Hard to Kill

by C. M. Sutter

  Hmm, they haven’t noticed the sleeping bag is missing yet? It should be interesting when they do. One of them needs to go in the tent sooner or later.

  After giving his eyes a thorough rub, Josh moved in a little closer.

  “Here we go.”

  With both duffel bags, the woman headed for the tent, unzipped it, and crawled inside.

  Josh heard her call out but couldn’t make out every word. Seconds later, the detective crawled in, then they both exited.

  If only I had a beer and a bowl of popcorn right now.

  He nearly laughed when the detective scratched his head, looked around, then went to the SUV and opened all the doors. Josh heard him yell back that the sleeping bag wasn’t in the vehicle.

  “Well, where the heck could it be? It didn’t just get up and walk away.” The woman shielded her eyes and did a three-sixty, scanning the area.

  “Maybe you forgot to bring it.”

  Josh did his best to hold back his laughter as he watched the woman swat the air.

  “I didn’t forget the sleeping bag, Jesse. I brought it, my pillow, the duffel bag, and my backpack. I’m positive of it.”

  The detective shrugged then walked around aimlessly as if pitching in with the search.

  Josh shook his head with delight.

  Yeah, I bet you think she’s a blond airhead and forgot the damn thing. You’re just trying to keep the peace by acting like you’re looking for it too.

  He gave Hanna a slow once-over then licked his lips. He hadn’t been with a woman for a good twelve years.

  Wouldn’t want that sweet little thing telling you to sleep in the Explorer, now would you, McCord? Maybe if I cause a rift between you two, she’ll storm away and I can snatch her up, or I can just kill you and have my way with her for as long as I like.

  When the detective spoke again, Josh cocked his ear toward their campsite.

  “Come on.”

  “Where to?”

  “We’re going to pay those other campsites a visit to make sure nobody stopped by here after they saw us pass.”

  “What? How are we going to do that? Are we going to barge into their tents or campers to see if they have my sleeping bag?”

  “Yeah, if it’s necessary.”

  “Jesse, please, we just got here. I don’t want to alienate the other campers. We don’t know what their personalities are like.”

  “Are you coming?”

  The detective climbed into the driver’s seat of the Explorer and waited. The woman held her ground, with her hands on her hips until he drove away.

  Josh quietly climbed up the hill and sat on the log. He watched the woman as she paced with her arms crossed over her chest. In the distance, the Explorer turned in at the first campsite across the lake. He laughed at what he imagined the detective was saying to the bewildered campers.

  “Yep, this day couldn’t get any better.”

  Chapter 11

  I wasn’t sure what to think. I believed Hanna thought she brought the sleeping bag along, but I couldn’t imagine anyone coming to our campsite, going into the tent, and taking it, yet leaving mine behind. If I was positive that one of the few campers that we’d passed when we drove into the park had actually sneaked into our site and helped themselves, I’d be furious, but without that certainty, I didn’t know how to approach the people.

  I pulled into the first site, where a family of four was sitting at a picnic table and enjoying their lunch. I groaned at the thought of disturbing them. If only I had my badge—it would look like I had a valid reason to speak with them instead of being a stranger who barged in unannounced and questioned them about a sleeping bag gone missing. Anyone could put two and two together and know I’d stopped to scope out their campsite for the bag.

  I reluctantly climbed out of the Explorer and approached them.

  “Sorry to bother you during your lunch, folks, but I’m wondering if you’ve seen anyone who appeared suspicious milling around.” I didn’t want to scare the kids, who both looked to be under ten, but I didn’t know of a better way to ask.

  The father rose from the table and met me halfway. “What’s this about?”

  I looked past him then apologized if I’d frightened the kids. It seemed that the mom was keeping them occupied so they wouldn’t focus on me.

  I continued. “I’m a Chicago detective who doesn’t get much time off, and my girlfriend and I are out here to spend a quiet week camping.” I hoped my telling him that I was a detective would ease his mind in case he was suspicious of me, yet I had nothing with me to prove my claim. “We left our site for an hour to check out the lake, and when we returned, we saw that her sleeping bag had been taken from our tent.”

