High Sierra Quarry

By Paul Wagner

When a young woman hiker is reported missing, the Forest Service takes part in the search. But the more Ranger Dan Courtwright learns about the case, the less sense it makes to him. And the more dangerous things get for everyone involved, especially Dan. All of which leads to confusion, consternation,

and murder.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Albicaulis Books
• Release date: May 19, 2023
• ISBN: 9798985605877

Paul Wagner

Author Paul Wagner spent the first summers of his life in the Sierra Nevada, where his father was a ranger. Since then, he has hiked thousands of miles in the mountains, and his website, backpackthesierra.com, has become a popular reference for outdoor enthusiasts. He has won international awards for his non-fiction books. This is the sixth of his Dan Courtwright mysteries.

Book preview

HIGH

SIERRA

QUARRY

A Dan Courtwright Mystery

Other Books by Paul Wagner :

Dan Courtwright Mysteries

Danger: Falling Rocks

Bones of the Earth

Holes in the Ground

Granite Gorge

Artisan Public Relations

Wine Sales and Distribution

Wine Marketing and Sales

Lecture Series:

The Instant Sommelier (Great Courses)

A History of Wine in 10 Glasses (Audible)

HIGH

SIERRA QUARRY

PAUL WAGNER

A Dan Courtwright Mystery

Published by Albicaulis Books

Dan Courtwright, V: High Sierra Quarry

© Paul Wagner 2023

All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced, distributed, or transmitted in any form or by any means, including photocopying, recording, or other electronic or mechanical methods, without the prior written permission of the publisher, except in the case of brief quotations embodied in critical reviews and certain other noncommercial uses permitted by copyright law.

ISBN#: 979-8-9856058-6-0

This is a work of fiction. Names, characters, businesses, places, events, locales, and incidents are either the products of the author’s imagination or used in a fictitious manner. Any resemblance to actual persons, living or dead, or actual events is purely coincidental.

Published by Albicaulis Books

Napa, California

albicaulis.com

First Edition

chapter 1

When Ranger Dan Courtwright turned on his computer that morning, he noticed that there were two emails from his boss, Steve Matson. He opened the first one immediately and saw that Steve had asked him to check out the campground at Ponderosa. We’ve had some complaints about a group there that’s taken over one end of the campground, Steve wrote. Some of the locals are frustrated that they can’t find a campsite on the weekends. Since we don’t have a campground host there this year, I’d like you to take a look at the situation and have a talk with the group.

He could hear Steve’s voice in the email. Steve was old school. He liked to think that the members of his team were competent, and he gave them the freedom to show that competence—at least until they fell short. Then he took a firmer approach. The same went for the public. Steve insisted that they be given every courtesy—at least until they showed that they didn’t deserve it. Then, too, he favored a firmer approach.

It wasn’t Dan’s favorite part of his job, but he figured that he could stop by the campground after work. It would mean an extra hour drive each way, but maybe he could leave a little early to make up some of the time. Dan wrote back to Steve Matson and promised to check it out, only mentioning that he would try to fit it in as soon as possible. No need to tell Steve every detail of his schedule, after all, and he would have to see how the afternoon went. Maybe he could even leave earlier.

The second email was about a missing person: a young student from Cal Poly San Luis Obispo who had disappeared the week before, Emily Locklyn. The authorities were pursuing all leads, but they had reason to believe that she might be in Tuolumne County. Dan read through the details quickly. They were basic: Emily Locklyn, seventeen years old—Dan noted that she would turn eighteen in a few weeks—five foot six inches tall, a hundred and thirty pounds, light brown hair, brown eyes. She was last seen in San Luis Obispo on June 23. Possibly spotted in Sonora last week, and a number to call for Detective Angela Jones of the Tampa, Florida Police Department with any tips.

It was the message that Steve Matson had tagged on the end of it that got his attention. Dan—I’ve assigned this to Ralph Gephart, Steve had written. With all that’s going on, I think that makes the most sense. No need for you to get involved at this point, at least with all the other stuff going on. Please cooperate with Ralph on this.

