The Whispers of Shale Peak

The old truck’s engine sputtered and coughed as Elowen Thorne guided it around the last hairpin turn. Shale Peak came into view, a ramshackle collection of weathered buildings clinging to the mountainside like lichen to stone. She downshifted, the gears grinding in protest, and eased off the gas to let gravity pull the vehicle down the final stretch of rutted dirt road.

As she rolled into town, curious faces peered out from behind dusty windows and around dilapidated porches. Elowen kept her eyes fixed ahead, ignoring the stares. She’d grown accustomed to being an outsider in the five years since she’d arrived in this isolated mining community, but the townsfolk’s wariness had sharpened to suspicion in recent weeks.

The truck wheezed to a stop in front of the general store, and Elowen killed the engine. She took a deep breath, steeling herself, before stepping out onto the hard-packed earth. The late afternoon air was crisp with the first hints of autumn, carrying the acrid tang of coal dust that permeated everything in Shale Peak.

“Well, if it ain’t the fancy guide lady,” drawled a voice from the store’s covered porch. “Come to gawk at all the excitement?”

Elowen turned to face Jed Holloway, the potbellied store owner who seemed to consider it his sworn duty to give her a hard time. “Just picking up supplies, Jed,” she replied evenly. “Same as always.”

Jed spat a stream of tobacco juice into the dirt. “Ain’t nothing ‘same as always’ round here no more. Not with that high-falutin’ judge rollin’ into town tomorrow.” He fixed Elowen with a beady-eyed stare. “I hear tell you’re fixin’ to play tour guide for His Honor.”

Elowen shouldered past him into the store, not bothering to confirm or deny the rumor. Inside, she methodically gathered the items on her list: canned goods, coffee, matches, a new coil of rope. As she placed her selections on the counter, the bell above the door jangled.

“There you are, Elowen,” came a familiar gravelly voice. “I was hoping to catch you before you headed back up the mountain.”

Martha Hawkins stood in the doorway, her weathered face creased with worry beneath her steel-gray hair. Elowen felt a pang of sympathy for the old woman. Martha had raised her grandson Caleb single-handedly after his parents died in a mine collapse, and now she faced the prospect of losing him too – this time to a lengthy prison sentence.

“Hello, Martha,” Elowen said softly. “How are you holding up?”

Martha’s chin lifted stubbornly. “I’m managing just fine. It’s Caleb I’m worried about. That boy’s got a good heart, no matter what folks are saying.” She glanced around the store, then lowered her voice. “I was wondering if I might have a word with you. In private.”

Elowen hesitated, acutely aware of Jed’s eyes boring into her back. But she couldn’t bring herself to turn Martha away. “Of course. Let me just finish up here, and we can talk outside.”

A few minutes later, purchases stowed in the truck, Elowen led Martha to a secluded spot behind the store. The old woman’s gnarled hands twisted anxiously in her apron as she spoke.

“I know you’re set to guide that judge to all them so-called witnesses,” Martha began. “But I’m begging you, Elowen – you’ve got to help my Caleb. You know these mountains better than anyone. Surely there’s some way you can… influence things. Make sure the judge hears the right stories.”

Elowen’s stomach clenched. She’d been dreading this moment ever since word got out about her new assignment. “Martha, I can’t–”

“Please,” Martha interrupted, her eyes shining with unshed tears. “That mine manager’s been out to get Caleb ever since he started speaking up about the unsafe conditions. This sabotage nonsense is just an excuse to make an example of him. If he goes to prison, it’ll kill him – and me too.”

Elowen closed her eyes, feeling the weight of Martha’s desperation. When she opened them again, her voice was gentle but firm. “I’m sorry, Martha. Truly. But I can’t interfere with the investigation. My job is to get the judge safely to and from the witnesses, nothing more.”

Martha’s face hardened, the plea in her eyes giving way to bitter disappointment. “I see. Well, I suppose I shouldn’t be surprised. You’ve always kept yourself apart, haven’t you? Never really became one of us.” She turned to go, then paused. “Just remember, Elowen – these mountains have a way of revealing people’s true nature. Best be careful what truths they might whisper about you.”

