Woman in Shadow

by Carrie Stuart Parks

Bram gave me a questioning look before asking, “And you?”

  I grinned. “I teach western riding. And have a book club featuring dog stories. What else?”

  The counselors had sorted out their campers by now and were escorting them to the different tepees. Grace strolled over to us. “Bram! Good to see you!”

  “Good to see you, Grace. Quite the adventure you have here.”

  She sat. “We only run this in the summer, of course, as a camp. During the winter we have retreats with snowshoeing and cross-country skiing. Booked solid for the next year and a half.” She patted me on the back. “Darby here has had a lot of good ideas.”

  “Do you hear from Roy?” Bram asked. “Or Angie?”

  “Roy moved to Alaska,” Grace said. “He claimed Idaho was getting too crowded. I lost touch with Angie.”

  “What about Wyatt, Peter, and Stacy?” he asked. “And Riccardo?”

  Grace glanced at me. “Riccardo’s fine. Started college. Wyatt hung around a bit. I think he was hoping Darby would . . . well, anyway, he finally took a job in Montana. Big resort north of Missoula.”

  Heat had started in my neck and rushed up my face. I cleared my throat. “Peter and Stacy went home. They were Sam’s gemstone investors but believed everything to be legit.”

  “Did you ever find out why those three didn’t get help for us?” Bram asked.

  “They tried.” I shook my head. “No one would take them seriously. Three people on horseback claiming a murderous killer was running loose at a resort? They thought the three of them were doing some kind of a stunt for the local mystery theater.”

  “You know, Darby,” Bram said, “if you hadn’t put it all together, Cookie just might have succeeded. Either way, Sam would have been blamed.”

  “Mae put it together. I just followed her message.” I shrugged. “Would you like a tour? Or . . .” I glanced at his cane.

  He picked it up. “Just temporary. I twisted my ankle shooting hoops at the Y.”

  I didn’t know how to ask him about his burns.

  “I was in the hospital for two days.” He laughed at my expression. “Remember I told you I was a mind reader. Anyway, a little rehab, some scars, but otherwise I healed up just fine.” He stood. “I guess we all ended up with a few scars.”

  We slowly made our way over to the lodge. Behind us, the cheerful calling and laughter of the children filled the air. Holly had taken her favorite ball and found a camper willing to throw it for her. We came to a newly installed sundial. Engraved on the top, it read In Memory of Mae Haas. No Longer in the Shadows. I’d had the photo of her from her Bible enlarged and sealed behind glass in the base so everyone could see her.

  “Very nice,” Bram said. “Fitting.”

  “We had her remains scattered over the mountains she loved,” I said.

  Inside the lodge, Grace had doubled the size of the dining room and added long tables. “Where the original staff quarters stood”—Grace pointed straight ahead—“we have an indoor pool and arts and crafts center. There’s a new chapel up by the pond. I remodeled the triplex and made it a duplex where Darby and the new art teacher stay. The old art room is now the manager’s office.” She turned to Bram. “What do you think?”

  “Mule Shoe was breathtaking before. Now? Yeah.”

  “Good. You start in a week.”

  “Wh . . . wh . . . what?” I was having a hard time breathing.

  “Bram just agreed to be the new manager,” Grace said. “You two will be working together.” She smiled and sauntered away.

  “What do you say, Darby?” Bram asked. “Think you could work with me? I have some big plans.”

  “Depends.”

  His forehead furrowed. “Oh.”

  “Did you ever add unlined five-by-seven mint-green index cards to your selection of papers?” I thought for sure he’d laugh.

  Instead he pulled a rock from his pocket. “Hopefully I’ve done better than that.” He held up the stone.

  I recognized it as the one I’d left sitting on the pistol that awful evening, the last pebble given to me by Clan Firinn.

  “My grandmother used to say . . . Never mind what she said. I’ve carried her enmity for far too long.” He crossed to the door, opened it, and threw the stone away as hard as he could.

  I slowly joined him, pulling a lump of ore from my pocket—the one I’d found in the mine. I didn’t know why I’d kept this one all this time. You know why. I swallowed hard. It’s time.

