“Perhaps that’s because you think all women are exactly alike.”
“Not true, but maybe you should get to know me better before you form an opinion about me. You might even be pleasantly surprised.”
I strutted away before I said something I’d regret, or dropped him onto his ass. What was it about this man that riled me so? He wasn’t that attractive.
I felt someone looking at me and I glanced up, staring into the cold eyes of none other than Patsy, the owner of Curls and Cuts. Next to her was a tall man about Margarita’s age, his steel gray eyes also boring into me.
Margarita strolled toward me and froze when she saw Patsy and her male companion. Her face paled enough for me to ask her, “Who is that?”
“My ex-husband, Winston.”
“I gave her hand a quick squeeze. “Act like you don’t care.”
“I-I just wish that was the truth, but I think I’ll always love him. That’s something the divorce didn’t change.”
“You need to forget him and move on.”
Margarita shook her head sadly. “At my age, dear?”
I waved at a man who stood near the concession stand. “Sure, why not Bud Haskel? He’s headed this way.”
Bud beamed at Margarita. “Hello, Maggie. You sure are looking good today.”
She adjusted her stocking hat. “Oh, get outta here. You better head to the eye doctor if you think that.”
His cheeks reddened. “I see just fine. Why do you think I’ve been coming to your restaurant all these years?”
“Because you’re hungry?”
“No, I’ve been trying to get up the nerve to ask you out—ever since that man of yours left. But I just never got up the nerve, or it never seemed like the right time.” He took a sip from the cup he was holding. “You know, they’re going to have polka music in the beer tent later. I’d sure love to have a dance partner for a change.”
“Oh, I d-don’t know.”
I leaned in. “She means she’d love to.”
Margarita smiled. “It’s been years since I’ve gone dancing. I’m afraid I might embarrass you, or step on your toes.”
“Not to worry. I’m wearing steel-toed boots.”
Dixie and I strayed away, giving Margarita and Bud some privacy.
“Those two are too darn cute,” Dixie said once we were out of earshot.
“I couldn’t help but notice how Bud looked at Margarita, and I just knew she didn’t have a clue. It’s been years since a man paid her any attention, most likely.”
“Sorta like you.”
“I kept quiet about the wager Daniel had made with me, even if I never agreed to it. Honestly, I never had a boyfriend for long. It’s hard to get close to someone who doesn’t mind if his girlfriend catches more fish than he does, or shoots a bow with deadly accuracy. Most of my boyfriends ended up breaking up with me in favor of real ladies who wore dresses and acted all prim and proper. That’s just not me.
Chapter Twelve
When team members began gathering together with their bows, I knew it was about time. I retrieved my bow, too, trying to get into the right mindset. An announcement came through a loudspeaker, calling everyone to meet in the beer tent, where instructions would be given.
“That’s my cue to head on out now,” I said.
Dixie rubbed my back. “Are you okay?”
“Sure, just trying to prepare myself.”
“Don’t worry, you got this.”
“While I’m gone, it might be good idea to call the sheriff and find out if he arrested Troy and Cindy. I wonder if they had an alibi for the day Clayton was murdered. I can’t shake the feeling that they might not be responsible for Clayton and Marilyn’s murder.”
“Now is not the time to be worrying about anything but the competition,” Dixie said.
But I just couldn’t shake the feeling that something wasn’t right, not right by a long shot. I had a strong sense of foreboding, which was not unfamiliar to me. I’ve always had strong female intuition, and it’s always proven to be dead on. I tried to shake it off now. I had to. Perhaps the sheriff was right about Troy killing Clayton, but how exactly did it tie into Marilyn’s murder? If Troy was really guilty, then why does my stomach feel like it’s being squeezed in a vise-like grip? Why, even my heart thudded against my chest. Chill out, Sassy, you’re losing it! I forced myself to take some deep, even breaths.
Dixie walked with me to the beer tent and we parted ways when I met up with Daniel. “Are you okay?” he asked. “Don’t worry. I’ll try not to beat you too badly.”
