Hard to Kill

by C. M. Sutter

  She grinned. “I’m a woman of many talents, Detective McCord.”

  I laughed. “I’m not touching that with a ten-foot pole.”

  “Hush. Sit down and eat.”

  I slipped on my pants. “Nah, I’ve got to take Bandit out first.”

  She wagged her finger at me. Bandit wagged his tail.

  I raised a brow at both of them. “Is there something you two need to tell me?”

  “Yeah, I’ve already taken Bandit out. We’re good. Now sit.”

  “Yes, ma’am. How did I not hear anything?”

  “You were sleeping, and loudly, I might add.”

  “Guess I had that coming.” I chomped into a piece of bacon. “Touché.”

  Hanna broke off a piece of her banana and fed it to Bandit. “Dogs love bananas, and they’re good for them.”

  “Humph. Didn’t know that. Think we can be out of here by ten?”

  She picked up my watch that was lying on the table. “No problem. Hair slicked back in a ponytail, no makeup, a pair of jeans, and a T-shirt. Yep, I’ll be ready by nine thirty.”

  “You’re my kind of woman, Hanna Bradley.”

  I read my emails and checked for text messages while Hanna showered and Bandit took a morning nap on his bed. Two texts had come in. The first, from Dean, said all was well at my house, and the second, from Frank, said how nice it was not being at work on a Saturday. He wished us a good time and mentioned to watch out for poison oak and ivy. Keeping my response brief, I thanked him for the advice and said we were leaving the hotel in a half hour. I needed to hit the shower as soon as Hanna was finished in the bathroom. My emails didn’t include anything important, so I closed them out and returned my phone to the charger.

  I gave the bathroom door a rap. “About done in there?”

  The door opened, and a ready-to-go Hanna walked out.

  “Damn, you weren’t kidding when you said you’d be ready in no time. I’m going to hit the shower now.”

  “And I’ll start taking things out to the Explorer.”

  “Thanks, babe.” I started the water, and a few minutes later, I heard the outer door open and close.

  I was excited to get to the park and chuckled at the thought of Hanna’s lack of camping experience. I’d make sure to use my phone to get some video of her helping. From what I’d read, Little Grassy Lake was full of largemouth bass, bluegill, catfish, and crappie, all fish that would taste great over a campfire—along with thin-sliced fried potatoes.

  This trip will definitely tell me how comfortable Hanna is in the great outdoors. I hope that part of our lives will prove to be as compatible as our home lives are.

  Dressed and ready to go, I clipped Bandit’s leash to his collar, checked the drawers and closet, then grabbed my phone and charger. Hanna had already loaded the car and checked us out of the room.

  “Ready?” She came back in and took a final look.

  “Yep, and I’ve already made sure the room is empty. Let’s head out. I can hear Giant City calling our names.”

  We had a two-hour drive ahead before reaching the park, and with full stomachs, we were set. We would hit the next gas station, fill up the tank, and be on our way.

  Hanna insisted on doing her part and said she would drive the remainder of the distance. All I had to do was grab a coffee at the gas station, sit back, and enjoy the ride.

  Chapter 8

  Earlier, Josh had watched from the other side of the parking lot as the woman carried their belongings to the Explorer. Two duffel bags, dog dishes, and what looked like her purse went inside, then she returned to the building.

  Josh had seen her that morning as she filled a tray full of food and coffee and took it to their room. That was when he made a dash for the Continental breakfast then sat outside, where he enjoyed his meal with coffee in an area that the detective had no reason to notice. The parking lot was clearly visible from his location. Josh had showered earlier, put on his new clothes, and taken everything out to the car once he knew he wouldn’t cross paths with McCord.

  Looks like you’re about to leave, and I’ll be right behind you. Whatever you’re expecting this little trip to be, McCord, it won’t go the way you’re hoping. You’ll have a vacation all right—a vacation straight from hell.

