That’s where I’ve hidden the diamonds. I was heading to their hiding spot two days ago before Hannah spotted the girl in the water.

When I first moved here, it seemed like a good idea. I’d broken away from all my contacts in LA, so I didn’t have a fence who could sell the diamonds. I would only ever be able to sell one or two at a time without drawing attention to myself, which was fine for me since I wanted to make the money last the rest of my life anyway.

But I needed a place to keep them. Hiding them in my house seemed like a bad idea, no matter how well hidden they were. If anyone ever investigated me—or came looking for me—I didn’t want the diamonds to be anywhere close.

So I found the perfect hiding spot in the wilderness, and I go up there a couple of times a year to grab a few stones that I can take to Reno or Sacramento to sell.

As fall approaches, the first snow could be only weeks away. I have to get up there and get a couple of diamonds to last me through the winter. Or if I’m going to split town, I need to grab the whole bag. Either way, the hike is a must. I’ll have eleven miles of trail to decide what to do.

I fill up the water bladder of my daypack and throw in some granola bars, trail mix, and sunscreen. I dress in cargo shorts, a T-shirt, and a sweatshirt. I lace up my Merrell hiking shoes.

As I’m about to leave, my phone buzzes with an incoming text. I expect it to be Hannah, and I’m prepared to delete it. But it’s not from her. It’s from Claire.

The text reads, It’s a beautiful day. Want to go for a hike?

I stare at the words and consider inviting her. What would it hurt to bring her along? After seeing the intensity of her workout yesterday at the gym, I know she’s not going to hold me back. And once we’re up there, it shouldn’t be difficult to slip away from her to get the diamonds.

As much as I enjoy hiking alone, I’ve been doing that for two years now. It would be nice to have a beautiful woman to keep me company.

I text back, Getting ready to hike to Lake Aloha. Want to come along?

I think briefly about the possibility that I’m putting this girl in danger, but I picture her smile and her sapphire-blue eyes, and I push any concern I have out of my head.

CHAPTER 9