Mountains of Dawn

"I understand," Mrs. Alcin said. She hugged Tanya tight.

After the Alcins left, Tanya made a call to her friend, Judith, who she knew was out of town, and made arrangements to stay at her place for the next few days.

* * *

Tanya was wandering inside her friend's apartment when the phone rang. "Detective Warner here, Ms. Caldwell," the voice said. "I wonder if you would mind coming in and answering a few more questions?"

"No, I wouldn't mind, Detective. I'm feeling much better."

"Good. I spoke to Judith Abramson her this morning. She asked us to keep an eye on you until she can return home."

"That's reassuring. I'll be there shortly." Tanya hung up the phone and left Judith's apartment, glad to be outdoors. She drew in a deep breath, smelling the air and feeling the sun's warmth on her face.

The Vermeil Police Station, located in an old building downtown, had been remodeled so many times, no one could remember its original appearance. The main hall had been cobbled together by breaking down the walls between several small rooms, which left the floor a mosaic of linoleum, hard wood, and battered tiles.

"Ms. Caldwell? Tanya? Do you mind if I call you Tanya?" Detective Warner said, offering his hand to Tanya. "You look great. Your cuts are healing well."

"I don't mind at all, Detective. And they are healing well. I'm down to one bit of gauze now." She smiled. She followed him down the strange-floored hall into a tiny office. Constable Halliday smiled and nodded at her as she entered.

"Not much room in here, but please, take a seat," Warner said, gesturing at a straight-back wooden chair. "Tell me about the threats you've received."

"Threats? No one's threatened me."

"No threats? But the record shows you complained of threats when you were here three weeks ago."

"No, I don't think that's correct. I complained of an accident, my second. I was pushed off the road twice. That's what I reported three weeks ago. When I came in prior to that, it was to report my first accident."

Detective Warner frowned. "Excuse me, please, Tanya. Halliday, come with me. I want to check the records." As they left the room, Tanya heard Warner say, "I knew her files were incomplete. Something is very wrong here."

They returned a few moments later, Halliday looking nonplused.

"Sorry," Warner said. "Seems to be a minor problem. Now. Tell us about your accidents, Tanya."