But Warren didn’t draw attention to it, and instead spoke only of why he was there.

“The sheriff called,” he said. “Greg Davis’s story checks out.”

She knew he was referring to the convenience store Greg Davis mentioned—where he said he told the victim to go.

“She was seen on the surveillance camera. She just went in, purchased the water jug, and left.”

“You think we should interview the person who rung her up?” Tara asked.

Warren shook his head. “The local cops already did. I don’t think it’s worth interviewing him again.”

But Tara could tell that was not all he came to tell her. His body was tense with urgency.

“The sheriff called to tell me something else too,” he said. “They found a campground where they have a record of the same victim checking in. It’s located between Hanover and where the body was found.”

At the mention of it, Tara knew it was exactly where they could find answers to why her body was found where it was—an area of the trail she already walked through the days prior.

“Why don’t you meet me downstairs in five and we’ll head over,” Warren said.

Tara nodded and agreed. Fueled with adrenaline from the new lead, she began to close the door. But suddenly, Warren’s hand grabbed hold of it. She had almost forgotten that her job was still on the line.

“Oh, and Mills,” Warren said as Tara faced him once again.

She knew right away what he was about to address; she could sense it, as her heart fluttered against her chest.

“You know, I thought long and hard last night about the situation you had yesterday,” he said.

Tara nodded and he continued.

“I honestly considered calling Reindhart and asking him for a different partner.” He paused. “Frankly, maybe I should’ve.” He rolled his eyes at his words. “But I didn’t.”

Tara felt a wave of relief wash over her. She was about to thank him, but he spoke first. “You understand what’s at risk when you freeze like that, right?”

She nodded. She knew very well what was at stake and she knew she was lucky too, for the situation could’ve ended much differently.

“I’m trusting you to have my back. You risk my life too when something like that happens,” Warren added before a brief silence fell around them and Tara knew she needed to speak.

“I know,” she said. “It won’t happen again.”

Warren nodded in return. It was all he expected her to say, and at her words, he looked down at his watch, abruptly shifting back to the case. He didn’t want to waste any more time. He reminded her to meet him downstairs in five minutes, and then he turned and walked down the hall.

Tara closed the door, heaving a sigh of relief. She was still on the case. Warren was trusting her again. But as she got ready, an unsettling feeling swirled within her because she knew deep down, she could barely trust herself.