Missing In The Glades. Lena Diaz

into a firm line.

      “Okay, okay.” There was no point in denying this particular accusation. If he’d searched her apartment for weapons then he’d probably noticed a few other things, such as that she had the same style of backpack in her closet in many different colors to match her other outfits. And that the bottled water and power bars in the purple backpack were the same brands as the ones in her pantry. She tried to bluff her way into a new explanation.

      “I admit it. The backpack is mine. But only because I found that car a few days ago and realized the driver was probably hurt and wandering the woods and needed help. I’ve been searching for him, to help him, not because I know him.”

      “I think you can come up with a better lie than that.”

      “I’m not lying.”

      “Right. You were concerned for a stranger, so concerned you’ve spent the past few days searching for him. But you weren’t concerned enough to call the police or to tell any of your friends here in town so they could help you find him. Try again.”

      She crossed her arms. “Why are you trying to find this guy? Who hired you?”

      He seemed to consider that question, then nodded as if he’d decided it was okay to tell her. “My client is Quinn Fugate. He’s Calvin’s brother, different fathers, different last names. He only found out recently that they were related and is trying to connect with him. He’d tracked Calvin down through another investigator to Naples. But a friend of Calvin’s reported him missing before Quinn could hop on a plane and go see him. The police gave up searching for Calvin after the first day. That’s why Quinn hired me. And that’s why I need to find Gillette before he dies out in the swamp. I’m here to help Gillette. That’s all. Nothing more.”

      Hope had her staring into his eyes, trying to gauge the truthfulness of his words. He looked as if he was telling the truth. His story sounded plausible. And the name Quinn Fugate meant nothing to her, which was a relief. It was possible Jake was telling the truth. She honestly didn’t know if Calvin had a brother or not. Based on their shared past, it was entirely possible. And right now, there was no way to ask him. But wouldn’t it be wonderful if Calvin had a family he’d never known about, a family that wanted him after he’d been alone for so long?

      Was Jake telling the truth? He certainly looked sincere, and he sounded sincere. What if he was lying? What if he wanted to use her to find Calvin? She could try to shake him, continue her search alone. But that wouldn’t stop him. He’d be out searching, too. Maybe he’d even bring others to help. That would make it even worse for Calvin, to have more people looking for him.

      So what were her choices? Search alone—assuming she could manage to get away without Jake following her. Or combine their resources, search together. That way she could keep an eye on him. Wasn’t that better than knowing he was out there somewhere, but not knowing where? What was that saying, keep your friends close, your enemies closer?