The Bigfoot Blunder (A Charlie Rhodes Cozy Mystery Book 1)

by Amanda M. Lee

  “So he can be more of a jerk?”

  “So you and he can learn that trust is reciprocal,” Bay corrected. “It’ll be okay, Charlie Rhodes. I can’t see the future like you, but I have faith. Now, come on. It’s almost time for dinner, and I think we both could use the fuel. We need to decide where to look next in this investigation. I’m convinced Bigfoot isn’t the culprit.”

  “I still believe in Bigfoot,” I admitted as I trailed her toward the downtown hub. “I’ll always believe.”

  “I believe in Bigfoot, too,” Bay said. “I simply don’t believe Bigfoot murdered Penny Schilling.”

  “Do you have any idea who did?”

  “No, and she’s not around to answer the question for us,” Bay replied. “That’s why we have to work together. Sometimes the dead rely on the living to provide answers. That’s our job.”

  “Okay, but you still haven’t told me what everyone was doing naked in the field the other night,” I prodded. “Was that a spell?”

  Bay shook her head. “Sometimes being naked is a form of magic all its own.”

  “I’ll bet Landon told you that.”

  Bay chuckled. “He might’ve made the suggestion. Come on. We’ve got a long night ahead of us.”

  28

  Twenty-Eight

  I texted Millie to tell her I’d ride back to The Overlook with Bay. The blonde witch drove around a bit so I could get myself together before facing her family and my team. I didn’t mean to cry, but it was such a relief to share my story with someone I couldn’t help myself.

  Bay was a good listener. She went through everything with me from the beginning. Her more pragmatic approach when it came to my birth parents was much different from my scorched-earth policy, but I understood where she was coming from. I couldn’t accept it … or forgive them … but I got it.

  By the time we reached the inn I was breathing normally. Bay assured me that no one would notice I’d been crying. I was thankful for her presence. The Overlook was quiet when we entered. I was ready to make my escape – I figured a shower and change of clothes would allow me to shake off the remnants of an emotional afternoon – but the sound of voices in the library drew Bay’s attention. I made the mistake of following.

  “Hey, sweetie.” Landon sat on the couch, a drink clutched in his hand. He looked happy to see his girlfriend. He lifted his chin to accept her kiss and made room for her on the couch. “Where have you been? I expected you an hour ago.”

  “I was hanging around with Charlie,” Bay replied calmly, tipping Landon’s glass so she could see inside of it. “Whiskey? Did you have a hard day?”

  “It’s always a hard day when I’m separated from you.”

  Bay made an exaggerated face. “Smooth talker.”

  “No, he’s telling the truth. He’s done nothing but worry about where you were for the past hour,” Jack said, his presence taking me by surprise as I shifted my eyes to the other end of the room. He sat on one of the leather chairs in the corner, a drink in his hand. He looked happy and relaxed. I hadn’t seen him since this morning … and I wasn’t keen to make up for lost time.

  “Yes, well, he’s a sap.” Bay tapped her finger against Landon’s cheek. “Strangely enough, even though I saw you just a few hours ago, I missed you.”

  “Yeah?” Landon’s expression was hard to read. “I stopped by the newspaper office to surprise you with a doughnut from the bakery. You weren’t there.”

  “I was there for a bit, and then I had something else to take care of.” Bay remained strong in the face of Landon’s accusatory tone. I felt my own annoyance bubbling up. It was almost as if he didn’t trust her. Given how she’d taken care of me, I wasn’t sure I could put up with that.

  “What did you have to take care of?” Landon asked.

  “Things.” Bay flicked her eyes to me. “Do you want a drink, Charlie?”

  “I can get it.” I shuffled toward the cart, making sure to avoid eye contact with Jack. I could feel his gaze on me, but the last thing I wanted to do was deal with him. “Do you want something, Bay?”

  “I’ll take a Jack and Coke, Thank you, Charlie.”

  “You’re welcome, Bay.”

  Landon pursed his lips as he glanced between us. “Why are you guys being so formal?”

  “It’s called being polite,” Bay answered. “You should try it sometime. It does wonders for personal relationships.”

