Free Washed Up (A Gracie Andersen Mystery Book 4) by Laurinda Wallace

have to find out which agency took it and try to—”
    The snap of a twig cut her off. The women swung their gaze to the thick undergrowth.
    “It’s probably deer,” Amanda assured her.
    “There are mountain lions up here, right?” Gracie had a feeling that someone or something was watching them.
    Amanda shrugged. “There are, but I wouldn’t worry about that.” She pointed to the west. “Let’s take a look above the falls. That would have to be the area where Manny was killed and then tossed. I want to see how it could have happened.”
    “All right,” Gracie agreed, against her better judgment.
    There was no way she wanted to linger on a remote mountain looking for a murder scene. Experience had taught her that two-footed creatures were far more dangerous than four-footed ones, and she wasn’t truly convinced deer were the only things lurking in the woods.
    “We’re not staying long, right?”
    “I want a quick look around,” Amanda said tersely.
    A rock formation towered over the waterfalls and stream below. A large flat stone went to the edge of the gorge.
    “I think the fight could’ve been right here, and then whoever it was pushed poor Manny over the edge.”
    “But why didn’t Gary and Hank see him on the way up? He would’ve been in the water.”
    “Good point,” Amanda conceded, walking further back into the woods, away from the precipice.
    Gracie decided not to follow Amanda. She again peered down at the water. It splashed merrily, a peaceful and reassuring sound. Branches parted on the far side of the pool, and two fawns daintily stepped into view. A small doe wasn’t far behind, watchful of the perimeter, while her spotted progeny drank. Amanda had been right after all. The deer family disappeared into the foliage after their stop at the water hole. Amanda reappeared, looking aggravated.
    “Find anything?” Gracie asked.
    “Nothing.”
    “What exactly are you looking for?”
    “I don’t know. Something that places Manny here, I guess. I was looking for footprints or maybe a piece of torn clothing. Just something.”
    “I’m sure whoever is investigating has been over this area with a fine-tooth comb.”
    “You’re right. I’d like to help get some justice for Manny, somehow.”
    “I’ve been warned early and often about staying out of law enforcement’s way. You can only do so much.”
    Amanda exhaled. “I’m not trying to horn in on our boys in blue. But it’s personal, you know?”
    “I understand that. We’re a bit over our heads with this case though. Marc says it’s a dangerous one and to keep a healthy distance. And I’m good with that.”
    Amanda seemed to acquiesce with the nod of her head, although the look in her eyes told a different story.
    Gracie crouched and directed her gaze below. “Did you notice the trail that’s on the other side of the pool area? I think it might be a game trail. I saw some of those deer you were telling me about.”
    “Where?” Amanda craned her neck to see where Gracie was pointing. “Oh, right. I wonder where it starts. Come on, let’s find out.”
    She was already scrambling down the rocks. Gracie had no choice but to follow. It took a bit of bushwhacking to find the trail, but after a few minutes, they located the narrow path.
    “I’ve been hiking up here regularly for a couple of years and never knew about this.” Amanda pointed at the track. “Look at the prints. It’s a regular highway to the water.”
    Hoof prints were abundant in the muddy trail. There were also some rather large paw prints, which instantly gave Gracie the whim-whams. A good-sized bear had visited the pool recently.
    Amanda dug around in her backpack, finally pulling out a trail map. Unfolding the worn paper, she studied it, tracing a line with her finger. “Well, I’ll be.”
    “What?”
    “We’re pretty close to the Outlaws’ Cave. I’ve always used the Allen Trail, which splits off the one we were hiking, to get there. From here