Page 104 of It's a Wonderful Knife

“I thought you said the killer probably thought they were in the clear right now?”

“I did say that, but criminals are paranoid. Paranoid people are dangerous.”

I shivered. “You’re freaking me out.”

“Sorry.”

“No. It’s okay. I guess it’s best to know the score.” Although, I’d have probably preferred to be in the happy bubble I’d been in moments ago. When I’d thought the murderer was in custody.

There was a rustling sound near the front of the cabin. Every hair on my body stood on end. “Did… did you hear that?” I whispered.

Royce was already throwing back the covers by the time I finished speaking. He crept toward the door, and I slid out of bed, panic flooding me. Had the killer figured out that Royce knew their secret? Were they here to murder us in our sleep?

Reaching for the handle, Royce yanked open the door and found Dakota huddled on the threshold. “Dakota?” Royce said, sounding shocked.

“Sheriff.” Dakota stood, looking over his shoulder, his eyes wide. “The night visitors areback.”

Chapter Thirteen

Royce

I helped Dakota up. “Where?”

The boy swallowed hard. “The reindeer barn.”

Max frowned. “How would they be back? How could they cross the river?”

“I don’t know, but I saw lights down at the reindeer barn.”

Max grimaced. “Do you think they’re trying to hide Santiago’s body before the police arrive tomorrow?”

“Not sure why they’d bother,” I said.

“If so, I pity them. It’s been several days since Santiago died. His body is going to be… ripe. Cold weather or not, you can only delay decomposition so long.”

I cringed. “Do you know how many of them there are, Dakota?”

Dakota shook his head. “No. I just saw flashlights, and I heard voices.”

“Okay, I’ll go check it out.” I moved back inside the cabin and partially closed the door so I had some privacy as I dressed quickly. I also slipped my backup piece, a Kahr P380 that I’d brought instead of my main weapon, into my back pocket. I had no idea what I was going to run into, and I’d feel better if I was armed.

Max came inside, looking annoyed. “I hope you don’t think you’re going down there alone?” As he spoke, he too began to dress in jeans and a flannel shirt.

I hesitated. “Max, I don’t want you to come with me.”

“Excuse me? You can’t go down there alone. Who knows how many there are? It’s probably the killer. I’m not letting you handle this by yourself.”

“Max, I’m a cop,” I growled. “I’msupposedto handle this.”

“Well…” He shrugged. “I’m handling it with you. I’m… a concerned citizen.”

Gritting my teeth, I headed toward the door. “You’re staying here.”

“Nope.” He slipped on his jacket, his mouth a stubborn line.

“Max, come on,” I said, opening the door. I stepped out onto the porch, and Max followed.

“You’re the one who should… you know… come on. There could be ten guys down there. You can’t handle them alone.”