Silent Night, page 2
"Beautiful, isn't it?" Charlotte murmured, her eyes reflecting the wonder of the scene before them.
"Yeah," Benny said, his voice barely audible over the pounding of his heart. "Absolutely beautiful."
Their boots crunched on the salt-crusted ground, breaking the fragile crust and revealing the wet, dark soil underneath. Benny watched as a small flock of sandpipers skittered across the shoreline, their delicate footprints left behind like tiny works of art. He longed to freeze this moment, to capture the magic and hold it close forever.
"Are we getting close?" Charlotte asked, her brow furrowing slightly as she scanned the horizon.
"Uh, yeah. I think so," Benny stammered, trying to sound more confident than he felt. His hand slipped into his pocket again, fingers tracing the delicate grooves of the ring as if to reassure himself it was still there.
"Is everything okay?" Charlotte's voice was tinged with concern, her eyes searching his face for any sign of distress.
Benny forced a smile. "Of course, why wouldn't it be?"
"You just seem a bit...nervous," she said.
"Ah, it's nothing." He swallowed hard. "Just excited about the sunrise. It's going to be amazing."
Charlotte offered him a warm smile that made his heart swell. "I'm sure it will be," she said.
Just then, Charlotte's foot caught on a rock, and she stumbled forward toward a shallow pool of water. Benny lunged to catch her, his strong arms wrapping around her waist as he steadied her. Their eyes locked for a moment, and Benny felt his heart swell with love.
Gazing at her, he found himself thinking of all the choices and coincidences that had conspired to bring them to this moment. They had met two years ago at a mutual friend's birthday party. Benny still remembered the way Charlotte's laughter had filled the room, drawing him to her like a moth to a flame. Her intelligence and wit had captivated him from the start, and he found himself falling more in love with each passing day. He loved how she always seemed to know when he needed a reassuring touch or an encouraging word, how her smile could light up even the darkest days.
Benny had sought her father's blessing just a week ago, feeling his heart pounding in his chest as he awaited the older man's answer. The relief he'd felt when Charlotte's father gave his approval had been nearly overwhelming, but now, as he stood on the edge of the Great Salt Lake with the engagement ring burning a hole in his pocket, he couldn't help but wonder if Charlotte would feel the same.
"I think I'm safe," she said, arching an eyebrow playfully. "You can let go now."
"Oh. Right." He loosened his grip, letting her take a step away to balance herself. Did she not want me to keep holding her? he wondered, unable to suppress the doubt that rose up. Is it possible she's not as serious about this relationship as I am?
"Are you coming?" she asked as she resumed walking. "I thought you wanted to watch the sunrise together?"
He nodded and, shoving his doubts aside, followed her.
"It's so isolated out here," Charlotte said in a soft, uneasy voice as they continued their trek. "I didn't expect it to be this... remote."
Benny heard the worry in her tone and tried to reassure her. "Isn't it great, though?" he said, his voice upbeat. "No one else around, just you and me. I can have you all to myself." He laughed as if this were a clever joke, but the sound was too loud, almost profane in such a tranquil place.
She smiled at his words, but the tension remained in her shoulders. "It's just...different from what I imagined, that's all. Can I take a look at the map?"
Benny paused, his heart sinking. He hadn't thought to bring one, too focused on the proposal plan and finding that elusive hill. "Uh, actually, I didn't bring a map."
"What?" Charlotte's eyes widened in disbelief. "Why would you come all the way out here without a map? We've never been to this area before." She pulled out her phone, tapping the screen frantically. "Great, there's no service either."
"Charlotte, it's okay," Benny tried to assure her, taking her hand in his. "We can just follow the lake back. There's no way we'll get lost." The words were meant to comfort her, but even he felt a twinge of doubt creep in. After all, it wasn't as if the shoreline would lead them straight to the parking lot where they'd left the car. They would have to leave the lake at some point and hike up into the hills, and if they didn't know when and where to do that, they could easily get lost for hours.
