Page 27 of Cold Threat

“Well, we know that most serial killers were abused children. So maybe God is telling us that the Snowman endured something horrific as a child. And if he has a partner, maybe she was involved in it somehow.”

“That makes sense.”

“Let’s start writing down some of the things we’re thinking,” Tony said, going over to the dry-erase board. His father had removed all his own notes so that Tony and River could use it. Tony had just begun to list some of their predictions about the Snowman when there was a knock on the door.

“Come in,” River called out.

The door opened slowly, and Beth came in holding an envelope in her hand. “I’m so sorry to interrupt, but something was delivered for you, River,” she said. “I wasn’t sure if it was important so I thought I should bring it to you.”

River took the envelope from Beth’s hand. “Thank you,” she said.

Beth nodded. “Dinner will be at six. I won’t bother you again.”

“You’re not a bother, Mom,” Tony said. “You can come in whenever you want.”

“I just don’t want to interrupt you.” She smiled at them. “How about some fresh coffee? Maybe some cookies or cake?”

Tony laughed. “It’s a good thing neither one of us is diabetic.”

Beth shook her head. “Funny. I like to bake. Shoot me.”

Tony walked over and kissed his mother on the cheek. “I really don’t think we need to take it that far. I think some hot coffee and a few of your wonderful cookies will give us just the boost we need. Thanks, Mom.”

Beth playfully slapped Tony’s shoulder. “You’re incorrigible. I’ll be right back.”

She left the room, pulling the door shut.

River stared at the envelope in her hand. She felt cold inside.

“What’s wrong?” Tony asked, walking over to where she stood. “Maybe it’s a Christmas card from your mother.”

River shook her head. “I only gave them this address yesterday before we left. How could a card get here so fast? Besides, this isn’t my mother’s writing—or Mrs. Weyland’s.”

“I’m sure it’s nothing to worry about,” Tony said. “Open it.”

River pulled the envelope open and pulled out a Christmas card. The front of the blue-and-white card showed a snowman standing in a snowstorm. The outside read, “Merry Christmas.” When she opened the card, she read the inside, which said, “Warm Winter Wishes.” Below that someone had written, “I predict a very warm Christmas. Happy hunting!” It was signed, “Your Salt River Friend.”

River barely felt the card slip from her hand and fall to the floor.

CHAPTER

SIXTEEN

River!” Tony said, grabbing her as she wobbled. He led her over to her chair and helped her sit down. Then he went back and picked up the card. As he read it, he felt as if his blood had suddenly turned cold. He looked over at River and realized his reaction was important. He couldn’t let her know how much this upset him. He pulled the other chair next to her and took her hand in his. “Listen, he’s just trying to rattle you. Don’t give him the satisfaction.”

“Tony, this isn’t the time to worry about how I’m handling this. This guy knows about the Snowman. And he knows where your parents live. They’re in danger.”

Tony looked down at the envelope and the card in his other hand. Then he shook his head. “The envelope was stamped in St. Louis. I don’t believe he’s here. If he were, he’d want us to know it.”

“But how does he know we’re staying with your mother and father in Burlington? Tony, he must have followed us. There’s no other explanation.”

“Yeah, there is. Following us wouldn’t have told him anything about the Snowman. I hate to think this, but I have to wonder if he bugged our office.”

“But...”

“He could have come in when we were out. I’m going to call Arnie and have him check it out. He’s got people working for him who know what to look for.”

“But even if he did bug the office, he still could have followed us here.”

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