Terry Odell - Mapleton 02 - Deadly Bones by Terry Odell Page A

where the landscaping gave way to natural growth. “I had an old tennis ball, but Artie didn’t bring it back. We looked, but couldn’t find it, so we started throwing a stick.”
    “Artie’s not very good at fetch,” Declan said. “Half the time he didn’t bring back anything, or it was a different stick.”
    Joey fisted his hands. “Hey, at least he played. Midnight just sat there.”
    “Boys, let’s do what Chief Hepler asked,” Jake Shore said. “Show him exactly where you were playing.”
    “Over there, I guess,” Declan said, pointing into the trees.
    They’d gone about twenty yards into the woods when Jake spoke. “He wants to go that way.” Jake pointed to his left. The dog strained at his leash.
    “That’s what we’re here for,” Gordon said. “Let’s go.”
    By now, they were at the far perimeter of the Kretzers’ property. Leaves and twigs crunched under their feet as they worked their way deeper into the woods. Gordon shone his flashlight back and forth along the path where Artie tugged his owner along. The boys pointed, elbowed each other, and whispered, sharing their new secret. At least that’s what Gordon hoped they were talking about, and not about how stupid it was to use a flashlight at midday.
    As Artie’s barking grew more frantic, Gordon paused. Were they trampling over what might be evidence? He weighed the options. If there was anything to be found, might it be something best not seen by young eyes? Artie’s barking quieted to a soft whimper. From about twenty yards ahead, Jake called out. “He’s digging.”
    “Hold him back.” Gordon figured from this point, he’d make a quick survey of the area and let the Webbers and Shores go home. “Wait up.”
    Joey and Declan halted, gazing up at him with wide eyes. Nicholas Webber’s held more questions than admiration.
    Gordon met his gaze. “Sir, I’m going to check out what Artie found. Will you wait with the boys, please?” The man’s expression said he didn’t particularly like taking orders—probably got enough of that from his wife—but he grunted an affirmative.
    Gordon turned to the boys. “You’ve been a big help. Now, I need you to wait here with Mr. Webber while I go check with Mr. Shore.”
    The boys’ faces fell, but they begrudgingly shuffled to a fallen log and sat.
    Gordon dodged low-hanging branches and hopped over deadfall as he closed the distance to Jake. Artie sat at Jake’s side, quivering.
    “Don’t know what’s got him so excited,” Jake said. “He’s normally an easy-going fella.”
    “I can handle it from here,” Gordon said. “You can take Joey and the dog home, and let Mr. Webber know he’s free to go as well.”
    Jake frowned, but he pulled Artie around and tapped his thigh. “Let’s go, boy. Let’s find Joey.” He paused a moment, and gave Gordon an even stare. “You are going to tell me what this is all about, aren’t you?”
    “I hope it’s about nothing. And please don’t mention it to anyone but Mr. Webber at this time.” Gordon waited.
    “The wives are going to want to know,” Jake said. “And so are the kids.”
    Gordon knew that was coming. And he also knew that the boys would be sharing the fact that they’d helped the police with anyone who would listen. He searched his brain for a logical explanation.
    “The stick Artie found, as you surmised, wasn’t a stick at all. It was a bone. We haven’t identified it yet”—not a complete lie—“but I’m trying to find the exact spot Artie found it.”
    “In case there are more,” Jake said. “And it must be human, or you wouldn’t be bothering.”
    “That’s it. But until I find something—or don’t find something—it’s better that it’s kept quiet.” He tried for a laugh. “Can’t have all the citizens of Mapleton digging in the Kretzers’ woods. I hope to know something in a day or two.”
    Jake looked thoughtful for a moment. “The kids had a time capsule project at school this