To his relief, however, Charlotte took his word for it. "Alright," she finally said, though her gaze remained uneasy. "I trust you."
As the sun continued to rise, its rays slowly dispersing the mist, Benny realized they had lost their chance to find the fabled hill Trevor had mentioned. It was time to improvise.
"How about we stop and have a breakfast picnic?" he suggested. "We can enjoy the view from right here."
"I think that's a good idea," Charlotte said, looking relieved at the prospect of stopping.
They picked a spot along the shore, the water lapping gently at the rocky edge. They set their backpacks down and Benny began unpacking their things, feeling the weight of Charlotte's nervous gaze on him as he spread out the blanket and started arranging their breakfast. The smell of fresh fruit and pastries mingled with the salty air, creating a tantalizing aroma.
"Here," he said, handing her a croissant. "Let's eat and enjoy the view."
As they ate, the sun continued to rise, casting a golden glow across the lake. Benny couldn't help but marvel at the way the light flickered in Charlotte's eyes, illuminating the flecks of green and gold within them. His heart swelled with love for her, but also with the uncertainty of what lay ahead.
Everything will be okay, he told himself, silently repeating the mantra as he focused on the quiet stillness of the water. I'll make sure of it.
For now, he would do his best to put Charlotte at ease and share this moment with her, while also keeping an eye on their surroundings. They had wandered far from the trail, but he was confident that they could easily find their way back.
"Look at the birds," he said, attempting to shift her focus from her worries. A flock of gulls soared above them, their cries resonating across the lake. "Nature truly is beautiful, isn't it?"
She glanced up, and a small smile played at the corners of her mouth. "Breathtaking."
Encouraged, Benny continued, "Remember how we went to that photography exhibition for our first date? We bonded over our love for nature and its beauty. I think it's moments like these that make all the challenges worth it."
As Charlotte nodded, Benny's hand found hers, giving it a reassuring squeeze. Their fingers intertwined, the warmth of their connection a beacon amidst the uncertainty. He hoped his touch would convey everything he couldn't quite put into words—how much he loved her, how committed he was to their future together, and how he would do anything within his power to keep her safe and happy.
The moment was broken, however, as Charlotte withdrew her hand and rose. She cleared her throat. "I've got to take a little bathroom break," she said, her voice wavering slightly as she scanned their surroundings for a private spot.
"Sure, take your time," Benny said, trying to sound reassuring. As soon as Charlotte disappeared from view, he reached into his pocket and pulled out the ring. His heart raced with anticipation as he dropped it into a glass and filled the glass carefully with water. It wasn't champagne, but he hoped Charlotte would appreciate the sentiment nonetheless.
With trembling hands, Benny arranged a simple yet heartfelt scene for the proposal: a soft blanket spread out on the ground, a platter of fresh fruit, and the surprise-filled glass set in the center. He took a deep breath, inhaling the crisp morning air mingling with the faint scent of salt. His thoughts were a jumble of excitement and nerves, but one thing was certain: He couldn't wait for Charlotte to return so he could ask her the most important question of his life.
"Please say yes," he whispered to himself, his eyes darting toward the spot where Charlotte had vanished. Anxiously, he adjusted the arrangement of the fruit, wondering if it looked presentable enough. The sun continued its ascent, casting a golden glow on everything around them, and Benny couldn't help but think how perfect this moment was, despite the anxiety gnawing at the pit of his stomach.
Memories of their relationship flooded his mind—the laughter they'd shared, the countless adventures they'd embarked upon, and the quiet moments when they'd simply basked in each other's presence. Benny's love for Charlotte burned brightly within him, fueling his determination to make this proposal unforgettable.
"Come on, Charlotte," he muttered under his breath, his fingers tapping restlessly against his thigh. "I can't wait to tell our families that we're engaged."
As the seconds ticked by, Benny's anticipation only grew, the sight of the ring in the glass serving as a constant reminder of the life-changing decision that lay before them. He knew Charlotte loved him, but the uncertainty of her answer sent shivers down his spine.
"Deep breaths," he reminded himself, trying to calm his racing heart. "This is our moment."
