Page 28 of Auctioned to the Devil

“Why would somebody do this?”

“Don’t know.”

“Nothing valuable is here.”

“They weren’t looking for valuables.”

She looks at me. “You think this is Richard.”

“I think the timing sucks.”

“That isn’t proof.”

“No.”

Wind howls outside. Snow rattles against the broken windows.

I check my phone.

Weather alert.

Winter storm warning upgraded. Road closure likely within the hour.

Perfect.

Emily is already gathering photographs.

“Leave it.”

She doesn’t look up. “No.”

“Emily.”

“I said no.”

I crouch beside her. Her hands are shaking but she tries to hide it. She’s strong, I’ll give her that.

I take the broken frame from her.

“I’ll come back tomorrow.”

“We’ll come back tomorrow.”

“If the road opens.”

Her head snaps up. “What?”

“Storm upgraded.”

“I can stay here.”

I stare at the missing window.

She follows my gaze.

“I’ll cover them.”

“Front door doesn’t lock.”