Page 36 of When the Silence Breaks

The wind had picked up, brushing across the trees like a warning. He could smell the coming snow in the air—a cold bite that sharpened the edges of everything. He’d hoped they would have more time. Maybe they had just enough time to locate what she wanted to find. Whatever happened, he was prepared to see this through with her.

He hadn’t told her yet, but earlier he’d caught a glimpse of someone else on the trail. Hikers out for fun? Or someone following them? The other hikers were miles behind and could potentially lose their way, even if their intention was to follow.

Sarah didn’t question him about sharing a tent—at least not yet. Instead, she knelt beside the cleared patch and scanned their surroundings, her expression intense. She didn’t speak. Neither did he.

Finally, she rose, then turned to look at their temporary home for tonight.

“That’s it?” Now she decided to press her point. “Why only one?”

“I have my reasons.”

“Uh-huh. I really want to know what they are. Care to share?”

“It’s common sense. Safety reasons.” And trust reasons. He paused, glancing up at her.

“Honestly, I figured you wouldn’t want your own tent. You know. Bears. Bad guys. Snow. Wind.”

Sarah brushed dirt from her pants. “You figured wrong.”

He didn’t answer that. Didn’t have to.

An uncomfortable silence stretched between them. He didn’t need this. Didn’t have to explain. They were here now, and there was nothing he could do about his decision. An eagle released a shrill, piercing cry, as if to emphasize their backwoods status. “We’re in the wilderness now. You’ll just have to trust me. You sought me out, remember?” Okay, he was laying it on too thick.

“Only one tent.” This time it wasn’t a question, but she stared as if trying not to read too much into it. As if coming to terms with the fact.

Ryder nodded. “It’s designed for two. Barely. You’ll be warm enough.”

Sarah arched a brow. “I didn’t say I was cold.”

He met her eyes. “You will be.”

“At least I know I have my own sleeping bagbecause I brought it.” She emphasized the last words.

Come on. “Of course I would have brought two sleeping bags. What are you thinking?”

She’d set her own trap with that one. Though he caught her cheeks warming, he didn’t wait for her response and instead focused on laying out the rest of the gear.

Something flickered in her expression. Not quite mistrust. Not quite ease. She hesitated, then finally relaxed. “I have the food inmypack, so I’ll make dinner after you get the fire going.”

“Change of plans.”

“What?”

“Saw someone on the trail ... and then off-trail.”

“Meaning?”

“I’m not sending them smoke signals to let them know where we are.”

Her eyes widened. “You think that someone followed us?”

“I don’t know.”

“You’re off-trail. You’re following this mountain the way only you know. How is that possible? You aren’t flashing any kind of beacons that someone could follow, are you?”

“As a matter of fact, no. I’ve thrown out all safety precautions.” He paused to stare her down. “Are you?”

“I have my burner phone, and it’s turned off. Up here, it wouldn’t matter anyway. Maybe it’s nothing, no one is following.”