Page 28 of Deadly Past

Everything was covered in several feet of glistening snow. The air smelled fresh and clean, and the evergreen trees that grew on the island made for a perfect Christmas scene.

Declan had an idea. “Want to see if we can cut down one of these trees and decorate it?”

Wynona stopped walking and faced him with a bewildered expression. “Decorate it how?”

He chuckled. “The previous owner of the cabin sold the place as is. I found a stash of old-fashioned Christmas ornaments and lights along with some other decorations. And there’s an ax in the garage.”

Her eyes grew large. “That sounds fun.”

“Great. Come with me.” Declan went to the garage and found the ax. “There are lots of trees. I’m sure we can find one that will work.”

They set out to find the perfect tree. He’d planned to visit the other family on the island, but after everything Wynona had been through, she deserved some fun. He remembered how much she loved Christmas.

They headed through the woods while Declan kept a close watch on their surroundings. Several sets of footprints gave him pause.

“What’s wrong?” Wynona asked and then saw what he’d spotted. “Do you think it’s him?”

Declan didn’t want to alarm her. After all, as far as they knew the man following Wynona was still on the island. “No. They probably belong to the Petersons’ teenage boys. They love to explore the woods.”

She blew out a breath. “Oh, good.”

Still, Declan couldn’t relax.

“How about this one?” Wynona pointed to a spruce tree that was close to seven feet. “It’s pretty much perfect.”

He agreed. Declan worked up a sweat chopping it down. “I think it’s going to take both of us to carry it home.”

Wynona grabbed hold of the top while he took the trunk. They’d only covered a small space when a noise nearby had Declan reaching for the weapon and whirling toward the sound. One of the Peterson boys stepped from the dense woods holding an armful of cut logs, his ax stacked on top.

Carter Peterson spotted the weapon and dropped everything, his hands shooting into the air while his shocked gaze went to the gun and stayed.

Declan quickly shoved the weapon into his pocket. “Sorry, Carter. I wasn’t expecting you.”

“Who were you expecting?” Carter asked in a nervous tone.

Declan didn’t want to worry the teen. “Never mind. How are you and the family enjoying your stay?”

“Good, it’s good.” Carter was still shaken up. His attention went to Wynona, and Declan introduced them.

“This is my friend, Wynona.”

Wynona removed her glove and shook the teen’s hand. “Nice to meet you.”

“You, too.” The teen shifted his attention back to Declan. “Mom said you were here. She didn’t say you had company.”

Declan glanced Wynona’s way and suppressed a smile. “She didn’t know. Wynona and I are old friends. We served in the war together.”

“Really?” Carter was impressed. “I plan to join the marines when I graduate high school in a few years.”

Declan laughed. “Well, as an Army Ranger, I won’t hold it against you. How are your siblings doing?”

“They’re okay. Jamie and Mary are helping Mom with the Christmas meal, and Tom is working on the boat with Dad. We had some problems after the storm. I’m cutting firewood.”

Declan didn’t like hearing the Petersons were having problems with their boat. “Can I do anything to help with the boat?”

“Naw, they’re about done. Nice tree.”

“Thanks, Carter. Tell your parents we’ll stop by and say hello soon. You’re going to be here through Christmas, right?”

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