Page 54 of Little Girls Sleeping

“Hey,” Chad said touching her arm. “You never have to apologize around me. Okay?”

She nodded, slightly embarrassed. “I don’t want to get political or fatalistic on you.”

“I hope you have someone to talk to about your experiences—a professional or even just a friend. Promise me that you’ll always reach out, no matter what. Don’t hold this kind of stuff inside.”

“Okay.” She nodded, taking in the scenery. She knew all too well what he was referring to.

“Remember all those stories when we were kids?” said Chad, trying to change the mood.

“What stories?”

“You know, about those Gold Rush towns that cropped up all over the area then mysteriously disappeared without a trace.”

“Oh yeah, some people said that a great earthquake swallowed them up.”

“If I had to guess,” said Chad, “I would go with a meteor, then an earthquake—or both.”

Katie laughed. “There’s a lot of history here and up in the mountains; a lot of untold stories. Maybe one of those towns just up and moved.” She breathed deeply, beginning to feel herself relax.

“I’m starving. Let’s eat.” Chad climbed out of the car, followed closely by Cisco.

Katie opened her door and stepped out too. It would be good to sit in the warmth of the sunshine and soak up some of her hometown. She laughed as she watched Cisco trying to get to the two bags with their lunch inside.

“He’s not going to leave you alone,” she said.

Chad ran around jokingly in circles with Cisco in tow, then made his way to a picnic table with a view of the valley. “What do you think?”

Katie looked around. It was peaceful as well as beautiful. They were the only ones in the picnic area. Two other cars were parked, but their owners were most likely on one of the hiking trails.

Chad began to unload the bags, laying out a tablecloth, plastic plates, utensils, and napkins.

“You’re very organized,” Katie said.

“Ha! Only when I want to be.”

“It’s beautiful here. It’s just what I needed after the week I’ve had.” She took a seat at the picnic table and watched Chad unpacking the food. She hadn’t been hungry, but now, looking at the spread, her stomach grumbled.

Chad pulled out a small roll of tin foil.

“What’s that? Some kind of special sandwich spread?” Katie asked.

“Nope. I came prepared.” He unrolled the foil. “It’s a little bit of leftover prime rib with gravy for Cisco.” He leaned down and put the feast on the ground. “Here you go, buddy.”

“You do realize you’re never going to get rid of him now.” Katie smiled and watched Cisco lap up the meat mixture.

“I love animals, especially dogs. I’d like to get one again.”

“That’s right, you had huskies when we were kids,” she remembered.

“I love big dogs that like to be outdoors and that I can take anywhere.” He sat down, raised a thermos and announced, “Here’s to friendship and all the great adventures ahead.”

Katie took a sip from her own thermos, and then another. “Wow, this is fantastic. I think it’s the best iced tea I’ve ever had.” The weight she had been carrying around ever since she returned home had been lifted—not completely, but enough to give her pause and allow her to relax. She couldn’t help but smile as she took another bite of sandwich.

“Ms. Scott, you’re thinking about something pleasant. Want to let me in on it?” Chad said.

“I was just thinking how nice it is to be home, in all the places I love. Thanks for bringing me here today.”

“My pleasure,” he replied. “I can imagine how difficult these homicides are.”