Page 71 of Knox

I stood taller, interest piqued. “What kind of lead?”

“Colton and I stopped at a local mechanic shop in Manteo, and the owner remembered working on a vehicle matching the description. Blue-and-white VW bus, older model, custom paint job.”

“Did he remember who owned it?”

“Guy paid cash, gave a name that turned out to be fake. But the mechanic remembered something the owner said. Apparently, he claimed to be camping. The mechanic thought he might be one of those people who travel around, living in their vans.”

Instinct itched in my gut. “Maybe.” But the old ranger station marked on Mom’s maps flashed into mind. “When was the VW at that garage?”

“A few months ago. The bus needed new brakes and some engine work. Mechanic said the guy was antsy. He paid extra to have the work prioritized. He said he couldn’t afford to miss work, but I’m wondering if the goal was to get it out of there as soon as possible.”

“Did he give a description of the guy?”

“Yep.” Colton answered, apparently on speaker with Archer. “Tall, dark hair. Kept his head down, didn’t make small talk.”

I met Sloane’s eyes. “Nice work.” I’d met a man who fit that description yesterday. Which reminded me— “I want to hike out to the old ranger station and look for signs anyone’s been staying there.”

“When?” Sloane and the guys asked in unison.

I glanced at the darkness beyond the kitchen windows. “Tomorrow morning.” I didn’t want to delay, but going out after dark wasn’t our best option.

“Sounds good,” Archer said. “Colton and I will go with you. Strength in numbers.”

“I’ll call Nash,” I said. “Make sure the sheriff’s in the loop.”

“You think he’ll offer backup?”

“Yeah.” Then I told them what we’d learned about the assailant and the FBI.

“Oh, shit,” Colton said. “We got that security upgraded just in time. I’ll call the company about the night vision and glass break sensors and see what we have to do to cut the wait time.”

“Appreciate it.”

“Tell Sloane we’ve got this.” Archer said. “We’ve got your back, and we’ve got her.”

“Yep.” I disconnected and pulled Sloane into my arms.

“What happened?” she asked.

I gave her the rundown as I pocketed my phone. “We’ll meet up at the trailhead in the morning and go in together. I’m not taking any chances with your safety.”

“Our safety,” Sloane corrected.

I helped her off the counter when she reached for my hand. “I have to call Nash and coordinate with him.”

“I’ll make coffee.”

I filled Nash in on Colton and Archer’s discovery, then listened patiently while he reminded me that I wasn’t a member of law enforcement. Neither were my friends. And Carolina Bay Sheriff’s Department did not condone vigilantism.

“Don’t go out there alone,” he added. “If you’re right, we have no idea if this guy is armed. I’ll have a deputy meet you at the access road. Could be nothing, but given that the FBI is involved, I want to use due diligence every step of the way where this case is concerned.”

“Agreed.”

“How’s Sloane doing?” he asked.

“She’s tough. She’s going to be okay.”

“Keep her close,” he warned. “I spoke to the state’s contact from the FBI about an hour ago. They’ve only recently included the shells as part of this case. They’re so common in the areas the women were taken that no one questioned the commonality until this year. Now, they’ve connected seven cases going back a decade in four towns along the coast. The federal agent I spoke with earlier says they’re including my reports about Sloane’s attack and break-in with their files. They plan to be in touch with her. Once they move in, I’ll be ordered to stand down. In the meantime, I can’t risk spooking this guy. Otherwise, I’d tell you to forget all of this, and I’d send a deputy to check out the ranger station. I’m afraid he’d see uniforms coming a mile away, and he’s been in Carolina Bay long enough to recognize all my men. I want him comfortable and overconfident when the feds arrive, so he thinks we’re all idiots and doesn’t try to get away. I’d prefer him in cuffs when the feds arrive, but I’ll settle for knowing where he’s holed up.”