“We still need to find Manny,” I declare. “You two can stay here, and Levi and I can get back to the search.” I rest my hand on Santiago’s shoulder, offering my own version of solace. “We’ll take care of everything.”
Santiago shakes his head. “No, I want to help.”
“Me too,” Blake chimes in.
Giving up on arguing with them, I yield. “Alright. Blake, you’re with me. Santiago, you’re with Levi, but if you start to wheeze, I want you to put the oxygen mask, that Hudson left for you, back on.”
“Deal.” Santiago pats my arm as he and Levi head back to the shed.
Dipping my head, I signal to Blake that we’re going to the back porch, then stride in that direction. She follows closely behind.
The sun has almost dropped completely below the horizon, so I pull out my flashlight to illuminate my path.
The snow here has been shoveled, leaving the porch clear, which means no footprints. Just as I’m about to declare the porch cleared, my light catches on something small and reflective along the railing.
“What is it?” Blake whispers.
“Shh.” I hush her.
Drawing closer, I find that it’s a drop of blood. I find another one further down.
Then another.
And another.
My body goes into a state of extreme calm, bracing for a storm, and my pulse slows.
I know what I expect to find.
But that doesn’t make it easier.
The trail leads us to the edge, and when I shine my light over the side, I spot a dark lump a few feet below.
Shit.
“Don’t look,” I instruct Blake over my shoulder.
She ignores my instruction and moves around me. “Look at wha—” Blake cuts herself off when she finds the body with a loud, shocked inhale.
On instinct, my arm reaches out, sweeping her backward.
Blake’s breaths come fast and turn shallow.
Removing my radio from my belt, I inform everyone else. “I found him. Back porch.”
Ridge’s reply is immediate. “On our way, boss.”
“Us too,” Santiago notifies.
“Levi. Santi. Hurry up. I don’t want Blake near the body.”
Returning my attention to Blake, I place my hands on her shoulder, back her up, and bend so we’re eye to eye.
“Breathe, Baby Girl.”
“H—He’s.”
Pant.
