Charles motioned for the Sisters to take their seats at the round table. “Avery Snowden just called. There was an eleven-car pileup on the turnpike. He and his people were in cars eight and nine. The northbound lane was and still is blocked solid with an eighteen-wheeler that went over on its side. Ambulances and fire trucks have been trying to get to the scene. They can’t even cross over the lane to head back south. Southbound is moving at a snail’s pace, but it is moving. It’s the weather, and no one can control Mother Nature.”

Nikki held up her hand. “The guys scored, Charles. They’re on the way back with the evidence, which was hidden in Newsom’s freezer.” She quickly related all that Maggie had shared with her.

“Have they looked through the records?”

“Maggie said no. All they wanted to do was get out of there. She said she’s going to stay at the paper to wait for them. Not much you can do when Mother Nature takes a hand. All we can do now is wait.”

Charles nodded. “Let’s all go over to the dining room. I made some pizza for a late-night snack. I have things to report and discuss, and we need to make plans to get you all down off the mountain. Mr. Bell’s children’s Christmas party is in a few days. Your window of time is going to work against you because of Mother Nature.”

The Sisters donned their down jackets and headed for the door, Charles bringing up the rear. The minute they were in the toasty warm dining room, they shed their outer gear and clustered around the fireplace. Before long the wonderful smell of baking pizza wafted into the dining room.

Charles joined the Sisters and made his announcement. “There’s something wrong with the cable car. Tee said his heart was in his throat on the way down. I watched the car come back up, and even I could tell something is wrong. I can’t put you at risk, so you’re going down the mountain on snowshoes. Myra and Annie will be on one of the snowmobiles. Transportation will be waiting at the base of the mountain. You leave tomorrow, as soon as it gets light.”

“Where are we staying, and will the things I ordered be there when we arrive?” Alexis asked.

“I took care of everything, Alexis. You’re going to be staying at the Post apartment. It’s in a corporate building for companies to house overnight guests, and Maggie assures me no one pays attention to anything, as most of the apartments are rarely used and rarely for more than an overnight stay at any one time. What that means is there won’t be any curious neighbors paying attention to you or the deliveries that will take place tomorrow morning.