Sparrow's Silence

By Lisa Stowe

A quest for her roots and new family responsibilities give Cody Marsh reasons to settle in Wallace, Idaho. As the curator of a mining museum, she takes on a project mapping the old Nine Mile Cemetery. The history of the place fascinates her, but a solitary headstone, engraved only with ‘Sparrow’, nags at her with the persistence of a haunting.

When a body is discovered, Cody has no reason to believe there is any connection to the mysterious headstone. However, as she follows Sparrow’s winding tale into secrecy, betrayal, and loss, an attempt on Cody’s life proves a link.

Hurt and scared, Cody flees to the safety of those she loves...which is exactly where the killer wants her.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Lisa Stowe
• Release date: Sep 21, 2013
• ISBN: 9781301649945

Lisa Stowe

Lisa Stowe writes and edits in the Pacific Northwest woods where her family has given her the nickname of 'bear magnet'. After living off-grid in the past, she has now joined the 21st Century and can be found telling stories on her blog, www.thestoryriver.com, or on her website at www.lisastowe.com.

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Prologue

Gabe Rainwater’s angular wrists and rough, scraped hands drooped over the steering wheel of her beat up brown ’76 GMC truck as she looked in the living room window. Wallace, Idaho was hibernating, winter sinking down the mountains ringing the town. The truck’s rusty engine grumbled as if singing the short frozen day to sleep.

Tonight was the Taylor’s home. No particular reason, just the first place she stopped. A lamp inside, near the window, gave a circle of warm light that accented the colder, shifting blue of a television. It didn’t really matter what the people in the house were doing. She simply sought the certain glow that said a place was alive. Kids doing homework, dishes being washed, maybe a dog jumping around, or a cat curled on someone’s lap.

What mattered was that she touched home.

When the chilled mountain air worked tendrils around the truck door and inside her clothes, she shivered. The tremors reminded Gabe she didn’t belong in that warm circle of family after all. She released the emergency brake and aimed the truck into the lonely night.

Chapter 1

Nine Mile Cemetery, between Wallace and Burke, Idaho, held people buried practically upright because of the steep, wooded terrain. A narrow dirt road switched back on itself and any car attempting it needed four wheel drive and low gear. It was somewhat easier to walk so Cody Marsh followed Gabe Rainwater upward through the tamaracks, touching their rough and deeply fissured bark as if in greeting.

Look at this one, Gabe called, her long black hair alive in the late afternoon wind that whispered of winter.

Cody still wasn’t comfortable enough with this woman to call her a friend, and Gabe was intensely private. Even when they did something together, such as for this job, it felt as if Gabe wasn’t wholly there, which made Cody’s overtures of friendship tentative. Or forced. Added to that, Cody didn’t trust herself to gauge friendships anymore, since the last woman Cody considered a friend had turned out to be a murderer. And yet, Cody liked Gabe.

A headstone listed downhill, set apart from the others like an unwanted guest creeping around the outskirts of a gathering. Cody hiked up to Gabe, trying not to sound like a bellows. She really needed to exercise more. Maybe scrambling around this cemetery would count. Her wool cap kept riding up her short red curls and she snugged it down over her ears futilely hoping this time it would stay in place. She zipped her dark green fleece and bent over the headstone that might at one time been white, but now was just muddied. She ran her gloved fingers carefully over etchings worn by weather and years to barely negligible dents.

Sparrow, Cody said. January twelfth, nineteen forty three.

Some child’s pet? Gabe asked. A chilly wind flapped her old plaid coat against her spare frame and she shoved her hands deep into her jeans pockets as she shivered.

Not here. Maybe a baby. The isolation of the stone caught Cody, but something about the word held her. Where have I heard ‘Sparrow’ before?

Gabe shrugged and moved away, wandering farther uphill. Cody studied the headstone a moment longer and then followed her. The mystery of missing history, which initially brought her to Idaho, still imprisoned her imagination.

