Total pages in book: 114
Estimated words: 108849 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 544(@200wpm)___ 435(@250wpm)___ 363(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 108849 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 544(@200wpm)___ 435(@250wpm)___ 363(@300wpm)
Kate’s Volkswagen Bug slid on the ice. “Oops.” She corrected and slowed down.
“I thought you planned to purchase a winter vehicle.”
Kate shrugged. “Vic’s will is still being contested by that twit, Kirsti, so the funds he left for the girls haven’t exactly arrived yet.”
Kate’s ex-husband had been murdered by a serial killer earlier that year, and unfortunately, his last will and testament was being challenged by the very young woman for whom he’d left Kate and the girls.
“How are your girls doing?” Laurel asked.
Kate pushed hair out of her eyes. “They’re great. Vida is still perfecting her soccer skills for the upcoming season. She’s all into geometry. Val is working hard on her photography projects while playing basketball, and Viv is getting ready for lacrosse. It’s the first time she’s played, and she’s pretty excited. She’s still dating Ryan.”
“That’s good. I’m glad they’re doing well.”
Kate’s girls were twelve, fourteen, and sixteen—all cute blondes like their mom.
“We’ll have to get together for dinner soon,” Kate said. “They miss seeing you.”
Laurel had found herself exceedingly preoccupied with numerous commitments lately. “I agree. And don’t worry, my vehicle is at Huck’s cabin, so I can drive myself tomorrow if he’s out on another mission.” He’d been called in right around dinnertime to help plant warning flags up near peaks ripe for avalanches. It was a good thing he enjoyed working outside with his dog.
“No problem. If you want a ride, I’m happy to pick you up.”
Laurel shook her head. “Thanks, but I’m ready to drive. I do have a new car.”
Kate pulled up to Huck’s cabin. “Do you want me to help you shovel the drive?”
“Huck enjoys unwinding when he returns home by excavating the entire area. I’ll just clear the walkway for now,” Laurel said. “You say hi to your girls for me.”
“I will.” Kate waited until Laurel stood safely to the side of the metal building before backing down the driveway.
Laurel removed the biggest shovel from the shop and made quick work of the walkway before hurrying inside the cabin and shedding her coat and boots. Huck had given her a key not too long ago, and she was starting to feel at home. That feeling should have caused her some concern because she’d never been at home with anybody but her mother.
Her stomach grumbled, and she moved to the kitchen, glancing toward the quiet living room. Huck, per usual, had already stacked kindling and logs in the hearth, so she decided to make a fire before eating. She struck a match, and the logs instantly ignited. There was nothing like a wood-burning fire in the winter. She should add one to the barndominium she planned to build on her mother’s property.
She looked out at the light snow still falling. Like everyone else around her, she was more than ready for spring.
Something in the snow on the deck outside caught her attention, and she moved closer to the sliding glass door. Her breath caught in her throat. She dodged back to the kitchen and grabbed her weapon out of her purse, then shoved on her boots before hurrying to the door and opening it.
She flicked on the outside porch light. Black dahlias had been scattered all over the deck and down onto the grass beside the winding river, their dark red petals stark against the snow and ice. She shivered and pointed her gun in every direction. Black dahlias had been Jason Abbott’s calling card.
She tugged her phone from her pocket to call in the trespass to both Fish and Wildlife and the local sheriff’s office. She needed this scene processed now.
“Jason?” she yelled toward the forest after she’d clicked off. “Why don’t you show courage and move into the light? Let’s talk.”
The wind whistled eerily through the trees, shaking branches and scattering piles of snow on the ground. She squinted in every direction but could see only darkness. He would’ve wanted to watch her find the dahlias. In case he was still watching, she kept her face perfectly calm.
“This is actually fairly boring,” she called out. “Really? Flowers?”
Her phone buzzed, and she lifted it to her ear. “Agent Snow.”
“Did you like my gift?” Abbott asked.
She kept her guard up, making sure to put her back to the door, just in case. She hadn’t searched the entire cabin. While there was no sign of a break-in, she wasn’t going to risk another fight with him.
“You mean these stupid flowers?” She forced derision into her tone.
He was silent. “Black dahlias. They symbolize betrayal. Women like you betray.”
“Please,” she muttered, trying to sound both insolent and bored. “This is the best you’ve got? Flowers? Show yourself, Jason. Let’s finally have this out.”
“Laurel, at least be a little appreciative. I can’t just find these like I could before. In fact, this is my last batch.” He sounded sad about that.