Page 4 of When the Silence Breaks

“I’ll report the mudslide and the other findings as mentioned to the ranger district and sheriff’s department. We’ll see what happens. It’s not my job to make heads or tails of it.” Ryder got them on the move again. Despite what he’d said, he carried an unscientific feel for the land he knew well, and right now a deep dread was growing in his gut. But that wasn’t considered science, and he wouldn’t talk about it.

“But itisyour job to decide if it’s safe for hikers,” she said. This woman was persistent. What more did she want from him? “You know something. I can tell that you have your own read. So, what’s your take?”

“For now, the rain could explain it—but I don’t love what I’m seeing. Now, let’s keep going.”

“You know where you’re going, then, taking us up the hill?” she asked.

Her easy breaths confirmed that she was in shape and athletic, not just in appearance. Very few people were these days. But her question surprised him and brought him back to the point he’d been going to make.

“We’ll head toward stable ground, then make our way down to Mercy Ridge. I assume that’s where you hiked from.”

“Sure.”

Sure? What did that mean? “Unless you hadn’t finished your trek and the slide interrupted you. I’d recommend calling it a day.”

“Town works for me,” she said. “The sooner we get there, the better.”

“I couldn’t agree more.” He was glad they’d moved on to a new topic. He’d prefer no conversation at all while he considered the mudslide and the stability issues.

“My name’s Sarah, by the way,” she said.

He should have introduced himself to begin with, but to be fair, they’d both been shaken. “Nice to meet you, Sarah. I’m Ryder Goodwin.”

“Oh? I read about the town. Matthias Goodwin is the founder. Any relation?”

“Yup. He’s my great-grandfather.”

The rain picked up again—great—heavier this time, and Ryder gazed up at the hill they were ascending.

“Maybe the rain will wash off the mud completely before we get to town,” she said. “I’m just trying to stay positive. It’s colder out here than I thought, but at least the movement keeps us warm.”

Exactly.He focused ahead. “We need to make that rocky outcropping just over there. Can you keep up?”

“Yes.”

He picked up the pace, weaving his way through the foliage,which wasn’t as thick here, so they could move faster. Half an hour later, they trudged across the parking lot of the local dollar store at the edge of town, just past the big Mercy Ridge welcome sign.

“I hope nobody pays attention to us,” she said. “We look like we just finished the world champion mud wrestling event.”

He laughed. “Who would they think won?”

“Who won? That’s what you think about?” She stopped walking and turned to look at him as her lips curled into a beautiful smile.

He wanted to see her whole unmuddied face. “Well,youmade the comparison.”

“There’s no doubt it would be me.” Her teeth flashed white, then she suddenly dropped the smile. “In all seriousness—thank you.”

She gave a slight shudder. Yeah, his mind had gone there too. Both their bodies could be washing down the river. Who knows if they would ever be found.

She stepped closer and peered up at him. “You risked your life for me. You didn’t have to do that, you know.”

“You’re welcome.” Saving someone wasn’t anything he stopped to think about. “I’ll escort you wherever you’re staying.”

“How do you know I’m not a local?” she asked.

While he was only guessing ... “You mentioned reading about the town. Just your reaction, really.”

“That’s right.” She took a couple of steps away. “I did give myself away. Well, thanks for getting me out of this mess.”