Page 61 of Buried in the Woods Below

Olivia looks up. “Yeah. What happened?”

I hesitate, then lean forward. “I found another note. On a neighbor’s house.”

Eric blinks and rubs the scar on his chin with his index finger. “Huh.”

Not quite the reaction I expected.

“Someone’s leaving them around the island,” I continue. “Trying to scare people.”

“Must be Russ,” he mutters.

My mother gasps. “This is getting out of hand. Why don’t you all come back to Wayzata with me tonight? Stay at my hotel.”

Eric chuckles and places a hand on her shoulder. “Appreciate it, Julie, but it’s just a prank.”

“It’s not funny,” she snaps. “At least call the police.”

“Laelynn reported it on her way out of town. They haven’t followed up yet.”

“Then call yourself.”

Eric stiffens, then nods. “All right. First thing tomorrow.”

My mom raises a glass. “Good man.” We lift our glasses in agreement. I force a smile, but Eric watches me carefully.

“Is there more?” he asks.

I hesitate. Then: “I saw Vivek. On the trail.”

Olivia nearly chokes. “Shut the f—front door.”

“Who’s Vivek?” asks Eric.

Mom answers coldly. “A lech from work.”

“Everyone relax,” I say. “This is why I didn’t want to bring it up. It’s under control.”

I flash back to the branch in my hands. The blood. The unwelcome rush.

Mom leans forward. “This is outrageous. He’s stalking you. I’ve had enough. Tomorrow night, I’ll talk to him myself.”

“Mom, please. I think I’ve been nepo-babied enough for one week.”

“Don’t worry. I won’t embarrass you.”

I groan. “We’re way past that.”

Eric chimes in gently. “Julie, have you considered just letting the process play out?”

She straightens in her chair, chest puffing. “Eric, I didn’t get where I am by”—she makes air quotes—“letting the process play out. Tomorrow after the conference, I’ll speak to Vivek. And his wife.”

I peer into my mother’s eyes, alight with fire. I’ve seen this look before, during my father’s darkest days.

One thing I know.

It doesn’t end well.

Chapter 30