Dan wondered what other stuff was going on. Dan had always thought that Ralph Gephart had become a ranger because he wanted to be a cop but didn’t want to go through the training. Giving this job to him would make Ralph a happy camper. It might even give him an excuse to wear a sidearm during the day. That would make Ralph very happy. Ralph was big, almost as tall as Dan’s six-foot four frame, but he packed at least another seventy-five pounds on that frame, most of it around the middle. His ruddy complexion added to the image of classic old Irish cop, complete with a tendency to throw that weight around, except Ralph Gephart was supposed to be a Forest Service ranger.

On the other hand, happy was not what some of the people at the Ponderosa Campground were going to be. Dan answered both emails with a quick confirmation and eased his tall frame out of his chair.

In the outer office, Dan could hear that Doris was already busy with visitors asking questions and filling out permits. Even though Doris was twenty years older than Dan and had worked there for more than those twenty years, Dan was still technically her supervisor. It was a hat he wore with a great deal of care, because he knew exactly how much hot water he would be in if Doris was ever truly unhappy with him.

He walked out to help her and quickly found himself immersed in a seemingly endless stream of visitors. Ever since Yosemite went to a reservation system for all visitors, it seemed like the Stanislaus National Forest, right next door, was going to be getting most of the overflow. Their parking lot was full, there were visitors waiting in line, and Dan barely had time to look up before the next visitor stepped forward and greeted him with a question.

With Doris at his side, and two volunteers outside helping with the questions, it was turning out to be a nice day in the Stanislaus National Forest. At least, it was until Steve Matson called Dan later in the afternoon, requesting an immediate meeting in Steve’s office down in Mi-Wuk Village. I may have got ahead of myself with that email, Steve explained. I thought it might be better if we talked it over in person.

And with that, Dan excused himself from Doris and headed down to Steve’s office. He was not looking forward to the meeting with his boss, and there were lots of reasons for that.

Steve Matson had assured Dan that it would be one-on-one. In the four years that Dan had worked for Steve, they had met one-on-one only three times. Once was for Dan’s first annual review, before those had turned into pro forma sessions by phone. The other two times were to reprimand Dan for something. The first of those was to tell Dan that he had been wrong to speak rudely to a member of the public, all the while admitting that Steve probably would have done the same thing in his place.

And the last time was to tell Dan that if he ever intentionally disobeyed a directive from Steve Matson again, Dan would be terminated. Dan didn’t want to think about that one too much. He was pretty sure that he hadn’t done that, but still.

And it was a Tuesday. Tuesday was Dan’s Friday, because he usually took Wednesday and Thursday off so that he could work the weekends, when the crowds were most likely in the wilderness.

Anything that happened in a meeting on a Tuesday afternoon gave Dan plenty of time to think about it before he came back to work. Dan didn’t like that scenario. He also didn’t like that Matson felt that the meeting was important enough to make sure it happened today. Apparently, it couldn’t wait a few more days.

All of this ran through Dan’s head as he drove down to the main office in Mi-Wuk Village. Despite the sunny day and the smell of the pines, it didn’t make for a pleasant drive.

As he got out of his truck Dan was surprised by how hot the parking lot was. It was only about a thousand feet lower in elevation, but it seemed at least ten degrees hotter. Not a breath of breeze, and the asphalt radiated heat. He was happy to get inside.

Sara greeted him with a smile when he entered the office. That was a good sign. If Sara had been serious, Dan would have had more reason to worry, but not as much as if Sara had been gushing to see him. Everyone knew that if Sara greeted you with great enthusiasm and the offer of a cup of coffee, you were in for a seriously bad time with Steve Matson.

Sara pointed to the coffeepot and suggested Dan help himself. That was a relief.

But before Dan could even get a thank you out of his mouth, and while he was still far away from the coffee pot, Steve appeared in the doorway to his office and invited Dan in.

Steve walked behind his desk, sat down, and motioned for Dan to take one of the two chairs on the other side of the desk. So this wasn’t the kind of meeting you held at the small table in the other corner of the office, where you could spread out a few papers and look over them together, side by side.