  The man rubbed his brow. “That’s a real shame.” He looked around. “Funny something like that would happen with less than a handful of campers in the area. I mean, don’t most people come out to camp with their own supplies?”

  “I would have thought so. I hate to be overcautious when we just wanted to have a relaxing week of fishing and enjoying nature. So, nobody?”

  “We haven’t noticed anyone lurking around. Of course, we really weren’t looking for that. We’ve been playing with the kids by the water’s edge and then just came up for lunch before you stopped.” The man turned and pointed across the lake. “There are a few campers over there, but otherwise, I haven’t seen anyone in the area. The guy that’s staying at the site farthest to the right has gotten loud on a few occasions.”

  I frowned. “Loud, how?”

  He shrugged. “Can’t really make out his words even though his voice carries across the lake. Sounds like he’s drunk, angry, and yelling at someone, but that’s just my opinion. I don’t have anything to base it on.”

  “Sure. Have you seen him drive by?”

  “I don’t know what kind of vehicle they have. There’s at least two people over there, maybe more.”

  I reached out to shake the man’s hand. “Okay, thanks for the heads-up. Guess I should tread lightly until I get a feel for the guy. Sorry to have bothered you.”

  He waved off my comment. “Don’t worry about it. Sorry that your first few hours here have been a bummer. I’ll keep my eyes open, though, just in case somebody is nosing around.”

  “Appreciate it.”

  I climbed into the Explorer and continued on. There was one more occupied campsite to visit before I reached the guy in question. I rounded the lake and turned in where I saw a man sitting on a folding chair outside his pop-up trailer. It looked like he was setting up his fishing gear.

  “How’s the fishing on this lake?” I asked as I approached him.

  “Damn good. I haven’t been skunked yet. This will be my third time out.”

  I introduced myself and told him why I was there.

  “Was that you out on the pier earlier with a woman and a dog?”

  “Yep, and that’s when the sleeping bag went missing.”

  The man, who introduced himself as Jeff, nodded. “I saw you from my boat.” He tipped his head to the left. “The launch is just beyond the next campsite.”

  “Good to know, but I only have a canoe. We’ll put it in the water from our side of the lake. So you haven’t seen any suspicious-looking characters milling around, as if they’re up to no good?”

  He huffed. “Other than that weird duck over there? I’m thinking about moving my trailer farther down the lake to another site. I’m sure the registration people won’t mind. I believe all sites with electricity cost the same per night.”

  “What’s up with him?”

  Jeff shrugged. “He yells at his wife a lot. Maybe it’s his girlfriend, who knows, but he’s an angry type of guy. Swears a lot too. Seems like a hothead to me, but I keep my distance.”

  I rubbed my chin. “Hell, it’s beautiful out here. What’s there to be mad about?”

  “I’ve wondered the same thing.”

  “Well, shit. It isn’t like I want to get into it with the guy, but I do wa
nt to ask about the sleeping bag.”

  “Honestly, I’d just let it go. Even if he did take it, he probably won’t admit it.”

  Jeff had a point, but my cop instinct told me to at least lay eyes on the man. If he was somebody I’d rather avoid, I’d make sure to stay on our side of the lake and lock up everything in the SUV whenever we left the campsite.

  Guess there is something to be said for having a trailer instead of a tent.

  I thanked Jeff and climbed back into the Explorer. If the last guy seemed too confrontational, I wouldn’t press the issue. I didn’t like the idea of leaving Hanna at the site alone for too long, anyway, although Bandit was a good protector, and I would definitely hear him barking from across the lake.

  The guy with the attitude was only two sites away, so I inched along slowly. I hoped I’d catch a glimpse of him before pulling in, but I wasn’t that lucky. Turning in, I saw a medium-sized trailer next to a black Ram truck that was parked under a grove of towering pines. I glanced left and right before killing the engine and getting out. I wanted to see if anyone was wandering around first, and I sure didn’t want to take the guy by surprise.

