Brianna checked her pistol. It was loaded with the safety on, ready for her if she needed it. Didn't hurt to take precautions. They hadn't been given the chance to check the woods around the parking area where the bodies had been found this morning. If nothing else, she wanted to satisfy her own curiosity, and make sure they hadn't missed an important piece of evidence.

The sun was sinking lower as she climbed out of the Saturn. It was getting dark earlier now in late August, but it was still light until around 8:30. Brianna was confident she could hike up and back well before then.

She locked the...