Camping Caper

by Madison Johns

  “It makes sense,” I began, “driving on trails means having tree branches snapping your arms and legs. I’d just like to know if Peggy was at that dinner last night.”

  “You don’t think this was an accident?” Nadia asked.

  “It might be, but I’d feel better if I knew exactly where Peggy was seen last night.”

  It took some time before the girls calmed down. I had to wipe my own tears. While I might have not known Peggy all that well, I felt bad that she died and vowed that I’d learn the truth about her death. It made no sense to me that the woman drove an ATV straight into a tree when she left with a man last night.

  Eleanor and I tried our best to cheer the scouts. “Would you girls like to do a craft?”

  “Craft?” Martha asked.

  “Yes, surely you had some plans to keep the girls occupied.”

  “Maybe Peggy did. I’ll look in her bag.”

  That got my attention. “I’ll come with you and take a look.”

  “I thought you were expected at the office,” Martha asked.

  As I walked into the tent Martha shared with Peggy, I explained, “The sheriff can wait or come here. I’m more concerned about the scouts right now.”

  Martha pulled out a box. “This is the activity box.” She sighed. “I completely forgot Peggy was planning to lead her scouts to win the camp relay.”

  “Now that sounds fun,” Eleanor said as she joined us.

  “I’m not sure what will happen now. Do you think Mrs. Tuttle might cancel the whole camping trip?” Martha asked.

  “I suppose that depends on whether Peggy had an accident or was murdered,” I said.

  “How could it be murder when the ATV crashed into a tree?” Martha asked. “There’s no way you’d be able prove it was anything other than an accident.”

  “She’s right,” Eleanor agreed, “unless the person with her directed the ATV toward that tree.”

  “And jumped off right before the collision,” I added. “I think you might be right, Eleanor. We need to find out if anyone saw Peggy last night.”

  “It won’t be easy. The girls who were in the main cabin were hardly a great source of information,” Eleanor reminded me. “I wonder if they were worried that Tuttle might have found out and they’d be in trouble.”

  “I can’t imagine that much drama could be happening at a scout camp,” I mused.

  “Hah,” Martha blurted out. “You should know what happens when a group of women are forced to live together. Drama-rama.”

  Moraine walked into camp with the sheriff as Eleanor helped the scouts pick up sticks that they piled on the picnic table. I merely nodded at the newcomers as I was measuring string for Fern and Nadia to cut.

  “What’s going on here?” Sheriff Wesley asked, examining the contents of the table.

  “We’re making sun catchers,” I said.

  The scouts laughed until I frowned. “She meant dream catchers,” Eleanor said.

  “That sounds like fun,” Wesley said. “I hope you don’t mind if I try my hand at it. I went to summer camp here when I was your age, girls.”

  “I highly doubt you were alive when we were your age,” Eleanor commented with a sly smile.

  The sheriff ignored Eleanor. “I certainly hope the rest of your camping trip is uneventful, girls,” Wesley said.

  “I hope not,” Yasmine said. “I want to go swimming, not this stupid craft.” She scattered the sticks and went to her tent in a huff.

  I sighed. “I better go after her.”

  “I’m not certain that’s such a good idea,” Eleanor said. “She might throw something at you.”

  “Let’s talk over here for a moment, ladies. You’re in charge of the craft until I get back, Hailey.”

  Moraine, Eleanor and Wesley followed me to a far table.

  “Where is Martha?” Moraine asked.

  “She’s calling the scouts’ parents. I only hope the camping trip won’t have to come to an end, but I’d hardly blame the parents if they decided to pick up their children.”

  “I hope that doesn’t happen. For a minute I even thought Yasmine was coming around, up until she scattered the sticks,” Eleanor said.

  “I have a feeling Yasmine might have a valid reason for doing what she did. We don’t know her history. What if she lost a close family member and Peggy’s murder brought it back to her?”

  Eleanor nodded. “You’re probably right—”

  “Whoa,” Wesley interjected. “Who told you Peggy was murdered?”

