Natalie looked closely at Gabe. His smile had disappeared. “Are you okay?”
“I’ll be all right. How’s your mom?”
“She’s staying with her sister. I told her everything.”
“Was she annoyed we didn’t tell her the full story?”
Natalie sighed. “She was more upset that I didn’t go home with her.”
“I don’t blame her, but now that Chapman knows about you, you’re safer with us.”
Natalie looked at the stars. She thought she’d be safe in Sapphire Bay, but that hadn’t happened. Some days she wondered if she’d ever be safe again. “Why would anyone send you anonymous letters, then recreate the scenes in your book? It doesn’t make sense.”
“I have no idea, but we’re going to find out.” Gabe wrapped his hand around hers.
His firm grip reassured her, anchored her to the here and now instead of what might happen. She took a deep breath and rested her head on his shoulder. “We can’t stay with Caleb forever.”
“We won’t need to. Between Fletcher Security and the two police departments, we should have some news about Chapman soon.”
“We keep telling ourselves that, but nothing is happening.”
“It’s going to be okay.”
The gentle kiss he placed on her forehead made Natalie sigh. After what had happened, she didn’t know if her life would ever be okay again.
* * *
Caleb openeda map and pointed to a ridge. “This is Lunar Peak. It’s the highest point on this side of the lake. The trail we’re on leads straight there.”
Natalie leaned across Gabe’s arm to get a better look. “How far away is it?”
“About an hour’s walk to the top, but we aren’t going that far. The cave we’re looking for is about forty minutes away.”
Gabe studied the map. They’d left Caleb’s home five minutes ago. Apart from the sounds of the wildlife and an occasional bark from Sherlock, the forest was deathly silent. He didn’t know how Caleb lived out here. Without the shopping trips into Sapphire Bay and his satellite phone, he was completely cut off from civilization.
Natalie frowned. “Why did you decide to buy a house in the middle of the forest?”
Gabe wondered if she’d added mind reader to her growing list of accomplishments.
Caleb folded the map in half. “I’ve been working on some big projects. My latest contract is more complex than the others I’ve done. I don’t have as many distractions out here.”
“Apart from us. I’m sorry we interrupted you.”
The smile on Caleb’s face was instant. “Don’t worry about it. I’m enjoying having you here. Even for me, my house can be too remote sometimes.” He checked his watch. “We’d better get a move on if we want to be back by lunchtime.”
Natalie slung her backpack over her shoulder. “I’m looking forward to seeing the cave.”
“As long as it’s empty, so am I.” Caleb looked over his shoulder at Gabe. “Do you still have the bear spray?”
Gabe patted his pocket. “In here.”
“Great. Let’s go.”
As they walked through the trees, Gabe kept a careful eye on Natalie. They hadn’t left Caleb’s house to go on a simple hike. It was important they knew what was around the property, where they could go if anything happened.
After studying the map, they’d decided the safest location was the cave Caleb had found four months ago. They’d leave basic supplies inside, hoping they never had to use them.
Natalie held a branch out of Gabe’s way.
