Another dusting of snow had hit the higher elevations, but Gabe’s tires hugged the roads despite the icy conditions. Deb couldn’t help but be glad she wasn’t alone. She’d let herself lose control with Gabe, but she’d discovered, oddly enough, she didn’t worry he’d take advantage. She couldn’t remember the last time someone had just stepped up like he had. He hadn’t asked questions, he hadn’t balked, he’d thrown himself into her problems. Without asking for anything in return. The frozen terrain outside the vehicle didn’t appear inviting. Deb prayed her sister wasn’t out there in that frigid landscape, hurt or unprotected. The image of Shannon’s bullet-ridden body seared Deb’s mind, and she fought to not react to the grief filling her. She’d failed her sister. She’d failed everyone in her family. “I was supposed to look out for Ashley. Keep her safe.” Gabe looked over from the driver’s seat.