As Martha’s hunched figure disappeared around the corner, Elowen leaned heavily against the weathered boards of the store. She took several deep breaths, willing her racing heart to slow. Martha’s words had hit closer to home than the old woman could possibly know.

Shaking off the encounter, Elowen climbed into her truck and pointed it towards the winding road that led up to her cabin. As she drove, her mind drifted to the task ahead. Judge Silas Blackwood was due to arrive on tomorrow morning’s train, and Elowen would need to be ready to escort him into the unforgiving terrain of the Appalachians first thing the following day.

She’d never met the judge, but his reputation preceded him. Stern, by-the-book, with little patience for the peculiarities of mountain folk or their ways. Elowen wondered how he would fare in the harsh landscape, so far removed from his usual courtrooms and legal libraries.

As the last rays of sunlight disappeared behind the ridgeline, Elowen’s headlights caught a dark shape darting across the road. She slammed on the brakes, heart pounding. For a moment, she could have sworn she saw the silhouette of a man standing just beyond the beams of light. But when she peered into the gathering gloom, there was nothing there but shadows and mist.

Unnerved, Elowen eased off the brake and continued up the mountain. She told herself it was just her imagination playing tricks, spurred by Martha’s cryptic warning. But a chill ran down her spine that had nothing to do with the cooling night air.

The whispers of Shale Peak were stirring, and Elowen couldn’t shake the feeling that before this was over, long-buried secrets – including her own – would be dragged into the light.

Judge Silas Blackwood stepped off the train, his polished leather shoes immediately coated in a fine layer of coal dust. He frowned, using his handkerchief to futilely brush at the grime. When he looked up, his frown deepened at the sight of the ramshackle platform and the handful of curious onlookers gathered to gawk at the new arrival.

“Judge Blackwood?” A voice called out. He turned to see a striking woman in her early thirties striding towards him. She wore sturdy hiking boots, canvas pants, and a flannel shirt beneath a worn leather jacket. Her dark hair was pulled back in a practical braid, and her green eyes met his gaze unflinchingly.

“I’m Elowen Thorne,” she said, extending a calloused hand. “I’ll be your guide during your stay in Shale Peak.”

Silas shook her hand briefly, noting her firm grip. “A pleasure, Miss Thorne. I trust you’ve been briefed on the sensitive nature of my visit?”

“Yes, Your Honor. I understand the need for discretion.” She gestured to a battered Jeep parked nearby. “If you’re ready, I can take you to your lodgings to get settled in. We’ll head out to the first witness location at first light tomorrow.”

As they bumped along the uneven road into town, Silas studied his guide out of the corner of his eye. There was something in her bearing, in the way she held herself, that seemed at odds with her rugged appearance. He prided himself on being an excellent judge of character – it came with the territory – and he sensed there was more to Elowen Thorne than met the eye.

“Tell me, Miss Thorne,” he said casually, “how long have you lived in these parts?”

“About five years now,” she replied, keeping her eyes on the road.

“And what brought you to such a… remote location?”

Elowen’s hands tightened almost imperceptibly on the steering wheel. “I needed a change of scenery. The mountains seemed like a good place to start fresh.”

Silas nodded, filing away her evasive answer for future consideration. “I see. And in your time here, have you formed any opinions on the accused? This Caleb Hawkins?”

“With all due respect, Your Honor,” Elowen said, a hint of steel entering her voice, “my job is to guide you safely through these mountains. Not to offer opinions on the case.”

“Of course, of course,” Silas murmured. “I merely thought, given your unique position in the community, you might have some valuable insights.”

Elowen pulled the Jeep to a stop in front of a small boarding house. “Here we are, Judge. Mrs. Findlay is expecting you. I’ll meet you here at dawn.” She fixed him with a steady gaze. “A word of advice, if I may? These mountains can be unforgiving to those who underestimate them. It’s best to keep an open mind and watch your step.”