But as the seconds snowballed into minutes, Benny's anxiety steadily grew. He couldn't understand why she was taking so long. Was something wrong?
"Charlotte?" he called tentatively, cupping his hands around his mouth to amplify the sound.
He hesitated, torn between the fear of startling her and the gnawing concern that something might be wrong. Taking a deep breath, he weighed his options, trying to decide whether to venture after her or remain where he was.
Maybe she's just enjoying the view, he thought to himself, trying to dismiss his unease. But the thought wouldn't leave him, and the silence seemed deafening in the peaceful morning landscape.
Just as Benny decided to stand up and search for her, a blood-curdling scream pierced the stillness, sending shivers down his spine. His heart lurched in his chest as panic surged through his veins. He bolted to his feet, adrenaline fueling his movements, and raced toward the sound.
"Charlotte!" he shouted, his voice strained with fear. The mist swirled around him, obscuring his vision and making it difficult to determine her location. "Where are you?"
As he drew closer to the edge of the lake, he spotted Charlotte's silhouette through the mist, standing unnervingly still. Her posture radiated tension, her gaze affixed to something in the water. "What's wrong?" Benny panted, his breath coming out in ragged gasps.
In answer, she pointed toward a murky object drifting slowly toward them across the water. There was a look of horror on her face.
"I think it's a life!" she said in a choked whisper, grabbing Benny's arm.
Benny stared at the object, puzzled. He felt an instinctive need to downplay the situation, to assure Charlotte that she was overreacting and there was nothing to be afraid of. "It's probably just a log," he said, sounding more confident than he felt.
Charlotte shot him a dubious glance, her lips pressed into a thin line. "There aren't any trees around here, Benny."
He knew she was right, but he couldn't come up with a better explanation. The air felt heavy, charged with an inexplicable tension that weighed on his chest like a ton of bricks. He swallowed hard, unable to tear his gaze away from the mysterious object inching ever closer through the mist.
As they watched, something beneath the object shifted, and an arm – previously trapped beneath the object – floated to the surface, pale and lifeless.
Charlotte screamed. Benny gaped in stunned silence.
And the body continued its slow, lifeless journey toward them.
CHAPTER ONE
Sheila shifted in her seat, her eyes flicking between the road ahead and her father's profile as he drove. The truck's engine rumbled beneath her, a steady hum that punctuated the silence between them.
What exactly does he know about Mom's death? she wondered.
Gabe had said he needed to talk to her about her mother, but he'd been cryptic at best and evasive at worst. Each time they'd tried to meet up recently, something always came up—a flat tire, a last-minute work emergency, or some other excuse. Sheila's curiosity burned within her, an itch she couldn't quite scratch.
Has he been avoiding me? Does he regret telling me he'd discovered something?
The early morning light seeped through the windshield, casting a warm glow across the passing landscape. Red rock formations stretched toward the sky, their jagged shapes softened by the dawn. Sparse vegetation dotted the sandy terrain, adding a touch of green to the otherwise earthy hues. It was the kind of scene Sheila had grown up with, familiar and comforting in its rugged beauty.
She stole another glance at her father, taking in his graying hair and the lines etched into his face. Time had left its marks on him, but the determined set of his jaw and the intensity in his eyes were as familiar as ever. Sheila knew her father well enough to recognize when he had something important to say, and she could sense it now, heavy in the air between them.
"Are you ever going to tell me what this is about?" she asked, unable to hold back her impatience any longer.
Gabe glanced at her briefly before turning his attention back to the road. "I will, Sheila. Just be patient with me a little longer, and I promise it will all make sense soon."
Sheila sighed, crossing her arms over her chest. A part of her wanted to push him further, to demand an explanation right then and there. But she also knew that would only make him clam up, retreat behind a wall that years of shared history had taught her was all but impenetrable.
The truck rounded a bend, and Sheila caught her first glimpse of the large dude ranch sprawling before them. It was an impressive sight: dozens of horses milled about in various paddocks, moving with an easy grace that belied their size. Employees bustled around, filling water tubs for the animals and tossing hay into their paddocks.