I smiled, but barely. I followed him into the tent, where a woman stood on a large crate, cradling a microphone in her hands. It was Nancy, the same woman who ran the chili cook-off. Why, even Milton Pabis was here, the man she had let win. I could smell a conspiracy with that deal.
“Attention, gentlemen, and a few of you ladies,” she said when she looked at me. “At least I think some of you are ladies. It’s so hard to tell when you girls are dressed just like the men.”
That earned laughter from the men, and a dirty look from me. Those jokes were getting tiresome, since I’ve heard them just about my whole dang life at tournaments.
“Regardless of gender, you’ll shoot from the same marks as the men. Thanks to a generous donation from Jacob’s Hunting Store, we have two bonus targets set up in the clearing that’s nearest Lake Summers. Those are each worth five hundred dollars. One is a bionic pig and the other is on a zip line. Of course, if more than one person scores a ten on the targets, we’ll put their names in a drawing for the winners. Also, while these targets are optional, anyone who tries and scores a ten will receive an additional ten points on their scorecard.”
“That’s not fair,” one man said.
“You might feel that way, but that’s what’s been decided on by the committee. Have fun out there, but let’s all act like adults and play fair.”
The crowd began to make noise, with many of the men boasting about how they could hit that bionic pig without a problem. Maps were handed out and I glanced at mine. Wow, they had fifteen targets set up. With that many, there might be room for error and I could still come out ahead.
The crowd disappeared and headed down to the bonus targets. With additional points on the line, everyone would be trying for sure.
Daniel smiled. “Have you ever shot at a bionic pig before?”
“How about you?”
“I asked first.”
“Yes, I’ve hit a few. The zip line sure sounds challenging, though. But I just love a challenge.”
“Why doesn’t that surprise me?”
I shrugged. We stayed in the back of the line and I smiled every time I heard the ping of an arrow hitting the metal of the bionic pig target, thus messing up the arrow instead of hitting the target dead center.
When it was our turn, Daniel said, “Ladies first.”
“Not on your life. Didn’t Nancy just say there weren’t any accommodations for women at this competition?”
“If I hit a ten, you have to kiss me,” he hinted.
“How about if I kick you where it counts?”
He smiled. “Oh, you’re no fun.” He took his mark, pulled back and sunk his arrow dead in the center. He retrieved his arrow and returned with a raised brow. “Your turn, but I’m betting you’ll miss.”
I kept silent as I took an arrow from my quiver, and took my mark, aimed and slam ... my arrow also hit the center. “Maybe you shouldn’t be a betting man. That one would have cost you.”
When it was our turn at the zip line, we heard grumbling as only one person hit it, a burly man by the name of Bear. Then it was our turn. Daniel went first; his brow furrowed as he hit it. Applause followed as Daniel was slapped on his back like the men like to do to congratulate one another.
When it was my turn, the men laughed until I glared at them. I shucked off my jacket, pulled back, arched, and let go. I stared as my arrow shot into the air just as the zip line target whizzed
by and I sunk the shot. Instead of cheers this time, the men stood there with jaws slacked open.
“What’s the matter, boys? Haven’t you ever been beaten by a woman before?” I didn’t mean to gloat, but I hated the attitude of these men. Why did they insist on treating me like I’m not capable of winning an archery tournament, just because I’m a female? I donned my jacket again as a chill rippled through my body.
Our group consisted of three men, including two of Clayton Percy’s friends, Marty Novak and Barry Haskel.
While we were on the trail, I asked Marty, “Do you have an alibi for the night Marilyn Percy was murdered?”
“You saw us at the bar that night, remember?”
“I guess that all depends on when she really died. Neither of you seemed to care for Marilyn all that much.”
“No, I never said that. I said that she didn’t much care for us.”
“Same difference.”
“Not really,” Daniel said.
“Why would we want to kill her, anyway?” Marty asked with a shrug.
“Because you found out Clayton had cash that he kept at home.”
“You think too much, woman, and from what I heard, you’re related to Madame LaLaurie.”
