Page 29 of Silent Night

"Of course not," Jack said, stepping back and gesturing for them to enter. As they crossed the threshold, Sheila couldn't help but feel like they were walking into the unknown, and she prayed they'd find the answers they were seeking within these walls.

The interior of the cabin was surprisingly cozy and well-kept. Polished wood-paneled walls lined the space, adorned with mounted antlers and framed landscapes of the surrounding wilderness. A worn leather couch sat opposite a large stone fireplace, which crackled with warmth. The scent of pine hung in the air, mingling with the faint aroma of something cooking in the adjacent kitchen.

"Wow, this place is incredible," Finn said, his eyes sweeping over the cabin's contents with genuine appreciation.

"Thanks," Jack said, a touch of pride in his voice. "I built it myself. Always wanted a place like this—off the grid, self-sufficient. It's got solar panels on the roof for power, a natural spring for water, and I hunt or fish for most of my food."

Sheila took in the details of the cabin, noting how every aspect seemed tailored to provide its owner with complete independence. It struck her as both admirable and unsettling—the perfect hideaway for someone with something to hide.

As they settled into the living area, Jack's demeanor remained warm and open, a stark contrast to the dark suspicions that had led them here. Sheila and Finn exchanged a glance, both seemingly taken aback by how friendly he seemed.

"Jack, do you live here alone?" Natalie asked with polite interest.

"Yep," he replied, nodding. "Used to be married, but got divorced a couple years back. I've come to appreciate the quiet life out here." He gestured around the cabin with a rueful smile.

Sheila couldn't help but feel that his words rang false, given what they knew about his activity on the dating app Birds of a Feather. She glanced at Natalie, who seemed to pick up on her thoughts.

"So you're not trying to date anyone?" Natalie asked.

Jack smiled. "Why, you trying to set me up?"

"You know what they say," Finn said. "Birds of a feather flock together."

Jack's expression flickered, looking confused for a moment before he quickly masked it. "Yes, so they say."

Nobody spoke for several moments. Sheila studied Sawyer, wondering why he was hiding his use of the app. He must've recognized the reference, so why not admit he had a profile on it?

"Have you been following the news lately, Jack?" Finn asked casually. "About the murders near the Great Salt Lake?"

"Can't say I have," Jack replied, shaking his head. "I don't watch much TV, and there's no Wifi out here."

"Let me fill you in then," Finn said, pulling out his phone and tapping the screen a few times. Sheila could see him pulling up a news article with pictures of the two victims' faces. "Two women were found dead near the lake, and we're trying to figure out if there's any connection between them and some of the people they interacted with on the dating app Birds of a Feather."

He handed the phone to Jack, who took it hesitantly. As Sawyer's eyes darted over the article and the images of the young women, Sheila studied his face for any sign of recognition or guilt. She saw only an expression of pity.

But was it real, or had he practiced for this very moment?

"Terrible thing," he murmured, handing the phone back to Finn. "But I don't know anything about it."

"But you do use the app?" Sheila asked.

Sawyer blinked at her. "I have used it, yes."

"According to the victims' profiles, you exchanged messages with both of them. Are you trying to tell us you don't remember talking to them?"

Sawyer glanced away, looking increasingly uncomfortable. His hands wrestled in his lap. "Okay," he finally admitted. "I talked with them."

Natalie leaned forward in her wheelchair, her piercing gaze fixed on Jack. "Did you ever meet either of them?" she asked.

Jack shifted in his seat, avoiding eye contact as he hesitated before answering. "Only Jennifer. Hadley and I didn't get any real traction."

Sheila narrowed her eyes, taking note of the beads of sweat forming on Jack's forehead. He was clearly more nervous than he'd initially let on.

"Why did you lie about using the platform?" Finn asked.

"I didn't want to admit that I knew them because—well, once I heard about the murders, I was afraid I'd be suspected of killing them."

"Understandable," Natalie said, studying him closely. "So, how did your date with Jennifer go?"

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