by Denise Daisy
Finishing off her second bottle of soda, Karley placed it on the table in front of them and gave it a spin. The bottle whirled around a few times and finally came to a stop, pointing at Wilbur.
She laughed. “Could I have said it any better? The guilty party has been identified by the all-knowing bottle.”
Wilbur grunted and waddled over to Larry’s makeshift desk.
“I need to call a rental service and get my hands on a truck and a couple of vans.”
“We don’t have truck rentals here,” Larry said, never looking up from his catalogue.
“You don’t rent any vehicles of any kind?”
“Just bikes and canoes down at the dock.”
“What do you think, Hogg?” Karley’s voiced her jeer.
“Maybe we could load up a couple of canoes and paddle there Indian style? If we get a good current, maybe we could make opening by Friday.”
Anna gave Karley a disapproving look. It was no secret that Anna didn’t particularly like Wilbur, and his bossy, overindulgent ways, but she liked unnecessary confrontations even less. It seemed to Anna that Karley delighted in saying or doing anything to annoy Wilbur, as if things weren’t stressful enough. The last thing she desired was to be a captive audience to their verbal assaults.
“I’m sorry,” She said, attempting to detour Karley’s provoking comments. “I don’t see we have any other choice than to cancel.”
“How far is the nearest town?” Wilbur barked his question again.
“You’re lookin’ at hundred miles, and it’s smaller than Moonshine,” Larry said.
Wilbur’s chair groaned as he sat back down defeated.
“Call and cancel,” Marcus said softly.
Larry left his desk to tend to the ailing engines he had neglected all morning.
“Phone’s all yours.”
Karley watched Larry feed change into the soda machine and retrieve his cola, popping off the cap and taking a swallow before heading into his garage. She watched him until he disappeared under the hood of a truck, then turned her attention back to the group, only to find Walt giving her a curious grin. “What are you looking at?”
“I could ask you the same question.”
Rolling her eyes, she tossed her empty soda bottle into the recycle bin. “I’m starved. Let’s go find some food.”
CHAPTER TEN
Bronwyn was only half listening to Bethany and Lillian’s conversation as the three continued their trek into Moonshine. It was nearly one in the afternoon, and the midday heat was taking its toll. However, the heat wasn’t the reason she was disengaged. It was the image following them, masking itself in the gargantuan trees, that stole her attention. She figured it was the same person she saw last night, and whoever that may be, was hiding underneath the hood of the black robe, hot on her trail again. With every curve, she desperately hoped to see some hint of a town ahead, but every turn proved more of the same endless highway.
She didn’t want to alarm Bethany and Lillian by telling them of their stalker, certain that one word of impending danger would result in a wave of hysteria from Lillian and a barrage of questions from Bethany. Her best defense was to be aware of the person without them knowing. She continued walking silently, blocking out the conversation and lending her ear to the woods on her right.
Casually glancing over her shoulder, she watched the cloaked figure move in rhythm to their steps, like a long shadow. Her mind traveled back to the bridge and the knife she saw gleaming in the moonlight. A cold chill tickled her spine.
“Bronwyn!” Bethany’s exclamation interrupted her thoughts, startling her so that her response seemed somewhat biting. “What?”
Bethany’s expression soured. “You promised you’d be fun but you haven’t said a word since we left. Are you certain we’re going in the right direction? We’ve been walking forever and there’s no sign of a town anywhere.”
Bronwyn shrugged. “How should I know? Mavis said it was this way. I’m wondering if there is a town. I mean think about it. We trusted a couple of strangers we know nothing about. And, for that matter, why are there no other guests at the inn? In the height of summer? Only us, and do you realize, no one knows where we are right now? No one, not even us. We can’t call our families because there is no cell reception, and the phones at the inn are supposedly out because of last night’s storm. We’ve all heard of people who just disappear never to be seen or heard from again. I wonder if this is how it starts. We all saw our bus being towed away, but to where? They could have been removing evidence that we were ever here.”
