Chapter 9 - Panic Behind the Smiles
The tallest bully's expression changed instantly.
Proof.
That single word unsettled him more than any physical confrontation.
He tried to hide his concern.
"Proof of what?"
Nobody answered immediately.
Instead, the rescue team carefully untied the leather straps.
Inside were several sealed documents, old photographs, and a small waterproof memory card protected inside a plastic case.
The park ranger inhaled sharply.
"I remember those photographs..."
One rescuer examined the first picture.
"It was taken here."
Another unfolded an aging map of the lake covered with handwritten markings.
The tallest bully suddenly stepped backward.
Only one step.
But Elias noticed.
"You've seen this map before."
The bully froze.
"What are you talking about?"
Elias watched him silently.
"You recognized it."
For the first time all morning, genuine fear crossed the young man's face.
His two friends looked at him with confusion.
"What does he mean?"
The tallest bully didn't answer.
Instead, he glanced toward the nearby forest as if measuring the distance to escape.
May you like
Elias quietly noticed.
So did everyone else.
