The Edens, #1
Indigo Ridge
by Devney Perry
Contents
Chapter 10
Overview
Griffin wrestles with staying away from Winslow after gossip spreads about their fling. While fencing with Mateo, Griffin’s concern over Lily’s death deepens. An alarming encounter reveals Uncle Briggs’s cognitive decline. At Briggs’s cabin, Griffin discovers women’s boots found on Indigo Ridge—likely Lily Green’s missing footwear—and takes them to Winslow, a crucial lead.
Summary
Griffin narrates his struggle to keep away from Winslow after realizing Emily Nelsen noticed his truck at Winslow’s house and gossip is spreading. He resolves to focus on the ranch, even as thoughts of Winslow and doubts about Lily Green’s supposed suicide keep intruding.
Griffin and his brother Mateo repair fence along the road to Indigo Ridge. They discuss Lily, Conor, and whether Lily had been seeing anyone, reflecting the doubts Winslow planted about the circumstances of Lily’s death. Mateo teases Griffin about Winslow, confirming rumors are circulating via Emily.
Briggs arrives, dressed for hunting and convinced it is October. Griffin and Mateo gently correct him and, after a brief angry outburst from Briggs, escort him to his cabin for water. Griffin recognizes signs of cognitive decline and plans to speak with their father again.
At the cabin, Briggs mentions hiking Indigo Ridge frequently. Griffin notices two flower-filled cowboy boots by a garden bed; Briggs says he found the small boots on a trail. Recognizing them as likely women’s boots and remembering Winslow’s search for Lily’s missing footwear, Griffin takes the boots as potential evidence.
Griffin drops Mateo at their parents’ and heads to town, intent on giving the boots to Winslow, both breaking his self-imposed distance and delivering a critical lead in Lily’s case.
Who Appears
- Griffin EdenNarrator; struggles to avoid Winslow, questions Lily’s death, manages ranch work, handles Briggs’s confusion, and finds boots likely tied to Lily.
- Mateo EdenGriffin’s younger brother; helps fence, discusses Lily and Griffin’s fling, witnesses Briggs’s decline, rides with Briggs to the cabin.
- Briggs EdenGriffin’s uncle; shows alarming confusion about the date and hunting season, later calm; has women’s boots he found on Indigo Ridge.
- Winslow (Winn) CovingtonPolice chief and Griffin’s lover; off-page but motivates Griffin’s choices; recipient of the potential evidence boots.
- Emily NelsenLocal reporter; spreads gossip about Griffin and Winslow after spotting his truck, prompting Griffin to keep his distance.
- Lily GreenDeceased banker; her missing boots are likely found at Briggs’s, strengthening doubts about her supposed suicide.
- Lyla EdenGriffin’s sister; seen earlier with Emily at Eden Coffee, highlighting Emily’s proximity to family gossip.
- ConorRanch hand and Lily’s ex; referenced while Griffin avoids sending him near Indigo Ridge after Lily’s death.