A Trail of Echoes(54)

A redheaded man and a blonde curly-haired woman stepped out into the clearing. I barely breathed as I listened to the conversation.

“I’m not sure that Ben would appreciate more visitors now,” the man said. “Not after what just happened. As much as I’m dying to see him, I’ll wait a bit longer.”

“I think it’s probably a good idea,” the woman replied. “I can’t imagine how devastated he must be feeling right now.”

The man’s face turned ashen. “Neither can I. I’m just not sure what on earth the next step can be. Even him leaving the island again, which Sofia suspects he will do… I mean, where would he go? And what would he do? Just hanging around outside The Shade isn’t going to solve anything.”

By now they had reached the foot of the mountain. They began making their way up a jagged staircase that was etched into the side of the rocks. They were silent for a while as they headed toward a wooden cabin, but just as they reached the steps leading up to it, the woman stopped. Reaching her arms around the man’s neck, she planted a kiss on his cheek

“I know we will find a solution, Aiden,” she whispered. “I just know it.”

Aiden.

The name rang a bell.

A very loud bell.

Could that be Aiden… Claremont?

His next words confirmed my suspicion beyond all doubt. “It’s just… so hard to see my grandson suffer so much.”

“I know, my love,” the woman replied gently. “I know.”

As they climbed to the top of the steps and entered what appeared to be their home, the man’s words played in my mind.

Aiden Claremont.

Grandfather of Benjamin Novak.

Father-in-law of Derek Novak…

Murderer of Lucas Novak.