  I dropped the rock, crushed it into the ground with my prosthetic foot, then looked up at him. “What are those plans you have?”

  “I think you know. Plans for a hope and a future.”

  The End

  A Note or Two from the Author

  Whoa, you made it through another story. This time I wanted to try a bit of an Agatha Christy angle with elements of my usual forensic art and, of course, dogs! I hope and pray you enjoyed this book!

  I also wanted to continue the story of members of Clan Firinn that started in Relative Silence. I invented Clan Firinn as a retreat and rehabilitation place for first responders based on my close friendships with so many in law enforcement. As a forensic artist, I experienced some of the truly awful things that happen in this fallen world. My heart goes out to those who are in the field.

  Targhee (pronounced Tar-gee) is a real place—not the town but the location in Idaho. For this story I wanted to bring my experience growing up here on our ranch in Northern Idaho. My dad was a champion bareback bronc rider in college and grew up on a cattle ranch near American Falls, Idaho. Mom also grew up riding horses and my folks met in college at a mounted patrol club. When we moved to The Ranch (that’s all we ever called it) we had horses, cattle, and, of course, dogs. Dad taught me how to train horses and I spent my every waking moment on horseback or showing my dogs. I speak from experience when I describe getting thrown, bucked off, or falling off a horse. Also bitten, kicked, and stepped on. Growing up around horses is both wonderful and at times painful!

  I’m always delighted to hear from my readers, and I answer your emails: carrie@stuartparks.com.

  Discussion Questions

  The Mule Shoe Resort is a fictional location with parts loosely lifted from Double Arrow Resort and Paws Up Resort in Montana. Have you ever gone to an all-inclusive resort or retreat?

  Darby had three stones, representing her still-present hurdles she had to get over. If you wanted to give yourself a physical reminder of a challenge you might face this year, what would you choose and why?

  If you were at the resort and needed to get help, what would you have done? Ride out with one of the characters, stay behind, or another solution?

  Darby was given two Bible verses, both of which she repeated to give her comfort or strength. By the end of the book, she believed in the source of that comfort and strength. Do you have a Bible verse that has helped you through rough times?

  What did you think about the drawings that Mae did? Did you figure out their meaning before they were revealed?

  Have you ever heard of a forensic linguist? What types of forensic specialists have you heard of?

  Have you ever visited Yellowstone National Park?

  Would you like to see Darby return in another book?

  Do you have suggestions for an interesting location for another book?

  Acknowledgments

  This is now my eighth novel for HarperCollins Christian, and I’m thankful every day for the honor and privilege of working with such a warm and caring publishing house. Amanda Bostic, my editor and publisher, as well as friend, is sheer joy to work with. The dog, Holly, in this story is in honor of her dog. My marketing team of Nekasha Pratt, Kerri Potts, Matt Bray, Margaret Kercher, and Marcee Wardell are all the best in the business and I’m thrilled to have them.

  I’m so blessed in having the award-winning editor and bestselling novelist in her own right, Erin Healy, as my editor. She polishes my words until they shine and I’m so grateful for her keen ins
ight.

  Karen Solem, my agent, is the most awesome, perfect, delightful, wonderful (I could keep adding here for another hour) lady that I’ve had the honor to know. She listens to me and gives me solid, sound advice every time. She joined our brainstorming crew to hash out the elements of this story along with the fabulous Colleen Coble, Robin Caroll, Lynette Eason, Voni Harris, and Pam Hillman.

  I thank my dear husband, Rick, for reading and giving me suggestions on the book. He still wants me to place a book on a river cruise so he can do the research. Dream on, Toots.

  Thank you to Sheriff Len Humphries of the Fremont County Sheriff’s Office for letting me interview you, and to Jeff White of J. L. White Fine Gemstones of Kingsport, Tennessee, for the information on fine gems.

  Finally, the most important thank you of all to my Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, in whom all things are possible.

