Deadfall Read Free Page B

get turned around in these woods.”
    Dana nodded. “Especially at night. I’d like to hear what Jessica has to say.”
    Vicki and Todd walked with Dana to the Subaru and stopped a few feet away. The two deputies joined them and Dana introduced Vicki and Todd.
    â€œDeputy Hanks.” The younger man extended his hand to Vicki and then to Todd, finally to Jessica.
    â€œThis is Deputy Miller.” Hanks seemed to take charge at this point. Deputy Miller had a medium build with an ample spare tire while Hanks looked well built, with a broad chest and shoulders. Both men looked to be around Todd’s height—over six feet.
    Vicki listened as Jessica recounted her story to the deputies and the trooper. She talked about their argument and about how she’d decided to break off their relationship. “I told him I was moving out. Brad got really mad. He got out of the car and said he needed some air.”
    â€œWhat was he wearing?” Deputy Hanks asked.
    â€œJeans, tennis shoes, and a sweatshirt. He left his wallet in the glove box and the keys in the ignition.”
    Todd walked around to the passenger side of the Subaru and grabbed the wallet out of the glove box. He unfolded it and checked the currency compartment.
    â€œWhat are you doing?” The younger deputy seemed annoyed.
    â€œThere’s no money in here.” Todd glanced over at Jessica.
    She clenched her jaw. “So? You think I took his money?” Jessica turned away in disgust. “I didn’t. I wouldn’t do something like that.”
    To the officers,Todd said, “Brad is a ski instructor who makes good tips. He always has a wallet full of small bills. I’ve never seen Brad without cash. My son doesn’t have a checking account, so he keeps his rent, grocery money, and whatever else in his wallet.”
    Hanks made some notes in a small notebook. “What else can you tell us about him? Do you have a photo?”
    â€œThere’s one in his wallet,” Jessica said in a small voice. “We’re both in it.”
    Todd flipped through the plastic-encased photos, pulled out the photograph of Brad and Jessica, and handed it to the deputy.
    â€œHe’s about six-two and what, Vicki, about a hundred and eighty pounds?”
    â€œMaybe a little heavier,” Vicki added. “He’s lean but very muscular. Brad keeps in shape.”
    â€œHe weighed one-eighty-five this morning,” Jessica offered.
    â€œHe said he was getting fat. It was one of the things we argued about. I told him it was from all the beer he drank.”
    Thanks to you. Vicki kept the comment to herself. “When are we going to start looking for him?” she asked. “We’re wasting valuable time standing around here.”
    â€œWe’ll get a ground search going tonight, folks.” Hanks held his spike mic up to his lips and asked his dispatch to get a chopper from the Portland Airbase with FLIR.
    Dana came up alongside Vicki. “Is there anything I can do for you?”
    Vicki shook her head and pinched her eyes closed as tears invaded again. “I’ll be okay. Just find Brad.”
    â€œIf he’s out there, we will.”
    â€œWhat’s FLIR?” Todd asked Dana.
    â€œForward-looking infrared. It looks for body heat.”
    Hanks held up his hand, asking for silence. Then he held his radio mic up to his ear, trying to hear over the roar of the falls, the freeway traffic, and the pummeling rain.
    â€œLooks like we’re on our own tonight, folks,” he said. “The weather’s not going to permit an air search right now. You folks are welcome to come along, or wait here and we’ll be in touch.”
    â€œI’ll come,” Todd and Vicki said together.
    â€œAre you going with us?” Vicki asked Jessica point-blank.
    Jessica licked her lips and in a whining tone said, “I’m not feeling very well. I’ll stay here in case he comes