Chapter 7

A week later Cody walks into the ranger station. David was staffing the desk.

"Hey, David. Is Josh in?" Cody asked.

David answered, "I think he is in the kitchen?"

"Thanks man," Cody went back into the kitchen, only Josh was there.

"Josh, how are you doing?" Cody asked.

"Good Cody, what brings you off that mountain to civilization," Josh asked.

"I had to get Alex registered for school, get his materials, and supplies for the winter," Cody answered.

"Where is that rugrat?" Josh asked.

"Getting spoiled by his Aunt Robin. I think she would adopt that boy if I let her," Cody answered. "But I think I will keep him," both men laughed.

Cody asked, "Hey Josh, can I ask a favor?"

"Anything for you man," Josh answered.

"Alex told me that someone is living up at Aaron Bass's old lodge. Forestry department has no record of anyone staying there. Can you look up some names for me?" Cody asked.

"Of course, who is it?"

"Jennifer Peterson, Montgomery, or Jacobs and see what you can find out about her. She has a 10-year-old daughter named Hailey. Alex mentioned that the mother is Aaron Bass's granddaughter Jen. When I talked to her, she seemed a bit off. Like she did not know me. Or totally afraid of something or someone."

Josh asked, "Why multiple names?"

"Jacobs is Jen's maiden name. When Hailey introduced herself, she had said Peterson first, but then changed it to Montgomery. It took her a bit to pronounce her last name. Someone her age should be able to pronounce her last name without thinking about it. It seems a bit odd. When I got to the cabin, I was looking around to check out the situation before walking up. Jen snuck up on me and had a shot gun pointed at my head. She tracked me in the woods, and I did not hear her. When I told her a who I was, it seemed to take a while for it to register. Almost like she was on drugs, or she did not know me or knew who I was."

"You must be getting old man, if she was able to sneak up on you," Josh said. Cody was an expert tracker and for someone to sneak up on him is unusual. "Cody, I will do some looking around. Give me a couple of hours and I will let you know."

"Thanks Josh. I will be in town for a while, so just call. And can you keep it between us, for now. I do not think Wilson would be too happy with you helping me," Cody asked, but he really did not need to ask.

"Sure man," Josh said as he headed back to the office to get to work.