by C A Phipps
Fortunately, the massive cooler was on wheels, which helped. But by the time she had reached her small garage she was breathing heavily. Wrestling it into the back of her beloved jeep, she went back to collect her overnight bag and lock up. Big Red followed her down the path and sat gloomily by the vehicle waiting for her to open the door.
“Hop in, buddy. You’re staying at Gran's for the night.”
Big Red gave her a filthy look and climbed on the backseat. He’d watched her pack with his typical sulky expression, and now he was plain cross with her for leaving him behind. Luckily, he was usually loveable, great company, and a good watch-cat, because sometimes he was really worse than a child.
Maddie placed her bag into the back of Honey, feeling her usual rush of affection for the old jeep which had been a high-school graduation present from her Grandad. He’d taught her how to maintain the old girl, and she rarely missed a beat.
The sound of wheels on gravel heralded Angel.
“Here’s my bag.”
The ‘bag’ was a trolley case four times the size of Maddie’s bag—and bright pink. Even though she’d seen it before, Maddie was shocked.
“You do know it’s only a weekend stay?”
Angel raised a delicate eyebrow. “Your point being?”
Maddie sighed and hefted the bag into the trunk with a grunt. “Why does it look and feel as though you’ve packed for a week?”
“Sugar, if I were packing for a week, we’d need a bigger car. Hi, Big Red,” she called to him as she got into the passenger seat with a satisfied smile.
Maddie shook her head at the memory of a few years ago when her friend came to New York City to visit. She’d had three cases and a frustrated Suzy by her side sporting only a backpack. Clearly, it had been too long since the Girlz had been on any trips together. Maddie had forgotten Angel did not travel light, and she hoped Laura, who she’d never traveled with, wasn’t of the same mindset.
She drove down to Gran’s cottage, which sat at the bottom of Plum Place and was only a few hundred yards from the back of the bakery. The other Girlz were waiting on the porch, and they came to meet her. She sighed with relief when she saw that Suzy and Laura both carried overnight bags. Gran also came out to fetch Big Red who was still sulking.
“Come on, you big baby. I have some treats for you, then we’ll go for a nice walk around the farm.”
Maddie smiled. “I’m afraid he’s not impressed with his imposed visit.”
Gran laughed. “He’ll be fine once you’re gone. He thinks he can guilt you into taking him, just like a child.”
Big Red gave Gran an imperious look as he jumped out, sauntered past her, went up the stairs, and sat in the middle of the doorway, glaring at all of them.
Gran’s hands, which had been about to pick up the hefty feline, landed on her hips. “That boy is getting too big for his boots.”
Maddie shrugged. “I know. He’s spoiled. What can I say?”
“Hah! You all mollycoddle him, so he thinks he’s the boss of everyone.” Suzy grinned.
Maddie chose not to point out that Suzy’s Pomeranian, Tosco, could give any spoilt pet in Maple Falls a run for its money.
“It’s true, but he’s so loveable.” Angel blew him a kiss.
Gran grinned. “Except when he’s not. Away you go before he decides to follow you.”
Gran couldn’t be cross for any length of time, and even when she scolded friends and family, there was a certain fond inflection that couldn’t be missed. Still, Big Red did find it hard to accept being left behind, so Laura and Suzy stowed their bags and, with a kiss for Gran and waves at the ginger ball of attitude, they piled into Honey, and Maddie drove down Plum Place.
“I do feel guilty for missing yoga this morning.” Angel sighed, as they passed the green opposite the bakery where Noah Jackson held his yoga group every Saturday morning, unless it rained, and then they used his studio a couple of streets away.
“I do too,” Laura agreed.
Maddie stayed quiet about that. Having promised, at some stage, to join the group, she had to admit to enjoying her lazy Saturday mornings too much to give them up. Especially when that was all about to change with the plans to open the bakery on Saturdays in the spring.
“We can get heaps of exercise this weekend if that's what you’re after. We can fish in the lake, hike in the forest, or chop wood for our fire tonight.”