Dan sat down and waited for his boss to speak. First Steve asked him how he was doing, and when Dan answered fine, Steve moved some papers around on his desk and then asked if there were a lot of permits for the coming weekend.

Dan told him that it was about normal for this time of year, and Steve stacked up some papers and carefully placed them in a pile off to the side of his desk. He then looked Dan straight in the eyes.

What I am about to tell you stays completely between us in this office, he said.

Dan took this in, and then nodded. Okay.

Steve looked down at his desk again. There is a job opening up in the Tahoe National Forest, he said.

Still with no idea what this was all about, Dan was silent.

It would be a big promotion for you, Steve continued. Four levels up in pay, and it’s a supervisory role, so lots of room to go from there.

Dan was confused. That’s kind of a big jump… he said.

Steve nodded. Yeah, normally you wouldn’t have a chance. But apparently a few people high up the ladder have noticed you, he said.

Dan shot him a questioning look.

When the New Yorker magazine mentions a ranger in an article, it gets the attention of a few of the higher-ups, Steve said. They like it when the Forest Service looks good. You heroically solve a murder or two, and it gets their attention.

Dan waved his hands and deflected the comment. It wasn’t really like that.

Steve stopped him. I know it. But it was enough like that. You got their attention. They think it might be a good idea for you to apply up there in Tahoe, Steve said.

Dan thought this over, then looked up at Steve.

What do you think? he asked.

A tiny smile flickered across Steve’s face. I always think it’s a good idea to do what your boss tells you to do, he said. At least, that’s what I am doing. But you should know—this is a desk job. It means supervising a lot of people, and spending most of your time in the office. His eyes met Dan’s again. And probably spending more time talking to your reporter friends.

That would be new territory for Dan, and he knew he would have to think about it. So what are my options? he asked Steve.

Matson shrugged. You fill out the application. Maybe you get the job, maybe you don’t, he said. If you don’t; we are happy to have you stay on here, doing what you’re doing. Delighted to have you stay.

Dan looked out the window. His truck was still there, now baking in the full sun. He wondered if it would be this hot in Tahoe. His eyes then moved back to the credenza behind Steve’s desk, where the requisite family photo was standing, looking lonely, like an island in a sea of oak furniture.

But there is another side to this, Steve interrupted Dan’s thoughts. There are a few people in the Forest Service who think you’d be happier working somewhere else. Since you seem to like that stuff, and the attention it gets, maybe something like real law enforcement.

Dan reacted with shock. You mean the police?

Police, sheriff, FBI, Steve let the suggestions hang there for a minute. They think maybe that would be a better use of your talents.

Dan frowned. Is that what you think?

Steve snorted. It doesn’t matter what I think. But let’s just say that there are a few people who think you are not really suited for the Forest Service. Maybe because they are jealous, maybe not. And some of them may try to make your life more difficult. That would be even more true if you got this job in Tahoe.

Dan thought about this. Do any of those people work in Tahoe? he asked.

Steve shook his head. Who knows? I just want you to be aware, he said. You have become a bit controversial in some quarters. Whether you stay here or go to Tahoe, try to walk softly.

Dan sat back in his chair and let out a gasp of frustration.

Not with me, Steve assured him. You do a good job here, Dan. And I am happy to have you here. But I thought you should know.

Dan nodded. The two men sat in silence for a few minutes.

So if I wanted to apply, Dan started

Sara will send you the paperwork, Steve said. You don’t have to tell me what you decide, but if they call and ask, I will give you a strong recommendation. And you can certainly use me as a reference.

Dan smiled. Thanks. Does that include the FBI, too?

Steve laughed. Why not? Sure, I’ll give you a recommendation for the FBI, he said. And then, with emphasis, he added, If that’s what you want.

I’ve got to think about this, Dan admitted.

I figured as much, his boss replied. He looked at the clock. It was now just before five. In fact, why don’t you take the rest of the afternoon off to do that?