  Josh wiped his hands on the paper napkin and tossed his breakfast waste in the trash can. He headed to the Corolla and climbed in. Even though he had a partially obstructed view of the Explorer, he would see the detective clearly as soon as they walked out of the hotel’s front door. Josh needed to be ready to go when McCord and his companions left.

  Researching the park on his phone last night, he learned that the busy season didn’t officially begin until after Memorial Day. The place would be nearly dead, and he’d be able to choose any campsite he wanted, but he had to be cautious. With fewer people there, he could easily be noticed.

  I need to find a secluded campsite where I’ll have a good view of the detective but he won’t see me.

  Josh rubbed his hands together vigorously. “It’s been a long time since I’ve had a vacation, and this one will be the best one yet.” Seconds later, he caught a glimpse of McCord, the woman, and the dog as they exited the building and headed for the SUV. “Here we go.” He craned his neck and followed them with his eyes as they wove between cars until they reached the one with the canoe on top. “Ah, looks like the little lady has decided to drive.”

  Josh started the car and waited until the woman turned right out of the parking lot before he shifted into Drive. He pulled out and followed several car lengths behind them. With that canoe on top of the SUV, towering over the other cars on the road, keeping them in sight would be easy.

  Five minutes into the drive, the Explorer turned right in to a gas station.

  “Time to fill up, huh?”

  He glanced at his gas gauge and saw he still had half a tank, but as long as they were there, he’d fill up too. Luckily, the gas station was large, and by pulling in at the opposite end of the station, he could go unnoticed. Between the vehicles, Josh saw the detective climb out of the SUV and grab the gas pump. Once McCord’s back was turned and he was preoccupied with filling the tank, Josh could go inside, prepay for the gas in cash, and get the hell back out to the car. He crossed the pavement quickly and entered the building.

  He tipped his head at the attendant. “Twelve on pump six.”

  “Sure thing. Anything else?”

  “Just my change.” Josh handed the man a twenty, collected his change, and headed for the door. Through the glass, he saw the detective and the woman coming his way.

  Son of a bitch!

  He turned and ducked into the third aisle. Peering between the magazine racks, he saw them walk in then heard the woman say she was going to use the facilities.

  “Do you want a coffee, too, babe?”

  “Yes, please.”

  Josh looked around for a side exit and saw one, but he would have to pass the detective, who was standing at the coffee counter. He held his position until the woman walked out of the restroom and approached McCord. With their focus on each other, Josh made a dash for the door. He still had to top off the tank and be ready to go once they walked out.

  Damn, that was close, but who knows if he’d even recognize me after twelve years. I’ve gotten a lot bigger since then.

  Josh smirked as he squeezed the gas pump handle and watched the dollars add up on the digital readout.

  I could crush his ribs with one hand tied behind my back.

  A minute later, with the gas pump returned to its place, Josh turned over the ignition and followed the SUV out of the lot. Back on the interstate, he settled in for the two-hour drive.

  He frowned. “Damn it, I should have gotten a coffee too.”

  Chapter 9

  I passed the cup to Hanna. She had been driving for nearly an hour. “Your coffee has to be cold by now.”

  She shrugged. “I don’t mind cold coffee.”

  “Need a bre
ak?”

  “Nope, it’s only another hour. I’ve got this.”

  I let out a happy breath as I checked the time. “I can’t wait to get there. The tent will only take a few minutes to set up, then we’ll toss our sleeping bags and Bandit’s blanket inside and leave everything else locked in the car for the time being. I want to check out the sights for an hour or so and then we’ll finish unloading when we get back. Bandit probably wants to stretch his legs, anyway.”

  “I bet he does. Too bad pets have to be on leashes and he can’t just run free.”

  I had to agree. City pets rarely had the chance to let loose and go. It was only when we went to the dog park that Bandit had that opportunity. Even though country living had its appeal, I would never give up my family home, plus driving into the city for work every day with Chicago’s traffic would make it unbearable.

  I grinned. “I can’t believe you’ve never camped, fished, or been in a canoe.”

  She glared at me. “I grew up in Brooklyn.”

  “I know, I know, but didn’t you ever go on vacations?”

