Chapter 17 - Jacob's Notebook
Back inside the cabin, Elias carefully unfolded the fragile notebook. The pages had yellowed with age, but Jacob Mercer's handwriting remained surprisingly clear.
The first few entries described routine patrols around the lake.
Then the tone changed.
"I've discovered nighttime deliveries."
"Several local officials have stopped asking questions."
"Someone powerful is protecting them."
The rescue team leader turned another page.
There were names.
Dates.
Vehicle descriptions.
Coordinates.
Every detail had been recorded with remarkable precision.
The ranger leaned closer.
"I remember some of these people."
"So do I," Elias replied.
Most of the names belonged to men who had supposedly retired, moved away, or died years earlier.
Yet one name appeared again and again.
Nathan Cross.
Unlike the others, his name was circled repeatedly in red ink.
At the bottom of the page Jacob had written one final sentence.
If anything happens to me, don't trust anyone wearing the county badge until you know who still works for Cross.
The room fell silent.
May you like
One rescuer slowly looked toward the sheriff's badge lying inside the metal box.
Suddenly, nobody was certain whom they could trust.