“Who is that?” Barry asked, as he belched.
“She’s that serial killer who tortured her slaves back in New Orleans in the 1830s.”
“What if she is related?” Daniel asked. “What does that have to do with her asking you a few questions?”
“It doesn’t, but I heard the sheriff has been checking into her background ever since she came to Bear Paw.”
“Who told you that?” I asked. “Because you sure never mentioned that the other night at the bar.”
“That’s because Nancy didn’t tell me until today. She works in the sheriff’s department.”
“I know, but I don’t know why she’d be telling you anything like that. She could get into trouble for sharing that information if the sheriff finds out.”
“Who’s gonna tell him?” Marty said.
“I will, first chance I get. I’ll be damned if I’ll let my good name be dragged into the mud. Madame LaLaurie wasn’t like she was portrayed, or she wasn’t as bad as they say. It was more a matter of yellow journalism.”
That earned me strange looks from all the men, including the one who tagged along with us to make sure that the score was kept correctly so there wouldn’t be any cheating. Luckily just then we made it down the pathway to the first target, which was tagged with a number one: a Styrofoam pig.
Marty went first and barely hit the target, earning him a five. He swore up a storm and Barry laughed; that was, until he took his turn and missed the target completely. Daniel easily scored a ten, but by the time it was my turn, I was so rattled about them knowing I was related to Madame LaLaurie that I only scored an eight.
“Damn,” I muttered.
Instead of Daniel saying something smug, he moved back up the trail that led to the next target, like he actually understood that I was nerved up.
Number two was a Styrofoam cow. I went first and scored a ten, as did Daniel, but both Barry and Marty didn’t do well again. I might not really know either of those men, but it was apparent that they had been drinking as they both stumbled along the path.
We made it to a checkpoint where a table was set up with hot beverages. I took a hot chocolate, warming my hands with it.
“You’re doing great,” Daniel said. “It’s too bad you scored that eight back there, but with any luck, you’ll be able to make it up.”
“Thanks.”
“You shouldn’t let Marty get to you. You might have noticed already that he’s a loud-mouth.”
“That’s quite clear. I don’t talk about my family. Madame LaLaurie is my family’s dark history that we seldom speak about.”
“I understand. I have an uncle that is in prison for murder. Nothing too elaborate, really. He just got too drunk one night and killed his best friend.”
“How awful. How has your family coped?”
“We don’t talk about it. I guess it’s easier that way. Drinking and poor decisions are common. You might not know this, but Marty is kind of an ass when he’s not drinking. His girlfriend has even told him that she likes him better drunk, but then again, she’s sort of a drunk herself.”
“So, you don’t think he’s capable of murder?”
“No. Growing marijuana sure, but not murder. Clayton was one of his best friends, and of course, Barry.”
“Barry seems quite harmless. He’s related to Bud.”
“Bud is good people. I sure wish he’d get the nerve up to ask Margarita out sometime. Just because they’re old doesn’t mean that they shouldn’t enjoy their lives.”
“Actually, he asked Margarita to go polka dancing with him later.”
Daniel’s face split into a grin. “See, romance isn’t dead. You should give it a try yourself, sometime.”
“Not so sure about that one. Do you have a girlfriend?” As soon as the words were out, I wanted to slap myself for asking.
“Nope. If I did, I wouldn’t have hit on you.”
“Oh, were you hitting on me? I hadn’t noticed.”
Thankfully, we were called to head up the trail and the conversation shifted to how cold it was out, and if Barry would ever hit a target.
We managed to get through all of the targets and I lagged behind Daniel by two points. The last target was a turkey and Daniel insisted that I go first. I pulled an arrow from my quiver with shaky hands as I shivered. The tips of my fingers felt about numb, but I scored a ten. Not that it mattered, because I already knew I had lost by two points to Daniel.
Barry and Marty sat on the ground in defeat, and possibly because they were a little too drunk, now. When Daniel took his turn, he coughed as he released his arrow, and it barely hit the target.