  “Sure, to Long Island.”

  I rolled my eyes.

  “Hey, don’t knock it. It was still a two-and-a-half-hour drive to Montauk. We’d stay at the cottages near the beach, and every morning, Mom and I would leave after breakfast and spend hours building sandcastles and playing in the water. In the afternoon, we’d visit the lighthouses and the parks. Our vacations usually consisted of long weekends several times a year. On our way home, Dad would treat us to a few hours in the Hamptons. Mom and I window-shopped at fancy stores while Dad sipped bourbon at the restaurant we’d eat at later. After that, we returned to Brooklyn and looked forward to our next three-day weekend. We did that twice a summer.”

  “Sounds like fun. Did you ever wish you had a sibling?”

  She smiled. “Of course, but that wasn’t my call to make. We made it work.”

  I pointed at the road sign. “Only ten miles to go. I better see what campsites are available near the lake.” I dialed the reservations number I had programmed into my phone yesterday, and after three rings, a woman picked up on the other end.

  “Giant City State Park, how can I help you?”

  “Hi, I’m wondering what campsites are available near the lake.”

  “Almost all of them, sir, since that’s farther away from the lodge, cabins, and most of the activities. The sites near amenities fill up faster. Do you need electricity?”

  “No, we’re tent campers.”

  “Sure. Just follow the signs and pick a site that looks vacant. You can come to the registration building and pay within twenty-four hours of arriving.”

  “Perfect, and thanks a lot.” I clicked off the call. “That was easy enough. We’ll look for the best campsite and plant our asses right there.”

  Hanna laughed. “I’ll leave that decision up to you. You’re the expert.”

  “That reminds me. I better get my phone fully charged.”

  “Planning on using it? I thought we were staying off the grid.”

  “We are, but just in case of an emergency. You know, like if you tip over the canoe and drown me.” I waited for it, and she delivered—a punch to my left shoulder. I winced and rubbed it harder than necessary for effect. “Ouch, you packed a lot of power behind that.”

  “Guess I never told you I took boxing lessons as a teenager.”

  I raised my brows. “Really? That’s awesome.”

  She sputtered as she laughed. “No, dummy, I’m just kidding.”

  I shook my head. “This is going to be an interesting week, that’s for sure.” I pointed at the next right-hand turn. “I think that’s our road coming up.” I looked up at the sign—Grassy Road. “Yep, turn here. Looks like another few miles and we’ll be at the campground.”

  We reached the park a few minutes after twelve. As Hanna drove through the narrow winding roads, I watched the campsites for the one that stood out above the others. We needed tree cover, a smooth spot to pitch the tent on, and close proximity to the lake.

  “Stop here. Let’s take a look at that one.”

  Hanna pulled in and killed the engine. I clipped the leash onto Bandit’s collar, and we got out. He instantly sniffed the ground, and I was sure the scents were unlike anything he’d smelled before. The aromas of pine and oak filled the air along with the animal scents Bandit probably caught wind of right away.

  “This site is great, and Bandit seems to like it. What do you think, babe?”

  “It’s nice, and there’s already a ring of rocks for a campfire.”

  “Good, then it’s settled. Campsite Twelve-C is ours for the next week. Later on, we’ll drive to the welcome center, check out the area, and pay for our site. Let’s set up the tent and then go for a walk around the lake. Maybe we’ll see some fish jumping.”

  I found the best spot to place the tent, and it was near several large oak trees. I planned to string a line between two of them so we could hang our lantern as well as clothes and towels on it.

  “Are there bears out here?”

  I chuckled. “Not sure, but I bet there are plenty of deer. You didn’t check that out online before you chose Giant City?”

  “No. Guess I didn’t think of it then.”

  I gave her a hug before pulling the tent out of the vehicle. “As long as I can outrun you, I’ll be fine.” I held her hands so she couldn’t punch me again.

  “You’re terrible. Come on. Let’s get the tent up.”

