Page 125 of Silent Bones

Two days later.

The Ford Bronco sat loaded with camping gear outside the Daily Grind Café, its roof rack strapped down with tents and sleeping bags, coolers secured in the back. Noah adjusted his sunglasses against the morning glare as Callie climbed out of the vehicle, stretching after the drive from the house.

"Ed's really going to meet us at the campsite?" Ethan asked from the rear.

"That's what he said."

Mia glanced in the side mirror toward the back of the Bronco where Callie was adjusting the tie-downs on their gear. "Does this mean you're officially dating now?"

Noah grinned despite himself. "No, and I don't want you making any of your comments. She's still working through a relationship ending."

"Why didn't that work out?" Ethan asked with the blunt curiosity of a teenage boy.

"It's because she has feelings for Dad," Mia said matter-of-factly.

“Mia.”

She smiled.

Noah shook his head and climbed out of the driver's seat. "I'll get the drinks. You two behave yourselves."

The Daily Grind was busy with the usual morning crowd, locals grabbing coffee before work, tourists planning their day in the mountains. The smell of fresh-ground beans and baked goods filled the air, a comfortable contrast to the institutional coffee and harsh fluorescent lights of interview rooms.

Lucy, one of the young baristas, with purple streaks in her hair and multiple ear piercings, smiled as Noah approached the counter.

"The usual?"

"Yep."

As he waited for his order, a familiar voice spoke behind him.

"I thought you were cutting back on caffeine."

Noah turned to find Natalie Ashford standing beside him, looking polished and professional even in casual weekend clothes.

"I am," he replied with a slight smile. "This is me cutting back. You should have seen me before, I was basically mainlining espresso. What are you doing here so early?" he asked.

"Meeting with my father, actually. He likes to start business discussions before the day gets too chaotic."

Noah raised an eyebrow. "He still frequents places like this?"

"You might be surprised to know that my father came from nothing, Noah. He wasn't always wealthy."

"No, that’s right, it takes a lot of sales of drugs to get there."

Natalie's expression hardened. "Whatever grievance you have with my father is between you and him, but he's still my father. I'd appreciate it if?—"

The café door opened with a soft chime, and Callie walked in, scanning the room until she spotted Noah.

"Oh, Noah, Ethan asked if he can get a muffin with his drink."

There was an awkward beat as the three of them stood there, the history between Noah and Natalie suddenly thick in the air.

"Callie," Natalie said with cool politeness.

"Natalie," Callie replied, equally reserved.

Noah was quick to fill the silence. "Callie's camping with us."