“I much prefer Hemlock Cove,” Landon explained. “As for Bay … well … I met her while undercover on an assignment a while back.”
“Was it love at first sight?”
Landon snickered as Jack groaned. “Yes.”
I readjusted my gaze so it was appraising instead of curious. “You’re very open, but you’re being kind of … weird … about certain things,” I noted. “I can’t decide if you’re telling the truth.”
Jack’s mouth dropped open as Chris continued with his cast. He clearly didn’t hear me. I expected Landon to tell me to mind my own business, but he was too amused.
“You’re going to fit right in at The Overlook,” Landon supplied. “The Winchesters love vocal women. I suggest you sit next to Aunt Tillie during dinner. She’ll find you fascinating.”
I refused to be dissuaded. “Who is Aunt Tillie?”
“Bay’s great-aunt.”
“Is she funny?”
“She has her moments.” Landon adopted a far-off expression, running his tongue over his lips as he considered how to continue. “I’m not being weird. I also don’t mean to be disparaging, so please don’t think that’s what this is. I simply can’t figure out what you are supposed to offer us.”
“Perhaps some expertise that you don’t have access to,” I suggested. “Not everything is black and white. There are some things harder to explain than others in this world.”
“I’m well aware of that.” Landon scratched his nose as he studied me. There was something weighted about his gaze, as if he was trying to see inside of my heart and mind. “Not everything about Hemlock Cove is as it seems,” he offered, adjusting his tone. “The people here are genuinely good, though, and I want them protected.”
“That’s what we want, too,” Jack offered, returning from one of his forays into the woods. “I can’t find tracks from this spot. No tracks that match what Chris is casting, no tracks for humans either. There are a few sets heading that way, but I have a feeling that’s from you guys and the medical examiner’s team.”
“That’s exactly what I found,” Landon confirmed, rolling his neck. “The evidence seems to suggest that she was killed here and yet … that scenario is hard for me to swallow given the lack of footprints.”
“Could someone have erased them?” I asked, glancing around. “The ground is still hard in some places and damp in others because the spring thaw isn’t complete. Maybe whoever – or whatever – it was simply didn’t make an impression.”
“That’s definitely a possibility,” Landon agreed. “I don’t know what to think. The state police evidence team collected a few items, but we’re hampered by the fact that all of the local high schoolers like to hit the woods for a party every weekend.”
“Ah.” Jack made a clucking sound in the back of his throat and nodded. He seemed to understand what Landon was saying better than I did.
“What does that mean?” I asked, confused.
“It means that any beer cans collected … or discarded matchbooks … or even condoms indicating sexual activity could be a lost cause because the kids will have roiled up the area,” Jack supplied. “It could be a long time before the evidence starts rolling in.”
“Yes, and we either have a killer human or animal on the loose while that’s happening,” Landon added. “I love this town. I love most of the people here. I will do what I have to when it comes to their protection.”
“Are you worried about your girlfriend?” I asked.
“I’m always worried about Bay.” Landon’s smile was back. “But she can take care of herself. She has a tendency to stick her nose in things that shouldn’t concern her. I have no doubt this case will be no different.”
“Why not order her to stay away?” Jack’s question seemed more of an order than a suggestion. “You are with the FBI, after all. She has to obey you.”
Landon snorted. “You’ve never been in a serious relationship, have you?”
“I have.” Jack looked caught. “I mean … I understand women.”
“You obviously don’t if you think you can boss them around,” Landon countered. “Bay is … a free spirit. She does what she wants when she wants, and I have to live with that. I’ll tell her to stay out of it, she’ll get mad and do what she wants, we’ll fight and then we’ll make up. That’s how we roll. She won’t be able to stay away from this one. It’s not in her nature.”
“Because it was probably Bigfoot?” I asked.
Landon chuckled. “No. Because she’s the editor of the only newspaper in town and she’ll be crazy for this story.”
“We saw the newspaper office,” Jack noted. “She doesn’t own a combat helmet, does she?”