“Yikes! Count me out. I’ve spent the week running around after children and teachers. All I want is a place to relax, a glass of wine, and my book,” Suzy protested.
Maddie grinned at the school principal in her rearview mirror. “There’s something for everyone. No pressure to do any one thing. We can think about it and decide once we get there.”
There were murmurs of agreement, and they chatted until they reached the road east, and Angel turned the music up. They sang their hearts out to the songs they knew, which, thanks to Noah Jackson also being the local DJ and not much older than they were, was a high percentage.
“Wow! We stink!” Suzy suddenly exclaimed, laughing.
“Stink? What are you talking about? We’re awesome!” Angel protested.
“Someone’s delusional.”
Angel made a rude sound. “Who’s got the snacks?”
“Maddie!” Laura and Suzy chorused.
“There’re a few containers at your feet Angel.” Maddie pointed.
Angel gasped. “All this time?”
Maddie shrugged. “Darn lucky you didn’t know, if you ask me. They’ve got to last the weekend.”
“They will. As long as I’m the only one eating them. OMG! Peanut butter cookies!”
Angel deliberately ate a cookie without passing the container. Suzy had a fit in the back and actually tugged Angel’s hair. Maddie could see Laura’s face in the rear view mirror, and she wagged a finger at the other two.
“Stop it. You’re frightening Laura.”
“Sorry, sugar, have a cookie.” Angel held the container out for Laura but whipped it back before Suzy had a chance to take one.
“Wait until we stop. I’ll get you back.”
“Play nice. Suzy, don’t forget you’re a principal,” Maddie added.
“True, and Angel is certainly behaving like one of my worst students. Detention, I think.”
Laura smiled uncertainly. “Without treats?”
The others laughed, and she joined it. Maddie gave Angel a secret grin. Laura was one of them now, but it had taken some time for her to get used to their ways, and she was still unsure on occasion.
They were about to take the turnoff for the road that led down to the lake and the cottages when a car came from seemingly nowhere and cut them off. Being taught by her ex-marine grandfather how to drive in all situations, Maddie swung her wheel in the opposite direction and pumped the brakes. Honey came to rest on the opposite side of the road as the other vehicle disappeared up the road toward the lake. They were safe. Still, it shook her up and had the other three squealing.
“Who the heck was that?” Suzy demanded.
Maddie shook her head. “No idea, he was going so fast I couldn’t read his license plate.”
“Why would he be in such a hurry to get to the lake at this time of day?” Laura wondered.
“Maybe he’s meeting someone to go fishing?” Angel suggested.
“There’s no excuse for that sort of thing. I hope he doesn’t get a bite,” Suzy proclaimed.
Maddie chuckled as she pulled the car around and followed the rough road down to the cottage. “Let’s not let it spoil the trip.”
The track was rutted and overgrown, but through the trees, several cabin roofs stood out. It was good to see that the land around the buildings was clear and tidy. It was essential to maintain that clearance, as fires anywhere near here could decimate not only the forest but the cabins along with it. That would be tragic, especially as, like Grandad’s, some had seen many generations come and go.
Finally, they arri
ved at a large clearing with a cabin at the far edge. Although it had been built with rough-hewn timber, the sides were smoothed from years of weathering. Maddie had so many happy memories of coming here with Grandad—learning how to fish and, more importantly, how to survive in the wild should she need to. Gran wasn’t as fond of the place, preferring her kitchen and probably some well-deserved quiet time at the cottage, which raising another child later in life had made rare.
She’d always thought that Gran had no idea of the things Grandad taught her, but recently it had come to light that she knew about pretty much everything: the survival techniques, car maintenance, safety tips and tricks, as well as learning to shoot. Maddie had loved every minute of those lessons. Some Gran applauded, others they never spoke about.
