Peril at Granite Peak Read Online Free PDF Page B

stairs.The only other people in sight were a young couple sitting on the wide stone hearth of the fireplace, sipping something out of chunky ceramic mugs. The male half of the couple was the guy we’d seen arguing with Stanley Wright the evening before.
    I almost skipped talking to him. The guy seemed to have a serious temper. But this was no time to be choosy. I hurried over and introduced myself. Now I could tell what they were drinking—hot cocoa. The sweet scent tickled my nose and made me hungry.
    â€œNice to meet you, Frank.” The man set down his mug, then stood and shook my hand. His grip was firm and his smile was friendly. “I’m Nate Katz, and this is my beautiful new bride, Cassie. We’re here on our honeymoon.”
    Cassie smiled at me and said hello. She was gorgeous, with black hair and amber eyes.
    â€œSo what do you think about this blizzard, eh, Frank?” Nate asked, settling back into his seat. He seemed much more relaxed now than he had in the dining room last night. “Pretty exciting stuff.”
    â€œI guess.” I looked at the snow falling outside. “Um, actually that’s why I came over. Are you two planning to head out of here soon? Because our car broke down, and my friends and I are looking to hitch a ride down the mountain.”
    â€œSorry, we’d be happy to help if we could.” Nate took a sip of his cocoa. “But Cassie and I are staying put.”
    â€œReally? You’re staying through the storm?” I was alittle surprised. Based on Josie’s hysterical reaction earlier, I’d thought pretty much everyone was cutting out. Then again, Cody had said something about a few people sticking around.
    â€œYep, we’re staying,” Nate said. “Why not? This place runs on a generator—it’s the only way to have power this far up the mountain.”
    â€œThat also means the lodge shouldn’t lose power even in a bad storm,” Cassie spoke up.
    â€œRight.” Nate smiled at his bride. “Mr. Gallagher tells us he’s got plenty of food laid in, and there’ll be a skeleton staff staying here to keep things running smoothly. So anyone who wants to ride out the storm is welcome to stay.”
    Cassie nodded. “We don’t want to cut our honeymoon short.” She leaned closer to Nate. “It’ll be extra romantic to be snowed in together.”
    â€œDefinitely romantic.” Nate set down his cocoa and put both arms around her, nuzzling her cheek.
    Okay, the public display of affection was getting to be a little much for me. “Thanks anyway,” I said. “Enjoy the rest of your honeymoon.”
    â€œWe definitely will.” Nate glanced up briefly. “Good luck finding a ride.”
    â€œThanks.” I stepped away. The sound of voices was coming from the hallway leading off toward the dining room, so I headed that way.
    It was Stanley Wright. He was talking to Cody’s mom.Well, more like talking at her. It sounded like he was complaining about his room.
    â€œ. . . and I also found a very mysterious stain on one of the pillowcases,” he was saying. “What if I catch a disease or something? I have very sensitive skin, you know. I’m sure I mentioned that when I checked in.”
    â€œI’ll speak to Josie about getting you a fresh set of pillowcases right away, Mr. Wright,” Mrs. Gallagher said soothingly.
    â€œFine.” Stanley frowned. “Now, about my towels—”
    â€œExcuse me,” I broke in. “Um, sorry to interrupt, but I have a question.”
    â€œOf course.” Mrs. Gallagher looked relieved. “What is it, Frank?”
    â€œActually, my question is for Mr. Wright.” I forced a smile as I glanced at the man. It wouldn’t be pleasant sharing a car with him all the way down the mountain, but like I said, things were kind of desperate. “I was just wondering if you were planning to