With that, she put the Jeep in gear and drove off, leaving Silas to ponder her words as he collected his luggage. He had a feeling navigating the social currents of Shale Peak would prove just as treacherous as the mountain paths themselves.

Inside the boarding house, Silas was shown to a small but tidy room. As he unpacked, his mind turned to the case that had brought him to this godforsaken corner of Appalachia. Caleb Hawkins, a 25-year-old miner, stood accused of sabotaging critical equipment at the Shale Peak Coal Company’s main site. The resulting accident had injured three men and caused hundreds of thousands of dollars in damage.

On the surface, it seemed like a straightforward case of a disgruntled employee lashing out. But something about it nagged at Silas. The evidence felt too neat, the witness statements a touch too polished. It was why he’d insisted on overseeing the trial personally, much to the annoyance of his colleagues back in Charleston.

A soft knock at the door interrupted his musings. “Come in,” he called out.

The door creaked open to reveal a stooped, elderly woman. Her face was a mass of wrinkles, but her eyes were sharp and alert. “Beggin’ your pardon, Your Honor,” she said. “I’m Martha Hawkins. I was hoping I might have a word with you about my grandson.”

Silas stiffened. “Mrs. Hawkins, I’m afraid that would be highly inappropriate. I cannot discuss the case with family members of the accused.”

Martha’s chin jutted out stubbornly. “I ain’t here to talk about the case, Judge. I’m here to talk about Caleb. The boy you’ll be deciding the fate of.” She took a halting step into the room. “I raised that child from the time he was knee-high to a grasshopper. I know him better than anyone. And I’m telling you, he ain’t capable of what they’re accusing him of.”

“Mrs. Hawkins,” Silas said, his tone softening slightly, “I understand you want to protect your grandson. But I have a duty to remain impartial and consider only the facts presented in court.”

“Facts,” Martha spat. “You want facts? Here’s a fact for you – them bigwigs at the mining company have been cutting corners on safety for years. Caleb was one of the only ones with the guts to speak up about it. And now they’re framing him to shut him up for good.”

Silas frowned. “Those are serious allegations, Mrs. Hawkins. Do you have any evidence to support them?”

Martha’s shoulders slumped. “Nothing that would hold up in your fancy court, I reckon. But I know these mountains, Judge. I know the people in ’em. And I’m telling you, there’s more to this story than meets the eye.” She fixed him with a penetrating stare. “You seem like a man who prides himself on finding the truth. All I’m asking is that you look beyond the surface. Listen to what these hills are trying to tell you.”

With that, she turned and shuffled out of the room, leaving Silas to contemplate her words. He shook his head, trying to dismiss the encounter. He couldn’t allow himself to be swayed by emotional appeals, no matter how heartfelt.

And yet, as he prepared for bed, Martha’s warning echoed in his mind. It mingled with his own misgivings about the case, and with the cryptic advice offered by his enigmatic guide. Silas had come to Shale Peak seeking clarity. Instead, he found himself surrounded by whispers and shadows, with the nagging sense that the truth he sought might be far more complex – and dangerous – than he had imagined.

The pre-dawn air was sharp with frost as Elowen loaded her pack into the Jeep. She’d slept fitfully, plagued by old nightmares she thought she’d left behind in the city. As she worked, she caught sight of a familiar figure making his way down the street.

“Mornin’, El,” called out Caleb Hawkins, raising a hand in greeting. Despite the early hour and the weight of the charges against him, the young miner’s easy smile was firmly in place.

Elowen’s stomach twisted with guilt. “Caleb. What are you doing out so early?”

He shrugged, coming to lean against the Jeep. “Couldn’t sleep. Figured I might as well get some fresh air while I still can.” His tone was light, but Elowen didn’t miss the shadow that passed across his face.

“Listen,” he said, lowering his voice, “I heard you’re taking that judge up to talk to witnesses today. I know you can’t say much, but… how’s it looking?”

Elowen sighed. “Caleb, you know I can’t discuss anything related to the case.”

