“I don’t think that’s what she’s worried about,” Bay countered, dipping a dinner roll into the pot roast gravy. “I think she’s either covering for herself – which doesn’t seem likely because I can’t see her managing to drag a body into the woods without help – or she thinks there’s a possibility her husband is a murderer and she’s trying to cover for him.”
“I’m not sure what this has to do with anything,” Chris interjected. “We’re clearly looking for a hominid. I saw the video footage from last night. There’s a creature out there.”
“There is?” That was news to me. I forced my questioning gaze to Jack. “Did you see it? I thought the footage was too blurry.”
“It was too blurry,” Jack confirmed. “Chris is convinced he saw something in the video. But no matter how we try to clean it up it still looks like a shadow in the woods at night.”
“It’s a sasquatch,” Chris barked.
“It’s a sasquatch-like shape,” Jack said, his lips curving downward. “Either way, he wants all of us in the woods tomorrow.”
“To do what?” I asked blankly.
“We’re going to find Bigfoot,” Laura replied. She looked irked more than anything else. “Chris is convinced having more of us out there tromping around will scare Bigfoot out of hiding so we can photograph him.”
“Oh.” That made absolutely no sense. I risked a glance at Bay. “I guess that sounds okay.”
“I have a better idea,” Bay offered, causing numerous heads to snap in her direction.
“No, you don’t,” Landon said automatically.
Bay refused to back down, her eyes flashing dark. “Yes, I do.”
“No, sweetie, you don’t.” Landon almost sounded whiny. “Whenever you have an idea I end up in the lake or ducking so pottery doesn’t hit my head.”
“I don’t understand the reference,” Chris said.
“It’s an inside joke,” Bay said, grabbing Landon’s knee under the table. “I think you’re going to like this idea.”
“Well, that means I definitely won’t like it,” Landon grumbled.
“Why don’t you listen before shutting her down?” I snapped, causing Landon to glare in my direction. “You don’t always have to talk over her, you know.”
“I’m not talking over her.” Landon kept his voice low. “Fine. Tell me your idea, sweetie. I’m sure I’ll love it.”
“The resort has a 5K run scheduled tomorrow,” Bay said, ignoring Landon’s tone. “I have a copy of the list of participants because The Whistler needs it for coverage of the race. The money is for a local charity for abused children.”
“Okay.” Landon tilted his head to the side as he rubbed his index finger over the lip of his wine glass. “I’ve seen the signs for the race, but … what does that mean for us?”
“All of our suspects are participating in the race, and the course happens to cross the Dandridge property,” Bay explained.
“Oh?” Landon perked up. “You think whoever dumped Penny’s body in the woods knew about the location because they’d already been there scouting it for the race.”
“I do indeed,” Bay agreed, bobbing her head. “I also told Phyllis Grimes and Shane Norman that you had more evidence than I was willing to share. I was thinking that if you put some police tape around an area and then left it alone … maybe hid in the woods … that you might be able to draw out a suspect.”
“How would that work?” Chris asked, confused.
“The route doesn’t pass by the area where the body was dumped,” Bay explained. “I looked at the map this afternoon. All of our suspects are participating in the race, which means they’ll be out there and have a reason to look around without drawing too much attention.”
“It’s still a hike off the main trail, but Bay thinks that the guilty party will check out the scene if he or she gets the chance,” Landon supplied. “That means if we’re hiding in the woods we’ll be able to spot whoever it is.”
“Exactly.” Bay appeared to be overly pleased with herself. “It’s not proof, but … .”
“It gives us a solid direction,” Landon said, his expression softening as he eyed his girlfriend. “You’re kind of a genius sometimes. You know that, right?”
Bay smiled. “I know.”
“Oh, barf,” Tillie muttered as she mimed hanging herself with an invisible rope. “All of this planning only works if the killer is human. What if it really is Bigfoot?”
“A hominid,” Chris corrected. “It’s a hominid. I’m certain of it.”