“How about a shotgun?” I added.
Instead of laughing off the suggestions as ludicrous, Landon narrowed his eyes. “Why do you ask that?”
“Please tell me you’re not dating the woman in the combat helmet,” Jack sputtered. “She could be your grandmother.”
Something clicked into place for me. “He’s dating the blonde who opened the door at the newspaper office,” I corrected. “The one Chris commented on.”
“What did Chris say about her?” Landon asked, leaning forward.
I risked a glance at Chris and found him completely wrapped up in his own world, oblivious to the conversation as he poured the casting clay into the print. “Just that she was pretty,” I replied hurriedly.
Landon raised his eyebrows. “Yes, she’s lovely.” He stared at Chris a moment, an obvious appraisal, and shook his head.
“What about Bigfoot?” I pressed. “Do you think he’s a threat?”
“You’re very persistent,” Landon noted. “As for Bigfoot … let’s just say I’m less worried about Bigfoot attacking Bay than a human with an attitude trying to end her life.”
“That’s probably smart,” Jack agreed. “I’d be worried about the woman with the shotgun, though. She seemed determined.”
Landon was determined to be blasé, but I saw his expression crack. “You said she had a combat helmet on?”
“And a whistle,” I added.
Landon sharply inhaled and then exhaled slowly, the sound long and drawn out. “I’m sure Bay is fine.”
“Who is the woman?” I couldn’t help but be curious … and a little worried. Landon Michaels was an FBI agent, and he was supposed to be calm under pressure. He appeared anything but calm.
Landon ignored the question. “I’m just going to make a quick call.” He reached into his pocket and retrieved his phone. “I’d better get a mountain of bacon tomorrow morning. I can already tell this is going to be a long week.”
4
Four
“This is The Overlook?”
I couldn’t help but be a little disappointed. The way Landon, Clove and Sam built it up I expected something out of a horror movie. Instead, the inn was absolutely beautiful, the cookie cutter shutters accenting a huge facade that was more pretty than perilous. “It looks like it was a Victorian at one time, maybe something more when you see the back jutting out the way it does.”
Jack arched an eyebrow as he handed me my medium-sized suitcase from the back of the Tahoe. “You look sad. Not what you were expecting?”
“I thought it would look like witches live here,” I admitted. “This looks like someone’s grandma lives here.”
“I believe someone’s grandma does live here.” Jack’s eyes betrayed a flicker of mirth. “Didn’t you see the look on the FBI agent’s face when you mentioned the combat helmet, gun and whistle?”
“Yeah, that was pretty odd.”
“See, the way I read his face, it wasn’t odd at all,” Jack countered. “He was worried about his girlfriend getting in trouble … but not the kind of trouble that would get her killed.”
Confusion wafted over me as I tucked a strand of my long dark hair behind my ear. “What other kind of trouble is there?”
“The kind that gets you arrested and gives your FBI boyfriend a migraine.”
Jack snorted, amused by my dramatic flair. “I think they have a unique relationship, and if you’re developing a crush on him you might want to look elsewhere. That man is clearly taken.”
“What man is taken?” Laura asked, sticking her nose between us. “Did someone meet a man in this hellhole town? If so, I want a description and a map of where to find him, because I haven’t seen any men since we landed. All I’ve seen is a parking lot.”
Jack rolled his eyes as he grabbed the shoulder of my hoodie and tugged me away from Laura. He seemed to dislike the woman even more than I did, which was entirely possible because he knew her better. “We were talking about the FBI agent we met this afternoon.”
“And he’s definitely taken,” I added. “He lives on the grounds of this inn, in fact. He said he lived in a guesthouse, right? What’s the guesthouse look like?”
“It’s like a little cottage,” Hannah supplied, distracted by her phone screen. “The cell service isn’t very good here.”
“That’s what’s great about living in the country,” Chris added, inhaling heavily. “I love the country! This is where Sasquatch lives … and hopefully breeds. I can feel it, folks. This is the one!”