The few times Gran had witnessed something she refused to believe a young girl should know, World War III had nearly erupted, and Grandad wisely then took Maddie further afield to practice. This cabin had been one such place, and as much as the cottage was home, this was the place where she felt Grandad’s presence the most.
She coughed as a well of emotion came over her. “Now, remember that no one’s been out here for a while, so the place may need a clean,” she warned them.
“I don’t mind cleaning,” Laura was quick to offer.
Suzy pretended deafness, and Angel checked her nails. They would help, but the pretense was part of their personas and best to just ignore.
Maddie used the large brass key to unlock the sturdy door, and it creaked open as she pushed it, a reminder that she needed to put in some time out here for maintenance. Bernie kept the grounds tidy, but he had his taxi business as well as doing landscaping, and now he was grooming the green at the country club as well, so he was too busy to take on any more.
Angel placed the containers of snacks, or what was left of them, on the kitchen counter.
The cabin was larger than some of its neighbors. There was a main room, which had a spacious living area with two old couches and a large wing back chair, and a small kitchen in one corner with a large dining table and six chairs. Three doors along the back wall led to two bedrooms and the bathroom. One bedroom held a double bed and the other had two sets of bunks. The extra set had been added when Maddie came to live with her grandparents so she could bring along friends if she wanted.
“Let’s get the bags onto the porch.” Maddie led them back to Honey.
“Angel, you can bring your own bag.” Suzy hoisted it out of Honey and eyed it with distaste.
Angel sniffed and dragged the bag behind her. Very slowly. Laura took pity and helped her haul it onto the porch and inside.
They dumped their bags on the wooden floor and went back to get the rest of the food supplies. Then Maddie showed Laura around. The place was dusty, but nothing was out of place so it would take very little to get it right.
“I love it! And the view out these windows is amazing.”
Laura’s delight was infectious. While the bedrooms looked out into the forest, the front of the house had a panoramic view of the snow-capped mountains in the distance. Sparkling like glass, the lake sat a few hundred yards in front of them, and Maddie’s heart filled with joy at the sight she hadn’t seen for so long.
She stepped out onto the deck, and the Girlz followed. They leaned against the railing, and Maddie took in deep breaths of the fresh air.
“I should have come out here before now.”
Angel tutted. “You’ve been so busy with everything. Setting up the bakery and your forays into sleuthing have dug deeply into any spare time.”
Maddie snorted. “Stop that. I am not a sleuth.”
“Oh yeah. Tell that to someone who doesn’t know you.” Suzy rolled her eyes.
“Let’s clean up, then put this stuff away and get on to the fun stuff,” Angel suggested.
First they decided to share the room with the bunks in it so that they could all be together. Then, after everything was sorted to Maddie’s satisfaction—including chilling the wine and making the beds—she was ready for some fun.“Let’s head down to the lake. Although, it’s probably too cold for a swim.”
The water came straight from the mountains, and the early winter dusting of snow was getting lower each day.
“Darn right it’s too cold.” Angel gave an exaggerated shiver.
“Fishing?”
Suzy and Angel wrinkled their noses at Maddie.
“Hike?”
“Count me out,” Suzy said.
“How did I make friends with a bunch of townies?” Maddie asked, laughing. They’d been much easier to coerce when they were younger.
“Actually, I’d quite like a stroll along the lake? With that view, it would be gorgeous and surely not too strenuous. Deputy Jacobs talks about it often. It’s where he brings his puppies for exercise.”
Laura’s pale skin almost matched her red hair. The others could see she liked the deputy, but Laura wouldn’t admit to anything more than friendship, despite knowing an awful lot about his habits.
“Come on. It’ll be fun.” Angel pulled on Suzy’s arm, using her powers of persuasion, which weren't inconsiderable.
Suzy made a face. “Oh, all right.”
“She likes to play hard to get, but Suzy will have as much fun as us this weekend—if not more,” Maddie reassured Laura.
