“Y-yes.” Anxiety knotted in Lane’s chest. He’d seen her at the bridge—standing at the edge. Was this a test? Seeing if she’d tell the truth? Or was it something more? She licked her lips and drew her shoulders back. “Yes, I went out there to get some pictures, but it started to rain before I could take any.”

Charlie considered her answer before dropping his gaze to his notebook. After a second he looked up. “How long were you out there?”

“About two hours, I think.”

“What time did you arrive?”

“I don’t remember the exact time. Maybe one o’clock or so.”

“How often are you in that area?”

“Once or twice a week, maybe.” Lane swallowed. Or more, depending on whether she allowed the darkness to take root. Some days it was harder to ignore. Harder to pretend.

“By yourself?”

“Yes.”

“When you’re out there, do you normally see other people?”

“Not usually. Sometimes I’ll see someone on the river. Kayaking or fishing.”

“And yesterday?”

Lane studied the deputy. His light brown hair was shorn close to his head. Typical of law enforcement . . . and the military. Where had Charlie come from? What was his background? Why did she care? And why was he staring—oh, staring. He asked her a question. What?

“Did you see anyone new or unusual out there yesterday?” Charlie repeated his question without a hint of annoyance. “Or any time before?”

“Before?” Lane grew uneasy. “Um, I overheard the other deputy say they thought it was suicide.” The word was like acid on her tongue.

Charlie’s square jaw flexed. His eyes probing. “You haven’t heard? The death is being investigated as a homicide.”

Homicide? Murder? In an instant, the girl’s ashen face flashed in Lane’s mind. Did she know her? The girl had to be someone from town, right? Lane’s fingers tightened over the arm of the couch as chills marched down her spine.

“Mrs. Kent.” A hint of softness returned to his eyes. “Are you okay?”

“Yes.” Her lips were dry. “Who-who’s the girl?”

“We can’t release that information yet.”

“But you think someone killed her? You think whoever did it might’ve been out there yesterday . . .” The noise. When she found the body, Lane discounted it as an animal, but what if . . . “There was a noise. When I found the body.” Lane’s heart was hammering inside her chest as her thoughts flashed to the strange man last night. Noah’s tiny voice in the next room congealed her fear. “Should I be worried?”

Understanding reached Charlie’s blue eyes as they locked on to hers. “No one knows you found the girl. And no one needs to know.”