  “Uh-huh.” Landon didn’t look convinced. “Where were you, Bay?”

  “I told you I was doing stuff,” Bay replied icily. “I wasn’t getting in trouble, so there’s nothing to get worked up about.”

  “See, the fact that you’re announcing that makes me nervous,” Landon admitted. “Why won’t you tell me where you were?”

  “I was working. I didn’t realize you were my keeper,” Bay shot back, her blue eyes flashing. “Why are you being such a pain in the butt?”

  “Because there’s a murderer out there. You took off, and I couldn’t find you,” Landon gritted out, his cheeks flushing with color. “When you love someone – especially as much as I love you – it’s natural to want to know that she’s safe.”

  “You could’ve called or texted,” Bay argued.

  “I did. Eight times.”

  “Oh.” Bay looked abashed as she dug in her pocket and retrieved her phone. Her expression was sheepish when she glanced up. “I didn’t hear it because I turned it off.”

  Landon muttered, draining his drink. I wisely mixed two Jack and Cokes and carried them to the couple before taking mine to the empty chair and wishing it swallowed me whole.

  “I’m sorry.” Bay sounded earnest as she wrapped her hand around Landon’s wrist. “I didn’t mean to turn off the phone. I went to get coffee and got distracted by the cemetery.”

  “You were in the cemetery?” Landon’s anger fled. I had to wonder if it was because he thought she was talking to ghosts rather than me. “Why were you there?”

  “I like to think while I’m working, so I cleaned off Uncle Calvin’s grave. Then I cleaned Grandma Ginger’s before running into Charlie. After that we talked a bit and I lost track of time. I didn’t do it to punish you.”

  “I know that, sweetie.” Landon rested his hand on top of Bay’s head. “I’m sorry. I don’t like worrying about you. It makes me crazy. Your vehicle was in the parking lot at the newspaper office, so I thought you were in town with Thistle and Clove. They said they hadn’t seen you, though, and by the time I got back to the newspaper office you were gone. I thought you were here, but … .”

  “Charlie and I went for a drive,” Bay volunteered. “We were just chatting. I didn’t realize how long we’d be gone.”

  Landon arched a dubious eyebrow, but ceased all forms of argument. “Well, it’s done. You’re here and you’re safe. They made pot roast for dinner. All is right with the world.” He kissed the top of her head. I had a feeling Bay was looking at a serious conversation later, but Landon was smart enough to let it slide while he had an audience.

  “All will be right with the world if you massage me later,” Bay corrected, earning a smirk from Landon. “I want lotion and everything.”

  “Fine.” Landon obviously didn’t want to engage in an argument. “You’re just lucky they made cake to bolster my energy.”

  “They always make cake.”

  “Not red velvet.”

  Bay brightened considerably. “Score!”

  “You’re easy to please, sweetie. That’s one of my favorite things about you.”

  We lapsed into comfortable silence. All I could think about was taking a shower. Even though I knew it would mean drawing attention to myself, I drained my glass and got to my feet. “I’m going to get cleaned up.”

  “Are you okay?” Bay asked pointedly.

  I nodded and averted my gaze. “I’m fine. Just tired. It’s been a long day.”

  “You don’t want to miss the pot roast and cake,” Landon said. “Make sure you don’t fall asleep.
”

  “I have no intention of missing the pot roast and cake.” I was thankful to make my escape. I made it back to my room door – and the emotional freedom so tantalizingly close on the other side – before being stopped by a hand on my arm. I wasn’t surprised to find Jack behind me when I turned. “What?”

  If he was bothered by my tone, Jack didn’t show it. “Are you okay?”

  “I’m fine. Why would you think otherwise?”

  “Because your eyes are red and puffy, and all of your makeup has washed off.”

  Of course it had. I knew I shouldn’t have believed Bay when she said I looked perfectly normal. Given the circumstances, that was impossible. “I’m fine, Jack.” I forced myself to remain calm. “You don’t have anything to worry about.”

  “Where have you been all day?”

  “Why do you care?”

  The question obviously caught him off guard, because he jerked his head back. “I … you’re my responsibility. I’m head of security.”

