"That's a mighty big bump you have there, Abby." Wally shook his head in dismay as Abby was trying to pay for the groceries Alex had ordered her to buy. He had made a list that morning of everything he thought they would need over the next few days. Apparently, he thought they needed three boxes of Apple Jacks cereal. While she gathered the items to pay for them, Alex stood in front of the magazine rack near the register.

Chuck had his hip against the counter of the register with his wife, Maria, as she paid for their groceries.

"I heard you were in an accident," Chuck said. He was facing Abby but his eyes were on Alex who was skimming through a Forbes magazine, a look of disdain on his face.

Maria turned to Abby. "An accident? Chuck, why didn't you say anything? Joanie and Yvonne probably don't know either or they would've told me." She turned to Abby, her eyes flicking over her as if she were looking for bruises, and asked, "Are you okay?"

"I'm fine, Maria. Thank you for asking."

"Are all the magazines here a year old?" Alex tossed the business magazine down and turned towards the register when a wheelchair blocked his path.

"The hunting magazines are all up to date. We don't get too many suits such as yourself up here in Bayless," Zachary Caldwell answered. His rough voice was dripped with derision. "I don't suppose you're interested in hunting though, are you? You seem like you read Health Magazine or Good Living. Maybe People."

A flicker of anger passed through Alex's blue eyes. Abby tensed as Alex gave Zachary an even smile. "Mr. Caldwell," Alex said in acknowledgment.

"I told you before, boy. Call me Zachary. I run this store and if you ever want a discount on your Apple Jacks cereal, it would be wise of you to be a little nicer to the locals."

"And I told you, don't call me boy."

Maria leaned over to Abby and whispered, "Zachary thinks he has a shot with your hot boss."

"What?"

"Maria," Chuck hissed, trying to stop his wife from spreading rumors.

"Is Zachary gay?" Abby asked softly, glancing at Zachary and Alex to make sure they didn't overhear.

Maria shrugged. "He's never dated a woman. Even before he had his accident and he sure does like to flirt with the male travelers that come through this town. Joanie said that's why he leaves town once a month. He's off to meet his hook-ups."

Chuck shook his head. "Maria, you don't know that for a fact. Everyone knows Zachary loves fishing. That's probably where he goes."

Maria rolled her eyes. "Sure, but has he ever brought back any fish? Talked about the fish he caught. Showed pictures of the fish he caught?" When her husband looked chagrined, she scoffed. "That's what I thought."

All three turned back to Zachary and Alex who seemed to be in a tense staring contest.

Zachary grinned at Alex. "You're feisty. I like that."

Alex gave a slight nod and walked past him as the door jingled, indicating a new customer had entered the store.

"Good afternoon, Sheriff Caldwell." Wally waved at the sheriff who stopped in front of Abby. She caught a whiff of coffee coming from him.

"You doing okay?" He was standing in front of her, his hands on his hips, pushing back the jacket he wore, displaying his gun and holster.

Abby touched her beaded bracelet.

I've met caring people.

"Yes, thank you for asking. I just have a headache to remind me of yesterday," Abby answered.

"You're lucky. I hope you know that. Car accidents can be serious," the sheriff said as he looked at his brother Zachary. His accident had left him paralyzed but Abby had been very fortunate that all she had was a headache.

"I can feel your eyes on me, Don," Zachary called out, scratching at his beard. "You know I don't like it when you try to act like the big brother."

"I am your big brother, you idiot." Sheriff Caldwell shook his head and chuckled.

"So it wasn't the brakes or anything was it?" Chuck tossed the question to Abby, still keeping an eye on Alex who was now perusing the different gums the store had to offer. He looked interested in some cinnamon-flavored gum.

"The brakes?" Wally's eyes widened. "Are you asking if someone messed with Abby's brakes?"

"Why else would her car skid like that?" Chuck asked.

Sheriff Dan interrupted the conversation, "There was no foul play involved, Chuck. So please don't spread any wild rumors about this. It rained last night and the car skidded because of the wet pavement. Nothing more. Nothing less."

"Why are you making it sound like I'm some kind of gossip, Sheriff?" Chuck asked, crossing his arms in indignation. "I just asked Abby how she was doing. I only knew about the accident since the owner of the local car rental place a town over is a friend of mine."

"I was going to say it's because you're married to Maria. She and her friends are notorious gossips," the sheriff answered. "However, seeing as your car rental friend already gave you the inside scoop, it seems Maria isn't the only gossip in your family."