They went inside the cabin where Maddie packed a small backpack with snacks and water, and they all collected light jackets. Suzy and Angel had been here many times and knew the drill, even if it had been several years. Laura was new to this, however, so Maddie took a few minutes to go through the rules of hiking.
“Stay together, carry your own water, and take a phone. Reception can be patchy here, but it can’t hurt to have it on hand just in case.”
Laura began to look very unsure. “Ah, I thought this was a casual walk?”
“That’s no reason to be unprepared,” Maddie used her matter-of-fact voice but failed to mention she also carried a first aid kit and flares in her backpack when hiking. No point in getting her agitated before they’d even begun.
She led them out, picking up a long, thin branch as a staff on the way. The path was well-worn but overgrown and got worse the closer they got to the lake. Nature was doing its best to reclaim the bush. Few people had time or inclination to come out here, and these paths were now barely used.
A couple of reasonably large trees had come down due to storms and age, and they had to climb over them to continue. Maddie wasn’t even slightly bothered by this but fully expected that Suzy at least would have a moan about it when they got back to the cabin.
Chapter Three
They walked for twenty minutes, with Suzy keeping her good-natured moans to a minimum. On the other hand, Angel and Laura were filled with wonder, and Maddie stopped often to answer questions about names and varieties of plants as well as species of birds and small animals. Angel had loved the outdoors ever since she moved to Maple Falls as a young girl, while Laura was a complete stranger to it.
“Thanks so much for inviting me. I never would have ventured this far from town on my own,” Laura admitted when they stopped to watch a small owl who looked at them from half-closed lids. “What’s his name?”
“That’s a Northern saw-whet owl, one of the most common forest owls in Oregon. They grow approximately eight inches long. They’re shy, so it’s rare to see one.”
“He’s a cutie.” Suzy showed that she wasn’t totally immune to nature.
“The white V above his eyes makes him look majestic,” Angel noted.
Maddie was about to comment further when a rifle shot rang out. She swung in the general direction, listening intently. Was that someone yelling?
“Stay here,” she commanded. The other women had looked to her for reassurance and weren’t happy about her leaving, but there was no choice if someone was in trouble, and she was the fastest.
Perhaps a gun went off accidentally, she thought as she ran towards muted sounds of cussing.
>
Leaping over shrubs and foliage, Maddie arrived at the edge of a clearing as fast as she could. The thought occurred to her that the noise she was making wasn’t conducive to a stealthy approach. On the far side stood Bernie’s cabin and halfway between it and her hiding place lay a man, face down in the dirt. Blood seeped into the ground around him.
She ducked behind a shrub, not sure what to do. Was this an accident? If it were then the rifle would be visible, and it wasn’t. He could be lying on it, but she doubted a part of it wouldn’t be protruding.
Then, from the direction of the cabin, she heard the sound of running footsteps pounding on dirt and heading away from her. A car door slammed, followed by an engine starting. Its tires sounded as though they were spinning, trying to find traction in the gravel, and then the engine noise faded.
Waiting several more, anxious seconds, she chanced another look. Scanning the circle of forest and the cabin, which was about twenty feet from her. This cabin was older and a lot smaller than Grandad’s. She’d passed this way often on the many hikes she’d taken with him. Bernie had sometimes been here, and if he were, they’d taken time to visit.
All was quiet. She stepped quietly out from behind the shrub in a runner’s pose, unsure how many people had been here. But Maddie was determined to try to help. If the man was only wounded, he would need assistance as soon as possible.
Running low to the ground, she approached the body. A key lay on the ground, close to one hand as if he’d managed to pull it from his pocket only to drop it from his lifeless fingers as he fell. A circle of red, as wide as her two hands, covered the back of his plaid shirt, which had a rip along the bottom of it. And the pool of blood was ever-widening. His head was turned to face her, eyes wide.
Maddie knelt closer and checked for a pulse. It was the one thing a person did, Ethan had told her, even when they knew, as in this case, that it was too late. She plucked her phone from her coat pocket and tried to call him.
