Page 249 of Mountain Boss

The sky is clear tonight. The half-moon isn’t especially bright, but the light glows off the snow lining the path, making it bright enough to see by. And since I forgot my flashlight, I appreciate it.

It’s been nice these last few days, but nightfall always brings the cooler air.

I fill my lungs and work to calm my nerves.

I don’t know if Sterling sent that text the moment he left or sometime later, so I don’t know when he’ll be getting home. But it could be soon.

And I know I won’t be able to sleep until he gets here and we talk.

My eyes are focused down on where I’m walking when Ben starts whining.

“What’s—”

A man-shaped form steps onto the path in front of us.

Chapter 191

Sterling

My headlights flash on something,and I slam on my brakes.

For a long second, too long, I stare at the gate pulled across the end of my driveway.

“What the fuck?”

I shift the truck into park.

The gate that is always open is closed.

I unbuckle my seat belt.

It’s not just closed. Someone shoveled it free, swung it closed, and—I squint my eyes, not believing what I’m seeing.

They put a new padlock on it. Locking it shut.

Ice so cold it burns fills my veins.

I reach into my back seat and grab the item I always keep there.

With my other hand, I dial three numbers as I climb out of my truck.

Then, for the second time today, I start to run.

Chapter 192

Courtney

“Hello?”My tentative voice barely carries over the sound of Ben’s whimpers.

The man walks forward.

“Dale?” I take a step back.

I can’t see the man well. But I know it’s not one of my guys.

Then he steps into a beam of moonlight, and I can see it’s not my replacement either.

But I recognize him.

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