Chapter 18 - A Familiar Face
The rescue team decided to leave the cabin before darkness reached the forest. Elias carried the notebook while another rescuer secured the cassette tape inside a protective case.
Halfway back to the lake, they heard another vehicle approaching.
This time it came from the official park road.
A county sheriff's SUV rolled to a stop near the dock.
Sheriff Daniel Brooks stepped out, adjusting his hat.
"I received reports of a disturbance."
The crowd immediately began speaking all at once.
The sheriff raised a hand.
"One at a time."
His eyes eventually settled on Elias.
The two men stared at each other for several long seconds.
"We've met before," Brooks said.
Elias nodded.
"Many years ago."
The sheriff smiled politely, but something about the expression felt forced.
When his eyes briefly drifted toward the notebook tucked beneath Elias's jacket, Elias noticed a subtle change.
Recognition.
Not curiosity.
Recognition.
The moment lasted less than a second.
But it was enough.
Elias quietly closed his jacket.
May you like
The sheriff pretended not to notice.
Both men understood that the conversation had suddenly become far more dangerous.
