Page 83 of Knox

“I know.”

“He was right there,” I said. The reality of the last few moments hit like a brick. “He came so close to finding us.”

“He didn’t. We’re safe.” Knox pulled back, cupping my face. “You were brave and smart and you didn’t panic when you had every reason to. I’m so damn proud of you.”

Colton and Maggie emerged from their hiding spot, both looking pale but determined.

Sam sat up, still trembling.

“The sheriff’s team will take your statement,” Knox told the kid. “They’ll get you somewhere safe. Protective custody until we catch this guy.”

“Thank you. For believing me.” Sam blew out a shaky breath and dragged a hand through his hair. “I’ll talk to a sketch artist. I can give them a solid description.”

Colton and Knox exchanged a look, then they took turns shaking Sam’s hand.

Sirens in the distance announced the sheriff’s arrival. Within minutes, the clearing filled with deputies, forensics techs, and crime scene tape. Professional, efficient, thorough.

Sheriff Sullivan pulled Knox aside while a female deputy took my statement.

Through it all, I kept replaying the way the killer somehow sensed something was wrong, then left.

And the photos. All curated for a madman’s collection.

“Ms. Mercer?” The deputy’s voice pulled me back to the present. “Just a few more questions.”

I nodded, but my attention had snagged on something Sheriff Sullivan was saying to Knox, his voice low and urgent.

“—registered to Walter Lehman. Prior arrests for stalking in Virginia, assault in Maryland. …believe he may be connected to other crimes. Feds aren’t elaborating.”

Walter Lehman. Tears burst from my eyes. It was him the whole time.

“Pick him up,” Knox said. “He’s going to run. Or escalate.”

“I’ve already got a pair of uniforms en route. They’ll be waiting when he gets home.” The sheriff glanced at me, his expression grim. “She needs protection. Around the clock.”

“I’m not leaving her side,” Knox said. “I’ve got Archer and Colton for backup. We’ll keep her safe until Lehman’s in custody.”

“I should have known,” I said, anger mixing with fear. “When he showed up at Island Adventures. When he offered to help search. He was inserting himself into the investigation.”

“Classic predator behavior,” Colton agreed. “They like to watch. Be part of the hunt even after the kill.”

“And we let him,” Knox said, his voice hard. “We talked to him. Multiple times. Gave him information about what we knew.”

“He played us,” I said.

The sheriff gripped the back of his neck, a worried gaze fixed on Knox. “I get that you and your friends are highly trained, but this guy isn’t some opposing military force. And given the speed at which the FBI set their men in motion, I think Lehman’s something much worse.”

A muscle ticked along the side of Knox’s jaw. “He’s not getting anywhere near her.”

Chapter 27

Knox

Forty minutes later, Nash’s text came through while I watched forensics techs photograph evidence at the ranger station. I stepped away from the controlled chaos, pulling up the full message.

Got judge to sign warrant. Searching Lehman’s property now. No sign of him. Vehicle still at large. FBI coordinating multi-agency search. State police setting up roadblocks on major routes off island.

“What’ve you got?” Colton appeared at my side, Maggie trailing close behind.