Evan Spotted Bright Clothing Below the Forest Overlook — Then Ranger Cole Saw Where the Fresh Footprints Led
Chapter 5 — The Restricted Valley
Cole knew exactly what Aaron meant.
The northern valley below the overlook had been closed to staff and visitors for six months.
A rare nesting site had been discovered there.
Only wildlife researchers were authorized to enter.
Yet Aaron admitted going there twice.
“Why?”
“I was checking drainage.”
Cole shook his head.
“You don’t maintain that section.”
Aaron stopped talking.
Michael looked at him.
“You’re still hiding something.”
Aaron said nothing.
Cole radioed headquarters.
“Pull Aaron Blake’s vehicle access logs for the last thirty days.”
Aaron immediately looked up.
“That’s not necessary.”
“It is now.”
While they waited, Evan wandered only a few feet toward the service path.
Then stopped.
“Dad.”
Michael walked over.
Something silver was half buried near the edge of the trail.
Cole picked it up.
A small memory card.
Leah’s initials were written across one side.
L.P.
Aaron stared at it.
“That’s from her camera.”
Cole looked toward the ranger station.
“Then let’s see what she recorded.”
The files on that tiny card would reveal why Leah had been frightened long before the railing broke.