“Yeah, yeah, I know.” He ran a hand through his tousled dark hair. “It’s just… this whole thing is such a mess, El. I never thought speaking up about safety concerns would land me in this kind of trouble.”

Before Elowen could respond, the boarding house door opened and Judge Blackwood emerged. His eyes narrowed at the sight of Caleb.

“Mr. Hawkins,” the judge said coolly. “I trust you’re not attempting to influence any witnesses.”

Caleb straightened, his easy demeanor replaced by barely concealed defiance. “Wouldn’t dream of it, Your Honor. Just saying good morning to a friend.” He tipped an imaginary hat to Elowen. “You take care up there today, El. These mountains can be mighty unpredictable.”

As Caleb sauntered away, Elowen felt the weight of the judge’s scrutiny. “An interesting choice of friends, Miss Thorne,” Blackwood remarked.

Elowen busied herself with securing their gear. “In a town this small, Your Honor, it’s hard not to know everyone. Are you ready to depart?”

The judge’s lips thinned, but he nodded and climbed into the passenger seat. As they set out, the first rays of sunlight were just beginning to paint the mountaintops in shades of gold and rose.

Their destination was an abandoned mining camp some ten miles up the mountain. According to the prosecution, a former coworker of Caleb’s was camped out there, laying low after witnessing the alleged sabotage. The man had initially been reluctant to come forward, fearing retaliation, but had finally agreed to testify in exchange for protection.

As they left the relatively well-maintained roads around Shale Peak, the terrain became increasingly treacherous. Elowen navigated hairpin turns and washed-out sections of trail with practiced ease, but she could sense the judge’s growing discomfort.

“How much further?” Blackwood asked, gripping the door handle as they jolted over a particularly rough patch.

“We’re about halfway there,” Elowen replied. “But we’ll have to leave the Jeep soon and continue on foot. The old mining roads aren’t passable this far up.”

The judge’s frown deepened. “Surely there must be a more civilized way to conduct these interviews.”

Elowen bit back a retort about the “civilized” practices that had led to the decimation of these mountains. Instead, she said mildly, “Welcome to Appalachia, Your Honor. I’m afraid civilization is in short supply up here.”

They drove on in tense silence for another twenty minutes before Elowen brought the Jeep to a stop in a small clearing. “This is as far as we can go by vehicle. We’ve got about a two-hour hike ahead of us.”

As they gathered their packs and set out on foot, Elowen couldn’t shake a growing sense of unease. She knew these trails like the back of her hand, but something felt… off. The usual sounds of the forest – birdsong, the rustling of small animals – seemed muted, as if the mountain itself was holding its breath.

They had been hiking for just over an hour when a low rumble reached their ears. Elowen froze, holding up a hand to halt the judge.

“What is it?” Blackwood asked, breathing heavily from the exertion.

“Shh,” Elowen hissed, straining to listen. The rumble grew louder, accompanied by an ominous cracking sound. Her eyes widened in realization. “Landslide! Run!”

She grabbed the judge’s arm, yanking him off the trail and towards a sturdy-looking outcropping of rock. They had barely reached it when the world seemed to explode around them. Trees snapped like twigs as tons of earth and stone came thundering down the mountainside.

Elowen threw herself over the judge, shielding him as best she could as debris rained down around them. For several heart-stopping minutes, the roar of the landslide drowned out everything else. When it finally subsided, they were left in an eerie silence broken only by the sound of settling earth and their own ragged breathing.

Cautiously, Elowen raised her head. A thick cloud of dust obscured their surroundings, but she could make out the devastation. Where the trail had been, there was now only a jumbled mass of mud, rocks, and splintered trees.

“Are you alright?” she asked the judge, helping him to sit up.

Blackwood nodded shakily, his usually immaculate appearance now marred by dirt and small cuts. “I… I believe so. Thanks to your quick thinking.” He peered through the settling dust. “Good God. We could have been killed.”

Elowen’s mind raced as she surveyed the damage. The landslide had completely blocked their path forward – and, she realized with a sinking feeling, their way back as well. They were trapped.

