Page 42 of Too Late

She turned her face to see Josh’s expression. Compassion. Understanding.

“I’m really sorry you had to go through that.”

“Shook my world pretty bad. It took me a year to go hiking again, but that’s when Miss Marple and I started training.”

“At risk of sounding insensitive, can I just say you make so much more sense now.”

She chuckled. “I bet.”

The wind picked up outside, and the patter of the rain became more of a plinking sound. Sleet.

Chloe curled a little tighter against Josh, grateful she wasn’t out here alone.

They listened to the sleet, but it only lasted a few minutes before it changed to snow. A gust of wind rippled open the shelter’s flap, allowing a few flakes to sneak inside.

Flash.Crash!

“Snow and thunder?” Josh’s surprise amused her.

She scrambled to the opening in the tarp and pulled the flap aside.

Giant snowflakes floated to the ground and lightning streaked the sky. “I’ve always wanted to see thundersnow!”

“Thunder-what?” He came up behind her.

“Thundersnow. It’s pretty rare, as the conditions have to be just right. I’m guessing the mountains are helping.”

They sat in the opening with the fire at their backs and watched with wonder the mighty display before them.

Chloe soaked it in and soaked in Josh’s nearness too. “I don’t want to be afraid anymore.”

Josh didn’t say anything. She could only imagine how out of the blue her words were.

She continued, “I know God’s greater than any storm or height or bad guy I could face. He’s the one who’s put us together. I just need to trust Him.”

“Indeed.” Josh tightened his arm around her and kissed her temple.

Could she really let herself love again? She wanted to trust God with everything, including her relationship with Josh, but why was it so hard?

Movement by the squad room door caught Gabe’s attention. A petite woman with short, dark brown hair pulled her long jacket around herself. The front desk officer beside her pointed to Gabe.

Amelia.

He jumped to his feet and crossed the room. “You must be Josh’s sister.” He extended his hand. A tall man holding an older baby boy in his arms stood behind her.

“I am. Amelia Johnson. Where’s my brother?”

“You didn’t have to drive all the way out here,” Gabe said.

“I did. It was only three hours. I’ve worked kidnapping cases. I’m not just here in a familial capacity; put me to work.” She pulled her coat aside revealing her Hazel Hill detective’s badge. “I will do whatever I can to help find our siblings.”

“Me too.”

“I know.” She motioned to the man with her. “This is my husband, Caleb, and our youngest, Jonathan.”

“Glad you didn’t drive out here alone. My mom is still here but is headed home soon. You all are more than welcome to crash at their house, no need for a hotel.”

“Thank you.”

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