  “Nobody,” I admitted. “But it makes sense. First, Peggy goes missing and then is found dead.”

  “People go missing all the time, but that doesn’t make them a victim of a crime,” the sheriff said. “I don’t see any evidence that suggests that Peggy Hughes died of anything other than an unfortunate ATV accident.”

  My mouth dropped open. “Is that what you believe or what Mrs. Tuttle wants you to think?”

  “Look, I’ve been a sheriff for more than ten years and I know a murder scene when I see one. This just isn’t one.”

  “I see,” I said disappointed.

  “You can’t think a murder would be better.”

  “No, but I can’t stop thinking there might be more to this than an accident.”

  “Well, contact me if and when you can prove it’s more than that,” Sheriff Wesley said. “Although that would mean a murderer is running loose at this camp. I know Mrs. Tuttle well enough to say that she’d never allow the scouts to stay here if she thought that was the case.”

  “Thank you,” Moraine said. “I appreciate you setting my mother in-law straight.”

  I glared at Moraine as the sheriff left. “Setting me straight? That would be the day.”

  “Calm down, Agnes,” Eleanor cautioned. “You have to remember why you’re really here — to help Martha with the troop. She’ll need you more than ever now.”

  “I know that, but I can’t help but feeling as I do. I suppose I had better let it drop for now.”

  Moraine gave me a suspicious look. “Okay.” She looked up as Martha joined the sheriff at the table, presumably to help the girls with their craft.

  I waited until the sheriff returned up the trail before I met my daughter halfway. “How did the phone calls go?” I asked.

  “None of the parents want to pick up their children.”

  “Really?” Eleanor asked in shock. “Not even after their leader was murdered.”

  “Oh please,” Martha muttered. “Let’s drop your murder theory for now. Sheriff Wesley just told me she’d be filing her report that Peggy died in an ATV accident.”

  “Without an autopsy?” I asked.

  “I’m certain one will be done, but have confidence that the sheriff knows what she’s talking about.”

  I clammed up because I didn’t want to argue with Martha, but finally asked, “Could I please have my phone back?”

  “Why?”

  “Do I really have to explain to you why?”

  Martha’s hands slipped to her hips. “Yes,” she said as she tapped her foot.

  “Now, Agnes,” Moraine winked at me from behind Martha. “That would hardly be fair. Not even the girls are allowed electronics.”

  “It doesn’t matter at this point because all the batteries are probably dead now,” Martha informed us.

  “How did you call the parents then?” Eleanor asked.

  “I have a TracFone for emergencies, but my battery just died, too.”

  I folded my arms across my chest. “So what are your plans if there is an emergency with one of the scouts? Send smoke signals?”

  “No, because Martha can’t even start a fire without matches,” Eleanor said.

  “Oh?” Martha’s brow shot up. “And I imagine you can start a fire with sticks, Eleanor?”

  “Actually, sending a smoke signal might work in a pinch,” Moraine said. “But I prefer a flare gun.” She smiled.

  Chapter 9

  “I haven’t seen M
arjorie, Elsie, Rosa Lee or Leotyne today,” I said.

  “Remember, Elsie and Marjorie are looking for a golf course,” Eleanor reminded me. “Maybe they found a golf cart in the woods.”

  “Rosa Lee is helping put up signs to alert the scouts about the poison ivy,” Moraine said with a chuckle. “The last I heard, Leotyne is reading palms at the hiking rest stop.”

  “Well, at least she’s not telling ghost stories,” I said.

  “Hey, what about Bernice?” Eleanor asked.

  “She’s following cat tracks,” Moraine said with raised brow. “Don’t look at me, I thought it sounded strange when she told me.”

  Yasmine walked out of her tent and shyly said, “I don’t suppose there are any crafts left to do now.”

  I smiled. “Actually, I saved enough for you to make when you felt up to it.”

  “I’m awful sorry for tossing the sticks like that.”

  I noted her reddened eyes. “Is there something you’d like to talk about?”

