Page 81 of Torin

He picks up the toolbox. “I’ll go do the one on the other side.”

I nod. My gaze drifts back to the lodge. Orson’s here. Hannah isn’t alone anymore.

“Orson.”

He turns.

“Can you stay here with Hannah for a while?”

He looks at me for a second. “Where are you going?”

“East Ridge.”

“Gunnar will be back in a few days.”

“I know.”

“Better to wait.”

“I can’t.”

He looks at me for a long moment. He knows me well enough not to bother arguing.

“I’ll watch her.”

“Thanks.”

I head down the steps.

“Does Hannah know where you’re going?”

“No.”

“You want me to tell her?”

I look back at him.

“No.”

Then I head for the truck.

15

Hannah

By the time I look up from the folder in my lap, the light has changed.

I blink at the window.

The bright afternoon has faded into evening, long shadows stretching across the valley below.

“No way.” I check my watch. It’s nearly seven.

I’ve been up here for hours. My legs have gone numb, and the floor around me has disappeared beneath photographs, old maps and paperwork. At some point I abandoned the desk altogether and started making piles on the rug.

I laugh under my breath. “Oops.”

Getting to my feet takes some effort. I stretch until the pins and needles ease, then survey the mess I’ve made.