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He nodded. “Those two plus Christopher Willis and Grace Mitchell, though Grace died in that ATV accident. I count her because of what she told Michelle about being chased. In addition to that, we have two confirmed survivors who were chased: Shainya Blackburn and Eddie Poole. And now Ella Anderson.”
“So we potentially have five victims and several who escaped the same fate. Plus there was the girl who was never found after the moose hunt. Who knows how far back this could reach. We likely have more victims.”
“Appears that way.”
She took a sip of her coffee. “Listen, I talked to Henry Drood this morning, and he had something interesting to say about Eric Bell.” As she told Mason about the wordquarryhe’d used, she twisted the still unfamiliar ring on her hand.
Mason’s gaze locked on the ring, but he didn’t mention it. “That’s worth looking into. In spite of everything we’ve seen, I haven’t wanted to believe we could have a hunting group out there killing hikers and transients. It’s too horrific. And to think it could be occurring in my jurisdiction—” He broke off and shook his head. “I’d hate to think any of my neighbors had such a dark side.”
“The evidence is mounting.”
“At first I thought there might be something connecting the hikers. They wandered onto private property and were chased off by the owners. This is all connected.”
“Any news about Glenn? He’s been missing nearly a week. Is he even still alive?”
“Nothing new about him. His wife is getting frantic.”
In spite of what he’d done, Candace seemed to be sticking with her husband. Annie couldn’t fault her sense of loyalty, but it was misplaced with a man like Glenn.
Mason pointed a pencil at her hand. “I see you’re sporting an engagement ring today. Looks like congratulations are in order for the two of you. I’m happy for you. When’s the big day?”
“The weekend after Dad’s,” Jon said.
“It’s going to be an exciting month with your dad and Martha tying the knot too. Does Bree know?”
“I called her this morning before breakfast and swore her to secrecy. I want to tell Kylie myself.”
Mason’s gaze slid sideways to Jon. “Cutting it a little close, aren’t you? How do you think she’ll take the news?”
Annie had tried not to dwell on her daughter’s possible reaction. “I’m not sure. She’s eight so it’s hard to say. I hope to frame it in a positive way that makes her excited and happy.” She made a face. “Or at least avoids a tantrum.” She rose with her coffee in hand. “We’ll let you get back to work. Let me know if there’s anything else I can do.”
“Will do.” Mason was already peering at his computer.
They exited into glowering skies. The downpour had turned to a drizzle, and the temperature had dropped several degrees. Thunder rumbled as they ran for her truck. She threw herselfunder the steering wheel and slammed her door as lightning ripped from the clouds.
“We have any warnings out?” she asked Jon as he pulled his door shut.
“Gale warning. And six-to-nine-foot waves. The storm will surge again any minute.”
She shivered. “I wouldn’t want to be out on the water today. I hope Sarah is okay.”
The words were out before she realized she’d meant them. Revenge wasn’t something she wanted. Sarah had endured enough heartache and pain in her life. Yes, she’d done wrong, but then hadn’t they all? Annie was no saint and had no right to judge her sister. Keeping Kylie safe was a top priority, but Annie didn’t wish harm on her sister. The two of them were all that was left of their family.
Jon pulled up a page on his phone. “There’s something I want to show you. What do you think of this house?”
She took the phone he held out and her breath caught at the house on the screen. “That’s the Dalton house.” She swiped through the pictures. “Why do you have all these pictures?”
“Dad told me this morning it’s going on the market, but they will let us see it first. If we want it, we can save Realtor fees.”
“I’ve always loved that house.”
The old Victorian home had been built at the turn of the century by a copper baron. It was on Quincy Hill and overlooked Lake Superior and Rock Harbor. There wasn’t a better location in the whole area. She’d loved it even though it had been neglected over the years.
“I know, me too.” His steady green eyes held her gaze. “You want to go see it? They’re listing it tomorrow.”
“I haven’t been inside in ages. I’d love to see it.”
How could they afford it with the costs of starting up Jon’s business? The bank wouldn’t give him a loan until his business had been established a few years. She couldn’t get her hopes up.
