Page 25 of Veil of Silence

She watched as Austin remained crouched beside his father with two fingers pressed against the older man’s neck. He had to know the truth by now. She certainly did.

But he left his hand there a few seconds longer.

She gave him space.

Finally, Austin lowered his hand. “Don’t touch anything.”

His voice had changed from urgent to flat and controlled.

Nora nodded as he rose. He didn’t look entirely steady on his feet, and worry pulsed through her. This would be a lot for anyone.

Harlan reached them a moment later, with another deputy several yards behind him. Both men slowed when they saw Jeff Donnelly slumped against the tree.

Harlan removed his hat. “I’m sorry.”

Something raw and unguarded passed over Austin’s face.

Nora looked away, giving him what little privacy she could.

When she glanced back, his expression had closed again.

“There’s no obvious trauma,” Austin said. “No blood. Nothing around him looks disturbed.”

Harlan nodded. “We’ll secure the area and notify the medical examiner.”

Nora watched as Austin studied the ground surrounding his father. Then he looked at the trail they’d followed. Nora could almost see him making himself study the scene instead of the man beneath the tree.

“I’d like to go back to the car,” Austin finally said. “I want to look at it again.”

“Of course,” Harlan said.

Nora stayed beside Austin as they made their way uphill. She didn’t ask whether he was okay. There was no point.

He clearly wasn’t okay.

By the time they reached the parking area, another deputy had arrived and begun stringing crime-scene tape near the trail.

Austin went directly to the Camry. He checked the back seat through the window, then cupped his hands against the glass to block the glare.

There was no file box and nothing on the floorboard.

“You checked the trunk?” he asked.

“Empty,” Harlan said.

Austin moved to the front passenger window and crouched, changing his angle. He studied the floor, the dashboard, and the spaces around both seats.

Then he leaned closer.

Something white showed in the narrow gap between the passenger seat and the center console. Only one corner was visible, wedged deep enough that it disappeared from every other angle.

“There’s something between the seats.”

Harlan crouched beside him. “I see it.”

He pulled on gloves and opened the passenger door. Another deputy photographed the paper where it lay before Harlan carefully worked it free.

It was a folded piece of stationery bearing the motel’s logo.