Evan Spotted Bright Clothing Below the Forest Overlook — Then Ranger Cole Saw Where the Fresh Footprints Led
Chapter 3 — Leah Parker
Leah was twenty-six and had volunteered at Pine Ridge for three summers.
She helped inspect trails.
Reported damaged signs.
Assisted with visitor surveys.
And knew the overlook better than most employees.
According to Aaron, Leah texted him shortly after sunrise.
She said she had found something wrong with the overlook.
Something that needed to be seen before visitors arrived.
“What did she find?” Cole asked.
Aaron shook his head.
“She wouldn’t say over text.”
“Then what happened?”
“I came here.”
“Was she here?”
Aaron nodded.
Michael watched him carefully.
“So you lied when you said you didn’t know anything.”
Aaron looked ashamed.
“I didn’t want this to become what it looks like.”
Cole stepped closer.
“What does it look like?”
Aaron didn’t answer.
Instead, Cole pulled out his phone.
“I’m calling search and rescue.”
Aaron immediately spoke.
“Wait.”
Everyone turned.
“Leah didn’t fall.”
Cole stopped.
“How do you know?”
“Because I saw her after the railing broke.”
Michael stared at him.
“Then where is she?”
Aaron looked toward the narrow service trail.
“She ran that way.”
“From what?” Cole asked.
Aaron’s voice dropped.
“From me.”