  “Oh, well, I didn’t realize that being head of security also made you my babysitter,” I groused. “For the record, I was working most of the afternoon. I ran into a few suspects and shared the information with Bay.”

  “You ran into a few suspects?” Jack was flabbergasted. “Are you okay? Why didn’t you call me?”

  “Because we’re here looking for Bigfoot, not investigating the many corners of Penny Schilling’s complicated love life,” I answered. “I told Bay. I’m sure she’ll share the information with Landon.”

  “Why didn’t she already do it?”

  I shrugged. “Perhaps she wanted privacy. You’ll have to ask her. Now, if that’s all, I need to take a shower. I wasn’t lying about it being a long day.”

  Jack worked his jaw for a few seconds. Finally he snapped it shut and offered me a curt nod. “As long as you’re okay.”

  “I’m fine, Jack.” I forced a tight smile. “I made it through the day without a babysitter. I didn’t put the moves on anyone, including you. That should make you happy.”

  The corners of Jack’s mouth tipped down. “Listen, if you’re still upset about what I said this morning … .”

  “I’m not upset.” That wasn’t a lie. I was far too drained to be upset. “I just want a bath.”

  “Knock yourself out.” Jack looked furious as he swiveled, taking the steps with an attitude I couldn’t put a name to. I was fairly certain I heard him muttering as he descended the stairs.

  “I am so sick of people,” I muttered, slipping my key in the door. “I can’t wait for this case to be over.”

  “Something tells me you won’t have to wait long,” Tillie announced, appearing in the hallway, her combat helmet firmly in place and a whistle in her hand.

  “What makes you say that?” I asked, eyeing the whistle.

  “Intuition.”

  “Well … okay.” I pushed open the door. “I’m dying to ask … what’s the deal with the whistle?”

  Tillie’s smile was tinged with mayhem. “I like to put my lips together and blow.”

  Wait … was that an answer?

  BAY SHARED the gossip about my interaction with Jim Green and Phyllis Grimes while I was upstairs, so that by the time I joined everyone at the dining room table both groups were mired in heavy discussion. I preferred it that way.

  The only open seat was between Jack and Landon. I took it without complaint, but focused on my plate rather than my dinner partners.

  “Well, that can’t be normal,” Winnie noted, shaking her head. “I always knew Phyllis Grimes was wrapped a little tight, but I didn’t think she’d go off the rails like this. I knew marrying Bob would backfire on her – the guy had a wandering eye in the womb, I swear – but she can’t seriously believe that denying the fact that he can’t keep it in his pants will make anyone believe her.”

  “I don’t think that’s what she’s worried about,” Bay countered, dipping a dinner roll into the pot roast gravy. “I think she’s either covering for herself – which doesn’t seem likely because I can’t see her managing to drag a body into the woods without help – or she thinks there’s a possibility her husband is a murderer and she’s trying to cover for him.”

  “I’m not sure what this has to do with anything,” Chris interjected. “We’re clearly looking for a hominid. I saw the video footage from last night. There’s a creature out there.”

  “There is?” That was news to me. I forced my questioning gaze to Jack. “Did you see it? I thought the footage was too blurry.”

  “It was too blurry,” Jack confirmed. “Chris is convinced he saw something in the video. But no matter how we try to clean it up it still looks like a shadow in the woods at night.”

  “It’s a sasquatch,” Chris barked.

  “It’s a sasquatch-like shape,” Jack said, his lips curving downward. “Either way, he wants all of us in the woods tomorrow.”

  “To do what?” I asked blankly.

  “We’re going to find Bigfoot,” Laura replied. She looked irked more than anything else. “Chris is convinced having more of us out there tromping around will scare Bigfoot out of hiding so we can photograph him.”

  “Oh.” That made absolutely no sense. I risked a glance at Bay. “I guess that sounds okay.”

  “I have a better idea,” Bay offered, causing numerous heads to snap in her direction.

  “No, you don’t,” Landon said automatically.

  Bay refused to back down, her eyes flashing dark. “Yes, I do.”

