Page 63 of Snowbound Threat

Leave the past buried.

She couldn’t. Would she regret that decision?

Before she had time to reach for the door, it swung open.

“Charlie Wells, as I live and breathe.” Lila Jennings launched herself at Charlie who braced for impact. Her bright smile was the last thing Charlie saw before she was enveloped in Lila’s strong hug. Glimpses of red from Lila’s coat flashed in Charlie’s eyes. “I’m so glad you’re home,” she said, out of breath.

Home. Was she home? Pine Haven was the last place she wanted to be. The only place she had to be. Pete told her when he died the cabin and everything he owned would go to her. Charlie couldn’t imagine staying here, yet the thought of selling the place hurt. It was the only tangible place she had to call home anymore. In DC, she lived in an apartment surrounded by neighbors she didn’t know. She traveled extensively due to her work. She hadn’t put down any roots since leaving Pine Haven.

Lila pulled back. “You look awful.”

Charlie smiled at her friend’s brash manner. “I’ve missed your directness.”

Lila’s intense brown eyes held Charlie prisoner. “Are you okay?”

Charlie didn’t want to get into it. “It’s been a long night.”

“I heard Ryan call it in on the police radio. You know how fast word gets around Pine Haven.” Lila draped her arm around Charlie’s shoulders. “Come on. I’ve got the wood stove fired up for you in the room. There’s elk stew ready, hot coffee, and I just happen to know all the town’s gossip.”

Charlie smiled her gratitude. “Thank you.”

She followed Lila through the door at the side of the café that led to a set of stairs. Whiffs of the promised stew mingled with what Charlie guessed would be Lila’s grandmother’s cinnamon roll recipe.

Down a long hallway with windows that faced the town was the studio apartment. Lila opened the door. The warmth inside greeted her. The place was decorated to a tee in a cozy mountain design. The wood stove scent mingled with a pine scented candle.

Lila shut the door and took Charlie’s bag, dropping it on the bed that beckoned her to sleep for hours.

“There’s a small kitchen through here.” Lila disappeared and soon came back with a bowl of her elk stew and warm sourdough bread. She placed them on the small round table opposite the bed. “Come. Eat. Tell me everything.”

Lila went back to the kitchen and poured two coffees.

“This smells wonderful.” Charlie sat down in front of the bowl of stew. “You really didn’t have to go to this much trouble.”

Lila slid the opposite chair out and sat. “No trouble. This was the special of the day and I remembered your favorite. Eat.”

Charlie took a spoonful of the stew and glanced around the small space. The bed was made up and everything looked ready for a guest.

“I never undid the bed from the last time you were supposed to come for a visit.”

Charlie sat her spoon down. “I’m sorry. I know I promised. Lots of times”

Lila held up her hand. “It doesn’t matter. I have you here now. And clearly your arrival has stirred up a stink.”

She hadn’t said a word to Lila about what she suspected. “You think?—”

Before Lila could respond a firm knock sounded on the door. Lila rose and looked out the window below before turning back.

“Looks like your storm cloud just arrived.” Lila used the nickname she had for Ryan as a teen. She said he was like a storm cloud blowing through, clearing everything from its path.

Charlie sighed. “I wasn’t expecting him so soon. He never quits.”

Lila arched one blonde brow. “That used to be one of your favorite things about him.”

Charlie didn’t respond. She descended the stairs with her arms crossed and opened the door.

Ryan stood before her with his Stetson in hand. Snow melting on his jacket. “We need to talk.”

“About tonight or the past?” The words were out before she could stop them.