Burke had been home for months. Last year, as winter ended, Cody had taken the exit off I90, driving her grandfather’s motor home containing the few things he had left her when he died, along with her even fewer possessions. Not much from her previous life warranted bringing forward into this one. There, she had been subservient to her mother. There, she had been subjugated by May’s ability to make her feel worthless. Here, she became a different person. Letting her bright red hair grow, taking on a job at the newly rebuilt mining museum in Wallace. Taking on the guardianship of Florence Blaine, the elderly woman who was like a grandmother to Cody. And beginning to make the first real friends she’d had.

Including the lanky woman ahead of her on the hill.

Is ‘Gabe’ short for something? Cody stopped with her hands on her hips as she tried to catch her breath.

Gabrielle, Gabe answered as she paused to study another headstone. Do I look like a Gabrielle?

Cody tilted her head to one side and studied Gabe, who held her arms out and bowed her head. She was lean and lanky, with scarred hands. Her black hair hung to her waist, straight and free, except for a thin braid hanging on the left side of her face, held by several tiny silver circles. Her mouth was almost too broad for her face, just like her nose was almost too large. And yet the pieces worked to form a whole, a woman rough and tumble, strong and private.

Gabrielle? No way. Cody laughed, and the sound made her pause.

How long had it been since she had felt easy with life? The short answer was never. Especially since the events of a year ago. But here she was now, tentatively picking out a new life, with winter returning. The laugh felt symbolic.

Gabe climbed up on a large boulder, gesturing for Cody to follow. Interesting place. I see why the museum board members want it mapped.

Did you notice some of the headstones have old photos under glass on them? I’m not sure if that’s cool, or creepy.

Creepy, Gabe said.

Cody clambered up next to Gabe and rested her arms on raised knees. The disintegrating headstones scattered among the trees made a pattern below them. And above, the canyon walls folded up and away, purple in the late afternoon light. She loved how man’s past meshed so well with the old trees and even older mountains. The grave markers seemed as natural as the unformed stones.

There’s whole families here, Cody said, gesturing downhill. Generations.

You said the search for family brought you here. But who needs family with this? Gabe, in turn, gestured upward at the view.

Cody sorted through various explanations, looking for one that wouldn’t offend the woman beside her.

You have history, she finally said. You know where you came from, you have traditions, heritage, ancestors. You can go to a Coeur d’Alene elder and find out who you are. I’m still looking for that.

My Native heritage isn’t any different than your ancestors coming from Ireland, Gabe said, her husky voice a shade testy. You think I know where I came from simply because my heritage is visible on my face. But yours is visible in your coloring, too. Does red hair mean you know about Irish ancestry?

I don’t mean the physical part of heritage, Cody said, touching Gabe’s arm. I’m sorry, I didn’t explain it well. I mean having people to reach out to, that you know will always be there.

Having family around isn’t always a good thing, Gabe said. She shook her head, lips compressed, as if swallowing what might need to be spoken.

Well, my mom would fit that category, Cody said, trying to ease the tension she saw in Gabe. But for me I think it’s more that I need history and family so I have a place to start from. Something more than just my mom. It’s why I first came here trying to find out who my grandfather was. If I can figure that out then maybe I can see where I’m going. I’ve been thinking about this a lot since Rachel killed Kelly and Nate last year.

And Nate’s dad, Gabe said. And tried to kill that friend of yours, Matt.

Cody nodded, acknowledging the words and wondering briefly if the tall forest ranger was through with his physical therapy appointment yet.

But look at the land, Gabe said. Family’s transient compared to those mountains. They’re always there. Where family, most of the time, are not worth the pain

True, Cody said. But I still want people.

I don’t, Gabe said as she jumped from the boulder.

Cody slid down the stone without Gabe’s grace. Did Gabe include her in that comment? She swallowed the surge of inadequacy and changed the subject. Then I guess you wouldn’t have done what I did this morning.

What was that?

Hired a private investigator. To see if she can find my dad.

Why do you care? Dark intensity flared out of Gabe’s eyes. Don’t you realize sometimes it’s better to not have family?

Cody flashed on thoughts of her mother. Of course I do. But when my grandfather found me, he’d been searching for my dad. I’d like to finish that for him. Plus, I want to know why dad never contacted me.

