May 13th

National Adventure Race Qualifying Meet, Washington State

"Hey, great race, Kendall." Logan smiled at her, sweat beading his brow.

"Thanks. You guys were pretty impressive too. Who knows, if we keep this up, our team could finish in the top five by the end of the season." Kendall winked at Jody. "Since when did you learn to shoot the rapids that way, girl? I was sure you were in for a dunking." Jody was leaning against Logan's chest, her head resting in the crook of his shoulder.

Jody beamed. "I told you I've been practicing. After your brother's comment at our last race, I thought it might be wise to put in some extra training. He's a tough man to please, and I don't want to be the reason we don't make it to the championships."

"Don't be silly, you were great out there. And if we don't make it, there's always next year." Kendall smiled. "As for pleasing Trace, I don't think any woman's capable of that."

"Where'd he get off to anyway?" asked Logan, motioning to the bike loaded on the truck. "There's his bike, right?"

"Yeah, that's it," said Kendall, running her fingers along the mud caked rim. She looked around the lot. Most of the cars were gone, the empty spaces marked by the growing shadows blanketing the mountain.

"Probably off taking care of some personal business, if you know what I mean," said Logan.

"Maybe, but it's not like him to leave his bike on the truck without locking it." Kendall fingered the open latch. "He's paranoid, you know. He thinks everyone's out to get him, and his stuff."

"At least all the pretty ladies," teased Jody. She stifled a moan when Logan slipped his fingers beneath her shirt and tweaked her nipple. Kendall rolled her eyes. The man seemed insatiable, and didn't seem to care where they were or who was watching them. Jody giggled, batting his hand away.

Great, thought Kendall. I introduced them and now they're the ones having all the sex. Some things just aren't fair.

Jody shifted as Logan made another attempt, focusing her attention back on Kendall. "I'm sure he'll be along any moment. I think he was upset we placed fourth. I know he was hoping we'd qualify for the Championships this time around, and I don't think finishing one spot short went over too well with him. Adventure racing is his passion."

"You mean obsession," countered Kendall, turning toward the truck. Logan seemed determined to get his hand down Jody's running tights and she wasn't in the mood to be a spectator. She walked around to the driver's door glad she'd convinced her brother to bring their truck instead of riding with their friends. Somehow Trace's irritated attitude seemed more appealing than listening to Jody scream as Logan brought her to orgasm on the ride down. From the stories her friend had told her, the man was quite inventive. She chuckled, trying not to picture the scene, as she reached for the handle.

"Hey, guys?" She pointed to the door when they joined her at the truck. "Please tell me those aren't Trace's keys in the lock." She turned, suppressing the initial wave of fear knotting her stomach, as she searched the tree line. "Trace?"

"I'm sure there's a logical explanation for all this," assured Logan.

"Then why do you sound so anxious?" asked Kendall, glancing over at him. "Trace!" she yelled again, louder, more desperate. It wasn't like Trace to run off. Not without telling her. She cupped her hands to her face just as Jody tapped her on the shoulder. She spun around, resisting the urge to scream. Blood pounded through her veins, her heart beating in sync with the heaving of her chest. "What?"

Jody pointed inside the car, her hand trembling against the glass.

Kendall looked through the window, a flash of panic tingling up her spine. She pulled the door open, drawn to the objects centered on the seat.

"No," she whispered, falling to her knees as she stared at a picture of her mother with Trace's wallet layered on top, the leather soaked with blood.