  I cupped my hand to my mouth and called out. “Hello, is anyone here?”

  The door of the trailer opened, and a man who dwarfed even Frank stepped out. I was taken aback when I noticed his tattoos. I’d seen that style more often than I cared to remember—on numerous inmates.

  “Yeah, who’s asking?” He walked toward me, and it wasn’t in a welcoming manner. “I asked who you are.”

  I chuckled. “Whoa, buddy.”

  “I’m not your buddy.”

  “My name is Jesse, and I’m camping back there.” I pointed over my shoulder. “How’s the fishing?”

  “Why don’t you try it and find out?”

  “Sure. Good idea. You here alone?”

  “What’s with the questions?”

  I held up both hands. “Just being neighborly.”

  “Yeah? I don’t like neighbors. Thought I’d come out here for some peace and quiet, but that’s not happening.”

  “Other campers too loud?”

  “Nope, the old lady is pissing me off if you must know—”

  A woman’s voice sounded from inside the trailer, then the door opened just enough for her to peek out. “Leon, what’s he want?”

  With only a second to see her, I couldn’t make out much, but she looked like she had been crying, and I was sure that was bruising on her face.

  “Ma’am, are you okay?”

  Leon barked at me. “Mind your own damn business.” He spun toward his wife and pointed at her. “You, shut up. I’ll deal with you in a minute.” He came two steps closer to me. “Now if you don’t have any more questions, you best be on your way.”

  “Just one more.” I needed to defuse his anger so he wouldn’t take it out on his wife. “I was thinking about getting a trailer that size. How many bunks does yours have?”

  He gave me a scowl and answered curtly. “Two. The table seats and an upper.”

  “So real bedding, no messing with sleeping bags?”

  “No, now do you mind?”

  “Can I just take a quick look?”

  “Hell no! My old lady is in a pissy mood already.” He jerked his head toward the Explorer. “Beat it.”

  “Yeah, sure. Have a good day.”

  He grumbled as he turned back and disappeared into the trailer.

  I knew I had to keep an eye on him during our stay. Grabbing the steering wheel, I pulled myself into the SUV and drove off.

  Damn, that guy is no joke.

  Minutes later, I was at the campsite, and Hanna was at the picnic table with her phone up to her face. She didn’t look up when I pulled in.

  Great, now she’s pissed at me. We’ve only been here two hours, and it’s already gone to shit.

  Bandit spun in circles as I approached them.

  “Hey, buddy.” I sat down next to Hanna and scratched Bandit behind the ear as I awkwardly tried to start a conversation. “Honey?”

  “Uh-huh.”

  “I spoke to those campers on the other side of the lake. Nobody knows anything about a sleeping bag.”

  “Of course they don’t. I left it at home because I’m ignorant and don’t know what to bring camping, right?”

  “I didn’t imply that. All I’m saying is those are the only campers out this way, and they didn’t take your bag.” I smiled and reached for her hand. “I don’t mind sharing mine with you.”

  She let out a huff. “That isn’t the point, Jesse. It’s that you don’t believe me.”

  “I can only go by facts, and the facts say it isn’t here and nobody confessed to taking it. There’s nothing more I can do except try to make this a fun vacation. That’s what I want more than anything, don’t you?”

  She nodded with a sigh. “Maybe I did forget it. I really don’t believe I did, but I just don’t know anymore.”

  “How about some fishing? We’ll walk over to the pier and try our luck there first. I’ll show you the ropes, and then tomorrow, we can go out with the canoe. Doesn’t fresh fish and fried potatoes sound good for supper?”

  I finally got a small smile out of her. “Actually, that sounds delicious.”

  “Good, then let’s set up the fishing gear and head out. I’m sure Bandit will get a kick out of it too. He’s never seen live fish on a stringer.”

  “A what?”

  “I’ll show you how it works, but first we have to catch the fish. Deal?”

  “Deal.”

