Chapter 18

He was taller than Henry and bearishly husky. He made for an imposing sight, striding toward the cabin through the drifted, melting snow.

“Hope you’re enjoyin’ your stay in my cabin,” he said.

“Uh…” Henry stammered. “We were caught in that snowstorm and needed a place to shelter, so we—”

“Figured someone was up here when I seed the car at the end of the lane. It’s yours, ain’t it?”

Henry nodded, feeling apprehension that Hugo might not be pleased that they’d trespassed on his property. Hugo’s voice was deep, and, Henry thought, a bit gruff.

Much to Henry’s relief, Hugo smiled and said, “Well, I’m glad the cabin was of use to you. Wouldn’t have wanted you to be stranded out in that storm. It was a doozy, wasn’t it? I’m Hugo, Hugo Walters.”

“I’m Henry. It’s good to meet you. And yes it was quite a storm.”

The two men shook hands.