  “No, sweetie, you don’t.” Landon almost sounded whiny. “Whenever you have an idea I end up in the lake or ducking so pottery doesn’t hit my head.”

  “I don’t understand the reference,” Chris said.

  “It’s an inside joke,” Bay said, grabbing Landon’s knee under the table. “I think you’re going to like this idea.”

  “Well, that means I definitely won’t like it,” Landon grumbled.

  “Why don’t you listen before shutting her down?” I snapped, causing Landon to glare in my direction. “You don’t always have to talk over her, you know.”

  “I’m not talking over her.” Landon kept his voice low. “Fine. Tell me your idea, sweetie. I’m sure I’ll love it.”

  “The resort has a 5K run scheduled tomorrow,” Bay said, ignoring Landon’s tone. “I have a copy of the list of participants because The Whistler needs it for coverage of the race. The money is for a local charity for abused children.”

  “Okay.” Landon tilted his head to the side as he rubbed his index finger over the lip of his wine glass. “I’ve seen the signs for the race, but … what does that mean for us?”

  “All of our suspects are participating in the race, and the course happens to cross the Dandridge property,” Bay explained.

  “Oh?” Landon perked up. “You think whoever dumped Penny’s body in the woods knew about the location because they’d already been there scouting it for the race.”

  “I do indeed,” Bay agreed, bobbing her head. “I also told Penny Grimes and Shane Norman that you had more evidence than I was willing to share. I was thinking that if you put some police tape around an area and then left it alone … maybe hid in the woods … that you might be able to draw out a suspect.”

  “How would that work?” Chris asked, confused.

  “The route doesn’t pass by the area where the body was dumped,” Bay explained. “I looked at the map this afternoon. All of our suspects are participating in the race, which means they’ll be out there and have a reason to look around without drawing too much attention.”

  “It’s still a hike off the main trail, but Bay thinks that the guilty party will check out the scene if he or she gets the chance,” Landon supplied. “That means if we’re hiding in the woods we’ll be able to spot whoever it is.”

  “Exactly.” Bay appeared to be overly pleased with herself. “It’s not proof, but … .”

  “It gives us a solid direction,” Landon said, his expression softenin
g as he eyed his girlfriend. “You’re kind of a genius sometimes. You know that, right?”

  Bay smiled. “I know.”

  “Oh, barf,” Tillie muttered as she mimed hanging herself with an invisible rope. “All of this planning only works if the killer is human. What if it really is Bigfoot?”

  “A hominid,” Chris corrected. “It’s a hominid. I’m certain of it.”

  “Then things will work out well for you,” Bay pointed out. “You want the area to be busy with people to scare your hominid out of the trees. If you guys are out there and look like you’re working, that will unnerve runners and Bigfoot alike.”

  “Huh, that’s not a bad idea,” Jack admitted, rubbing his chin. “In fact, I think it’s our best shot to draw out the guilty party.”

  “Which is a hominid,” Chris pressed.

  “Yes, it will draw out the hominid, too,” Jack shot back, his temper bubbling. He was clearly at the end of his rope with Chris, working overtime not to run off at the mouth and endanger his job. “I’ll need to see some maps so I can make sure my team is safe.”

  “Good,” Landon enthused. “We’ll discuss it after dinner.”

  “You’re giving me a massage after dinner,” Bay reminded him.

  Landon opened his mouth to argue, but something in Bay’s eyes clearly told him that was a bad idea. “We’ll discuss it over breakfast tomorrow.”

  “That sounds fine,” Jack said, smirking. “At least we’re finally getting somewhere.”

  “Yes, we’re getting close to immortality,” Chris enthused, rubbing his hands together.

  Jack rolled his eyes until they landed on me. “We’re getting close to answers. That’s the most important thing.”

  “I couldn’t agree more,” I said, reaching for my wine glass. “We all want answers.”

  Now we just needed to get them.

  29

  Twenty-Nine

  “No way!”

  Landon vehemently shook his head when Bay led us into Marcus’ stable the next morning. He’d been arguing with Bay – and by extension Thistle and Marcus – for what seemed like forever. In real time it was probably two hours, but it felt a lot longer because he very rarely lost steam when arguing.