Dangerous Ground

By

M.R. Rutter

For Philip

I’m strong because you believe in me.

I’m courageous with your support.

I loved you then,

I love you now,

I will love you always.

“Happiness is good health and a bad memory.”

-Ingrid Bergman

“I came home... hungry as a hunter.”

-Charles Lamb

~*~

Chapter One

Why do skulls smile?

Ingrid had wondered this from the first time she’d seen one, until this moment as she stood, illuminated by high-powered work lights, surrounded by earthly decay.

She pondered the skull at her feet, a shiver prickling the hairs on her arms and neck with scythe fingers of death. What did it have to be pleased about? Had it found paradise or finally understood God's cosmic joke?

A sad thought really, that in death people would be forced to smile more than they ever did in life. But she knew that life was full of such sadness. A decade as a cop had proven that to her. Ingrid didn’t need it beaten into her soul. Not anymore.

“Deputy Olaffsen?” The question hissed from the radio at Ingrid’s shoulder.

Ingrid lifted her hand to transmit, almost embarrassed to see it trembling. “Yes, sheriff?” she replied.

“Is the scene ready?”

“Yes, sir.”

“Get up here so I can send the team down. We need to interview the family.”

Ingrid doubled-checked the climbing harness around her waist and tugged twice on the rope. Assured it was secure, she began to climb, the limestone chewing into...