“Then things will work out well for you,” Bay pointed out. “You want the area to be busy with people to scare your hominid out of the trees. If you guys are out there and look like you’re working, that will unnerve runners and Bigfoot alike.”
“Huh, that’s not a bad idea,” Jack admitted, rubbing his chin. “In fact, I think it’s our best shot to draw out the guilty party.”
“Which is a hominid,” Chris pressed.
“Yes, it will draw out the hominid, too,” Jack shot back, his temper bubbling. He was clearly at the end of his rope with Chris, working overtime not to run off at the mouth and endanger his job. “I’ll need to see some maps so I can make sure my team is safe.”
“Good,” Landon enthused. “We’ll discuss it after dinner.”
“You’re giving me a massage after dinner,” Bay reminded him.
Landon opened his mouth to argue, but something in Bay’s eyes clearly told him that was a bad idea. “We’ll discuss it over breakfast tomorrow.”
“That sounds fine,” Jack said, smirking. “At least we’re finally getting somewhere.”
“Yes, we’re getting close to immortality,” Chris enthused, rubbing his hands together.
Jack rolled his eyes until they landed on me. “We’re getting close to answers. That’s the most important thing.”
“I couldn’t agree more,” I said, reaching for my wine glass. “We all want answers.”
Now we just needed to get them.
Twenty-Nine
“No way!”
Landon vehemently shook his head when Bay led us into Marcus’ stable the next morning. He’d been arguing with Bay – and by extension Thistle and Marcus – for what seemed like forever. In real time it was probably two hours, but it felt a lot longer because he very rarely lost steam when arguing.
“I think it’s a good idea,” Bay pressed, running her hand over the nose of a black horse that poked his head out to see what all of the fuss was about. “We’ll be able to cover more ground.”
Landon was adamant. “No.”
“Landon … .”
“No, Bay.” He gave his head a firm shake. “I don’t want you on a horse.”
“I’ve ridden horses since I was a kid.” Bay adopted a pragmatic tone that she probably believed was reasonable and would somehow soothe Landon into agreeing with her. I had a feeling her tactics would push him in the opposite direction and she’d be better off screaming at him. She clearly knew him well, but it was obvious he had no intention of backing down. “I’ll be perfectly safe.”
“No.” Landon crossed his arms over his chest. “I’m putting my foot down.”
Bay pressed the heel of her hand to her forehead, her frustration evident. “Landon,” she growled. “You’re being unreasonable.”
“I don’t care. I’m putting my foot down. I mean it.”
Thistle snorted, amused. “This should end well.”
When Bay announced she had another brilliant idea over breakfast at The Overlook I was excited … until I realized she wanted us to ride horses along the trails so we could cover more ground. I’d never been close to a horse – including the small ponies at festivals when I was a kid – and I wasn’t keen on the idea of riding an animal that could kill me if it decided to throw me. Landon, it seemed, felt the same way.
“You can’t tell me what to do,” Bay argued. “I’m an adult.”
“I don’t care.” The more Bay pushed, the mo
re Landon dug in. “Do you remember what happened the last time you were on a horse?”
Bay and Thistle exchanged a weighted look.
“I do,” Bay said, choosing her words carefully.
“Oh, I do, too.” Thistle’s smile was smug. “It was in the fall. We took horses out while you were on your undercover investigation – you know the one that almost ended with Bay being arrested for murder and you ruining your relationship – and we had a picnic by the Dandridge.”
Landon stilled, a muscle straining in his jaw. “You went horse riding without telling me?”
“I couldn’t get in touch with you, if you remember correctly,” Bay reminded him.
It was clear the undercover assignment was still a sore subject between the two of them. My gossipy inner nature was dying to know what happened – I’m a busybody; I can’t help it – but I figured inserting myself into this argument would be a terrible idea.
“Bay, I … .” Landon worked his jaw. “I can’t believe you went out on a horse without telling me. You could’ve been hurt.”
