Total pages in book: 133
Estimated words: 122440 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 612(@200wpm)___ 490(@250wpm)___ 408(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 122440 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 612(@200wpm)___ 490(@250wpm)___ 408(@300wpm)
“Vienna said the land is privately owned,” Harlow said. “A lot of acres, but the family never lived here. There’s no house; only an old barn. I’ve seen it several times, and it’s mostly falling down. One entire side has collapsed. Since no one ever comes out here, the land has reverted back to nature. Bears, mountain lions, bobcats and foxes seem to be here in abundance. And we can’t forget about rattlesnakes. There must be a den somewhere close, because they love the boulders for sunning.”
“It is the perfect environment,” Raine said. “Water in the creek close by, rodents, birds and ground squirrels, so plenty to eat. Rocks to sun themselves. No one around. I can see rattlesnakes thriving here.”
“That’s one thing to keep in mind when climbing. Watch where you’re putting your fingers,” Harlow cautioned.
“You know I will,” Raine assured.
“This is where Stella and Sam came to climb the boulders and realized Denver was the killer. There are two boulders here. They call them the Twin Devils. Both are high balls and take a tremendous amount of work. As far as I know, no one but me has been here trying the climb in months. Most people don’t even know about them.”
Raine shot her a sharp glance. “You’ve been coming out here alone to attempt a high ball? Did you let anyone know where you were going?”
Harlow didn’t answer. This place had been her refuge. She felt safe and at peace. She hadn’t wanted anyone to know where she was. Sometimes it felt good to disappear from the real world.
“It isn’t wise, and I think you know that. If you had an accident on the boulder, or a snake bit you, or any other number of things, no one would be able to help you.”
It wasn’t like she didn’t know that. It was just that with everything going on in her life, she needed to escape from reality. But Raine was right: she should have let someone know where she was.
That brought up the issues of personal freedom and accountability to friends and family.
“I guess I can’t say too much,” Raine said. “I’m being a hypocrite by scolding you for doing something dangerous on your own. I certainly wanted to be alone when I did my backpacking trips. I even got rid of my Garmin, hoping they couldn’t track me.”
“Isn’t it weird that we both have the same tendencies?” Harlow asked. “I honestly never noticed the similarities between us.”
Raine sent her a small smile. “I screwed up when I was a kid because I was young and naïve and trusted the wrong man. When that got my father killed and all my family turned their backs on me, I vowed I would always know what was going on, the truth, no matter how bad it was. What that’s done after witnessing betrayal the world over is to keep me from believing in anyone other than our very tight circle.”
“And I’m the same way,” Harlow admitted. “I know I’m incapable of a relationship because I have absolutely no faith in men. And yes, I know that’s not a good thing, but no matter what I’ve done to change it, I can’t see myself with anyone.”
“Neither can I,” Raine admitted.
The Jeep turned onto the much more overgrown road as they entered the property. At one time, there had been a cattle fence, but most of it was on the ground. Only an occasional broken pole, rotting due to the weather, was partially standing, and even those were effectively hidden by the tall, out-of-control grass.
The barn came into sight, roof sagging and walls buckling. From the angle they drove in, they could see that at least two walls were still intact. Possibly a third. In the early morning light, with the frost still on the ground, the wood glistened, appearing otherworldly.
Raine pulled the Jeep close to the dilapidated barn and turned off the motor. She took a deep breath and turned toward Harlow. “Wilder was sent out on a mission by Blom. He failed to check in, and they’ve been quietly trying to find him. Blom believes him to be deceased.”
Harlow sat very still. Raine was an analyst and a very good one at that. She put together pieces of puzzles no one else even connected.
“I figure he’s at your house, and Rainier’s protecting him, even from Blom. You know I won’t say a word, but it’s a relief to know he’s alive.”
Harlow pressed her lips together. “You’d have to ask Rainier what he’s doing at my house.”
Raine nodded. “I understand, but if you need to talk, you know you have me.”
“I do know,” Harlow agreed—and she did. Raine had proved herself over and over to be a true friend.
Raine opened the crates so the dogs could leap out. They immediately began inspecting their surroundings, running after one another and sniffing as much of the area as they could take in fast.