“Yes,” he confessed softly.

“Where exactly did you see him?” I demanded.

“Right near the north bend, standing by the entrance to the private service trail,” Austin explained.

“Was he by himself?” I asked.

“No,” Austin said.

The single word hit me like a physical blow, and I had to lean heavily against the metal filing cabinet for support.

“Who was standing there with him?” I asked, my voice shaking.

Austin hesitated.