Charlie knew Ryan and her uncle had gotten close through the years. Pete was always telling her about his visits with Ryan.
If Pete hadn’t wanted to tell Ryan about what he suspected, then it had to be bad.
Her thoughts jumped to the recent attempts on her and Ryan’s lives. She didn’t believe Ryan was the target, only an obstacle standing in the way of getting to her.
As hard as she tried to make sense of everything there was still a valuable piece of the puzzle missing.
Charlie clutched the edge of the seat as the road wound around the side of the mountain. The trip had become harrowing. One false move or if the SUV lost traction, they’d plummet to their deaths.
When they made the final bend the road straightened and dead ended. A small cabin sat nestled next to the mountainside.
Deep snow made it difficult to direct the SUV the rest of the way. Once they were parked in front of the cabin Charlie shivered. There was nothing inviting about the tiny space.
“It’s actually not so bad on the inside. Boone made a few adjustments.” Ryan waited for her to respond. When she couldn’t take her eyes off the cabin, he got out and trudged around to her side. “Let’s get inside and get a fire going. I can bring our stuff in later.”
Charlie hopped out and almost slipped on the ice. Ryan reached for her arm and helped keep her steady. “Easy does it.” Together they made their way to the cabin’s entrance.
“It’s not kept locked.” She waited while Ryan turned on the generator at the side of the house. “That should give us lights. He stepped inside and flipped a switch illuminating the space. Charlie followed. “Make yourself at home.”
She closed the door and looked around. The place was cozy. A small living area with a couple of easy chairs in front of a woodstove. A table and chairs in a corner of the space. The kitchen was small but efficient. One bedroom and a bathroom down the hall.
Ryan worked on getting the fire going. “You can take the bedroom,” he tossed over his shoulder. “I’ll bed down in front of the fire.”
“You don’t have to do that.” Charlie couldn’t imagine him having to sleep on the floor. He’d been fighting so hard to protect her.
Ryan straightened. “I want to.” He stepped closer and all she could think about was their kiss. She still loved him. Always had. Always would.
Ryan touched her cheek. “It’s going to be okay. We’ll figure it out. Together.”
Together. That word threatened to destroy her. After everything she’d done to him. Running away instead of talking things through. Ignoring him for years, he still didn’t hate her. She didn’t deserve him.
Charlie slipped her arms around his waist, drawing him in. “I’m so sorry. Truly.”
Ryan’s arms tightened around her. “I know.”
For the longest time he simply held her close. The squawk of a radio interrupted the tender interlude. Ryan reluctantly let her go but the look in his eyes filled hers with tears. He loved her still. After everything she’d done to destroy that love, he still cared for her. If there was a chance for them again, she’d do everything in her power to not mess things up.
Chapter Sixteen
“Ryan, come in. Did you two make it there safely?” Boone’s voice echoed through the small cabin space. Ryan rushed to retrieve the radio mic and respond.
“We’re here.” Ryan told him they’d just arrived. “Anything new there?”
“Nothing yet. So far, our drunk is still sobering up. How was the road up there?”
Ryan glanced back at Charlie who quietly added another log to the woodstove. “About as bad as you’d expect. Listen, we think the killer hired your tail to create a distraction to return to Pete’s cabin. He’s looking for something that wasn’t found in the journals that were stolen. Can you send Will over to check it out before he heads this way?”
“Way ahead of you. Doug and I are about to head over now. Will’s already enroute to you. The sooner you have backup there the better I’ll feel about everything.”
Ryan appreciated Boone’s concern. He would definitely feel better once Will was here. “The storm’s intensifying. Hopefully, he won’t run into any issues. I’m worried about the road.”
“I’ve tried to reach him, but he’s lost cell service already.” Boone told them Will had left half an hour earlier. “He should be with you in another fifteen minutes.”
Ryan checked the time on the phone. “I’ll keep watch for him. Let us know what you find at Pete’s cabin.”
“Copy that.” Boone exhaled a loud breath. “Stay safe, you two. Until we have a better idea who’s behind this, we can’t afford to rule out anyone.” Once Boone signed off, Ryan looked to where Charlie stood near the stove with a look of concern on her face.
He went over and put his arm around her. “How are you holding up?”
