Page 201 of Valor

“If they didn’t take your passport, what were they looking for?”

“That’s what gets me.”

“So, they broke in, trashed the place, went through all your stuff for nothing?”

“As I said, I’m a student; I really don’t have anything of great value. So, they must have been after something else.”

“Like what? Information?” He glanced at her.

What information did he think she had?

“Maybe they were looking for my tablet, but I had that in my knapsack.”

“Is there anything pertaining to the mill saved on it? Because risking jail time for breaking into your apartment in order to steal a tablet makes no sense.”

They passed a few homes on the outskirts of the village. Then, the narrow road wound up the mountain, bordered by a steep incline on one side and a rushing river on the other.

“I agree. It makes no sense. If they were looking for something to do with the mill or my grandfather, why would they trash my place? You have way more knowledge about the local history than I do. I have nothing to hide.”

“Did you bring any paperwork?”

“No. It’s all in my emails. I e-signed all the documents. Maybe the notary office will have hard copies for me, but I have had no chance to make an appointment with them yet.”

Meghan instinctively reached for the dash as Oliver navigated through a sharp curve.

“I’m sorry. There will be a few switchbacks. If you start feeling sick, let me know. I will pull over.”

The road snaked up the mountain. Meghan’s stomach churned, but she didn’t want him to think her a nuisance, so she silently prayed that God would give her the strength to overcome the nausea. When they reached the top, Oliver pulled into a parking lot in front of a log building.

“Why don’t we stop here for a few minutes?” he turned off the engine and, without waiting for her reply, got out of the car. Was it that obvious that she was barely holding on?

Meghan got out and inhaled. The fresh mountain air carried a heavy scent of pine. She glimpsed a valley to her left. The view was breathtaking.

“How far is the mill?”

“We are almost there. It shouldn’t take us long to get down the mountain.”

“More switchbacks?”

“I’m afraid so.” He motioned toward the restaurant. “Let’s take a break for a few minutes.”

Meghan followed him. In the middle of a grassy area stood a four-faced sculpture looking out into the four cardinal directions.

“What is that?”

“An elf.”

Meghan walked toward the strange statue. “Is there a story about this?”

“Of course,” he said and smiled. “There are plenty of stories surrounding this place. It’s a protected area, with restricted access to the peat moss bogs just behind the building.”

The wind picked up, and the whisps of fog transformed into a white wall, obstructing the view of the valley. Meghan skin felt instantly moist. She shivered.

“How about a coffee?”

Meghan wasn’t sure her stomach would hold anything acidic. “I think I will go for a tea this time.”

“That bad,” he said, sympathizing with her.

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