Stranded by Dani Pettrey

everywhere.”
    â€œI hope that’s true.” She hoped people left signs too—didn’t just disappear, didn’t evaporate. She prayed God would give her the vision to see the signs, follow the trail, to find Abby and to bring her home.
    â€œPiper told me about your friend.” He looked at her with such compassion in his eyes—compassion only a fellow sufferer could understand. “I’m sorry.”
    She nodded her thanks. “I was hoping to pick your brain a little, if that’s okay?”
    He shifted. “Why me?”
    â€œYou were so helpful on the last investigation. . . .”
    â€œBeginner’s luck.” He took another sip of cider.
    â€œRight, but I was still hoping I could run some things by you—see if you have any more luck in you.” She needed his expertise.
    He stiffened slightly beside her, clearly trying to figure out if she knew more than she was letting on.
    â€œPlease. I’m so worried about my friend.”
    â€œAll right, but I can’t promise I’ll be much help.”
    â€œThanks.”
    â€œWhy do you want his help?”
    Kayden. Darcy exhaled. Not now. Not when Jake was willing to listen.
    â€œHe was so helpful with Reef’s case, and—”
    â€œHe was, wasn’t he?” Kayden cocked her head. “Makes you wonder where he got such knowledge.” She was the steadfast doubter when it came to Jake. She didn’t trust him—couldn’t accept a man who wouldn’t admit his past.
    â€œHey, Darcy,” Clint said, striding up. “The sunset is going to be amazing. I know a great vantage point. Care to join me?”
    â€œUh . . .” She glanced over at Jake.
    â€œWe can catch up later,” he said.
    She looked back at Clint and smiled. “Sure.” She’d hoped for help from Jake, but maybe she’d find some from Clint instead. He knew Abby—brief as their time working together might have been. Clint was open and easygoing, and clearly feeling more and more comfortable around her. Maybe he was ready to share a bit more.
    Near the top of a rocky rise, Clint extended his hand.
    Darcy took hold, and he guided her up the final steps. She gazed across the northern expanse of the island to the strait and beyond, and her breath caught. The sun was setting to her left, and straight ahead, two snow-covered peaks glistened in the evening light. “It’s stunning.”
    â€œYes,” he said, stepping closer. “You are.”
    She glanced over to find his gaze fixed on her. “Thanks.”
    â€œIt’s the truth.” He reached out, caressing her jaw with the back of his hand.
    â€œThanks for bringing me up here.” She shifted her attention back to the view, hoping he’d do the same. “So, what am I looking at?”
    â€œThose are the Pavlov volcanoes. That spit of land that they sit on divides the Pacific Ocean from the Bering Sea.”
    â€œWow. You sure know this area well.”
    â€œIt’s not my first excursion here. After a while, you learn where the best vantage points are.”
    â€œDid Abby come on excursion here too?”
    â€œSure. On the last cruise.”
    â€œDid you show her this view?”
    â€œNah.”
    â€œHow come?”
    â€œWe never really connected.”
    â€œConnected?”
    He smiled. “I like you, like your style. Thought you’d enjoy a good view.”
    â€œAnd Abby?”
    â€œNever really thought about Abby. Then again, I only worked a few excursions with her.”
    â€œThis is the first excursion we’ve worked together.”
    â€œYeah, but we connected. Clicked. Ya know?”
    She smiled but didn’t feel any true connection, though it would hardly help her cause to let Clint know that. He was a nice enough guy—she just had pressing matters at hand.
    Gage’s words of condemnation raced through her mind, and she tried to