  About the Author

  Andrea Kramer, Kramer Photography

  Carrie Stuart Parks is a Christy, multiple Carol, and INSPY Award–winning author. She was a 2019 finalist in the Daphne du Maurier Award for excellence in mainstream mystery/suspense and has won numerous awards for her fine art as well. An internationally known forensic artist, she travels with her husband, Rick, across the US and Canada teaching courses in forensic art to law-enforcement professionals. The author/illustrator of numerous books on drawing and painting, Carrie continues to create dramatic watercolors from her studio in the mountains of Idaho.

  * * *

  Visit her website at CarrieStuartParks.com

  Facebook: @CarrieStuartParksAuthor

  Praise for Carrie Stuart Parks

  “Unique, witty, and hilarious, Carrie’s voice shines throughout Woman in Shadow. The perfect mix of intrigue, mystery, and danger, Woman in Shadow is most definitely a book for my keeper shelf.”

  —Dani Pettrey, bestselling author of the Coastal Guardians series

  “Danger and drama abide in this tale that takes a walk on the perilous side. With a flair for the macabre, the story will linger in your head long after the last page.”

  —Steve Berry, New York Times and #1 internationally bestselling author, for Relative Silence

  “Relative Silence is one of the most engrossing suspense novels I’ve read in a long time. Pitch-perfect pacing and characterization along with Parks’s knowledgeable hand with forensics kept me on the edge of my seat. If you enjoy suspense with a light touch of romance, you must read this one!”

  —Colleen Coble, USA TODAY bestselling author of One Little Lie and the Lavender Tides series

  “The perfect beach read! Relative Silence is an expert mix of family drama and slow-burning thriller, leavened with Parks’s trademark humor. You’ll be pulling for Piper and Tucker as the story builds toward a hurricane-force climax.”

  —Rick Acker, bestselling author

  “With skill and her ever-present wit, Carrie Stuart Parks has arranged puzzle pieces and woven story threads into an engaging and quick-moving read with tantalizing questions, quirky characters, and . . . oh yes, some well-placed fictional curve balls along the way. Enjoy!”

  —Frank Peretti, bestselling author, for Relative Silence

  “What a great book! Carrie Stuart Parks has done it again. Relative Silence offers us characters we care about, a convoluted and clever plot, and hours of reading pleasure. Highly recommended.”

  —Gayle Roper, author of Lost and Found and Hide and Seek

  “Relative Silence has all the bells and whistles. A relatable character in Piper Boone, a plot that keeps moving forward, and a surprising finish. It was hard to put down. A completely satisfying read. I highly recommend it!”

  —Nancy Mehl, bestselling, award-winning author

  “What a compelling story! I rarely read a book all in one sitting, but Parks’s combination of intriguing plot, vivid setting, and characters you can’t help but root for kept me turning the pages right through to the very satisfying ending. I highly recommend this excellent read!”

  —Marlo Schalesky, award-winning author of Women of the Bible Speak Out, for Relative Silence

  “Parks has it all in Relative Silence—mystery, romance, and a subtle message about God.”

  —Richard L. Mabry, MD, award-winning, bestselling author of Critical Decision

  “I love Carrie Stuart Parks’s skill in writing characters with hysterical humor, unwitting courage, and page-turning mystery. I hope my readers won’t abandon me completely when they learn about her!”

  —Terri Blackstock, USA TODAY bestselling author of the If I Run series

  “[An] appealing inspirational thriller.”

  —Publishers Weekly, for Fragments of Fear

  “Without fail, Parks delivers stories that reel me in and keep me turning the pages until I’m done and craving more. Fragments of Fear is sure to make you a Carrie Stuart Parks addict as well!” #CSPaddictandproudofit

  —Lynette Eason, bestselling, award-winning author

  “Fragments of Fear is a romantic suspense roller-coaster ride not to be missed. Parks has mastered the art of drawing in the reader and gripping our imaginations in a way that keeps us turning the pages.”

  —Kimberly Rose Johnson, award-winning author

  “Parks skillfully blends a lovely yet treacherous locale into the very dark deeds of its human inhabitants. Readers will want to see more of the mysterious and sympathetic Murphy.”

