Page 77 of Snowbound Threat

Charlie followed him out into the late afternoon’s fading light that sent chills down her spine.

Ryan reversed and soon they were back on the county road that would eventually turn into the Main Street in Pine Haven.

Charlie studied his profile. His clenched strong jaw confirmed he was worried. She was, too. Until the proof was indisputable she hadn’t wanted to believe Pete had been murdered.

After a series of turns, Ryan headed up the mountain toward Pete’s place. “It doesn’t look as if anyone’s been up here lately.”

Charlie saw what he did. The snow from the evening before after she and Ryan left was still untouched.

He turned onto the drive and eased toward the house.

When it came into view, something grabbed Charlie’s attention right away. The lights were on.

Ryan braked. “What on earth. . .?”

Charlie stared at the cabin. “I don’t see anyone.” She faced Ryan. “Did you leave them on by accident?”

Ryan didn’t hesitate. “No way. As soon as Doug finished his work I went through the house and turned off the lights. They weren’t on when we left.”

Which meant someone had turned them on since. Someone that might still be inside.

Ryan called Will. “Where are you?”

“Five minutes out. Anything wrong?”

He told the deputy what had transpired.

“Fall back to the road and wait for us.”

“I will.” Before Ryan could put the vehicle in Reverse, someone stepped out onto the porch. Charlie recognized Silas immediately.

“Why would he be here now?” Charlie couldn’t believe it. It had been years since she’d seen Silas, and during that time, he’d aged badly.

“Stay here. I’ll see what’s going on.”

She grabbed Ryan’s arm, keeping him there. Just for a moment she wavered on her belief that Silas was innocent. He might be a trusted friend of Pete, but she didn’t know him, and it was possible someone close to Pete had killed him.

“I’ll be okay,” he assured her and got out, locking the doors behind himself.

Charlie leaned forward and watched intently as Silas realized he wasn’t alone anymore.

The frail looking man stepped from the porch and met Ryan in the yard.

While she couldn’t hear their conversation, she couldn’t take her eyes off Silas. The last time she’d seen him was shortly before she’d left Pine Haven. He’d lost weight. Although he was younger than her uncle, he looked at least ten years older. She wondered if the man might be using drugs.

Behind them two cruisers eased down the drive with lights on.

Will and another man got out of one followed by Boone in the other. They went over to Ryan and Silas.

Charlie climbed out and joined the group surrounding Silas.

The older man recognized her despite the years. “How’ve you been, Charlie?”

They’d never been close, but he acted as if they had. “I’m fine. Why are you here?” Charlie asked the question that he’d probably already been asked.

“I told the deputy. Pete paid me to fix the kitchen cabinet, and I wanted to finish the job.”

His answer was even more confusing. “You know that Pete’s dead, right?” Charlie wondered if it was possible Silas hadn’t heard.