Page 56 of Knox

“Drive,” I said quietly to Sloane. “Don’t floor it, just drive normal.”

She was already shifting into gear. “What happened?”

“Later.” I watched Walter in the side mirror as we pulled away. He stood there motionless, getting smaller and smaller, until the trees swallowed him completely.

Sloane

I didn’t speak again until we were back on the main road.

“Tell me,” I said.

Knox retrieved his phone from one pocket and replayed the recording.

I pulled over at the first available opportunity to listen and trade him seats.

“He knew I was a Marine. I didn’t tell him that.”

“Claire could have.”

“Maybe.” Knox’s jaw worked. “But the way he looked at you. The way he asked about you.” He shook his head. “Something’s wrong with that guy.”

“Did he say something about me?”

“Asked who you were. Called you pretty.”

I tilted my head. Neither was hardly an offense. “Is that all?”

Knox’s voice dropped lower. “It was the way he said it. As if he was cataloging you.”

A chill ran down my spine. “Do you think he’s the one?”

“I don’t know.” Knox buckled up behind the wheel and turned to face me. “I’d like to keep you away from him for good measure. And I’m sending this audio file to Nash.”

I put my seatbelt on as well. “He said his property goes right up to the old ranger station.” That seemed important.

Knox ran a hand through his hair. “The vendor fired for inappropriate behavior owns the property leading straight to a place Mom marked on her maps. I agree, and I’m trying hard not to jump to conclusions.”

“But if he’s guilty, why would he warn you to be careful or offer to help?”

“Maybe he realizes saying anything else would be suspicious.”

“Or he’s already removed whatever evidence was there.”

Knox tapped his dashboard screen. Time to call the sheriff again.

Chapter 18

Sloane

I was exhausted and hungry by the time the sun set. None of the homes we drove past had a VW bus in view, and we didn’t see one anywhere on the island as we drove. Archer and Colton had been going door to door and asking the owners if they could see the vehicles, but few owners were actually home.

“Can we stop somewhere for aluminum foil?” I asked. “As much as I love everything Maggie’s family serves, I’d like to make dinner tonight. Something simple and homemade will go a long way as comfort food.”

“General Store okay?” Knox asked.

“Perfect.”

We arrived a few minutes later, and Knox parked in the crumbling concrete lot. The store was small and busy inside with a long line and one cashier. I headed for the picnic supplies, hoping to find what I needed there.