Like I said, why? Are you hoping for one of those rosy happily ever after endings? Because that won’t happen.

Cody’s nascent temper pricked inside. Still not sure how to handle the emotion, she moved past Gabe, starting downhill. She spoke over her shoulder, finding it easier to release irritation when she didn’t have to look Gabe in the eye.

I don’t believe in happy endings. I’m not that stupid. But that doesn’t mean I don’t want answers. Cody took a breath and turned to face Gabe. Besides, look at my family now. A mother no one wants to be around, a cousin who’s an uptight ex-mayor, a great uncle who’s a controlling criminal. I might as well keep a good thing going.

Gabe snorted.

I’ll trade them, Cody said, opening her arms wide. You can have all of them, including the unknown father, in exchange for your aunt.

Nah. I’ll keep Rivers.

All Cody knew about Gabe was that she had come from Seattle four months ago to live with her elegant, environmentalist aunt. But she knew nothing else about Gabe’s background, and didn’t expect to find out anything. Not the way Gabe held her stories clutched tight.

At the bottom of the hill, Cody opened the driver’s door of her old Subaru and then saw Gabe still standing on the dirt track.

Something wrong?

Just not ready to go. Gabe backed up a step, like someone being threatened.

Cody felt the instant need to apologize. It was a knee jerk reaction from living with May, as if her mother poured guilt in until Cody had a deep well to draw from. I didn’t mean to rush you.

No, you go on ahead.

Before Cody could respond, Gabe turned away, striding back up through the trees and headstones. Cody sighed. Gabe had done this before, heading off unexpectedly, sometimes gone for hours. At first Cody had taken it personally but now she accepted it as just one of Gabe’s quirks.

Cody pulled out onto the road. It wasn’t like she could wait, anyway. She had an appointment with Kendra. Her cousin wanted to interview a man for the position of Safety in their mine and insisted all owners be present. That meant Cody and Nellie, the sister of one of the men killed the year before. Florence had also been a part owner until her dementia worsened. When she could no longer function, Cody became guardian of both Florence and her mining shares.

So now Kendra handled staffing while Nellie did the bookkeeping. Cody still didn’t know where she fit in. Unless it was working with Rivers to make sure all the environmental requirements were dealt with.

Either way, it was time to get back to Wallace. There were too many things to do and Gabe was capable of taking care of herself. Cody looked in her rearview mirror as she left, and caught the deep red of Gabe’s plaid shirt as she moved through the trees and headstones.

Just Gabe and the past.

Chapter 2

As Cody pushed open the glass door leading to Kendra’s office, she wondered how many people saw Wallace, with its frontier false-front buildings, at the base of the mountains they crossed. Interstate 90 was a migratory route, allowing cars to fly above city. Whoever designed the highway had turned concrete and asphalt into something almost graceful, and saved a historic town at the same time by taking the traffic into the air. At one time Cody had come close to joining that journey, hoping to escape her mother by driving until she could recreate herself. Though circumstances had brought her here, she still occasionally dreamed about the possibilities waiting out there, someplace where she would be a stranger starting over. Yet she didn’t know who she wanted to be. She only knew she didn’t want to remain in the role her mother made.

But for today she would stick to the canyons and ravines, the cold mountain air and deep shadows. And winter wind that was almost as cold as her cousin.

Kendra was playing the role of Casual Woman. She had relinquished her position of power behind her desk and sat in a leather armchair, dressed as immaculately as ever, in a forest green suit that deepened her auburn hair. Her high heels rested on the floor where she had obviously slipped them off before curling her feet up.

Cody ran a hand through her short flame orange hair and brushed tamarack needles off her jeans. She purposely knocked dirt off her hiking boots by kicking the threshold and then made a point of clumping into the room. She dropped onto a chair opposite the man in jeans and gray tee shirt, seated next to Kendra.

Where’s Nellie? Cody asked as she leaned forward and held her hand out to the man. Cody Marsh.

Shane Peterson.

