Page 62 of Out of the Cold

“You stay here,” she told the dog.

She had just stepped outside when something—no, someone—bolted from behind the cabin and headed down the driveway, quickly disappearing from view. A car engine started up, then faded away until the night was still and soundless.

Except for her heart, which was pounding in her chest.

What could anyone possibly want? Were they trying to break in?

She should call the police. But what would they do? Seeing someone on the property was trespassing at most.

Unless something had happened to Gabriel. Her whole body went cold at the thought.

She went back inside and dialed his number, praying aloud as it rang and rang, eventually going to voicemail. How could he sleep through his landline ringing like that?

Still in her boots and coat, she ran out the door toward his house, blazing a trail through the powdery snow. She was out of breath when she got to his door.

There was no time to waste with gentle knocking. She pounded and called his name.

The door opened and Gabriel—wearing nothing but a pair of black boxer briefs—looked at her with sleepy eyes. “What’s wrong?”

She sagged against the doorframe. “You’re okay.”

“Why wouldn’t I be?”

“I—”

“Come inside.”

She followed him to the table, sinking gratefully into a chair across from him. His cabin was warmer than her own. No wonder he slept practically naked.

Quickly, she told him what had happened. “I worried when you didn’t answer the phone.”

“I left my cell phone charging in the kitchen and didn’t hear it.”

“I thought I called the landline. Ugh. I guess I panicked a little.”

He sat down across from her. “People in town have been reporting thefts—tools mostly, sometimes snowmobiles and ski equipment. In the morning, we can take a look around and see if anything’s missing.”

“Why would anybody risk going onto someone’s property for that kind of stuff?”

“They’re either dumb kids or addicts looking for things they can sell.”

“Have they been breaking into cabins?” she asked.

He hesitated. “A few have been robbed when no one was there. That’s actually one of the reasons Len offered his place to me. I stayed in the big cabin so no one would be tempted.”

She stared at him. “Why didn’t you mention this?”

“I’m sorry. It honestly never occurred to me. No one’s broken into a home when someone was there. These guys are strictly opportunistic.”

What he said made sense, but her fear still simmered. She was only just getting comfortable here, and now her sense of safety was disrupted again.

“It’s pretty creepy some guy was here, though, don’t you think?” she asked.

“It is creepy, but I also don’t think it’s anything to lose sleep over. This is small-time stuff. None of the people who’ve had things stolen were hurt, or even saw who did it.”

She nodded, turning it all over in her head.

“You could stay here if you’re nervous,” he said. “Or I’ll come to your place.”

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