Dan glanced at the clock and laughed. Thanks, Steve.

chapter 2

Back out at the truck, Dan checked his phone. There was a text message from Kristen.

Dinner tonight?

Dan smiled. It was good to know that Kristen feltcomfortable enough with their relationship that she could send a message like that. He opened up the door to his truck to let some of the oven-like air escape and called her back.

I have a bunch of food left over from a catering job, Kristen explained. Do you want to help me eat it? Dan loved the sound of her voice, even over the cell phone.

Dan laughed. I’d love to. Want to do it at my place? I bet I can find a bottle of wine, he offered.

It’s all packed up, so that would be easy, Kristen agreed. In about an hour?

Sure, Dan agreed. That will just give me time enough to clean the whole place.

Yeah, right, Kristen chuckled. More like hide the dirty dishes in a drawer.

Hey! I’m not that bad, Dan protested. See you about six.

At which point he climbed into his truck, turned on the A/C full bore, and drove directly home. There were dirty dishes. That was true. But he was going to wash them and put them away before Kristen got there. After all, it was only a few from breakfast this morning, and a pizza box from last night.

By six o’clock, Dan was ready. The bed was made, as it always was. The dishes were washed, and he even had time to clean up a bit himself. He opened the door when he saw Kristen drive up in her van and walked out to meet her.

He helped her bring in two big plastic crates full of food.

Jesus, Dan grunted. Is this all for us?

You can eat the rest of it as leftovers, Kristen explained. They’ll keep just fine in the fridge.

The fridge. That’s when Dan realized that he had forgotten to put a bottle of wine in to chill.

I hope this is a dinner that works with red wine, he suggested.

Kristen quickly walked into the kitchen and started opening up the containers of food. Dan remembered that he hadn’t set the table, but within minutes both the food and the table were ready for dinner. And in the closet Dan had found a nice bottle of Sangivese from a local winery.

He poured the wine and sat down across the table from Kristen. The warm light of the last hours of the day set off her blond hair beautifully, and Dan couldn’t take his eyes off her. Her neck, just below her ear, was enchanting.

She raised a glass. Cheers!

Dan clinked glasses with her, took a sip, and asked what they were celebrating.

Kristen shook her head. Nothing in particular, she said. And then, looking around his house, she said, It’s nice to be here.

Dan smiled. It sure is. Having you here, I mean.

Kristen looked out the front window. Do you always leave the curtains open? she asked.

Dan nodded. I like the view. Then he noted her silence. Don’t you like it?

Oh, no, she said. I like looking out the window. I just don’t always like the idea of people looking in.

Dan smiled. There aren’t a lot of people around here to look in.

She shrugged and changed the topic. Have a good day at work?

That brought the conversation with Steve Matson crashing back to Dan. He told Kristen all about it: the job in Tahoe, the law enforcement work, the application he’d have to fill out. By the time he was done, she had nearly finished the food on her plate. His was still uneaten.

So you are going to do that? she asked. Her tone was suddenly guarded.

Dan let out a slow sigh. I think so. At least, I should find out if they want me. He looked intently at Kristen. Is that OK? I mean, whatever I do, I want it to work for both of us,

Kristen thought that over. Tahoe is a long way away, she said, her eyes not meeting his.

I’d only do it if you wanted to join me, or we could find some way to make it work, he suggested, trying to hurry the food into his mouth.

And the FBI? Are you serious about that? she asked.

Dan shrugged. I don’t know. I’d never really thought about it. But I did take some classes in college, he gave another sigh. Now he wasn’t meeting her eyes. I don’t know,

You know what you should do? Kristen asked rhetorically. You should call Cal Healey and ask him about it.

Her tone of voice indicated that this was not so much a suggestion as a request.

Dan nodded. Yeah, I could do that. Cal Healey was with the Tuolumne County Sheriff’s Office, and Dan considered him a good friend. Besides which, Cal’s wife Maggie was an excellent cook, and often invited Dan to dinner. He had met Kristen at one of those dinners, and he wasn’t oblivious to the fact that