Hold Me Close (Ryker Falls #5) - Wendy Vella Page 0,47

His, however, were old, and he’d been carrying them about like luggage for years.

She’d heard his name mentioned. People were constantly discussing him in connection with Simon Linbar’s body, and who would have killed him and left him up there on the mountain. She also heard people discussing Fin’s family, and how he didn’t seem to want to spend time with them. She’d tried to shut down those particular lines of conversation and usually failed. But at least she’d tried. Whatever was going on with Fin was his deal, not anyone else’s.

She’d had a drink at A.S. and casually brought him into the conversation. Joe had told her he was working hard and hadn’t come out to play for days. He’d said he was constantly climbing the mountain, searching for clues as to who had murdered Simon Linbar and that he was going to burn out if he didn’t stop being so dedicated.

According to Lenny who worked at the lodge, Mallory, who he’d become friends with because she was a “nice kid,” said that her father had decided to stay for another two weeks. Lenny told Maggie that Mr. Winter must be wealthy, because it wasn’t cheap.

Joe had said he was trying to get Fin to open up but that he was about as malleable as the mountain he tramped all over. So instead he was trying to be there for him if and when he needed it.

She should talk to him. The only problem with that was he would then question her about stuff she didn’t want to share, and there was also that other thing. The hot, heavy thing that lay between them.

Puffing her way up the small incline, she heard Buzz’s high-pitched barking. He’d probably found a small animal.

“Buzz, here now!”

He ignored her, so she tried again, several times, then gave up and went off the trail. The trees and brush were thick here, so she moved slowly, pushing them away. Buzz’s barking had become frenzied.

“There will be no dog biscuit for you if you don’t come now!” He was looking upward when she reached him. “These creatures actually have a right to be here, fur ball, not you.” She saw a tail, but not the body as it disappeared. “And there is no way you are agile enough to follow that.”

Buzz whined and started scratching at the ground in frustration.

“What would you do with it if you caught it? You’re a softy at heart. You may play the big tough guy, but I know better.”

Grabbing his collar, she eased him away. When she looked at him again, he had something in his mouth.

“Drop, Buzz.” He spat it at her feet. Picking it up, Maggs studied the brown leather wallet but didn’t recognize it—but then, she didn’t know who carried a brown leather wallet in Ryker Falls, or a black one for that matter. It could also belong to a tourist.

“Right, let’s head back out to the trail and see if it has a name inside. Then it’s time for coffee and toast.” Buzz barked his approval.

She’d just made it back when the sound of feet had her tensing—after all, she was out here alone.

“Well now, this is a sight!” The Robbins sisters appeared with Mr. Goldhirsh. Both immediately began to make a fuss of Buzz, who Maggs was sure smiled up at them.

“I thought you were injured?” Maggie said to Mr. Goldhirsh.

“I am, but if I use my hiking poles I am fine, and we’re taking it easy.”

Which probably meant they’d already walked more miles than she could in a week.

The three of them stood before her looking ridiculously fit and healthy. Miss Marla wore pink, and Miss Sarah blue. Leggings, zip-up jackets, and caps.

“How come none of you sweat?” Maggs brushed hair out of her eyes. “I walk five feet and I’m dripping.”

“Your new to exercise, dear.” Miss Marla patted her hand. “We’ve been doing it for years. It keeps us healthy and frisky.”

“Frisky?”

“She had a date last night and didn’t get home until the early hours of this morning,” Miss Sarah said.

“Okay, wow. Go you. I haven’t had a date in ages,” Maggie confessed.

“But as you’re taking steps to change yourself, that will change too, dear,” Miss Marla said. “What’s in your hand?”

“Buzz found it.” She handed the wallet to Miss Marla, who immediately opened it.

“There’s a note in here, but nothing else,” she said. They all huddled closer as she read aloud. “‘He knows and can expose us, A.J. I love you and