The big man spoke first, his voice a low, authoritative rumble. "Kade Murphy." He pointed to the woman next to him. "This is my fiance, Lillian Vanderson. That's her sister, Marissa Vanderson, and her fiance, Dane Sinclair." He gestured with his chin toward the tree. "These two kids found a body. They ran to our cabin for help."
Blue's gaze shifted to the teenagers. Hailey let out a small sob and buried her face in Bobby Joe's shoulder. The boy looked like he was trying to stand tall but was about to shatter.
"They said someone chased them," the man named Kade continued. "A man. Whistling."
"It was the Woodsman," said Hailey. "He k-killed Mr. Franklin."
"We don't know what happened to Mr. Franklin," said Blue. "Don't go around telling folks some urban legend boogeyman murdered in the woods."
Hailey nodded, but Blue knew her warning would go in one ear and out the other. There was nothing better in a small town than gossip.
