We get our first big October storm after Waverly’s been in my cabin for two weeks. Black clouds hang low over the mountains, threatening heavy rain all day but never quite bursting—then as night closes in, the wind starts to howl.

I’m at the bar, like always, serving customers when Maria needs a break and grappling with stock orders in the office otherwise. A few brave souls have come out for an evening drink, huddled around their regular booth, but the bar’s mostly empty tonight.

Good. Most folks in Starlight Ridge know better than to get caught out in a big storm.

When thunder rumbles loud enough to drown out...