by Edwin Dasso
Kicking at the dirt along the trail, Daryl cussed. Now that Elise decided to come to the lake for the weekend, he’d have to move his rig and cover any tire prints that might indicate an eighteen-wheeler had parked on the long stretch of gravel road that led to the cabin. Why did his scheme run into so many unexpected roadblocks? He’d planned out everything so carefully…down to each detail. He even anticipated various scenarios and created backup plans for each one. But he couldn’t get inside Elise Sloan’s head. Why did she have to bring Deke to the lake house this weekend?
Stomping over the uneven gravel, he stumbled, his ankle rolling. He bent over and rubbed the injury until the pain subsided then he snatched the offending rock and lobbed it across the smooth water. Wait a minute. He observed the landscape, scanning a three-hundred-sixty-five-degree circumference around where he stood. He saw no one…he heard nothing but squirrels rustling through the underbrush and an occasional bird chirp. In the distance, he picked up the faint hum of an outboard motor. Across the lake, he saw no signs of development. No people, homes, or beaches. Only miles of dense woods lined the shore. The silent cove bore no waves. Not even the slightest current. The sun reflected off the glass-like surface and sparkled with glints of gold that glittered against a crystal glass surface.
He tramped through the forest in search of a level area close enough to the Sloans’ cabin to be accessible but a sufficient distance to keep curious hikers from seeing his rig. With the lake to his left, he could easily find his way back to the cabin.
This land wasn’t simply a family cabin on Lake Lanier, it was a huge track of private property. He could park as deep in the woods as his cab could drive and hide from the world. How had he missed this? The revelation he initially tagged as a pain in the ass, he now realized gave him an incredible advantage. Elise’s sudden desire for a weekend getaway to her family cottage dropped in Daryl’s lap the perfect setup. He grinned so big his cheeks hurt as everything fell into place.
Finally, he would have the life he dreamed of. But it didn’t come easily. He thought about how hard he’d worked to get here…how he scrimped and saved to earn enough money to finance his revenge. Driving his rig across country for years gave him a lot of time to think…and plan.
Circling back to the gravel road, he thought about his momma. When she died, she left him everything…which wasn’t much. But Daryl knew patience and diligence would reap rewards. He leased the house, and the money he got from the rent paid his own rental fees for a semi-truck. Who knew he’d get paid seventy thousand dollars a year to simply drive? Ha.
He did his homework…and pocketed his pay. When he finally saved enough to buy his own rig, he bought a good-sized sleeper then built it out to his own specifications, with every basic creature comfort. A bed, shower, toilet, fridge, everything a captive could want––except windows. A single, steel door, padlocked from the driver’s seat, would ensure his personal guests stayed put. Cameras and a two-inch sliding rectangular opening for emergency access. He added soundproofing, too, to make sure no one heard a random cry for help.
By the time he returned to his truck, he had a real sense of the cabin’s location and the surrounding area and had found the perfect parking spot. He hopped into the driver’s seat and switched the ignition then veered off the gravel where the wheels would be least likely to leave tracks and maneuvered his way through the woods. Grabbing a toothpick from the ashtray, he slid it between his teeth and pondered how diligent he’d been since Momma died.
He learned investigative skills and surveillance methods over the Internet he accessed at truck stops, and he worked out every day. When he drove his loads, he listened in on his mark. Driven by revenge, he never lacked motivation. His momma would be proud how determined and focused he was, always keeping his eye on the prize. He was close…so close he could taste victory…and it was so sweet.
9
The week flew by. Monday through Thursday, Elise awoke every day at four thirty a.m. and went through her typical schedule then, on top of her regular load, she covered extra games so she could take off Friday through Monday for a long weekend. With little time to worry and no time to see Deke, her excitement about the getaway built exponentially each day.
She knew, with final exams fast approaching, Deke was relieved to have extra time to study. He’d planned to hunker down over Spring Break, but no way he’d miss going to Elise’s lake house. So, to make up the study time, he promised to play catch-up with his tutor this week, instead. He’d have to cram to be fully prepared by May fifth. Football and the Combine took a lot of time away from his classes and the last thing he wanted was to flunk out the last quarter of his senior year.
Thursday night, Elise dragged during the last game, and when she finally got home, she fell into bed fully clothed and completely exhausted. But excitement for the weekend getaway awakened her fifteen minutes before her alarm rang. She popped out of bed and gave Jasper his morning dose of attention then went to her closet to choose her attire for the day. Convinced this weekend would do wonders for her relationship with Deke, she mentally planned every detail she could think of to create a perfectly romantic getaway. She wanted so badly to feel the chemistry they shared for the last six months––the chemistry that somehow had faded over the last few weeks.