Bronwyn’s words were taking their toll on Lillian, whose facial expressions of impending heatstroke changed to full fright. “Stop it! I refuse to be the victim of your outrageous stories.”
Bethany grinned at Bronwyn thinking she was playing around just to frighten Lillian, so any warning of impending danger was dismissed. Bronwyn decided to let it go for now.
The three continued walking without conversation while Bronwyn was left to think of the direst circumstance that could possibly befall them.
A rustling from the woods shattered their silence.
“What was that?” Lillian gasped.
Bronwyn decided that maybe she should say something.
“I didn’t want to scare you, but I’m pretty sure we’re being followed.”
Bethany smiled smugly, believing Bronwyn was continuing her attempt to spook Lillian.
“We are?” Lillian nearly yelled. “How do you know?”
Bronwyn hushed her. “Don’t make a scene Lillian, but something or someone has been following us the entire way.”
“How can you tell?”
“If you look over to your right, you can see it moving along with us, over in the trees.”
Lillian glanced over her shoulder. “I don’t see anything.”
Bronwyn kept her eyes fixed on the road ahead. “Just keep walking. Don‘t try to look.”
Lillian picked up her pace, turning the girls’ casual stroll into a brisk power walk.
“Could be a bear or a mountain lion.” Bethany suggested, trying to evoke more fear. “I’ve heard about mountain lion attacks; they’re horrible. My god, I don’t want to be mauled! What should we do?”
Bronwyn knew it was not an animal following them. However, she decided to keep that bit of information to herself, to avoid frightening Lillian any more than she already was but it was too late. Lillian had broken into a full-on run. Bronwyn and Bethany began jogging just to keep pace with her.
“Slow down, Lil,” Bethany said laughing. “Dang, I’ve never seen you move so fast! Don’t get too far ahead. There’s safety in numbers.”
Bronwyn turned her head just in time to see the hooded figure move between two trees. Just as she was about to suggest they make a run for it, the loud blast of a horn sounded behind them. The girls screamed at the unexpectedness of it.
A familiar truck drove up, the only vehicle traveling on the highway since they began their journey. Bronwyn breathed a sigh of relief when she saw Travis in the cab, and the two children standing in the back, waving wildly at the girls. Glancing towards the woods, she witnessed the dark shadow retreat and disappear deeper into the forest.
“Would you like a ride?” Travis asked through his open window.
“Oh God, yes!” Lillian responded, her relief overflowing. Travis stopped the truck in the middle of the road and climbed from the cab to lower the tailgate.
Carla Jo eyed Bronwyn, her enthusiasm brimming over. “Get in and tell me all about Ryan!”
The last thing Bronwyn desired was a conversation with a twelve-year old about Ryan Reese. At this point, though, she realized she would do anything for a ride.
Bethany nudged Bronwyn with her elbow. “I’ll take care of this one. You sit up front.”
“I owe you one,” she whispered, climbing into the cab and wondering why her anxiety continued to rise, even though she was safely in a vehicle and no longer vulnerable to the stal
king figure in the woods. The truth be known, the thought of a few minutes alone with Travis frightened her almost as much as the cloaked predator. She decided to take the opportunity to investigate what she could about the strange person lurking in the woods, without giving away the fact that she was actually aware of anything. She still wasn‘t sure how much to trust Travis, or if she could at all. Diverting her eyes from his, she looked out the window. “Are you sure it’s only a mile into town? It seemed longer?”
“It’s a country mile. If you stretch it out, it’d probably be three.”
“That figures.” She wished Mavis had explained that simple fact before they had ventured out on foot.
“What kind of wildlife do you have around here?”
“Just opossums, raccoons, deer and grizzlies. Why? Did something spook you?”
She turned away from the window to look at him. Something had spooked her, and by his nonchalant answer, she had a sneaking suspicion he knew exactly what she was talking about. The premonition of danger began to overwhelm her all over again.
