Page 100 of Veil of Silence

Her gaze flicked to Nora’s bandaged wrist. “How are you feeling?”

“Fine.”

Her mother’s expression made it clear she didn’t believe her.

“I’ve been sitting at a table most of the afternoon,” Nora added. “But I need to shower and change. Austin and I are leaving for the Dalton concert soon.”

Christian stopped moving the stick.

“The Daltons?” Dad asked.

“They’re singing at New Hope Baptist tonight. Austin’s father called them before he died, and we want to ask them some questions.”

“What kind of questions?” Mom asked.

She hesitated before saying, “About Zander.”

Christian kept his gaze on the flames. “Who’s Zander?”

“A boy who disappeared two years before you did. His family sang on the same circuit we did.”

Mom lowered her cup. “You think the cases are connected?”

“We don’t know.” The answer came automatically, though it felt less true each time Nora gave it. “That’s what we’re trying to determine.”

Christian pushed the branch deeper into the fire.

“Do you remember him?” Nora asked.

“No.”

“You answered that quickly.”

“I don’t know him. How long am I supposed to think about it?” A sharpness edged his words.

Mom gave Nora a warning look. Apparently, a bonfire wasn’t the place for an interrogation. But she hadn’t expected that reaction either.

“I was only asking,” Nora said.

Christian returned his attention to the flames. “I don’t remember most people from back then.”

“I know.”

A moment of silence passed, and the fire popped between them.

Nora stepped closer to the fire and held out her hands, warming them a moment.

“What time will you be back?” Christian finally asked.

“I’m not sure. But I need to get ready.” She turned toward the house before her expression could betray her.

Christian had tried to burn some papers this morning. If he hadn’t successfully been able to do that yet, then she wanted to know what he was trying to hide.

And there was no better time than now to find out.

As Nora stepped away, she felt the weight of Christian’s gaze following her.

Inside, the house seemed unusually quiet after the crackle of the fire and the sound of her parents’ voices.