Message in a Bottle. Kathryn Reiss

      “What is it?” she whispered.

      Raymond remained still for a long moment, as if deciding whether to answer. Then, without a word, he moved through the trees. His feet were silent on the path.

      Julie could hear the rushing sound of water, and soon saw the dark ribbon of water cutting deeply through the riverbank. Under the cover of the sound of the river, Raymond spoke in a low voice. “I saw lights in the woods the other night, but when I started to follow them, they disappeared.” He edged along a narrower path to the left, away from the river, and Julie followed close behind. “So when I saw them again tonight, I just had to follow.” He stopped suddenly. In front of them jutted a rocky ledge. “See, up ahead? I think they’re at the mine.”