Page 27 of Silent Bones
"Well, this is unexpected," she answered, voice soft but alert. "Didn’t think I’d hear from you tonight."
"Didn’t plan to call," Noah said. "Kind of one of those nights."
"Long day on the job?"
"You could say that."
A pause.
She didn’t press.
Crickets filled the gap.
He cleared his throat. "Thought maybe you’d want to grab dinner sometime. Tomorrow evening, maybe? Something low-key. Nothing formal. Just... you and me."
"You and me?" she repeated, voice tinged with amusement.
He smiled faintly. "Unless you've got a clone."
Another pause. This one longer.
“Is this personal,” she asked, “or professional?”
He let the silence stretch. Then said, “Let’s call it… both.”
Her tone shifted, subtle, but perceptible. "You’ve got a reason, then."
"I always do."
"And let me guess, you think it leads to my family."
He took a long sip, eyes never leaving the dark line of trees across the lake. "I think a lot of roads lead to your family. Doesn’t mean you’re on them."
She exhaled softly, like she’d expected as much. “My father doesn’t run half of what people think he does anymore, Noah. He lets other people get their hands dirty.”
"Still his dirt."
"Let me guess, you think he's tied to what happened over at Saranac?"
Noah didn’t answer directly. “You ever heard of Whispering Pines Campground?”
"Sure. Small place down Route 30. Used to stop there for firewood when I was a kid. It’s changed hands many times.”
"You know the current owner? Theresa Voss?"
“No. But I’ve heard the name.” A beat followed. “Didn’t she have some... trouble?”
He looked out at the lake again. “That’s one word for it.”
Another silence, but heavier now. It hung between them, thick with things unsaid.
She broke it. “So, this dinner, should I wear a wire?”
He chuckled. “Only if it comes with a good wine pairing.”
Natalie gave a small, warm laugh. “Alright. One drink. You ask your questions, and I’ll decide how many answers you deserve.”
"Fair."