His handshake was firm, his brown hair short, his muscled arms tattooed, his voice a pleasant pitch.

Nellie is running late, Kendra said. As usual. Mr. Peterson and I have already gone over the preliminary interview questions.

You a climber? Cody asked, gesturing to a tattoo on his forearm that read ‘rock rat’.

Cody, Kendra said, leaning forward. Do we need to get into this at the moment?

Cody met Kendra’s dark brown eyes, daring Kendra to bring up the one time Cody had gone rock climbing. She’d been with Rachel. She’d never been back.

Yes, Shane answered. You?

No, Cody answered.

Kendra cleared her throat loudly and handed a neatly labeled folder to Cody. Mr. Peterson has an excellent resume. I believe he’s exactly what we are looking for.

Great, Cody said, giving in to the contrariness that reared up every time she saw Kendra. She faced Shane. You do realize this is a very small operation, and if we can’t get past the environmental issues we may not be able to produce anything, let alone have a going concern.

I like challenges, Shane said, his denim blue eyes reflecting something like humor. And I like the idea of being involved with a project from the beginning.

And we admire that enthusiasm, Kendra said, leaning forward to emphasize her words by touching his arm. So at this point in an interview I usually want to know if you have any questions for us.

Cody sucked in a breath, then clenched her jaw to keep the words locked up. She forced herself to lean back in the chair and then glanced at the brass captain’s clock on Kendra’s desk. She still had three hours before she had to relieve Sunny, the young woman who was Florence’s babysitter. And she didn’t want to spend those hours here. She also didn’t see why Kendra needed her and didn’t like her cousin’s presumption. She drew in another breath. She would not argue with Kendra in front of this stranger.

If I get the job, will one of you be my direct supervisor, or all three?

Excellent question, Kendra said, fingering a silver nugget on a fine chain around her neck. I am directly responsible for personnel issues. Nellie Johnson handles the accounting, which will include payroll and so forth.

So you handle the mining itself? Shane asked Cody.

No, no, Kendra said, touching the back of his hand as if to redirect his attention back to her. We have a mining engineer named Jim Russell that will be in charge of the direct mining.

That’s good, Shane said. Because to be honest, a lot of miners might have a problem working for women.

Right, Cody said, allowing sarcasm to leach into her voice. A man’s world.

Shane laughed, relaxing back into the chair. Mining is a tough job. Some women can do it, but damn few. A man who puts his life on the line going down those shafts wants someone who understands the danger. They don’t trust the executive types who’ve never been down in the dark, and especially if it’s a woman. Fair or not, it’s the way it is.

I’m sure we can work around those difficulties, Kendra said. I can be very persuasive.

Cody tried not to gag as she saw her opening and stood. So you probably won’t have any contact with me. I’m an equal partner through the mistake of inheritance, but I’m not…as persuasive. And to be honest I don’t even know what I’m doing here, so while it’s nice meeting you, I have another appointment.

A tiny little voice deep inside Cody shouted, ‘Yes!’ Each time she allowed herself to speak her mind, instead of hiding like she used to, a celebratory dance jigged inside, and one more notch cut in her totem of independence. She leaned forward to once again shake the man’s hand and left, ignoring Kendra.

She was out on the sidewalk when Kendra caught up to her.

What was that about? she asked, her eyebrows drawn tightly down in an angle that complimented her pursed mouth but creased her makeup.

My question exactly, Cody said. Was there a reason you wanted me to be there since the interview was obviously over?

I wanted him to meet the owners. I thought you might want to ask him questions yourself. Safety is one of the most important jobs in the mine.

Come on Kendra. I barely make enough to cover my portion of Jim’s salary. I sure can’t afford to pay someone else when the mine isn’t bringing in income yet. Besides, you just like calling these meetings because you miss the power of being mayor. Cody blew out a breath of air in frustration. But since you want my opinion, I don’t like him.

You don’t like him because he’s a rock climber and that reminds you of Rachel. Not every climber is a killer. Kendra crossed her arms tightly over her chest. I came out here to tell you I offered him the job.

