“Honey doesn’t find the birds. Her job is to remember where the ducks fall and bring them back,” Mandy explained.

“Whatever. I have to go.” Jed patted his thigh.

“I’m hungry.” Bill looked hopefully at Jed. “Can we get burgers for lunch again, Jed? Please. Then I could help you train Bear. He’s almost as smart as Honey.”

Jed’s face looked pained, but to Mandy’s surprise, he nodded. “Sure.”

“Yay.” Bill loped out the door. Mandy watched the trio cross the yard. Jed was acting differently lately. More patient, less work-oriented. Had his injury changed him, or was he up to something?

Danny stepped up beside her and looked over her shoulder out the window. “Some dog.”

“Jed’s the best dog trainer around, but Honey was special from day one. Field trial champion two years in a row. Jed was supposed to breed her this spring, but he changed his mind.”

“Because of his injury?”

Looking for unfinished chores, Mandy turned back to the kitchen. A quick scan of the counters and sink showed everything to be neat and tidy. “That’s what he said. But he could use the income with his hunting guide business on hold. He sold four dogs over the winter. He only has a few left.”

Jed hadn’t bred any dogs or taken any retrievers in for training since the stabbing. Was he depressed by his physical limitations or weaker than he’d admit?

The inn was strangely quiet. Behind her, Danny shuffled his feet. Uh-oh. They were alone. No guests, no Mom, no Bill. When was the last time she’d been alone at home? She picked up a sponge and wiped an imaginary spot from the stainless faucet. Now what?

“Now that we’re alone, how about showing me what you found in Ray’s office?”

“I didn’t get much of a chance to look at it.” Mandy unzipped her purse and pulled out the file. Staying on the opposite side of the center island from Danny, she opened the cover. Inside were newspaper clippings and printed Internet articles, all detailing Nathan’s case. She laid a few out on the counter. Maine Mayor Organizes Ritual Murder, Sadistic Killer Disappears, Manhunt Continues in Maine, Killer Vanishes Without a Trace.

Danny thumbed through the pile. “He must have every article printed on the case.”

Mandy scanned the clippings. Everything she wanted to forget was laid out in front of her. A cold ache formed inside her belly, as if she’d swallowed ice water too quickly. The chill rose into her chest and froze her throat, choking off her next breath. Tiny white spots danced in front of her eyes.

“Hey, are you all right?” Danny’s hand on her arm startled her.