Asher and I joined the group, waiting while we were assigned a quadrant of a map to search for the missing lady. Apparently she was in her fifties but reasonably fit, so the fact she hadn’t emerged meant she might be injured. We needed to expect the worst. The track to Destiny Falls was well-marked and usually safe, but we were in the mountains, and that shouldn’t be taken for granted. Anything could have happened.

We just had to hope she was okay.

Chapter Twenty-Two

KENNEDY

Hi Liam,

I saw myself in a tabloid magazine for the first time today. It was this terrible, unflattering shot of me in a bikini at a friend’s private pool, speculating on whether I was pregnant. I was just bloated. But how did they even get that photo? Was someone hiding in the bushes? Or was there a drone? Did one of my so-called friends sell me out?

There are some ruthless people in this business, and I’m not sure if I’m cut out to be one of them.

Love,

K xx

I’d finished assembling my new photography equipment and figured out how to work my new camera. After a few test shots in Grace’s backyard, I decided I was brave enough to venture off the property. I headed for the parking area where the walk to Destiny Falls waterfall began. I didn’t intend to head up to the falls, but I wouldn’t mind taking some photographs along one of the other trails in the area.

I chose one that skirted around the edge of the falls, and I started walking. I took my time, pausing every few minutes to snap a picture of a bird or a particularly lush tree. It had been ages since I’d tried taking photos of anything other than my family, so my skills were a bit rusty, but the challenge of sharpening them again would be half the fun.

A fantail landed on a tree branch in front of me, bright plumage flickering in and out of view as it flitted along the branch. I held my breath, edging closer, and aimed the camera.

“Hi!”

“Eeek!” I spun around, clutching my chest. “Don’t scare me like that!”

It was Aiden. He cocked his head and grinned in a way I’m sure was supposed to be charming, but with my life still flashing before my eyes, I didn’t have it in me to be anything other than annoyed.

The smile faded. “Sorry. I didn’t mean to give you a fright.” He sounded genuinely contrite.

“Well, you did.” I drew in a deep breath, holding it in for a few seconds even as my lungs ached to pull in more air. When I released it, I felt a little better. “Seriously, be careful when you sneak up on someone.”