Then un-offer it, Cody said, stepping closer to Kendra. Until Nellie can interview. Three owners. Two opposing votes. Nellie will have to be the tie breaker on this one.

You have no clue how this process works, Kendra said, her voice now as intense and tight as her eyes. You have no right to be part of this.

Cody opened her mouth to argue and instead paused before drawing in a deep breath of understanding. Ah, so that’s what this is. You’re still blaming me for your grandfather going to jail.

Kendra stepped closer to Cody, shoulders rigid. He’s the rightful owner of this mine.

Cody refused to step back. No, he’s not. Kendra, you’re as much under his thumb as I used to be with my mother. He’s the reason you’re no longer mayor. He never legally owned the mine. You’re right though, that I have no clue about mining.

Then leave! Kendra threw up her hands. Please!

Cody flashed on her grandfather. He never gave up.

No, sorry, she said. I’m going to stick around and learn. Because I don’t trust you and I owe it to Florence.

Kendra reached out and jabbed a manicured finger at Cody, her expression oddly triumphant. Cody felt a second of trepidation and resisted the urge to step back.

Fine, stick around, Kendra said. Because that means you can deal with the other reason I called this meeting.

What are you talking about?

Hailey Cutler called me last night.

Why would a forest ranger call you? Especially Hailey? Cody asked.

Hailey took over Matt’s law enforcement job. Kendra’s eyes were bright with something like triumph.

I know, Cody said shortly. She was always criticizing Matt. She jumped at the opening when he got shot. What’s that got to do with her calling you?

A body was found in our mine. Kendra folded her arms across her chest.

What? Cody asked. Who?

No idea. She hasn’t been identified yet. A smile, pursed and pleased, settled in. Kendra liked delivering shocks.

Anger shoved upwards into Cody’s throat. She pressed her palm against her neck as if she could hold the emotion in.

Someone died in the mine, like before, and you’re just now telling me? Cody’s voice rose. What the hell, Kendra!

There’s nothing we can do about it and it doesn’t concern us. It’s less important than getting this hiring done and getting the mine open.

Oh, I get it, Cody said. What did you do, ask Hailey not call me so you could have the pleasure? You planning on telling Nellie, too? Watching her face while you bring back memories of her father dying in that mine?

Of course not, Kendra said, but her face betrayed her, the smile still sitting there, smeared across her perfectly sculpted and painted lips.

Cody wanted to slap her. The urge was so strong that this time she did step back, her hands restraining themselves into tight, balled fists.

You’re a bitch, Cody said.

And you’re useless, Kendra responded. I told the police they needed to deal solely with me on this investigation because Nellie would be too emotional and you were clueless about everything.

The urge to lash out, to slam into Kendra, was like a red hot flow of lava, erupting from deep within. The suddenness of it, the lack of control over it, the overwhelming need to give into it, terrified Cody. Her whole body shook with a rage she had never felt before.

She saw a momentary uncertainty flash through Kendra’s dark brown eyes. That second of fear in Kendra gave Cody a splinter of control. She moved in closer as Kendra’s hands came out as if she was a crossing guard.

Go back inside and play with your new toy, Cody said. While you have him. It won’t be long. Nellie’s smart. She won’t vote him in just because you want her to. You have no control, Kendra. Over this mine, over your life. So go play your power games and wait for your grandfather to tell you what to do next. Since you have no thoughts of your own.

Kendra shoved open the door behind her and stalked back into the building, the fury in her stiff movements more potent than words.

Cody sagged against the wall but then realized she didn’t want Kendra to witness her weakness. She staggered to her car and drove a couple blocks until she was out of sight of Kendra’s building. Then she pulled over, shut off the car, leaned her forehead against the steering wheel, and let the reaction come out in gulping breaths and hot tears. She had never been so angry. She had never felt such an urge to do violence, even during the few confrontations with her mother. What kind of horrible person was she turning into?

The cell phone on the seat next to her rang, and she flipped it open from habit but then couldn’t speak past the blockage of remorse in her throat.

