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Kaden turned to see a teenage boy bundled in a heavy parka and a ski cap. The stranger was studying him with a curious expression and Kaden guessed the town didn’t have many visitors.
“Where can I find the sheriff?”
“Sheriff’s out of town.”
Great. Kaden resisted the urge to stamp his feet. The motorcycle boots were great for working in his shop, but they didn’t offer much protection against the cold weather. His toes were starting to freeze.
“Is there a deputy around?”
“Maybe.” The boy wrinkled his nose, as if considering his answer. “They’re probably all at church. If it’s an emergency, you should call . . . hey, wait.” The boy blinked, his mouth parting in shock. “You’re Kaden Vaughn.”
Kaden hid his grimace. Although it was five years since he’d had a regular series,Do or Dieremained popular in reruns and on the Internet. Enough to gain the attention of a younger audience. It meant he ran into fans almost everywhere he went. Not his favorite part of the job. Especially when he preferred to remain anonymous. Then again, his fame might help him get the information he needed now.
“I am,” he admitted, strolling down the steps. “And you are?”
“Wayne. Wayne Nielson.” There was a flush on the thin face that had nothing to do with the brisk morning breeze. “What are you doing in Pike?”
“Actually, you might be able to help me.”
“Cool.”
Kaden grabbed his phone from the pocket of his leather jacket, pulling up the picture of the skeleton. He turned it to show the image to the boy.
“I’m looking for whoever uploaded this picture.”
The pale eyes widened in shock. “No. Way.”
Lowering the phone, Kaden belatedly wondered if he’d rattled the kid by showing him the gruesome image. He looked to be sixteen or seventeen years old, but the small community might keep people around here a lot more protected from the evils of the world.
Kaden shifted uncomfortably from foot to foot. “Sorry.”
“I mean,” Wayne nodded toward the phone, “that was me.”
“Excuse me?”
“I’m Waino2006,” the boy clarified. “I’m the one who uploaded the picture.” He released a nervous laugh. “This is crazy. I can’t believe you saw my post.”
Kaden’s mind was reeling. It seemed like fate was stepping in to lend him a helping hand. How else could he explain nearly stumbling over the very person who’d brought him to Pike?
“Do you mind if I ask you some questions?”
“Seriously?” The boy beamed with excitement; then, without warning, the sparkle in his eyes faded. “Oh.”
“Is something wrong?”
“I’m late for work.” He hunched his shoulders beneath his heavy parka. “It wouldn’t matter, but I was late yesterday, after I found the body.”
“You were the one who found the skeleton?”
“Practically.” Wayne kept his answer vague. “Anyway, Ms. Porter is really nice and I don’t want to disappoint her.”
Kaden hesitated. Did he continue his conversation with the boy or look for a law official? It was the distant sound of church bells ringing that made up his mind. He had no idea where one of the deputies might be located, and he had no intention of dialing 911.
“Where do you work?” he asked.
“Porter’s Grocery Store.” The boy pointed toward the south. “Just a few blocks from here. I won’t be long. On Sundays I just go in to sweep and mop the floors. If you want to wait around, I can—”
“Do you mind if I walk with you?”