She threw on a pair of jeans and a sweatshirt then strolled into the kitchen. After pouring a cup of coffee, she peered through the window, sipping the hot brew. A cold nose nudging her free hand told her Jasper wanted to go outside.
Shifting her gaze, she smiled at Jaz, leash hanging from his mouth and tail wagging.
“Good boy.” She patted his head. “Let’s make our walk quick today. I’ve got a lot to do before we go to the lake.” She attached his lead and flipped up the catch so he could have more rope then opened the back door. Before she could give him the okay, he shot outside. “Whoa, slow down, buddy.”
He immediately stopped and sniffed the greenery.
A crisp breeze rushed through her still-damp hair, prompting gooseflesh to ripple down her arms. She gazed across the park to the condos beyond then turned away, intentionally changing her thoughts to a more productive focus. She scrolled her phone to her daily to-do notes and added items to the grocery list. Ribeye steaks, fresh Brussels sprouts to slice and roast, baked potatoes with butter, chives, sour cream, and bacon––all Deke’s favorites––plus a nice red wine. She’d ask someone at the little wine shop for a recommendation.
The cabin stocked all the condiments and accessories she’d need so she didn’t have to buy steak sauce, wine glasses, or a nice tablecloth, but she wanted to find a pretty centerpiece for the table. Since her parents retired and moved to Florida, they only visited the lake during the heat of the summer. Now, the house was virtually Elise’s any time she wanted.
She loved the place and would live there permanently if it wasn’t so far from work. As it was, she spent as much time there as she could. She knew the lay of the land, all the best beaches and private coves, and even a secret waterfall with a giant rock perfect for picnics. The weather report predicted an unseasonably warm weekend, and she hoped Deke would be up for a hike.
When his face suddenly appeared on her screen, Elise smiled. “Hey, babe. I’m surprised to hear from you so early. What’s up?”
“Hey, beautiful. I just wanted to let you know coach has a senior meeting at one o’clock this afternoon. I know you wanted to leave for the lake by ten, but no can do.”
“Oh, Deke. What time can you leave?”
“I hope by two, but don’t wait. You go ahead and take Jasper. I’ll meet you there as soon as I can get away.”
“That works. I have some shopping to do for dinner and, arriving early will give me time to change the bedsheets and make sure we have everything we need before you get there.”
“Perfect. I can’t wait. I’m really looking forward to some alone time with you, away from the real world.”
“Me, too. Drive safely. And let me know
if your meeting runs late.”
“Will do. You be safe, too. I’ll see you before you know it.” He ended the call.
Elise sat on the park bench and extended Jasper’s lead to full length. She stared across the park, her thoughts reeling. Of course, she wished Deke could spend the day with her at the lake, but maybe this arrangement was better. She hadn’t been to the lake house for a few months. There was bound to be something she needed that she hadn’t thought of. This way, she could take care of all the minutia she’d typically have to buy locally before Deke arrived. And if she didn’t need to run to the store, she and Jasper could take a short hike along the shoreline.
A tug on the leash returned her attention to Jasper. She stood. “Come on, Jaz. Let’s go home.”
He raced toward her and let out a soft woof.
After packing her clothes and accessories, she gathered what she wanted to take for the weekend, including Jasper’s food and bed, then piled everything into the backseat of the BMW.
“Jasper, do you want to go for a ride?”
Tail wagging, he bounced up and down on his front paws.
Elise grabbed his leash. “Let’s go, buddy.” She locked the condo door behind her.
Jasper shadowed her every step then, when she opened the car door, he jumped into the passenger seat.
After a quick stop at the local Kroger to buy the items on her grocery list, she was on her way to the lake. She set her radio to her favorite music station and headed north on Route 400. The trip was an easy drive and, passing the Avalon Mall and Bald Ridge Marina energized her. She’d spent so much time at the lake as a child, the cabin felt like home and the ambiance calmed her. Britt was right. This weekend getaway was exactly what she needed.
By the time Elise turned onto the long gravel road that led to her cabin, it was almost noon. Aside from drinking a cup of coffee, she didn’t stop long enough to eat or drink anything since she woke. Thank goodness she’d anticipated ahead and packed sandwich fixings.
Still bare from the cold weather, the tall hardwoods lining the road looked callous, stark, and dismal. Not the lush green warmth that greeted her during spring, summer, and fall. The two-mile gravel road that usually instilled a calm excitement now flooded her with unnerving tension. She stiffened as the eerie sensation swept over her and shot a shiver down her neck that settled at the base of her spine. Turning up the radio, she pressed her foot on the accelerator and the tires spat gravel behind her. Get a grip, Elise.