“Shit,” he said. “Of all the luck.”
Of all the luck, indeed. I shot him a dirty look. “Did you miss on purpose?”
“Why would I do that?”
“I don’t know, but there’s no way should you have made that bad a shot is all I know. I don’t want to win by default.”
“You’re weird,” he said, as he led the way back to where they handed out the trophies and prizes.
I stood in the warming tent, stomping my feet and rapidly moved my fingers in an attempt at warming them.
“Are you okay?” Margarita asked as she approached with Bud and Dixie.
“I’m fine, besides the fact that my fingers are frozen.” Before I could protest, Daniel took my hands, removed my gloves, and placed his hands over mine, warming them by rubbing in a circular motion. I flinched slightly, but it felt like it was working, or he was working his magic on me. There was no sense in fighting the attraction, but for the moment, I’d keep it to myself, which meant not telling Dixie. She, of course, beamed at me.
“What happened out in the woods?” Dixie asked with a whisper.
Annoyed at her suggestion, I snapped, “Nothing. Why?”
“It’s about time for the trophies to be handed out,” Margarita said.
I waited until I could feel my fingers and then I made my way outside with the others.
“This has been a great day, full of surprises,” Nancy said. “The overall winner is Daniel Adams!”
I stared at Daniel and he stared at me. He climbed the platform and took the microphone away.
“There’s been a mistake.” He waved the scorecard in the air. “Louisiana Sassy is the winner!”
Nancy sputtered. “That can’t be.” She took the scorecard and examined it. “This doesn’t match what the scorekeeper gave me.”
“Oh, are you kidding me?” I shouted. “This is rigged just like the chili contest. Don’t even try and deny it. You let Milton win like he always does, and now you won’t let someone from out of town win in favor of your archery hot shot. A woman, at that!”
Murmurs were heard in the back of the crowd.
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“She’s right. I saw you talking to Milton hours before the tallies were counted for the chili cook-off,” a woman said, as she moved forward.
Daniel nodded. “Sassy won, fair and square. Come on up, Sassy.”
I strutted up there and Nancy was escorted from the stage. A portly man with rosy cheeks gave me a huge trophy with an envelope. “Congratulations to Louisiana Sassy.”
Cheers echoed around the stage and they began to chant. “Dunk her. Dunk her!”
“What?” I asked.
“It’s tradition. Whoever wins the archery competition must do the polar bear dip,” the man explained.
My eyes widened and Daniel gave me a wink. At first I had felt bad that he threw the competition, but now I felt like he had set me up. Damn man. I walked to the lake on shaky legs and took my outerwear off, staring into a hole in the ice.
“Jump, jump!” the crowd chatted.
“I can’t!” I yelled. “This is lunacy.”
I was shaking so badly, but I just knew if I didn’t jump in, someone would push me. I took a breath and jumped in. It felt like hundreds of tiny needles stabbed me all over my body when I hit the frigid water. I didn’t stay in long. I was helped out and a bear rug was thrown over my shoulders—another tradition, or so they say. Instead of going back to the warming tent, Margarita told me to go on back to the restaurant to warm up proper, and come back later. Dixie also stayed behind with Margarita.
Chapter Thirteen
I went back to my room and took a steaming hot shower. I sort of wanted to throttle Daniel about now, but at least I had my cash prize. I felt relieved that I’d be able to support myself for a while, but the truth was that I had no idea what my next move would be. I was still bothered by the fact that I had no clue if Troy and Cindy were responsible for Clayton’s murder. Had they also murdered Marilyn? And if so, why?
Once I was dressed, I went downstairs and was told by one of the cooks that Daniel wanted me to meet him on Carter Road, and that he had something important to tell me. He also said that I was to bring my bow. I left ten minutes later, after receiving directions to the spot.
When I got to Carter Road, it was in the middle of nowhere. I spotted Daniel’s truck parked alongside the road with footprints leading into the woods. What on earth did Daniel have to tell me that was important enough to have me in walk in the deep snow in the boonies?
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