James and Olivia were all smiles the next morning, as they left New York City behind them. She was so happy that she kept singing happy tunes to him, throughout the drive. Still, he wished he could share her enthusiasm. The news of Laurel’s murder had upset him. He could not fathom why anyone would do that to someone so young. To him, such a violent act was a testament of how evil and brutal people could be. As much as would like to believe Olivia’s words the night before, he was unable to do so just yet. James would need a lot more than just a great night with her to change his mind. At any rate though, he could not deny it to himself that so far, she had been wonderful to him. And, when they arrived at his cabin on that clear, freezing, mid-January morning, she proved to him once more how impulsive she was.

Olivia simply tossed her small, red suitcase across the hardwood floor and did not even step into the cabin. She walked down the pathway, past his living room window, and into his backyard.

“That’s Panther Mountain Peak…” She pointed up ahead, as he joined her. “I’m so jealous right now.”

“I can understand why.” He smirked, stopping behind her. “I can’t get enough of it, either.”

“Is it always so…”

“Majestic?” He finished her sentence: “Yeah.”

“Even in the summer?” She wondered, her voice somewhat higher, as he hugged her from behind, around the waist.

“There’s not so much snow.” James whispered in her ear. “But there’s a lot of vegetation and it’s a lot cooler than in New York.”

“God, this is so good…” Olivia spoke in a low, raspy tone, closing her eyes as she tilted her head back. Resting it on his broad chest, she reached back and cupped his cheek. “You’re spoiling me.”

At that moment, a powerful gust of wind blew from the north, tossing her beautiful hair across her face. James tightened his hold, only to hear her purr like a contented cat, as she caressed his face. Kissing her on the cheek, he savored the moment, loving the sensation of her soft hand on his skin.

“I must be dreaming…” She whispered, dropping her arm, as the wind blew harder. Then, she put both palms onto his hands and squeezed them, as he gave her one more, sweet kiss on the cheek.

“You can’t feel anything in dreams, Olivia.” He spoke in his deep, manly voice.

“Right,” she purred, running her thumb across his wrist. “Hold me.”

Sadly for them, their romantic moment was interrupted. Seconds later, the loud, piercing sound of police sirens tore the silence. Two police cars were speeding up the road that led to James’ cabin. Neither of them paid attention to it, unwilling to let go of each other. However, the police cars pulled over, just outside his cabin. It was then that he realized that the police were looking for him. Straight away, he loosened his grip. Before he could see the officers, he heard Rick’s familiar voice. Four officers in uniform and one more in civilian clothes were on his doorstep, as he laid his eyes upon them. Before he could open his mouth, they all pulled their guns and pointed them at him. His stomach chilled with fear, as he raised his hands up.

“I’m unarmed!” He yelled. “What are you people doing here?!”

“Frisk him.” The senior officer commanded. “Mr. Farrell, I presume.”

“Yeah?”

“Lieutenant Lowry, NYPD. We have a warrant to search the premises.” He said, pulling a thick piece of paper out of the pocket of his coat, as an officer carried out his order.

“What the hell is going on?” An angry Olivia interjected, as two officers entered his cabin.

“Mr. Farrell, you’re under arrest for the murder of Laurel Jane Thomas.” Lowry’s words sent shockwaves down his spine. “Officer, read him his rights.”

“Arrest!?” James exclaimed. “What are you talking about?”

“I tried to explain to them, man.” Rick maintained. “They wouldn’t listen. They say they have evidence against you.”

“What kind of evidence?” James posed yet another question, but, just like before, Lowry would not dignify it with an answer. He even glared at him.

“He’s clean, sir.” The young officer told his superior.

“Cuff him.” Lowry commanded.

“Hey!” James cried, putting his hands down. “Can somebody tell me just what in the hell is going on here?”

“You know very well, Mr. Farrell.” Lowry attempted a stiff tone. “What’s your name, ma’am?” He asked, turning his attention to Olivia.

“Olivia Ralston.” She mumbled. “Why are you arresting him?”

“Ms. Ralston, you need to come with us,” Lowry continued. “You need to provide a statement.”

Olivia kept her mouth shut and only glanced at James. He was so baffled that he could not force another word out of his throat. But, even if he did want to speak, there were so many officers around him, they would never allow it. They dragged him along the pathway, as he tried to wrap his head around what had just transpired.

“I’m sure it’s just a misunderstanding,” he thought to himself, as they led him to the police car; “a huge misunderstanding.”