“You could say that. I thought I saw something following us in the woods…”
He said nothing as he steered the truck around a few sharp curves.
“…Except animals would run away, not follow…” She waited for a response from him, but to her dismay, he offered none, so she tried once more. “…Actually, I’m pretty sure it wasn’t an animal at all…”
Again, he gave nothing away, not even in profile, so she went for broke. “I think it was a person.”
Again, nothing but silence from the driver’s side of the cab.
“That doesn’t surprise you?”
“Why should it? It was more than likely some kids gawking at the actors from California. A thing like that’s a big deal around here.”
“But how could anyone know we’re here? We arrived late last night, the phones have been out… how could anyone know?”
“Word travels faster than you can dial a phone around here. Besides, I’d say that bus of yours being towed into town early this mornin’ might have announced your arrival.”
She felt a bit silly. Maybe he didn‘t know. His explanation seemed so obvious. However, she knew what she had encountered, first on the bridge last night, and now on the road in broad daylight. Gawking teenagers wouldn’t have been out in a storm of such magnitude, and certainly wouldn’t have been wielding a knife.
She decided to leave the matter alone. Either Travis knew of the person in the woods, or he didn’t. Either way, she would play innocent, feeling it was her best defense. After all, they would probably be leaving soon. Once gone, she would alert authorities to the suspicious activity.
“I guess you’re right.” She turned her face back to the open window, unaware that Travis had taken his eyes off the road, and was watching her intently.
Within minutes, he rounded the final curve, unveiling the elusive town of Moonshine. Any fears or anxieties she may have experienced dismissed themselves promptly as she gazed upon this storybook town. It was as if the heavy curtains on a stage swung open to reveal breathtaking scenery behind them. Hidden within the bosom of the mountains was the most charming locale Bronwyn had ever seen. Quaint, old-fashioned storefronts lined the main road. Each business was unique unto itself, untouched by corporate franchises and chains that littered most of the country. Cottages and cabins of various sizes dotted the rolling hillsides, each residence surrounded by beautiful gardens like that at the inn. Lush green grass blanketed the town for miles, interrupted occasionally by glistening brooks of clear water. The fragrant bouquet of pine, spruce, and balsam fir, along with various floral aromas wafted through her open window. The man-made scents of fresh bread and sweet pastries drifted from the local bakery, accompanying nature’s delicious smells.
The citizens of Moonshine were about, walking the streets. Travis drove much slower now, as the happy residents waved, calling out his name. He nodded slightly each time, acknowledging the greetings. Bronwyn noticed their tour bus sitting outside of what she figured to be Larry’s garage. She felt ashamed; their bus was an eyesore spoiling the beauty of this lovely place. Adults and kids gathered around the bus, pointing and talking, excitement glowing in their faces. Some people were actually taking pictures of the broken down vehicle. She felt somewhat embarrassed; maybe Travis had been right. Possibly, she had let her imagination overwhelm all reasoning. She glanced his way, catching his eye and gave him a slight smile.
“It’s alright,” he said, as if he had read her thoughts. “Story tellers are meant to have large imaginations.”
Without warning the heat sensation began passing through her body once more. Her heart raced, stealing her breath. How did he know she was a writer? She’d never told him.
Her mind was reeling, racing through the conversation at the breakfast table. No, it had never come up. How could he have known?
A sharp rap on the back window grabbed her attention. Bethany was pointing to a cozy café where the rest of the troupe sat, outside on the patio, enjoying lunch.
“You can drop us here,” Bronwyn said to Travis, still suspicious as to how he knew her vocation.
He brought the truck to a stop, and as chivalrous as ever, he opened her door and the tailgate for the girls.
“I’ll be in town most of the day. Let me know if you want a ride back.”
She watched him climb into his truck and drive away.
