Page 10 of Knox

Archer and Colton moved to the table with the efficient focus of men who’d conducted a thousand intelligence briefings. They didn’t touch anything at first, just studied the layout with careful eyes.

Colton picked up the trail map first.

“Your mom marked significant locations in red,” Archer noted. “What’s the pattern?”

“I don’t know yet, or if there is one. I only know she was looking. She made notes about all three women visiting Island Adventures before they disappeared. Getting trail recommendations, renting equipment.” I pointed to my mother’s handwriting in the margins. “I’m guessing she felt as if she was already involved, because she played a part in the women’s last days. She saw them. She’d spoken to them and helped them choose a path for their hikes. Then none of them came back.” I couldn’t imagine how Mom must’ve felt the first time. But the second? Then the third? I would’ve started looking in earnest too. Assuming there was a connection, something more than her shop.

The guys got comfortable on the couch and pulled papers into their hands for a closer look.

I checked my watch. “I’ve got to help a friend in a bit, but you two can go through everything. See if anything stands out to you.”

“We’ll start by building a timeline,” Archer said. “Cross-reference the disappearances with witness reports she pulled, weather conditions, moon phases. See if there’s a pattern in when he hunts.”

“And we’ll map out the trail locations,” Colton added. “Look for common features. Isolated areas, limited visibility, places where someone could intercept a hiker without being seen.”

Pride welled in my chest. It was good to be working with my brothers again. This was the kind of tactical thinking that could make a difference.

The sound of another vehicle interrupted my thoughts. I moved to the window and saw Maggie’s red pickup truck pulling into the driveway.

“That’s Maggie,” I said. “I’ve told you about her. Closest thing to a little sister I have. Sheriff’s actual sister. Remember that.”

Archer and Colton looked up as the front door opened without a knock.

“Whose truck is in the driveway?” she asked, a moment before wrinkling her nose at my appearance. “Oh, geez. I hope you’re not planning to show up at this party looking like that.” Maggie froze in the doorway when her gaze landed on the guys. “Oh. You have company.”

“Maggie, this is Archer Stone and Colton O’Connor. Guys, this is Maggie Sullivan.”

Maggie crossed the room and shook each man’s hand in turn. Professional. Friendly. But her eyes lingered on Colton a fraction longer than necessary. Then I watched Colton’s ears turn slightly pink when she smiled at him.

“Nice to meet you both,” she said. “Thanks for coming out to be with Knox. I know it means a lot to him.”

“Wouldn’t be anywhere else,” Archer said simply.

Maggie’s expression softened before she turned her attention back to me. “My brother told me what happened yesterday. With Sloane Mercer.”

I tensed. “Nash told you?”

“Of course he told me. Every woman on this island is terrified to go anywhere alone.” Maggie crossed her arms. “Is she okay?”

“Yeah.”

“Good.” Maggie glanced at the papers spread across the coffee table, then back at me. “Your mom’s stuff?”

“Yeah. I think she was looking for the missing hikers.”

Maggie’s expression was solemn as her gaze raked over the newspaper clippings. “Mama Bear to any and all. Right up to the end.”

I set a hand on her shoulder, appreciating the words.

The touch seemed to remind her why she’d come. “Are you still able to help at the party tonight? I won’t keep you long. I just need a little extra muscle for moving things from the catering van into the house. I didn’t ask anyone else after you agreed, so I hope we’re still on.”

“Yeah. I’m good. What time?”

“Seven. It’s the big white house on the sound, about three miles north.” She pulled out her phone and texted me the address. “You can’t miss it. Just look for the place that’s trying too hard.”

Colton coughed to hide what might’ve been a laugh. Maggie’s eyes flicked to him, something passing between them, and I shook my head at him.

“I’ll be there,” I said. “Let me know if you need me to swing back later and help you clean up.”