"What are we doing here?" Sheila asked, surprised by the unexpected detour.
Gabe parked the truck and turned to her with a small smile. "I thought this would be a nice place to talk. Come on."
He climbed out of the truck, slamming the door shut behind him. Sheila hesitated for a moment before following suit. As she stepped onto the gravel path that led to the ranch, she couldn't help but wonder why her father had chosen this particular setting for their long-awaited conversation.
They walked side by side, approaching a wooden fence that overlooked one of the paddocks. Gabe leaned against it, his eyes fixed on a group of horses grazing nearby. Sheila joined him, resting her forearms on the top rail while she watched the gentle creatures, still not sure what was going on.
As she observed the horses, Sheila couldn't shake the feeling that there was some hidden meaning to their presence here—some connection between this place and the secrets her father had been keeping from her. She couldn't quite put her finger on what it was, though, and the uncertainty gnawed at her insides like a restless hunger.
"Your mother," Gabe said, his voice soft and distant, "always wanted to have a ranch like this one. It was her dream since she was a little girl. She'd talk about it all the time—the horses, the wide-open spaces, a place where our family could grow together."
Sheila's gaze followed a chestnut mare nuzzling her foal, their tails flicking away pesky flies.
"Before...before everything happened," Gabe continued, "we were saving up to start our own ranch. We had plans drawn up, even gone to some auctions to look at horses we could rehabilitate." He let out a deep sigh, and Sheila could see the sorrow etched into the lines of his face. "But when your mom was killed, those dreams died with her."
As she watched the horses, Sheila couldn't help but wonder how different life would have been if her mother were still alive. Would they have that ranch by now, a sanctuary where they could find solace among the animals they loved? Would Henrietta be proud of the woman Sheila had become—of her accomplishments and ambitions?
"Every Sunday," she murmured, almost to herself, "we used to go on horseback rides together. Just me and Mom." Memories of laughter and sun-warmed afternoons filled her thoughts, and she blinked back tears that threatened to fall. "Do you think we'd still do that if she were here?"
Gabe reached over and squeezed her hand, his eyes finally meeting hers. "I'm sure of it, Sheila. Your mother loved those rides just as much as you did. And she'd be so proud to see what you've accomplished."
Sheila nodded, appreciating the effort her father was trying to make, even though it didn't make her feel much better.
Gabe looked away, his attention settling on the distant mountains, their peaks dappled with the first light of dawn. "Like I told you over the phone," he began, his voice low and hesitant, "I've been investigating your mother's murder."
Sheila's heartbeat quickened, apprehension tightening her chest. Finally, her father was talking about it. She stayed silent, not wishing to derail his train of thought.
"Seemed like the police hit a dead end pretty quickly," he continued. "They were stretched thin, working on too many cases at once. In the beginning, they'd keep me updated on their progress, but eventually, they stopped contacting me altogether. Felt like they'd given up."
"Why didn't you tell me sooner?" Sheila asked, her voice barely above a whisper. The idea of her father working alone on such a personal and painful case sent a shiver down her spine.
Gabe took a deep breath before answering, his voice tinged with regret. "I didn't want to interfere with your career, Sheila. You were so focused on kickboxing, and I didn't want you to feel guilty for pursuing your dreams." He glanced at her, a hint of sadness in his eyes. "I made a promise to myself that I wouldn't say anything unless I found something significant."
A thousand questions swirled in Sheila's mind, but she reined them in, focusing instead on the weight of her father's words. She had always known he was fiercely protective of her ambitions, but she hadn't realized just how much he had kept from her to ensure she stayed on track.
"Did you find something significant, Dad?" she asked, careful not to let her hope show.
He stared solemnly at the horses, his face etched with determination. "Yes, I did. Thanks to Natalie, I was able to get access to the police files. Though, she doesn't know what I managed to discover." He paused, taking a deep breath before continuing. "I found a lead that might help us figure out who murdered your mother."
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