“What happened last year was a fluke,” Bay gritted out.
“You were thrown from a horse! I thought you were dead,” Landon barked, taking me by surprise with his vehemence. “Hours, Bay! We spent hours looking for you. The horse came back without you. You didn’t have your phone. I seriously thought you were dead.”
Instead of reacting with anger, Bay brushed her hand over Landon’s arm to soothe him. “I didn’t die. I hit my head and was really sore for a few days, but I was fine. The horse just got spooked.”
“Uh-huh. And do you think a bunch of people running in the woods while you’re looking for a potential murderer might spook horses?” Landon challenged.
“I … um … hadn’t considered that,” Bay conceded, apologetic. “Maybe you’re right.”
“Oh, I’m right,” Landon muttered.
“Not to mention the fact that we’re really looking for a hominid,” Chris added. He’d been against utilizing horses from the moment Bay mentioned it. He looked even less keen on the idea now that he’d seen the large beasts. “A hominid would be far more likely to upset a horse. I’m sure of it.”
“Really?” Thistle asked dryly. “Have you conducted extensive research on that?”
Chris ignored her tone. “It’s merely common sense.”
“Well, I’m a Winchester,” Thistle deadpanned. “We don’t have common sense.”
“None of you do,” Landon complained, shaking his head. “No horses. Bay. You heard Chris. Bigfoot will eat you if you ride a horse. That’s science.”
I pursed my lips to keep from laughing at his reaction. He clearly didn’t believe Bigfoot was to blame for Penny’s death, but he was determined to keep Bay off of a horse, and he was willing to use any means necessary.
“Fine,” Bay said, resigned. “We won’t use horses. I’m sorry I brought it up.”
“Good.” Landon pulled her to him, rubbing his hands up and down her arms as he rested his forehead against hers. “While you’re in the mood to give me what I want, I don’t suppose I could con you into staying close to the finish line so you’ll be in town?”
Bay immediately started shaking her head. “Absolutely not! I won’t ride a horse, but I’m doing what I want when it comes to searching the woods.”
We spent a long time discussing strategy over breakfast. Everyone agreed to separate into pairs while searching the land surrounding the area where Penny Schilling’s body was discovered. Landon didn’t seem keen on Bay being part of the search team, but he hadn’t outright forbid it. I wouldn’t put it past him, of course, but Bay wouldn’t stand for it. Then the fight would grow bigger and everyone would be caught in the middle of a huge dilemma that would tax our already frazzled nerves.
“Okay.” Landon ran his tongue over his teeth as he regarded her. “Chief Terry and I will be close to the area that passes the Dandridge parking lot. We’ll talk loudly when we can about evidence at the scene and mention we’re waiting for a forensic team to arrive. That should propel the guilty party to move fast.
“Jack and Bernard will be close to the scene with two of Terry’s officers,” he continued. “Everyone else is allowed to wander through the woods in pairs, but don’t get too close to the scene. We all agreed on that over breakfast and that rule stands. Understood?”
Chris bobbed his head. “The odds of the hominid returning to the exact same location are slim.”
“I don’t give a crap about your stupid hominid,” Landon growled. “I’m worried about a murderer here.”
“And won’t you feel silly when we find evidence of the real culprit?” Chris pressed.
“I freaking hope so,” Landon replied. “I’m a lot less worried about Bigfoot going after the woman I love than a maniacal human bent on covering up a crime.” He shifted his eyes to Bay. “You don’t go anywhere alone. Promise me.”
“I promise, Landon.” Bay sounded like a high school student talking to an overwrought parent. Everything probably went in one ear and out the other. “It’ll be okay.”
“Bay, you’ve almost died a good ten times since I met you,” Landon said, lowering his voice. “I can’t live with that. I need you alive … and safe … and with me tonight when I’ll want a massage.”
Bay’s pretty face split with a wide grin. “I will be.”
