The Glacier Gallows Read Online Free PDF Page B

since the debacle had begun. She was a science reporter, but she was a reporter first and foremost. “Does this mean that you’re ceding jurisdiction?”
    â€œThis is a joint investigation. The RCMP has the closest Major Crimes Unit, so they will lead the forensic investigation. The criminal medical examiner is being flown in from Calgary.”
    â€œBut we’re on American soil,” said Mike Hook.
    â€œRight here we are, but over there”—the chief ranger pointed at the cliff where the RCMP technician was starting to determine the path of contamination for the crime scene—“is Canada. Listen, this is a difficult situation for all of you, and it’s difficult for us too. We’ll get to the bottom of this. We’ll need your cooperation to do it. If there was a crime committed, there will be plenty of time to squabble about which country it was in later on. We’re going to need to talk with you each individually, and between now and then I’ll remind you not speak with each other about this event.”
    Several voices called out questions. Doyle held up his hands. “For the time being, those of you in the fourth estate will refrain from fueling speculation.” Doyle was looking at Tara Sinclair. “I can’t take away your iPhone—much as I’d like to—but I’ll demand that you respect the fact that next of kin has not been notified. If I need to have a judge swear out a publication ban on all the details of this case, I will. Are we understood?” Tara Sinclair bobbed her head.
    â€œNow,” the chief ranger continued, “I understand that we have some political people here.” Two hands went up. “You are?”
    â€œI’m Mike Hook. I’m the senior Natural Resources policy advisor to the governor.”
    â€œI’m Rick Turcotte.” Rick was standing behind the group. Cole turned and noticed him for the first time in a while. “I’m parliamentary secretary to Canada’s Minister of Natural Resources. It’s like an undersecretary in your—”
    â€œAlright, I would expect that the two of you have been in contact with your bosses.” Both said they had. “We’d like it if this stayed out of the political arena while we conduct our investigation. I will act as liaison with the feds, state and provinces on both sides of the border. Are we understood?” The group nodded in unison.
    Doyle continued, “Please do not return to your tents. Sit tight while the investigators complete their initial crime-scene work. Understood?”
    â€œMr. Doyle?” Tara Sinclair said.
    â€œYes?”
    â€œWell, one of our party isn’t here. I mean, besides Mr. Marriott.” Everybody looked around, counting heads.
    â€œAnd who is that?” asked the ranger.
    Tara looked at Derek for help. “The guide, Blake Foreman. He hasn’t come back yet. We went out to look for Brian, but Blake hasn’t come back yet.”
    The ranger looked at Derek. “Derek, where’s your boy?”
    Derek stood. “I don’t know.”
    â€œBLAKE FOREMAN. HE’S thirty-two, wears a neatly trimmed beard, had a wool cap on. He has a big orange pack.” Derek was talking with the chief ranger and one of the Canadian park wardens. Cole was standing nearby, listening. “He went west this morning in search of Mr. Marriott. Jessica and Mike were with him. We were in contact by radio. I told him Brian’s body had been found. I went out and met up with his party. Foreman insisted on searching for any sign that someone else had been up here last night. He said he’d follow us back. I searched with him for a few minutes and then caught up with Mike and Jessica.”
    â€œYou have to leave the investigation to us,” Doyle said sternly.
    â€œI know that now.” Derek sounded sheepish. “Blake was angry. He insisted.”
    â€œHow did you know that