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Bradley?”
    The brisk but scratchy voice wasn’t familiar to her, and her unease resurfaced. She perched on the edge of a chair. After the warmth of the steamy bathroom, a chill chased over her, and she curled her toes. “Who’s calling, please?”
    â€œSatch Handleman,” the voice said with impatience. “I’m Harley’s uncle.”
    Harley’s uncle! Why would he be calling her? “Oh, hello, Mr. Handleman.”
    â€œI’ve been trying to reach Harley with no luck. I know he rented a cabin from Anastasia Bradley, so if that’s you, I could use your help.”
    â€œI’m sorry. Yes.” Sitting up a little straighter, she said, “This is Anastasia, and yes, Harley rented his cabin from me.”
    â€œHe’s not answering the phone there.”
    â€œHe’s not there, that’s why.”
    â€œYeah, I figured that one out on my own.” More impatience. “I tried his cell too, but he’s not answering that either.”
    â€œHere in the hills, the cell phones rarely work. Add to that a snow and ice storm, and reception is iffy.”
    â€œDamn.”
    Cautious now, Stasia said, “I hope nothing is wrong.”
    â€œNo one’s dead, if that’s what you mean.”
    Relieved, Stasia rested back in her seat. “I wish I could help you, Mr. Handleman, but I’m afraid Harley already left.”
    â€œLeft where? ”
    The demand stiffened her back. “It’s not for me to say, sir, but a few days ago he got a call from a friend and rearranged his schedule.”
    â€œTo come home?”
    Unwilling to intrude on Harley’s privacy, Stasia said, “I’m not really sure. I overheard the phone call, but not the particulars.”
    â€œWhen did he leave the cabin?”
    â€œA few hours ago. Maybe seven or eight o’clock. But he was going to play cards in town for a while before he headed out.”
    â€œAnd just how do you know all that?”
    Harley’s uncle sounded very suspicious. “He stopped by my cabin to say good-bye and told me so.” A heavy silence made Stasia uncomfortable. “Mr. Handleman? Are you still there?”
    â€œInteresting,” he finally muttered.
    â€œThat Harley would play cards?”
    â€œNo, that he’d bother to tell you good-bye.”
    â€œOh.” Now why was that of interest? Should she mention that she was already outside, or Harley probably wouldn’t have bothered?
    â€œYou two involved?”
    â€œNo!” She hadn’t meant to sound so appalled by the absurd question. Good grief, she’d almost shouted her denial. After a quick deep breath, Stasia said in a calmer tone, “Of course not. That is, Harley just rents property from me. I was out gathering wood when he passed by, so he stopped—only briefly—and said good-bye. There wasn’t anything more to it.”
    â€œHmmm.”
    Stasia found Harley’s uncle to be as enigmatic as Harley himself. “Not to be nosy, sir, but…”
    â€œCall me Uncle Satch.”
    She blinked. He wasn’t her uncle. “I, uh…Thank you.” She cleared her throat. “I suppose if it’s really important, I could try going to town to see if Harley is still at the club playing cards.”
    Uncle Satch hesitated only a moment, and then asked with concern, “You mentioned a storm. Is it safe for you to be out in the weather?”
    Just like Harley. “Yes. I have a four-wheel drive, and I’ll go slowly.”
    â€œIf you’re sure, then yes, it’s important. Thanks. When you find him, have him call me ASAP.”
    â€œYes…Uncle Satch.” Stasia felt like an idiot. She went back to the couch where she’d left a pen and her scattered papers. “I’ll leave here in under five minutes, and it takes me about fifteen minutes to get to town. If Harley isn’t there, is there a number where you’d