  When Yasmine shrugged, I led her to the table where she began working on a dream catcher. “My grandmother taught me how to make a dream catcher like this before.”

  “Were you close to her?” I asked.

  “We were before she died.” She sniveled, choking back a cry. “She fell down the basement steps.”

  I hugged the girl and she clung to me. “My Uncle Ted said it was an accident, but I knew that wasn’t the truth. I saw him push her down the stairs.”

  I pulled away. “What?” I asked in shock.

  “It happened last summer. My mother didn’t believe it was an accident. She believed me when I told her what I saw.”

  “So what happened?”

  “Mom went to the police and they investigated. Uncle Ted was caught on tape cashing one of grandmother’s checks. He’s in prison now.”

  “How awful,” Moraine said as she joined us.

  “I heard what the sheriff said, but I just know Ms. Hughes didn’t die in an ATV accident.”

  “Why do you say that?” Eleanor asked.

  “Because our leader is a chicken. I heard her tell that man yesterday not to drive the ATV too fast or she’d be walking back.”

  “Did you overhear where she said they were going?”

  “They didn’t say where, but I know our leader would have been back last night if she could. She would never abandon us.”

  “You’re right, she wouldn’t. Thank you for sharing your story, Yasmine. I’m glad I’m not the only one who thinks something suspicious happened.”

  “Run along and get your swimming suit on,” Moraine said. “Martha is taking you girls swimming.”

  “She doesn’t have to,” Yasmine said. “I wish I had just shut up about that.”

  “It will be a good way to get your minds off of Peggy,” I suggested.

  Yasmine handed me her dream catcher and ran off to change.

  “What a horrible thing for a child to see,” Moraine said. “I bet Peggy’s death brought it all back to her.”

  “I just knew it had to be something. I almost wonder if the other girls really understand what happened.”

  “I have no idea, but the parents have entrusted us with their children and it’s our duty to make sure they remain safe for the duration of this trip,” Martha said.

  “Where did you come from?” I asked.

  “I was just taking a walk. From the sounds of the laughter I can’t help but wonder how ten-year-olds can cope with such a horrible thing so easily.”

  “Let’s just hope the girls in our troop enjoy the rest of their trip. I think swimming is a great idea, Martha.”

  “I thought you’d like that. I know you’ll be digging for the truth with your friend.”

  “My name is Eleanor,” she sputtered.

  “Whatever you do, please be careful. I don’t think I could handle another death on this trip.”

  Eleanor and I walked down the trail with Moraine. “So what are your plans, Moraine?” I asked. “Are you joining our investigation?”

  “Not this time, or err … not here. I’ll be crossing to the dark side.”

  “What?” Eleanor asked.

  “Going across the lake to the boys’ side. I really would like Stuart’s opinion,” Moraine said.

  “Make sure you ask him if he was over here last night.”

  “I will, but I was hoping to arrange a meeting between like minds. I’m certain that both you and Eleanor would like to speak to him.”

  I smiled as we parted ways with Moraine, and while I wanted to go with her, I decided it might be best to have Moraine do the arranging. I wanted another go at questioning Tuttle. Hopefully she’d be more willing to supply useful information.

  We waved at Mrs. Tuttle as we approached her cabin. “Hello again,” I said. “Is the sheriff here?”

  Tuttle made an overexaggerated attempt at getting out of her rocking chair, flopping arms and all. “Didn’t the sheriff visit your camp site?”

  “She did.”

  “Then you know that Peggy’s accident was … well … accidental.”

  I sighed. “She said as much.”

  “But we don’t buy it,” Eleanor added. “She could never have driven that ATV with her arm in a sling.”

  “I agree, which is why we’re here now. What can you tell us about Peggy’s whereabouts last night?”

  “I know you can’t think I’m responsible.”

  “You certainly didn’t act like you much cared about Peggy being missing this morning,” Eleanor said.

  When Tuttle gasped, I said, “That’s hardly fair, Eleanor. We don’t know why the president of the Bonfire Girls wouldn’t be concerned about the whereabouts of a troop leader, especially when there’s a camp full of impressionable young scouts.” I took a deep breath before continuing, “I can’t imagine the scars our troop will have after this.”