  —Publishers Weekly, for Formula of Deception

  “The sinister tone of this fast-paced story line creates an almost unbearable tension that will keep readers glued to the page. Acclaimed author Parks draws on her career as a forensic artist to imbue her stories with a true-to-life accuracy that will fascinate readers of CSI-type fiction.”

  —Library Journal, for Formula of Deception

  “Parks (herself a well-known forensic artist) is a seasoned writer of inspirational ‘edge-of-your-seat’ suspense and mystery. Her latest title is a carefully researched and thoughtfully executed novel that will leave readers begging for more. Fans of Dee Henderson, DiAnn Mills, and Brandilyn Collins will flock to this suspenseful series.”

  —Library Journal, starred review, for Portrait of Vengeance

  “Parks has created an intriguing female sleuth with depth, courage, and grit. The well-developed characters are complemented by a unique setting.”

  —Publishers Weekly, starred review, for Portrait of Vengeance

  “Rich characters, a forensic artist’s eye for detail, and plot twists—Carrie Stuart Parks hits all the right notes!”

  —Mary Burton, New York Times bestselling author, for Portrait of Vengeance

  “The compelling crimes, inscrutable community, and resilient heroine propel Parks’s latest thrill-packed installment in the chronicles of no-nonsense Gwen Marcey.”

  —Publishers Weekly, for When Death Draws Near

  “Besides having a resourceful and likable heroine, the book also features that rarest of characters: a villain you don’t see coming, but whom you hate with relish. Moreover, you think said villain’s crazy plans for world domination just might work. A Cry from the Dust will keep you hoping, praying, and guessing till the end.”

  —Book Page

  “Renowned forensic and fine artist, Parks’s action-packed and compelling tale of suspense is haunting in its intensity. Well researched and written in an almost journalistic style, this emotionally charged story is recommended for fans of Ted Dekker, Mary Higgins Clark, and historical suspense.”

  —Library Journal, starred review, for A Cry from the Dust

  “Parks, in her debut novel, has clearly done her research and never disappoints when it comes to crisp dialogue, characterization, or surprising twists and turns.”

  —Publishers Weekly, for A Cry from the Dust

  “A unique novel of forensics and fanaticism. A good story on timely subjects well told. For me, these are the ingredients of a successful novel today and Carrie Stuart Parks has done just that.”

>   —Carter Cornick, FBI Counterterrorism and Forensic Science Research (Ret.), for A Cry from the Dust

  Also by Carrie Stuart Parks

  Relative Silence

  Fragments of Fear

  Formula of Deception

  The Gwen Marcey Novels

  A Cry from the Dust

  The Bones Will Speak

  When Death Draws Near

  Portrait of Vengeance

  Copyright

  Woman in Shadow

  Copyright © 2021 Carrie Stuart Parks

  All rights reserved. No portion of this book may be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system, or transmitted in any form or by any means—electronic, mechanical, photocopy, recording, scanning, or other—except for brief quotations in critical reviews or articles, without the prior written permission of the publisher.

  Published in Nashville, Tennessee, by Thomas Nelson. Thomas Nelson is a registered trademark of HarperCollins Christian Publishing, Inc.

  Thomas Nelson titles may be purchased in bulk for educational, business, fundraising, or sales promotional use. For information, please email SpecialMarkets@ThomasNelson.com.

  Scripture quotations are taken from the Holy Bible, New Living Translation. © 1996, 2004, 2015 by Tyndale House Foundation. Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers, Inc. Carol Stream, Illinois 60188. All rights reserved. And from the New King James Version®. © 1982 by Thomas Nelson. Used by permission. All rights reserved. And from the King James Version of the Bible. Public domain.

  Publisher’s Note: This novel is a work of fiction. Names, characters, places, and incidents are either products of the author’s imagination or used fictitiously. All characters are fictional, and any similarity to people living or dead is purely coincidental.

  Library of Congress Cataloging-in-Publication Data