“Sarah knew these springs,” Mark said, his voice hollow. “She was obsessive about safety, especially with Ethan. She would never have gotten close enough to fall.”
“That’s what we need to investigate,” Chen replied. “There’s something else. The research team’s survey shows this spring has an unusual depth profile. Most hot springs in this area are relatively shallow, but Morning Glory has a narrow chimney that extends down much deeper than the surface pool suggests. Items could be distributed at various depths.”
Mark understood what she was not saying directly. Different pieces of evidence, different remains, could be at different levels. The thought made him nauseous.
“What about other hikers that day?” he asked. “The trail register? Security cameras at the parking area?”
“We’re reviewing everything from July 15th, 6 years ago,” Chen assured him. “The trail register shows your wife signed in at 8:47 a.m. But, Mr. Brennan, this trail system has dozens of interconnecting paths. Hundreds of people use it daily during summer. After 6 years, tracking down potential witnesses—”
A shout from the diving platform interrupted her. One of the recovery specialists was signaling urgently. Chen excused herself and jogged over, leaving Mark standing among the evidence of his wife’s last moments.
He forced himself to study each item, trying to understand. Sarah’s GPS watch, its electronic components long dead but the case intact. Her water bottles, the insulated steel showing minimal corrosion. Everything she had carried for a day hike with their toddler, now laid out like archaeological artifacts.
But where was evidence of Ethan? No tiny boots. No straps from the child carrier Sarah wore. No sippy cup or snacks or any of the dozens of items she always packed for their son. The absence felt louder than any discovery.
Detective Chen returned, her expression unreadable. “Mr. Brennan, the dive team has located additional items at depth. We’re going to need to continue recovery operations, but I think we should get you to the hotel. This is going to be a lengthy process.”
“Did they find anything related to my son?”…..