It was isolated, a good twenty-minute drive from Jane’s house. The road trailed off from the highway, and a dirt road lead them up a winding path, past his old house where they’d had their disagreement on Monday afternoon. Jay seemed distant again. His right hand was on the steering wheel, left elbow on the window sill, and he was chewing his left thumbnail. “Sorry for inviting myself over.” Ashley bit the inside of her lip. “Huh? Oh, that’s all right.” He shifted his weight. “Do you ever get lonely out here?” Ashley looked around at the thick trees. It was getting close to 5 p.m. and the late afternoon sun gave everything a warm golden glow. “I like it. I like my privacy, and I‘ve got Benson to keep me company.” He gave a half smile. They drove up over a small rise and the house came into view. Ashley gasped.