Hey, sweetheart, said Jake Conrad in his whisky-gruff voice. You there?

Hi Jake. Disappointment that it wasn’t Matt added to the mix of nauseous emotions.

What’s wrong?

Nothing, Cody said, but her voice cracked, betraying her.

Spill it, sweetheart.

Cody gave in, more tears seeping out. I just called Kendra a bitch, she whispered, ashamed.

Yeah? So?

I’ve never said that word before.

Yeah? So? Jake repeated. It’s just a word. And the perfect one for her.

It’s an awful word. And I was so mad.

Sweetheart, let me ask you this. Would any other word have fit at the time?

Cody was silent, thinking. And as she did, the residual anger slunk away. No, I guess not.

There you go, Jake said, as if all the problems had just been solved. I’m over at the Silver Corner. Got time to join me for a burger?

Sure, Cody said, feeling a momentary disappointment that it wasn’t Matt. I’m on 5th Street so I can be there in just a minute or two. And Jake? Kendra said a body was found in the mine last night.

Now that’s interesting, Jake said. Come on over and let me tell you my news.

What news? Cody asked warily, wiping her cheeks with the back of her hand. Jake’s typical news usually meant he was in trouble again.

Get your butt over here and maybe I’ll tell you. He disconnected.

Cody put the car in gear, feeling the beginning of a smile, the beginning of relief. He’d managed to distract her from Kendra with curiosity.

The Silver Corner Café sat at 6th and Cedar, a tiny place with a counter, few small tables, and a pool table squeezed into a back room. At one of the small tables, Jake Conrad waited. He was a man few people liked, and a man who liked even fewer. Rough, gruff, and a modern day mountain man often found in fist fights. He lived alone in a cabin off grid, in a pocket surrounded by national forest close to Cody’s mine. The place existed in his family long before the forest service came along and grandfathered it in when boundaries were mapped. He thought the forest service was out to get him, so they could suck his acreage into their own and log off the whole.

Cody sat across from Jake. His old Carrhart coat had slipped off the chair to the floor, and his battered hat hung from the napkin dispenser. He pushed a mug toward her.

Tea, right?

Yes, thanks. Cody picked up the string hanging off the side of the mug and bobbed the tea bag in the tepid water. What are you doing in town?

Beer run, he said, and then laughed. Nah, I had to settle a score with a guy from Osburn.

Another fight? Cody tried to keep her voice neutral, but as Jake started to laugh she could feel her cheeks warming.

You’re so easy to bullshit. You fall for it every time. I had to pick up some groceries.

Cody laughed in relief. You have to admit there’s a reason I fall for it. I mean, you usually are in trouble. Tell me your news.

Not trouble sweetheart, just stirring things up. Hold on a second. He leaned back, draping his arm across the back of the chair next to him. I want to hear more about you using the bitch word.

I’m kind of ashamed, Cody said, fiddling with her tea bag string.

Jake reached across to catch her hand. But admit it. You’re also kind of proud.

Cody looked up, meeting his brown eyes, and felt a smile widen across her face. Well, okay, maybe a little.

That’s my girl, Jake said, releasing her hand and sitting back. Hang around me long enough and I’ll have you cussing all the time. He glanced out the window and grinned. Hey, have you met Muriel yet? Millie’s sister?

Millie had worked in the Corner so long that some people said she came with the foundation and would go with the last brick when the place finally fell in.

I don’t think so, Cody said. The name isn’t familiar.

See that old Barn car out there?

Barn? Cody asked, looking where he pointed. A gray-blue car that reminded her of something from old black and white movies with FBI agents in fedoras, slowly made its way down the middle of the street. Cars in both directions pulled over as far as the sidewalks would let them. Through the windshield she could see the top of a head.

Looks like the cliché of a little old lady in a big old car. Like something Florence might have owned.

Except, Jake said, laughing. That while Florence is sweet and a perfect granny, Muriel is the exact opposite. Memorize that Dodge and stay out of its way.

Hard to forget it, Cody said. She needs to sit on a pile of pillows.

She is, Jake said. So what were you doing in town besides swearing at Kendra?

