Page 134 of Last Girls Alive

Katie watched mother and daughter get back in the car and leave. She waved and watched the sleek car disappear.

“Well, Cisco. That’s the best news that could have come out of these investigations.” She tightened her robe and returned inside her house to rest and to contemplate some serious questions that were weighing heavy on her mind.

Fifty-Six

A month later…

The fall was stunning in the Pine Valley Mountains along the Sagebrush Lake. Sunny days this time of year were some of the most memorable. The best sunsets. The most picturesque clear water. The most beautiful dense forests with equally lovely wildlife.

Katie returned to the camp from a brief walk dressed in jeans and a heavy cream sweater. She loved this area and the time of year, and especially sharing it with Chad. Sitting next to their tent, she smiled and said, “Does it get better than this?”

“Nope,” he said. “Not in my book.”

“I just keep thinking that—”

“Nope.”

“What?”

“No thinking, no contemplating, no investigating, just relaxing.”

She snuggled into him, feeling the warmth of his body. “You’re absolutely right.”

They watched McGaven and Denise play with Cisco along the shore of the lake. Denise’s young daughter Lizzie ran around laughing before throwing the ball for the dog. The three of them looked happy together playing tag.

Katie laughed. “They are going to wear Cisco out.” She turned to Chad. “I’m glad that you suggested this trip with them. This is one of my favorite places—if not my favorite.”

“Of course, I thought we all could use a break. And what better place?”

She gazed at the water.

“Have you heard from your friend Shane?” he asked.

“Yes. His physical therapy is going well. He’ll make a full recovery. And Tanis is doing well. She’s staying with the McKinzies and Candace Harlan.”

Chad nodded. “That’s good to hear.”

“And I closed my cases.” She smiled.

“How are you feeling now with everything?”

“I’m on to my next cold case.”

“Hey, who wants hot dogs?” said McGaven as he hoisted Lizzie on his shoulders.

“I do, I do,” said the little girl with absolute delight.

“Sounds good to me,” said Chad. “I’m hungry.”

“Count me in,” said Katie as she got up. “C’mon, Denise, let’s have some wine before the boys burn some hot dogs.”

“You got it,” she said.

“Hey, I heard that,” said McGaven.

“Don’t pay any attention to them,” said Chad.

“I don’t burn hot dogs. Well, maybe once.”