Chapter 5 - The Man in the Dark
Nora dropped to one knee as a heavy object struck the doorframe above her.
Evelyn cried out.
The figure moved toward the back of the cabin.
Nora followed.
She heard boots hit the kitchen floor, then the crash of a window.
By the time she reached the porch, the intruder was already running toward the trees.
Nora chased him through the rain.
Branches tore at her coat. Mud shifted beneath her boots.
The man moved quickly but without discipline. He stumbled twice, recovered and veered toward the old logging road.
Nora gained on him.
Twenty yards.
Fifteen.
Ten.
Then headlights exploded through the trees.
A black pickup roared along the logging road.
The passenger door opened while the vehicle was still moving.
The runner grabbed the handle and pulled himself inside.
Nora reached the road as the truck accelerated away.
She memorized what she could.
Black Ford.
Damaged left taillight.
No visible license plate.
A white triangular sticker on the rear window.
Evelyn emerged from the trees holding her phone flashlight.
“Did you see him?”
“No face.”
“Did he take anything?”
Nora looked down.
The brass button was gone from her hand.
She swore.
They returned to the north room.
The attacker had struck Evelyn’s shoulder but caused no serious injury.
Pike arrived several minutes later and listened without interrupting.
When Nora described the truck, his face became grim.
“You recognize it,” she said.
“I recognize the sticker. Blackridge Search and Rescue.”
“Who drives a black Ford?”
“Half the volunteers.”
“Name them.”
Pike hesitated.
Nora stepped closer.
“Jonah.”
“One belongs to Dale Mercer.”
The name was familiar.
Dale had worked for Nora’s father, first at the sawmill and later as caretaker of the cabin whenever Caleb traveled.
“He was loyal to my father.”
“He was,” Pike said.
“Was?”
“After Caleb died, Dale went to work for Cresswell Timber.”
Evelyn rubbed her injured shoulder.
“Where can we find him?”
“Usually at the Red Lantern bar.”
Nora headed toward the door.
Pike blocked her path.
“You can’t walk into town hunting people.”
“I’m going to ask him a question.”
“You chased an armed intruder through the woods.”
“He had a pry bar.”
“You didn’t know that when you followed him.”
Nora stared at him.
Pike sighed.
“Dale’s son is missing.”
Nora stopped.
“What?”
“Luke Mercer. Nineteen. Worked summers for Mason.”
“When did he disappear?”
“Six days ago.”
“Before Mason brought the cabin documents to the real estate office,” Evelyn said.
Pike nodded.
“Dale thinks Luke found something at the cabin.”
“What?”
“He wouldn’t tell me.”
Nora considered the overturned rooms and the empty north room.
“Maybe Dale wasn’t searching for evidence.”
“Maybe he was searching for his son.”
The sound of tires approached outside.
Pike moved to the window.
A second patrol car stopped in front of the cabin.
Sheriff Raymond Cresswell stepped out.
He wore a tan uniform, a dark raincoat and a campaign smile that had appeared on billboards across Blackridge County for eighteen years.
Pike whispered one word.
“Leave.”
Nora looked toward the rear window.
May you like
“Why?”
“Because I never told dispatch you were here.”