Jack muttered something unintelligible, rubbing his forehead. I didn’t miss the weary look on his face. I wanted to ask why he insisted on working in this particular field if he was a non-believer, but instead I merely forced a smile and extended the pull handle on my suitcase.
“I don’t have a crush on him,” I volunteered, keeping my voice low. “I just find him interesting.”
“Why? Because he’s dating a witch?” Jack looked amused at the prospect.
“No, because he clearly loves his girlfriend enough to give up any chance of FBI advancement. And he’s hiding something with the chief of police.”
Jack stilled, narrowing his eyes. “How do you know that?”
“Let’s face it, he would have to love that woman an awful lot to want to stay in this small town his entire life.”
“Not that.” Jack curled his lip. “The part about him lying.”
“Oh, well, I guess ‘lying’ is a strong word,” I clarified. “They’re clearly hiding something, though. I think this town has a secret. They exchanged a few looks when they thought no one was watching. And Landon was kind of evasive on certain topics.”
“I thought I was the only one who noticed that,” Jack said, closing the door and fobbing the lock. “Perhaps you’re more observant than I realized.”
I rolled my eyes. “Perhaps you’re kind of a butthead.”
Instead of reacting with anger, Jack smirked. “Yeah. That’s a distinct possibility.”
I followed the line of people into the inn, pulling up short when I saw the harried woman standing behind the counter. She looked to be in her fifties, dressed well and easy on the eyes, but the woman standing beside her was another story.
“It’s the combat helmet lady,” Jack said, amused.
“I said no, Aunt Tillie.” The woman at the counter fixed the older woman with a dark look. “When I say no, I mean no.”
“Oh, chill out, Winnie.” Tillie – this must be the great-aunt Landon mentioned in passing while at the scene – rolled her eyes so hard I swear she almost fell over. “I was hardly trying to date rape you.”
Hannah choked at the words, her eyes widening. She was a pretty girl – and sweet – but I was starting to think she was something of a Mary Sue. “I … um … .”
Tillie lifted her finger to her lips and let loose with a loud and obnoxious “Shh.”
“Aunt Tillie!” Winnie barked, causing me to bite the inside of my cheek to keep from laughing. “I said no. That’s my final answer. Now, if you’ll excuse me, I have guests to check in. If you need someone to entertain you, I believe Bay and Thistle are in the library.”
“I don’t want to spend time with them.” Tillie unveiled an exasperated expression only a family member could love. There was something so expressive about the elderly woman – her face carved by wrinkles and her curly short hair struck through with gray – that I couldn’t help but briefly wish I was a part of her family. “They’re obnoxious and mouthy brats.”
I raised my eyebrows as I risked a glance at Jack. He looked as amused with the conversation as I did.
“I don’t really care if you want to spend time with them or not,” Winnie shot back. “I only care that I don’t have time to spend with you right now. So … go.”
Tillie crossed her arms over her chest. “Um … no.”
“That did it!” Winnie raised her arm – whether it was to strike her elderly aunt or vigorously point a finger at her I couldn’t be certain – but the front door opening and Landon stepping in interrupted her.
“You guys made it.” Landon’s reaction was blasé as he took in the members of the team he’d yet to meet. “I’m glad you didn’t have any trouble finding the place.”
“Hello, sailor,” Laura murmured under her breath.
“He’s got a girlfriend,” I reminded her.
“He’s not married, not that it would matter to me,” Laura countered. “I’ll need to spend some time with him, that’s for sure.”
Landon either didn’t notice or care that he was the center of attention. Instead he remained focused on Winnie. “Where is Bay?”
“In the library with Thistle.”
“Oh, geez.” Now it was Landon’s turn to make a face. “Is Thistle in a good or bad mood?”
It was interesting to watch the family dynamic. Landon had been nothing but professional at the scene where the body was found – other than his brief break to check on his girlfriend and her shotgun-wielding great-aunt, of course – but he was clearly comfortable here. Winnie seemed equally at ease with him.
