Epilogue
Man Found Frozen at Remote Mine Ruins
Nina looked up after reading the newspaper article out loud.
Three days had passed since Nicholson had been found.
She and Liam had given statements to the sheriff, who had thanked them for “helping to complete our files.” “Obviously, there’s nothing more to be done, since Nicholson is dead.
His mother has been notified and will be making his final arrangements,” the sheriff had said, with a long pause and a hard look, as if waiting for her to object.
But she hadn’t objected. She was glad to never have to worry about Nicholson again.
“I notice there’s nothing about him stalking and kidnapping you and trying to kill me,” Liam said.
She folded the paper and set it aside. “I’m kind of relieved, actually. One of the worst things about the episode in Lake Placid was having to relive it over and over again in endless news stories.”
“I would have thought the sheriff’s department would want to play up the end of an infamous would-be murderer stalking a beautiful local celebrity,” Liam said.
“I suspect Doug—or his bosses—put a little pressure on the sheriff—who is running for reelection this year—to hush things up.” She combed her fingers through the thick hair around Sky’s neck, who lay on her other side.
“Plus, it might have been a little embarrassing to have people point out how long they ignored my warnings about how dangerous Nicholson was.”
“What now?” he asked.
“Marlena says she loves the footage you took of me, and they’re rolling out the publicity campaign on social media and in print next week. She expects a big boom in spring reservations.”
“How do you feel about that?”
“Better, now that Nicholson isn’t around. Though there’s always the possibility that someone else could develop a similar unhealthy fixation with me.” She smiled. “When I mentioned that to Marlena, she helpfully pointed out that I’m no longer really famous, so I shouldn’t have to worry.”
He pulled her close, and she laid her head on his shoulder. “How do you feel about coming to Ireland with me next month, after the resort closes?”
“I’ve never been to Ireland. I’d like to see it.”
“You’d like it, I think. It’s very different from the Rocky Mountains, and there’s no skiing. But lots of sheep. And they’ll love you there.”
“The sheep or the people?”
“It’s hard to tell with sheep. But the people will love you.”
“How can you be so sure?”
“Because I love you, and I have excellent taste.”
She would never tire of hearing him say he loved her. But more than words, he had proved his love, sticking by her through the worst. After that awful night on the mountain, she was sure now there was nothing they couldn’t face together.
* * * * *
Keep reading for an excerpt from Hunted in Hope Town by Nicole Helm.