Chapter 12 - The Price of Silence
The smoke came from a small homestead.
An elderly woman answered.
When Naira showed Tomas's portrait, she recognized him.
“He stayed here.”
Naira gripped the doorframe.
“When?”
“Last winter.”
Alive.
Tomas had been alive less than a year earlier.
“Where did he go?”
“Silver Creek.”
Naira froze.
“He was coming home?”
“Yes.”
The woman retrieved a folded note.
“He asked me to send this if he didn't return.”
Naira opened it.
I am coming home.
If Naira has rebuilt her life, do not disturb her peace.
Tell her only that I never stopped trying.
Naira cried openly.
Elias walked away to give her privacy.
Hours later, she found him by the horses.
“He was coming home.”
“I know.”
“What stopped him?”
“We find out.”
May you like
Their trail turned west again.
Back toward everything they had left behind.