  Chapter 12

  After coating ourselves with sunscreen, we put on our hats and polarized sunglasses then took off on foot. I carried the poles and tackle box, and Hanna, donning her new backpack filled with bottles of water and snacks, carried two folding chairs and held Bandit’s leash while he walked beside her.

  Later, before supper, we’d drive to the main entrance where the activities buildings and registration desk were, pay for our site, and fill the cooler with new bags of ice.

  We reached the pier and set up our chairs near the end. I opened the carton of worms I’d bought earlier, reached in, pulled out two wigglers, and baited the hooks.

  Hanna looked disgusted. “You’re kidding, right?”

  Shaking my head, I laughed. “Nope, this is how it’s done, babe. Would you rather use a minnow or cricket?”

  “God, no.”

  “Then worms it is. Sorry, little dudes, but panfish really think you’re tasty. Now, watch how this works.” I went through the motions as I released the bail, cast out the line, then reeled it back just until it clicked. “See that red thing floating on the water? That’s the bobber. If you feel a pull on your line and see the bobber go underwater, that’s when you give the pole a jerk to set the hook. Then you reel in your fish. Just watch me a few times, then we’ll get you going. After I cast, I slowly reel in the line, let it sit, and then reel it some more. Once it’s back, I cast it again and repeat the process. The fish hit on movement.” I grinned. “We should have a good dinner tonight.”

  After watching me catch my first fish, and truly seeming excited about it, Hanna was ready to try. I set down my pole and helped her out. I was sure I’d make a fishing enthusiast of her before the day’s end.

  As I reached down to pick up my pole, I heard a vehicle coming down the road. Watching the occasional break between the trees that separated us from the road, I saw Leon’s black truck charge by. I’d lost sight of him but listened to the diesel engine as he rounded the lake, then the sound stopped.

  Did the truck stop, or did it just drive out of earshot?

  My focus wasn’t on fishing any longer, yet I couldn’t act rashly. The man was just driving down the road, and there was nothing illegal about that.

  “Jesse, I think I have one!”

  Hanna’s excitement returned my attention to the fun we were supposed to be having. I stared at the bobber bouncing on the water.

  “Give it a second to se
e if it goes completely under. As soon as it does, give your pole a jerk and start reeling in the line.”

  I looked over my shoulder in the direction of our camp but couldn’t see movement through the trees. Sucking in a deep breath to calm my nerves, I watched Hanna’s line.

  “Get ready.” The bobber disappeared underwater. “Okay, now. Give it a jerk and start reeling in the line.”

  Hanna giggled as she reeled. When the fish breached the water, she nearly dropped the pole.

  I laughed. “Whoa, let me help you. We do want fresh fish for dinner, right?”

  “Yes, of course, but I need help getting it up on the pier. I don’t want it to fall off.”

  Seconds later, we had a nice-sized crappie up on the pier. I hooked the end of the stringer I had tied to the pier through the skin at the bottom of the fish’s mouth and lowered it into the water.

  “There, one down and about five more to go to make a decent meal. So, you caught your first fish. What do you think of it?”

  “I think I’m going to like it. So far, so good.”

  “Great, so now you have to learn to bait your own hook.”

  She grimaced but pulled a worm from the carton and attached it to the hook. “That was really disgusting.”

  I kissed her on the cheek. “Wait until I show you how to clean a fish.”

  An hour and three fish later, Leon’s truck zoomed by. The engine cut right at the spot where his campsite likely was, although I couldn’t see it from my location.

  Maybe he just went into town to pick up something. I know I’m worrying about nothing, and in all likelihood, Hanna left her sleeping bag at home.

  “Okay, one more fish, and we’ll head in. We still have to get ice and pay for our campsite.”

  “What about the fish?”

  “I’ll put the stringer in the lake by our site. When we get back, we’ll clean them and get the campfire started. The potatoes will take the longest.”

  Hanna’s pole jiggled.

  “Looks like you’ve got another bite. Watch the bobber.”