"I take offense to that," Maria frowned as Wally helped her pack up the last of her groceries. "I don't gossip. I share the news. I would've been a news anchor if Bayless was big enough to have a news station."

Chuck muttered something as Wally stepped away from Maria's groceries and began to ring up Abby. "Well, I'm glad you're okay, Abby. I'm also glad Mr. Carter is at the cabin with you. It's never safe to stay in a secluded place like that alone. Especially the cabin with all its history."

Abby stole a glance at Alex who had just thrown his pack of gum on the counter. He didn't seem interested in their conversation.

"History?" Abby asked before remembering Maria's shared information about the Sheriff's daughter, Crystal. She quickly shut her mouth and covered it with one hand.

An awkward silence followed as the Sheriff parked a look of warning on Wally.

"That's right," Alex said, walking up behind Abby. "People were murdered in that cabin we're staying in. It's still an unsolved case." He looked at Sheriff Caldwell before adding, "Isn't that right, Sheriff?"

"No. We know who murdered Crystal that night," the sheriff answered.

"But wasn't there more than one murder?" Wally asked, still ringing up Abby's groceries. "I know two murderers were never caught."

Alex grinned. "I guess some murders aren't as important as others." Alex nodded farewell to the sheriff before exiting the store, the bell ringing with his departure. Using the credit card Alex had given her earlier, she paid for the groceries, her cheeks flushed in embarrassment.

"Sorry about that," Abby muttered before picking up her groceries and following her employer to his car. He was waiting for her to put the bags in the trunk.

Once she was in the car, Abby couldn't help but ask, "Mr. Carter, who else was murdered in the cabin?"

He didn't answer her at first. He pressed the gas, kicking up pebbles and dirt behind him. They passed rows of dew-covered trees until they crossed the wooden bridge that led to his cabin. Abby figured she wasn't going to get an answer when he finally placed the car in park.

Alex leaned against the steering wheel. "There's an important reason I bought this cabin."

Abby waited for him to continue. She tapped the beaded bracelet she wore, praying for patience. Bryce used to do this to her as well. He wouldn't answer her questions as though they weren't important or he'd be stuck in his own thoughts, completely forgetting her. Abby sighed and opened the door when he spoke again. "My parents thought I was crazy for buying this cabin. They said that I should just let it go."

"Let what go?"

"The past. But I can't. For better or worse, whatever happened here years ago helped shape my life into what it is today."

Abby frowned. "How, if you didn't even live here? Besides, you're a rich and successful businessman. Shouldn't you be grateful?" She slapped her hand over her mouth again peeked over at her boss.

He sighed. "That doesn't stop the questions from coming."

"What questions?"

"I need to know what really happened here. I need to know the truth about what happened that night."

"Why?"

Again, Alex didn't answer and exited the car. Abby rushed to get the groceries and follow him inside. "Mr. Carter, if you need me to help you...please let me know."

Abby watched as he took in her shabby appearance topped off with a bruised forehead. A corner of his mouth lifted. "Of course you will. You'll do anything I say, won't you?"

Abby's eyebrows rose. "Excuse me?"

He chuckled. "You're my personal assistant Abby. It's what I pay you to do."

"Right," she whispered. How could she forget?

"I went through the list of personal belongings that Wally had stored away and highlighted the items I want you to retrieve from the storage room. Gather them within the hour."

Abby picked up the list he pointed at on the coffee table. Picture albums, family movies, and a diary were the highlighted items. "Is this all you need, sir?"

"For now, yes. Hopefully, they'll have some clues for me."

"Why do you care what happened so long ago?" Abby bit her lip at his annoyed expression before continuing, "I only ask because maybe it'll help me understand why it's so important to you, and then I'll also do a better job of helping you."

"Your paycheck should be motivation enough," Alex said dryly.

"Of course." Abby felt heat burning her cheeks. Why would he bother to answer any of her questions?

"Your emotions are written all over your face. Did I hurt your feelings?" Alex asked.

"Do you care?" Abby responded.

"Not particularly."

"Then let's not focus on me. I'll try my best to help you figure out what happened. I'll start working on this list," Abby said, leaving Alex alone in the living area of the cabin.

He saw the rag doll that had been left on the coffee table and picked it up. He squeezed the doll as though it were a stress ball. "I'll find out the truth."

A tinkling of laughter filled the air and he turned the doll over and stared at its button eyes. "I'll find out what really happened to you, Crystal. As your brother, it's the least I could do."