Page 35 of The Hero She Loves

A few minutes later, Jenna stopped. She pulled her backpack off her shoulders and pulled out a water bottle. “Drink break.”

He lifted his chin and pulled his own water out. A moment later, she handed him a protein bar.

“According to the map, the trail gets a little steeper and rockier from here.” She pointed up the hill. “The hunting cabin is up that way.”

Parker ate the protein bar in three bites. “Then let’s keep moving.”

They trekked on.

As they moved through a thicker patch of trees, he suddenly heard movement off to their left. He held up a hand. Jenna froze.

Don’t be a damn bear. He slid his hand around his backpack, ready to pull out the bear spray he had clipped to it.

More noise, twigs snapping. Then a large body stepped out of the trees.

Holy shit. The moose idly made its way through the trees. It was huge. It had a glossy brown coat and a massive set of antlers. Park glanced back and saw Jenna’s mouth drop open.

The majestic animal didn’t appear agitated. It kept walking, giving no indication it cared about their presence. He knew aggressive moose could charge, but this one kept walking and soon disappeared into the trees.

The tense muscles in his shoulders relaxed.

“Oh my God.” Jenna let out a breathy laugh. “I had no idea it would be that big.”

“Me neither. I’ve seen plenty of caribou but not any moose up close.”

They shared a smile.

Jenna tightened her braid. “Glad it wasn’t a bear.”

“Me too.” Park set off in the direction of the cabin again.

It wasn’t long before he spotted the wooden structure. It was a simple, square building, with no frills. The ground around the cabin was rocky, with few trees.

Jenna and Park paused, carefully surveying the area.

“No sign of movement,” she murmured.

“Be careful.” Olson wouldn’t announce his presence. “I suggest we circle around and check the back.”

They did a loop of the cabin. There was still no sign of anyone. They reached the front door and Jenna opened it carefully.

There wasn’t anyone inside.

Park took in the canvas cots lined up against one wall, for hunters to sleep on with their sleeping bags. There was a built-in wooden table and bench, and a black, cast-iron woodstove.

“The dust’s been disturbed.” Park toed the floor with his boot, studying the scrape marks. “Someone was here.”

“It could’ve been anyone.”

Then he spotted a perfect shoe print. “Look. It’s from an Anvil tactical hiking boot.”

“The same custom boots Olson has.” She smiled grimly. “He was here. We’re on the right track.” She glanced around. “Let’s look around outside again.”

They went out the front door, and Park frowned. He didn’t get the impression Olson had stayed here long. He’d come here, then left.

Why? Did he feel too exposed?

Park turned and saw Jenna looking down the hill, lost in thought.