Pulling up the last three available chairs in the busy café, the girls joined the troupe at their table. A single waitress scurried busily from one table to the next. The moment she noticed the girls join the group; she immediately left the party she was assisting and eagerly headed their way. Her hair was dyed a bright red, except for some blond near her temples that only managed to turn a pale orange, and pulled high on her head in a sloppy bun. She used a brick red pencil to color her eyebrows in hope of matching them with her hair. The line crooked and strayed from the natural brow line, as if she had applied her cosmetics hurriedly or in the dark. Green shimmer shadow painted both eyelids and bubblegum pink gloss covered her thin lips. She wore a badge onto which her name was handwritten.
“Can I get you girls something to wet your whistle?” Nell asked cheerfully.
“I don’t have a whistle,” Lillian answered confused.
Trent took the opportunity to enlighten Lillian on the culture of Moonshine that he was able to attain in the short time he’d been in town.
“She’s asking if you want something to drink.” He leaned across the table as if he just revealed a profound secret. “It’s amazing really. It’s as if there is a whole lost dialect in these mountains we’ve never heard.”
Nell waited patiently while Trent leaned into the table, speaking only loud enough for the troupe to hear.
Realizing she did not need a whistle to place an order, Lillian happily requested strawberry lemonade. Bethany and Bronwyn decided to try the sweet iced tea. So while Nell swiftly disappeared into the small café to retrieve the refreshing beverages, Bronwyn took the opportunity to take in the atmosphere.
Tables of many different sizes were adorned in non-matching linen table cloths. Small vases with fresh cut flowers crowned the top of each. Strings of miniature white lights hung in the trellis overhead, offering a starry ambiance effect for the evening diners. A counter top table was fastened to the outside wall just below a large window from which you could peer into the café’s kitchen. Whenever the chef would retrieve fresh baked goods from the oven, Nell immediately placed them on the counter top to cool. Mouth-watering aromas drifted from the hot cuisine and directly onto the patio, increasing everyone’s appetite. As Bronwyn surveyed the place, she noticed the diners pretending to be engaged in their own private conversations, despite the fact that all eyes were constantly upon their table.
Lillian also picked up on this scenario right away. “I feel like a celebrity,” she gushed. “Everyone’s looking at us.”
“Trent’s already had his p
icture snapped twice, by a couple of desperate women interrupting our lunch.” Karley said, rolling her eyes.
“I wonder if this is how celebrities feel.” Lillian was delighted.
“It’s not for me,” Wilbur lied, attempting to sound humble.
Karley rolled her eyes again. “Now I know you’re lying. You call in song dedications to yourself all the time just so you can hear your name announced over the radio.”
Wilbur’s fat face turned a bright shade of red. “You only caught me doing that once. Only once!”
Nell returned to the table, placing the cold drinks in front of the girls.
“You havin’ lunch?” She laid the straws on the table. “We’re serving tuna and cucumber sandwiches today with a side of strawberries and mango.”
“Oh,” Lillian said, realizing there were no other choices.
The girls agreed on lunch; the long walk had stirred their appetites. Nell scurried off to collect three tuna sandwiches, returning in record time and placing the healthy lunch on the table.
“I’m glad you girls joined us,” Marcus said while Nell refilled his empty tea glass. “We need to discuss our present situation.”
“So it’s a situation now?” Bronwyn asked.
“I’m afraid so.” Marcus breathed deeply folding his hands in front of him. “Looks like it’s going to take some time to get the bus running again. The mechanic in town says he can fix it but he doesn’t have the necessary parts in stock. He will have to order them, so we’re looking at an eight to ten day stay.”
Simultaneous protest rose up from the group. “We’re opening on Friday,” Lillian said, her shock apparent.
“Isn’t it our biggest venue of the summer?” Daniel asked.
“What the hell are we going to do for ten days?” Trent demanded.
Marcus tried to regain control at the table. “I know, I know.”
“Can’t we rent a couple of vans or something?” Bronwyn suggested.
“Already looked into it.” Marcus sighed at the idea. “The only rentals in this town are bikes and canoes.”