“We need to find a way to signal for help,” she said, reaching for her pack. But as she did, a flash of color caught her eye. Half-buried in the debris near their shelter was a scrap of bright orange fabric – the same color as the safety vests worn by the mining company’s survey teams.

With growing dread, Elowen carefully made her way over to investigate. As she brushed away loose earth, her suspicions were confirmed. The vest was attached to a body, crushed beneath the weight of the landslide.

“Judge,” she called out, her voice tight. “I think I’ve found our witness.”

Blackwood picked his way over, his face paling as he took in the grisly scene. “Dear Lord. Is that…”

Elowen nodded grimly. “Based on the description we were given, I’d say this is – was – Tyler Jennings.”

The judge’s shock quickly gave way to suspicion. “This is too much of a coincidence. Miss Thorne, I don’t suppose you have any explanation for how our key witness ended up dead in a landslide that nearly killed us as well?”

Elowen bristled at the implication. “With all due respect, Your Honor, I’ve spent years in these mountains. Landslides aren’t exactly uncommon, especially with all the damage the mining has done to the area.”

“Perhaps,” Blackwood said, his eyes narrowing. “But given your… friendship with the accused, I can’t help but wonder if there might be more to this situation than meets the eye.”

Before Elowen could respond, a new sound reached their ears – the distant whump-whump of helicopter blades. She breathed a sigh of relief. “That’ll be the rescue team. Someone must have heard the slide and called it in.”

As the sound grew closer, Elowen’s relief was tempered by a gnawing worry. The death of Tyler Jennings would throw the entire case into chaos. And while she knew she had nothing to do with the landslide, she couldn’t shake the feeling that she was being drawn into a web of secrets and lies that stretched far beyond Caleb’s trial.

The whispers of Shale Peak were growing louder, and Elowen feared that before this was over, the mountains might reveal truths that would shake the very foundations of the town – and of her carefully constructed new life.

The next few hours passed in a blur of activity. The rescue helicopter touched down in a clearing not far from where Elowen and Judge Blackwood had taken shelter. As they were being checked over by paramedics, more vehicles arrived carrying local law enforcement and mining company officials.

Elowen watched with a mixture of relief and trepidation as a team of workers began the grim task of recovering Tyler Jennings’ body from the debris. She could feel the weight of the judge’s suspicious gaze, but she forced herself to focus on answering the questions posed by the sheriff and his deputies.

Yes, she and the judge had been on their way to interview Jennings. No, she hadn’t seen or heard anything unusual before the landslide. Yes, she was certain the body they’d found was Jennings based on the description they’d been given.

As the afternoon wore on, Elowen found herself seated in the back of an ambulance, a scratchy blanket draped over her shoulders. She sipped at a cup of lukewarm coffee, her mind racing. Something about this whole situation felt wrong, but she couldn’t quite put her finger on what.

“Miss Thorne.” Judge Blackwood’s voice startled her out of her thoughts. He stood before her, looking somewhat worse for wear but with his authoritative demeanor firmly back in place. “I’ve just spoken with the sheriff. Given the… unusual circumstances, he’s requested that you remain in town and make yourself available for further questioning.”

Elowen’s grip tightened on her coffee cup. “Am I under suspicion, Your Honor?”

The judge’s expression was unreadable. “Let’s just say there are a number of questions that need answering. Your intimate knowledge of these mountains and your connection to the accused make you a person of interest in this investigation.”

“I see,” Elowen said coolly. “And what about our remaining witnesses? I assume you’ll want to speak with them as soon as possible.”

“Indeed,” Blackwood nodded. “But given recent events, I believe it would be prudent to have someone else act as guide for the time being. Perhaps someone with fewer… personal entanglements in this case.”

Elowen bristled at the implication but forced herself to remain calm. “As you wish, Your Honor. Though I doubt you’ll find anyone who knows these trails as well as I do.”