  Chapter 10

  Squinting as the sun’s reflection bounced off the water, Josh watched them from the opposite side of the lake. Once he saw that they’d picked a spot, he continued on. He would look for a campsite with an elevation so he could see their every move from a distance yet still remain as hidden as possible. He stopped at the fork in the road.

  They turned left so they could be closer to the water. I’ll go right, plus it seems like there’s a bit of an incline farther in.

  Josh inched the car along slowly to keep the noise level down. He didn’t want to alert the detective to his presence. He’d seen a few campers along the way but definitely not enough to ruin his plans. There was a good quarter mile between the occupied sites, and Detective McCord would be all his once the time was right.

  He followed the gravel road up to its crest before it began winding back down. Several campsites were along that ridge, two on the left and four on the right, and all were empty. He pulled into the first one on the left, parked, and walked to the edge of the crest. Standing along the ridge and looking down to the left, he saw the detective’s campsite between the bushes.

  This site is perfect. They can’t see me because of the brush, plus they don’t know anyone is up here. If I do notice them heading this way, I’ll drive off. It isn’t like I have a campsite set up, anyway.

  Josh sat on a log at the ridge’s edge and watched as the detective and the woman assembled the tent. The mutt, tied to a tree by a long lead, didn’t appear to be too much of a threat. It was a medium-sized dog, so a swift kick to the ribs would likely disable it—if that became necessary. He saw them toss what looked like bedrolls into the tent, then they took off on foot with the dog at McCord’s side.

  I’ll give them a few minutes to get a good distance away, then I’ll check out their campsite. I could use a nice sleeping bag since I didn’t bring anything to cover up with.

  Cautiously creeping down the hill with the car’s crowbar in hand, just in case he needed a weapon, Josh waited until he caught sight of them again. “There they are. Looks like I’m as good as gold.”

  He saw the three of them walking on a pier halfway across the lake. There would be plenty of time to take what he wanted out of the tent and peek through the vehicle’s windows to see if there was something else he could help himself to later. Putting psychological fear into the minds of the detective and his lady friend would be almost as good as killing McCord, but that would come later. When the time was right, he wanted t
o savor the moment and do it slowly.

  Twelve years of my life were taken from me because of that cop, and one way or another, he’s going to get his comeuppance.

  Josh entered the campsite and knelt at the dome tent’s door. He unzipped it, crawled in, and looked around.

  “I’ll be taking this sleeping bag off their hands.” He gave it a close inspection. “It looks brand-new—guess it’s my lucky day. I don’t want other people’s body stank on me, anyway. It was bad enough being locked in an eight-by-ten-foot cell with another con who didn’t shower as often as he should have.”

  After moving the other sleeping bag out of the way, Josh checked to see what else was in the tent.

  “Humph, a couple of pillows and dog stuff. Let’s see what’s in the vehicle.” Back outside after zipping the tent, he walked to the SUV. He eyed the canoe that was locked to the carrier. “I’ll have to wait on that one. What else do they have?” He pressed his nose to the glass and cupped the sides of his face as he looked from the front seat to the back and finally in the cargo area. Bags of food, a cooler, fishing gear, and duffel bags filled the rear of the vehicle. “What I need is their phones or at least the chargers. The car keys would be good too. Guess the sleeping bag is enough for the time being, and I better get going before they come back.”

  With the sleeping bag slung over his shoulder, Josh headed up the hill and, for the time being, stashed it in the trunk. He returned to the log at the edge of the crest and took a seat. His plan to take McCord down bubbled in his brain as he watched for their return.

  His folded hands had slipped from beneath his chin, causing him to jump. Golf-ball sized rocks broke free from the ledge and rolled down the hill, landing on the road below.

  “Huh, what the hell?” Josh looked around and realized he had fallen asleep. “Shit, they’re back. I hope they didn’t hear those rocks.”

  He glanced at the time on his phone—he’d been sleeping for nearly an hour. The detective and the woman had already taken the canoe down from the rooftop and placed it alongside the tent. With the liftback raised, it looked like they were unloading all their supplies.