a bag, but wanted to have it available if needed.
Mackenzie made her way to the boat’s front seat, and he took the back, placing the rifle within reach. He used an oar to push off the murky bottom. Once the motor cleared the bottom, he lowered it into the water and started it up. He wanted to let it rip and go racing down the river. Not that the motor was big enough to race anywhere. But even if it were, he had to be mindful of Mackenzie in the boat with him and be more cautious.
He might be willing to risk his own life to catch Leach, but he wasn’t willing to risk hers, even if the guy could be Cassie’s killer.
Mackenzie wedged the river map between her knees and pulled up the hood on the rain jacket, then tied it against the wind whipping up the river. The cold set her arm to aching something fierce, and she had to fight not to cry out when they hit hard bumps that jostled her.
The wind howled, and the boat speed didn’t help keep her warm. But surely, they would gain on Leach soon, arrest him, motor to the first exit location downriver and haul him off to jail. The warmth would return, and the arm would hurt less. At least she hoped.
If only it were all as simple as it sounded.
She lifted the binoculars and scanned the rapidly flowing river. She couldn’t determine how far they’d come, but the water started to move faster, and she heard a roaring noise ahead.
She scanned the area ahead, but didn’t see a change in the current. She looked back at Owen. “Map says the first rapids are coming up.”
“Sounds like it too.”
Her stomach knotted at the thought of an inexperienced person at the helm. “You good to pilot the boat through them?”
“Should be, but why don’t you take the SAT phone in case we need to make a quick call.” He leaned forward to give her the phone.