Cody leaned back in her chair. I’ve been asked to map Nine Mile Cemetery by the museum board. I have no idea what that means, so I went up there this afternoon with Gabe to take a look around. Then I met with Kendra because for some reason she wanted me to be there when she interviewed a guy applying for mine safety. I think she’s trying to make me feel incompetent so I’ll walk away.

Will you? Jake peeled the top off a little plastic container of cream, drank the tiny amount, peeled another, and poured it into his coffee.

Kendra can’t do anything my mom doesn’t do better. You’ve met May, Cody said. Kendra’s nothing new. Besides, if the mine does get going, I could use the income. Every penny helps with taking care of Florence.

So was the guy hired?

I voted no, Kendra voted yes, so it’s up to Nellie whenever she shows up.

Millie placed two laminated menus on the table. Cody nodded her thanks and picked up the menu without looking at it.

And then, Cody continued, When I was leaving, Kendra told me about the body.

I’m assuming it’s no one we know or you wouldn’t be sitting here worried about the bitch word. Jake flipped open his menu.

Kendra said it was a woman but not identified. I left a message for Matt to join us after physical therapy. He might know what’s going on.

How’s his knee doing? Jake pushed the menu back.

Rachel’s bullet did a lot of damage, Cody said. Recovery’s taking a long time. He’s graduated from a leg brace to a cane though. Haven’t you talked to him?

A while back. Told him I bet he was sorry not to be working with the gnat anymore.

Cody laughed. He doesn’t miss Hailey at all.

Jake called the petite blond ranger a gnat to her face, and had been known to simply pick her up and move her when she got in his way.

Besides, Cody continued, he likes ecology training. When his leg is better he’s going to start nature walks.

I’d go insane, Jake said. All those little kids running around.

Cody laced her fingers together, leaning on the table. So this body. Someone out hiking?

Jake shrugged. Maybe. Got lost, died of exposure. Who knows. Maybe even a heart attack.

Jake was right. There were countless reasons that wouldn’t involve her, as heartless as that sounded. She didn’t want any more violent deaths to touch her. And if Matt knew, everything would be okay.

You’ve got me between a rock and a hard spot with this mine, Jake said as he scanned the menu. I want you to be able to make it here, but I don’t want the mine to open. If it does I’ll have people crossing my place to get to it.

We’ve talked about that, Cody said. Jim Russell, the mining engineer, knows we want to keep impacts for you a minimum. We’re using that spur track off your road, but he thinks he can come up with a way to limit use. Like maybe a van to bring up miners instead of them all driving to the mine. Come on Jake, you’re teasing me. What’s your news?

Jake started to speak, and then shook his head. Not yet. I haven’t talked to you in a while, either. Why’s a cemetery need to be mapped? And who’s Gabe?

Remember Rivers saying her niece was coming to live with her? That’s Gabe. She’s from Seattle. I guess someone wants to get the information off the headstones before they erode away. Cody put the menu down. Hey, you ever hear of someone called Sparrow?

Uh, the pirate ship captain?

No, goofball, there’s a tiny headstone set off away from all the others, and that’s all it said.

Probably some bird. You know, hits a window, breaks its neck, kid gets all upset so the mom buries it.

Something you’re familiar with? Cody asked, trying to picture Jake as a child.

I ain’t sayin’ nothin’, Jake said, grinning back at her. My mom might have buried one or two. But in our back yard.

Millie seemed to remember they were there, wandering back to take Jake’s order for a triple deluxe bacon cheeseburger with a double order of fries and a side of gravy. Cody shook her head and ordered a cobb salad and half a turkey sandwich. She watched him as he placed the order, at the way he was tapping his fingers on the back of the other chair, how he still hadn’t noticed his coat on the floor. When Millie left Cody planted her elbows on the table and leaned forward.

Okay, spill it. Why are you really in town? What’s your news and what’s it got to do with somebody dying at the mine?

Jake watched traffic passing out on the street for a moment, and then sat forward, taking a firm grip on his coffee mug and pulling it toward him as