Page 78 of Knox

A shadow fell across me, and I started when Walter Lehman approached from my side.

“Ms. Mercer.” He held up his hands immediately. “Sorry, didn’t mean to frighten you. A lifetime in the woods has made me light on my feet, I guess.”

“It’s fine.” I glanced toward the building, but I didn’t see Knox through the window.

“I saw the Jeep and thought I’d say hello.”

I glanced around but didn’t see a vehicle anywhere. Was he out hiking? Watching the store? “Hi.”

“I wanted to apologize for the other day at the store,” he said. “I think I came on a little strong with the offer to help however I could.” His smile was probably meant to be disarming but didn’t quite reach his eyes. “I know Knox is capable, but I like to be helpful, and I know the area.”

Walter shifted his weight, and I became acutely aware we were alone. “Claire and I had our differences, but she was a good woman. The work she was doing, looking for those missing girls? That was admirable.”

“She cared about people.”

“She did.” Walter’s gaze held mine a beat too long before traveling over my face and shoulders. “You care too, I can tell. Going out there with Knox, trying to finish what Claire started. That’s brave.” He scanned my face. “You strike me as someone who’s careful. Aware of her surroundings.”

The phrasing sent ice down my spine. As if he’d been testing whether I noticed him watching me.

“I try to be,” I said, keeping my voice steady.

“That’s good.” He nodded, never breaking eye contact.

I opened my mouth, but words failed, and my hands began to shake.

He glanced at the building, then the backpacks on the back seat. “Well, I should let you get back to whatever you’re up to today. Better tell that Marine to keep you a little closer. This island isn’t as safe as it used to be.”

Walter moved down the nearby trail toward the sound behind Island Adventures, swallowed quickly by bushy grasses and the limbs of ancient trees.

Knox appeared in the next second, exactly two minutes had passed on the dashboard clock. He locked the door and headed my way, his features bunching into a frown. “What’s wrong?”

“Walter was here. He was waiting for us,” I said. “No vehicle. He just appeared. Like he knew we’d come.”

Knox’s expression went cold and dangerous. His eyes lifted to the world beyond the Jeep. “I was gone like ninety seconds. Did he touch you?”

“No. But Knox, he saw the backpacks, he knows we’re going hiking.”

Knox pulled out his phone. “Let’s make sure we aren’t walking into a trap.”

Chapter 25

Sloane

Maggie’s truck was parked beside Archer’s rental at the meet up when we arrived. She’d dressed in hiking gear and practically vibrated with determination as she chatted with Colton. Archer wasn’t anywhere in sight.

She waved when we climbed out of the Jeep and gathered our gear.

“Ready?” Knox asked.

“I’m ready to watch Colton’s back,” Maggie announced.

Colton raised an eyebrow, sending frown lines across his sunburned face. “I can watch my own back.”

“If that was true, then why’d you bring me along?” she challenged.

“You told me you were coming, then you showed up at my door.”

“Someone has to remind you to wear sunscreen.”