Read Ruin for Free Online Page B

anymore, something aesthetic as well as functional."
    "Winter is different. No argument there." But I wasn't convinced it deserved the awe with which he talked about it. I supposed the buildings were pretty, but pretty buildings didn't breathe life into a town. People did that, and sadly, Winter had very few residents left who didn't require walkers to get around.
    "Why haven't the tourists discovered this place?" he asked. "It's right on the river, and it's got beautiful old buildings and great views. It doesn't make sense."
    "Someone tried a B&B once, but it closed after a couple of years. Nobody came. They kept going to Riverside. It's got better facilities and the views are just as nice."
    "But the buildings aren't. There's no sense of history there, not like here. Did the B&B owners advertise? Did the town get behind them and bring in fishing supplies and other things tourists want?"
    "I don't think so." I sat back on my haunches and thought about it. "It's like they don't want to be discovered."
    "So they'd rather let their town die?"
    "I guess so."
    "That's sad."
    "Yeah, well, this place is sad."
    I could feel his eyes on me again and I looked up. He was frowning, but quickly turned away. I knew he wanted to say something, but he stayed quiet. I would have asked what bothered him, but the crunch of gravel beneath tires drew my attention. I stood as a car I recognized drove up and parked behind Jane's.
    "Someone you know?" Ben asked, standing beside me.
    "My dad," I said as he got out. At least he wasn't in the squad car or in uniform. Mom had probably made him change before coming. She knew it would have embarrassed me more.
    "Am I about to get the third degree?" Ben said, a hint of humor edging his voice.
    "Undoubtedly," I muttered as Dad strolled up to us. "Hey," I said to him. "What are you doing here?"
    "Your mother told me you were staying the night. I wanted to make sure you had everything you needed." His gaze flicked from mine to Ben's.
    "This is Ben Parker," I said. "Ben, this is my dad, Jim Bell."
    They shook hands and nodded greetings. Ben was taller than Dad, but Dad had a sort of presence that made it seem like they were physical equals. I guess it was a cop thing. "Kate's mother says you were just passing through and needed somewhere to stay the night," he said to Ben.
    "Yes, sir. Jane was kind enough to offer me a room here and your wife has provided us with dinner. I'm very grateful."
    Dad nodded slowly, his gaze taking in everything about Ben, slowly, carefully. "So you got off a bus in a strange town with no money. Seems like an odd thing to do."
    Ben shifted his weight and his grip tightened around the screwdriver. "I can see how it looks that way. Be assured, sir, I won't stay longer than necessary."
    "Stay as long as you like. We've got no problem with strangers here in Winter as long as they behave themselves."
    Jeez, could he sound any more like a cop? "Ben says the water heater will need replacing," I said.
    Dad's eyebrows rose. "You've already looked at it?"
    "Yes, sir. Kate and I just started on these tiles."
    Dad nudged the pile of broken tiles with his toe. "What are you going to replace them with?"
    "There's a stack of spares in the stables."
    "Oh," I said. "Great. Will they take long to lay?"
    "I'll do what I can in the morning."
    "That's mighty good of you," Dad said. "Laying tiles is back-breaking work."
    "I've done worse."
    Dad gave a single nod. "So where are you from, Ben?"
    "Minnesota."
    "Where in Minnesota?"
    Ben's gaze met Dad's. "Minneapolis."
    "That's a long way away. What're you doing here in Montana and Winter in particular?"
    "Just passing through, like I said."
    "On your way to...?"
    "Dad!" I grabbed his arm and led him toward the front door. "Be back in a minute, Ben." I dragged Dad inside and shut the door. "What're you doing?" I snapped.
    "My job."
    "Your job doesn't include interrogating people for no reason!"
    "Not my job as a cop, my job as your father."
    "Well...stop