Chapter 68

Ashley and I rode back to the rocks on our ATVs as the ambulance and police arrived. Sam sat on a rock a few feet from Danny, and we could tell they had been talking.

Ashley said, “I have to know. Did you make that cougar sound?”

Danny nodded. “Thought it would scare you off.”

“Where’d you get the duct tape?” she said, pointing to his shoes.

Danny cocked his head. “Mr. Crumpus. Why?”

“Just wondering,” Ashley said.

Sam helped Danny up. He wasn’t as tall as I thought he’d be. His face was covered with freckles and he was skinny. This guy didn’t seem like a monster at all.

Ashley and I followed Sam’s truck back to the ambulance and police cruiser. Another car pulled in. Mr. Ingram.

Danny looked at Ashley when he got out of the truck. “Your dad says you think I’m not guilty. You’re right, but no one will believe me.”

“Your father will,” Ashley said.

Danny pursed his lips. “Make those girls tell the truth.”