“You’d better.” Landon pressed a kissed to her forehead and my heart hurt at the love shared between them. “No one goes anywhere alone,” he stressed, his gaze bouncing from face to face before finally landing on me. “I don’t know if Bigfoot or a human is guilty, but I have a feeling we’re going to find out today.”
“It’s a sasquatch,” Chris said happily. “I know it.”
Landon didn’t look convinced. I didn’t miss the look he exchanged with Jack. They clearly worked on another wavelength, one the rest of us didn’t fully grasp, and said much with a simple glance. “Good luck, everyone. I think we’re going to need it.”
“SO, WHAT happened with the horse?”
Bay walked on one side of me, Jack on the other, and we made the trek to the spot where Penny Schilling’s body was discovered largely in silence. I’m curious by nature, so I couldn’t refrain from asking the question. Thankfully, Bay didn’t seem bothered.
“It was last spring,” Bay replied. “Landon’s family came for a visit – it was the first time I met them – and we went for a ride on the trails behind the stable. My horse got spooked and bolted. I got knocked off and was unconscious for a long time.
“The horse made it back to the stable without me. My phone was in the saddlebag, so Landon panicked,” she continued. “When I came to I was confused, but I kind of recognized the area. That’s why I walked to the Dandridge. That’s also how I found out that Clove and Sam were dating. She was keeping it a secret.”
“I take it this was before they moved in together,” Jack noted.
Bay nodded. “It seems like a lifetime ago. It’s weird how things can change so fast. It’s been a year, but it feels as if it happened just yesterday.”
“What did Landon do when he found you?” I asked.
“He didn’t find me,” Bay answered. “I called Thistle from the Dandridge and she picked me up to take me back to the inn. She was more obsessed about Sam and Clove than about my health. As for Landon … well … he had a rough night.”
“That’s because he loves you,” Jack argued. “You only remember it from your point of view. You were unconscious for most of it, so you couldn’t be afraid. When you woke up, your first thought was to get home. Landon spent most of that time terrified that you wouldn’t make it back to him.”
“I understand that,” Bay said. “I love riding horses. I always have. Landon wasn’t keen on horses before this happened, which is a shame because I think he’d look good in a cowboy hat and chaps.”
I smirked, amused. “Did he dote on you for days? I remember when I broke my arm when I was a kid and my mother trie
d to wrap me in pillows for weeks after.”
“He was a little manic,” Bay conceded. “He was more worked up the time I was almost shot.”
“You were almost shot?” I couldn’t help being impressed. “I guess he wasn’t exaggerating when he said you’re a trouble magnet, huh?”
Bay shook her head, rueful. “I do tend to find trouble, but I always manage to find a way out of it.”
“Try not to find anything too dangerous today,” Jack instructed. “I’ll be close to the scene, so don’t hesitate to sing out if you need anything. You should be safe, but … if there’s trouble I expect you to call for me rather than handle it yourself. Understood?”
Jack kept his eyes on Bay’s face as he said the words, but I had a feeling he was talking directly to me.
“We understand,” I said, rolling my eyes as I grabbed Bay’s arm and dragged her away from the spot where Landon and Chief Terry had erected police tape after breakfast. “You won’t have to worry about us.”
Jack didn’t look convinced. “Something tells me that I’ll be worrying about you quite a bit … and possibly for a long time. Stay frosty, and don’t do anything stupid.”
“Oh, you’re so sweet,” I deadpanned. “You worry about yourself and I’ll worry about me. How’s that sound?”
Jack shrugged. “It sounds as if I’ll have an ulcer before this is over. I’m not joking. Be careful. While I agree with Landon that a human most likely killed Penny, I’d hate to rule out an animal and have it come back to bite me … or one of you. Don’t lower your guard. Be mindful of your surroundings and always look over your shoulder. Don’t be heroes.”
“Yes, Dad,” I said dryly, rolling my eyes.
I could feel Jack’s temper flare as he worked to remain professional. “Don’t wander too far. Do you think you can handle that?”
Witchy Dreams Page 74
