Page 17 of When the Silence Breaks

I thought I wanted it too.“So, are you agreeing to help me after swearing off taking anyone up? After learning this about murder?”

“I’m leaning that way.”

This guy. He had commitment issues.

Ryder turned off onto another road that took them above the town.

“Where are we going now?” she asked.

“I want to show you something.”

Well, this was awkward. She was stuck with him. She’d wanted his help, and now it felt like the rug was literally being pulled out from under her—or rather, the earth. He steered up a road, and in the distance, she could see the town lights below. The vehicle bumped along an unpaved road, and then he steered up to a house with a view of the town on one side and on the other, the mountain.

Themountain.

He got out and stretched and came around to open her door. She hadn’t wanted to get out, but she did. And looked up at the sky that had thankfully cleared to reveal the brightest stars she’d ever seen. And that view!

Oh.Even under the night sky, she could see the mountain.

“It’s incredible,” she said.

“I think so too.”

“Is this your place?” Sarah couldn’t imagine living in such a place—the majestic view would take her breath away every morning. She might do nothing but sit here and look at it all day.

“It is.”

“Why don’t you live with your mother?” Closer to his business. Closer to town. Closer to his widowed mother so he could help. Made sense to her.

“Seriously?”

“I mean, it’s a small town. She seems nice. You could help each other. How’s she doing? Any more trouble with the intruder on her property?”

“She’s good. I talked to her earlier. She has Dad’s old shotgun, but mainly Timber is there to protect her. Harlan texted he would drive by later and check things out and let her know, too, so she wouldn’t shoot him. Then there’s the sheriff. See, Mom and the sheriff have a thing for each other.”

“And you’re not a fan, are you?”

“What makes you say that?”

“Your tone. It’s easy to hear the disdain in your voice.”

“Dad died”—his voice sounded strained—“a couple of years ago. It hasn’t been that long.”

“Look, she’s lonely. She still loves your father, I’m sure, but cut her a break. It’s time.” As if it was her business.Just stop talking.

He cleared his throat. “Anyway, she called the sheriff. He’ll make sure she’s okay. I’m going to stay out of his way.”

“You and the sheriff are not on good terms?”

“Didn’t say that. And as far as me helping my mother? Believe me, wearehelping each other. We need our space, okay?”

He was getting personal. Sarah didn’t really want that, but it looked like it was necessary. “So ... why’d you bring me here?”

“Come on. It’s inside.”

Sarah remained where she stood. What was the guy up to? What did shereallyknow about him beyond the words in the file? She’d been willing to hire him and trust him to guide her up the mountain, which could take several long, hard days of backpacking. What was she afraid of now?

At his porch, he turned to see that she remained standing by his vehicle. “You’ll want to see this, I promise.”