  “They didn’t find the body, from my understanding,” Tuttle countered.

  “See!” Eleanor shouted. “She said body. You only say that if it’s murder.”

  “I don’t have time to argue with either of you.”

  “We’re getting off base here,” I said. “I want to know if you saw Peggy last night.”

  “You know, at the dinner that we weren’t invited to,” Eleanor added. “That sounds suspect to me, too.”

  “Eleanor, please. I want to hear what Tuttle has to say about the dinner last night.”

  “Fine, but I hope you’re not expecting a straight answer.”

  I glared at Eleanor, and Vera finally found her voice. “I really don’t recall seeing her, but she could have been there.”

  “Didn’t you walk around and greet the leaders?” I asked.

  “Yes, but the men from across the lake were also here.” Her face lit up. “Perhaps Peggy left with one of the men.”

  “But you wouldn’t know that if you didn’t even see her last night, right?”

  “Or so you say.” Eleanor’s brows knitted. “She was picked up yesterday by a man on an ATV.”

  I narrowed my eyes at Eleanor for revealing that.

  “I suppose you should find that man then instead of grilling me. There was no foul play involved in Peggy’s death and you know it. Sheriff Wesley told you as much.” She walked toward the door of her cabin. “If you excuse me, ladies, I have a competition to plan for the scouts.”

  “Do you think that wise when a murderer might be roaming the woods?” I asked.

  Tuttle whirled and stared me down. “Will you please go back to your camp? I’m busy!”

  “You didn’t look busy sitting in that rocking chair,” Eleanor pointed out.

  “Perhaps she plans to meet with that man she was speaking to yesterday,” I said.

  “I have no idea what you’re talking about. What man?”

  “The one at your cabin,” I began. “The one who was irritated that the scouts were here for the week. He did mention it would be a shame if one of the scouts disappeared. Did Peggy get in h
is way?”

  Vera’s face whitened. “Apparently you didn’t hear what you thought you did. I was simply speaking with a contractor who plans to clear a section of the woods to put a basketball court in for us in the north part of camp.” She forced a smile. “I had forgotten and scheduled him for this week. You can imagine me being upset about that. I simply can’t have men traipsing around in the woods with the girls here.”

  “Well, he certainly sounded angry,” I said.

  “He’s just behind schedule and he was worried that one of the scouts might wander into the construction site. There’s quite a hole out there.”

  “We’d like the name of the man,” Eleanor insisted.

  “He’s no longer here. He went to Traverse City.”

  “I’d still like the name, please,” I reiterated.

  Tuttle fidgeted. “O-Okay, but you didn’t hear me tell you. Joe Smith.”

  Eleanor snorted at the common name.

  I nudged Eleanor in the ribs. “He’s a contractor, you say?”

  “Yes, but he’s not in the Yellow Pages,” she quickly added.

  “I can’t imagine that you’d have a phone book handy.”

  Tuttle straightened to her full height. “No, I don’t.”

  “I suppose we’ll get back to camp. Martha plans to take the troop swimming and I’m sure they could use more supervision.”

  Tuttle nodded as we took our leave. Once we were away from the cabin, Eleanor exclaimed, “Joe Smith sounds like a made up name.”

  “That occurred to me, too, but unless we catch the man lurking in the woods we likely won’t be able to question him. We should see if we can find the construction site — if there is one.”

  I led the way into camp, which was quiet. “It looks like Martha took the girls fishing.”

  “Fishing? They went swimming.”

  I sighed at her barb with a slight smile. “I’d feel better if we could check on the troop before we search the woods.”

  “Me too.”

  Eleanor and I drove the golf cart up the path that led to the lake, parking well away from the swimming area. The lake didn’t have a large swimming area, but buoys marked the safe perimeter, indicating where the lake is too deep. Kayaks were stacked on racks near the woods, and canoes rested on the beach.