“Thistle is being Thistle,” Winnie shrugged. “Before you go, though, I need you to do me a favor.”
“What?”
“I need you to take this.” Winnie shoved Aunt Tillie toward Landon. “Keep it out of trouble until dinner.”
“Um … pass.” Landon’s expression mirrored Tillie’s from a few moments earlier as he pushed the senior citizen back in Winnie’s direction. “I’m in no mood for itchy underpants tonight.”
“See, he knows what’s good for him,” Tillie nodded.
Landon scorched her with a dark look. “Don’t push me. If you do, I’ll lock you in a room with Thistle and see who comes out standing.”
Tillie was unruffled. “It will be me.”
“You’re not as young as you used to be.”
“And yet I’m still young enough to beat Thistle with one hand tied behind my back.”
Landon stared her down for a moment, his expression unreadable. “Fine,” he said after a beat. “Do what you want, but leave Bay and me out of it. I’ll be in the library with your daughter if you need me before dinner, Winnie.”
Winnie glared at his back. “Does that mean you’re not taking Aunt Tillie with you?”
“I love you, Winnie, but nowhere near that much.”
I snickered as I watched him go, amused. I shifted my position a bit, eager to see the famous Bay. I finally caught a glimpse of her through the double glass doors as Landon grabbed both sides of her face to plant a kiss on her before sitting. She said something to him that made him laugh, and another woman – this one with bright teal hair – shuffled closer to the couch and extended a finger in Landon’s direction. Whatever she said didn’t impress Landon, who merely rolled his eyes.
“She even looks like the devil, doesn’t she?”
I jolted at the sound of the voice so close to my side, shifting my eyes down to find Tillie staring into the library. She didn’t appear bothered by the fact that she was invading my personal space. “I … don’t know her,” I hedged. “She seems friendly enough. I like her hair.”
“She’s the devil,” Tillie whispered. “Look out, because she’ll steal from
your secret stash when you’re not looking … and then she’ll rat you out for having the secret stash when she wants to get you in trouble.”
With those words Tillie turned on her heel and flounced toward the door that I presumed led to the inner sanctum of the inn. “I’m taking a nap before dinner,” she announced over her shoulder. “Don’t let anyone drink my wine.”
Winnie offered a distracted wave. “Whatever.” She forced a smile when she finally turned her full attention to us. “Let’s get you checked in, shall we? I’m sure you’re in for a lovely stay in Hemlock Cove.”
I was flooded with doubts, but remained hopeful that was true.
IT DIDN’T take long to get settled. I left everything in my suitcase and propped it on the chest at the end of the bed. I ran a brush through my hair, studied the pretty but simple room, and then headed back to the main floor.
That’s where I expected all of the action to be, so that’s where I wanted to be.
I wasn’t disappointed.
“Knock it off.” Landon sounded grumpy. I followed the sound of his voice to the dining room. I was the first of my group downstairs. It was early for dinner, so the table was mostly empty except for Landon, the blonde I assumed to be Bay, the teal-haired siren Tillie referred to as the “devil” and a handsome blond man with long hair and a patient smile.
“I’m not doing anything,” the girl with the wild hair barked. “You’re being a kvetch.”
“What’s a kvetch?” The question was out of my mouth before I realized it looked as if I’d been eavesdropping. It was too late to take it back, though, so I boldly stepped into the dining room as if I had nothing to hide.
“Hey, Charlie,” Landon smiled. “Did you get settled in your room?”
I nodded. “It’s a beautiful inn.”
“Thank you.” The blonde flashed a pretty smile. “I’m Bay, by the way. Landon and Clove told me all about meeting your group. It must be exciting … looking for Bigfoot and everything, I mean.”
I searched Bay’s face for hints she was making fun of me, but she seemed sincere. “Oh, well, it’s my first job, so I’m not sure how exciting it will be. I’m looking forward to it, though.”
The Bigfoot Blunder (A Charlie Rhodes Cozy Mystery Book 1) Page 4