“We’ll manage,” the judge said dismissively. He turned to go, then paused. “One more thing, Miss Thorne. I’d advise against leaving town or speaking with Mr. Hawkins until this matter is resolved. It would be a shame to add obstruction of justice to any other charges that might arise.”

As Blackwood walked away, Elowen felt a chill that had nothing to do with the mountain air. She had come to Shale Peak to escape her past, to build a quiet life away from the complications and dangers of her former existence. Now, it seemed, that carefully constructed peace was crumbling around her like the mountainside that had nearly claimed their lives.

A commotion near the recovery site drew her attention. She watched as workers carefully maneuvered a body bag onto a stretcher. As they lifted it, something slipped from the bag and fell to the ground. In the fading afternoon light, Elowen caught a glint of metal.

Before she could get a closer look, a figure darted in and scooped up the object. Elowen’s eyes narrowed as she recognized Jed Holloway, the surly store owner. He glanced around furtively before pocketing whatever he’d found and melting back into the crowd of onlookers.

Elowen’s instincts, honed by years of work she’d rather forget, prickled to life. There was more going on here than a simple industrial accident or a case of sabotage. The death of Tyler Jennings might have been meant to silence him – but not necessarily to protect Caleb.

As the rescue crews began to pack up and the curious townsfolk drifted away, Elowen made a decision. Judge Blackwood might have sidelined her officially, but that didn’t mean she couldn’t do some digging of her own. She owed it to Caleb, to Martha, and to the community that had given her a second chance.

The sun dipped below the ridgeline, casting long shadows across the ravaged mountainside. Elowen squared her shoulders and began the long walk back to town. The whispers of Shale Peak were calling to her, and this time, she was determined to uncover the truth they held – no matter the cost.

The Rusty Nail was as dingy and smoke-filled as ever, but tonight an undercurrent of tension thrummed through the cramped barroom. Elowen nursed a beer at the far end of the bar, keeping her head down as she eavesdropped on the conversations around her.

“…never should’ve let that judge come poking around…”

“…bet it was that Hawkins boy, always stirring up trouble…”

“…mining company’s got more to hide than they’re letting on…”

The snippets of gossip and speculation swirled around her like coal dust in the wind. Everyone had a theory about Tyler Jennings’ death and what it meant for Caleb’s case, but no one seemed to have any real answers.

Elowen was so focused on listening that she almost missed the man sliding onto the barstool next to her. “Well, if it ain’t our intrepid mountain guide,” drawled a familiar voice. “Heard you had quite the adventure today.”

She turned to find Jed Holloway grinning at her, his teeth stained with tobacco juice. “Evening, Jed,” she said cautiously. “Seems like news travels fast around here.”

Jed chuckled. “Ain’t much else to do in this town but talk. ‘Specially when there’s a dead body involved.” He leaned in closer, lowering his voice. “Course, some folks are saying maybe it wasn’t an accident. That maybe somebody wanted to make sure that witness kept his mouth shut for good.”

Elowen took a long pull of her beer, buying time to study Jed’s face. His expression was carefully neutral, but there was a glint in his eye that set her on edge. “Is that so?” she said noncommittally. “Sounds like dangerous speculation to me.”

“Oh, I don’t know about that,” Jed replied. “Way I see it, there’s all kinds of danger in these hills. Landslides, cave-ins, equipment failures.” He emphasized the last two words, his gaze boring into Elowen. “Funny how often accidents seem to happen to folks who ask too many questions.”

Before Elowen could respond, the bar’s front door banged open. Caleb Hawkins stumbled in, his face flushed with a mixture of anger and what smelled like cheap whiskey.

“Where is he?” Caleb shouted, his words slightly slurred. “Where’s that high-and-mighty judge?”

The bar fell silent as all eyes turned to the young miner. Elowen tensed, ready to intervene if necessary.

“Now, Caleb,” the bartender said soothingly, “why don’t you head on home and sleep it off? You don’t want to be making trouble, not with everything that’s going on.”

Caleb laughed bitterly. “Trouble? I’ll show you trouble. That judge and his fancy lawyer friends think they can come down here and railroad me? I’ll give ’em something to investigate alright.”

As Caleb continued his drunken tirade, Elowen noticed Jed slipping away from the bar. The store owner made his way to a table in the corner where three men in mining company jackets sat huddled in conversation. Jed leaned down to whisper something to them, and one of the men nodded grimly.

Elowen’s instincts screamed that something was very wrong. She drained the last of her beer and stood up, making her way towards Caleb.

“Come on, Caleb,” she said gently, taking his arm. “Let’s get you home before you say something you’ll regret.”

Caleb’s bleary eyes focused on her. “El? What are you doing here? I thought… I thought you were on their side now.”

“I’m not on anyone’s side,” Elowen said firmly. “I’m just trying to keep you out of more trouble. Now come on, let’s go.”

As she guided Caleb towards the door, she caught sight of Jed watching them with a calculating expression. The pieces were starting to fall into place, and Elowen didn’t like the picture they were forming.

Outside, the night air was crisp and clean after the smoky confines of the bar. Elowen took a deep breath, trying to clear her head. She needed to think, to figure out how all of this connected – the landslide, Tyler Jennings’ death, Jed’s suspicious behavior, and the mining company’s involvement.

“El,” Caleb mumbled as they walked, “you gotta believe me. I didn’t do what they’re saying. I was just trying to make things safer for everyone.”

Elowen squeezed his arm reassuringly. “I know, Caleb. And I’m going to do everything I can to help you. But you need to lay low and stay out of trouble, okay? No more drunken outbursts.”

As they reached the small house Caleb shared with his grandmother, the front door flew open. Martha Hawkins stood silhouetted in the doorway, her face a mask of worry and disappointment.

“Caleb James Hawkins,” she said sternly, “what in heaven’s name do you think you’re doing?”

“It’s alright, Martha,” Elowen said quickly. “He just had a bit too much to drink. I’m making sure he gets home safe.”

Martha’s expression softened slightly. “Thank you, Elowen. I appreciate you looking out for him.” She took Caleb’s other arm, helping Elowen guide him inside. “Lord knows that boy needs all the friends he can get right now.”

Once Caleb was safely deposited on the couch, Elowen turned to go. But Martha caught her arm, pulling her aside.

“Elowen,” the old woman said urgently, “I need to talk to you. It’s about Tyler Jennings.”

Elowen’s pulse quickened. “What about him?”

Martha glanced towards the living room to make sure Caleb was out of earshot. “The night before he disappeared, Tyler came to see me. He was scared, said he had information that could clear Caleb but that it would implicate some powerful people. He wanted my advice on what to do.”

“Did he tell you what the information was?” Elowen asked.

Martha shook her head. “He was too afraid to give me details. But he did leave something with me for safekeeping. Said if anything happened to him, I should make sure it got to the right people.” She hesitated. “I know I should probably give it to the police, but… I don’t know who I can trust anymore.”

Elowen’s mind raced. This could be the key to unraveling the whole mystery – and to saving Caleb. “Martha, I know I’m asking a lot, but… would you trust me with it?”

The old woman studied Elowen’s face for a long moment. Then, seemingly coming to a decision, she nodded. “Wait here.”

A few minutes later, Martha returned with a small USB drive. “Tyler said everything we need to know is on here. Please, Elowen. Help my boy.”

As Elowen’s fingers closed around the drive, she felt the weight of responsibility settling on her shoulders. She was no longer just a guide leading others through treacherous terrain. She had become a seeker of truth, venturing into dangerous territory where one false step could mean disaster.

“I’ll do everything I can,” Elowen promised. “But Martha, you need to be careful. Don’t tell anyone else about this, not even Caleb. The fewer people who know, the safer you’ll both be.”

As she stepped out into the night, the USB drive a small but significant weight in her pocket, Elowen knew she was at a crossroads. The path ahead was fraught with danger, but the whispers of Shale Peak were growing too loud to ignore.

It was time to uncover the truth, no matter where it led – or what long-buried secrets of her own might be exposed in the process.