She lifted her foot and pressed the brake until the car slowed to a crawl. The rush of anxiety dissipated. What the hell was that? Of all the places on Earth, the cabin and surrounding landscape had always soothed her frazzled nerves. Normally, she felt safe here. Peering through the windshield toward the sun, she took in the sparkling blue sky. Bright sunbeams glittered off the bare branches.
Jasper snuggled close and pressed his nose against her wrist.
She lowered her gaze. “It’s okay, boy. I’m fine.” Shaking off the gloom, she picked up her speed to a normal pace and set her mind, determined to calm the stress of the last few weeks. She drew in a long breath. The house was just around the bend, and she knew spending the weekend in her favorite hideaway would give her the rest and relaxation she sorely needed.
10
Pulling up to the house, Elise felt a sense of calm swathe her into total relaxation. She parked and opened the car door.
Immediately, Jasper bounded over her onto the soft fescue and dashed toward the fishpond to lap several drinks from the waterfall.
She smiled, watching him sniff and peer at the koi as they scattered…then he ran to the opposite side of the pond and repeated the game. Gazing around the estate, she stretched to release the kinks in her neck and shoulders and strolled toward Jasper, her mind conjuring memories.
For years, her father crafted every foot of the yard, landscaping the grounds with perennials and shrubs, interspersed with trails and a plush, carpet-like lawn. A beautiful, rocky stream ran through the property, twisting and turning as the water flowed over the stones then cascaded into the koi pond. The footpath wrapped in and out of evergreen shrubs and was lined with assorted flowers that bloomed throughout the year. Occasionally, the trail veered onto small footbridges across the water. The backyard, facing the lake, sported a stone firepit, hiding the pump that drew in lake water and spat it into the handcrafted stream. In every direction, Elise saw the love her dad poured into their property. “You love this place, too. Don’t you, boy?”
Jasper woofed.
She leaned over and scratched his head. “Come on, Jaz. Let’s go inside and get settled.” After a quick gaze across the cove, she drew in a long breath and smiled. “Deke will be here before we know it and I want everything perfect.” She turned toward the car.
Jasper trotted to the vehicle and jumped inside. Grasping hold of his bed, he tugged until it cleared the console. Then, he hauled the pad to the porch.
“How did you get so smart, boy?” Laughing at her exceedingly intelligent pup, Elise grabbed her purse and a load of groceries then followed him to the porch. Gazing downward, she chuckled. “What? You can’t open the door, too?”
He sat and lightly pawed her thigh.
She juggled her load and gave him a scratch behind his ear then dug the key from her handbag and unlocked the front entrance.
Before she could completely shove open the door, he raised on his hind feet and pushed against the solid wood. The door flew open.
Elise shook her head and walked inside behind him. She dropped her load on the farmhouse table and gazed around the open great room. As much as she loved the grounds, the lake, and the woods beyond, she loved the cabin more. The structure took rustic to a whole new level, and though rough-sawn beams accented the interior walls, glass windows lined the entire rear of the house, making the deck and lake visible from every room.
After retrieving everything she brought, she put away the groceries then strolled out back and checked the hot tub temperature. One hundred four degrees. Perfect. Like always, Mr. Bailey, the caretaker her father had watching the property, followed her directions to a tee.
“Alexa, play Elise’s playlist.” With her favorite music blaring in the background, she sang along, busily searching the linen closet for a tablecloth and napkins. She draped the table, set out plates, wine glasses, and utensils, then added a fat vanilla candle to her centerpiece. She checked the pantry to make sure she had all the condiments needed for dinner. Stepping outside, she fetched three logs then crafted a teepee of wood in the great room fireplace and added kindling and tucked in a few crumpled newspaper sheets to ensure the flames would burn long enough to ignite the logs. When everything was set, she admired her handiwork then went upstairs.
After unpacking her clothes, she put them away then changed the bed linens. When she finished the chores, she glanced at her cell phone. No texts from Deke meant at least two hours before he’d arrive. Time enough to take Jasper on a hike along the beach. “Jaz, let’s go for a walk.”
Two seconds later, he was by her side.
She snatched the leash from the bar, then thought better of the idea and hung it by the door. The Sloan acreage ran for miles. Her gramps purchased the land for next to nothing before Lake Lanier was built. Eighty-seven acres of prime property, much of which was lakeside, would bring in a ton of money, even in the nineteen fifties. But Gramps only sold a small tract. He wanted the land for his family. No one lived even remotely close, and Elise never saw anyone while walking along the beach. “Let’s go, buddy. You don’t need a leash here.”
The moment she opened the rear French doors, Jasper shot outside in front of her and galloped around the fire pit before returning. Then he paced alongside, keeping up with her every step as she strode across the plush backyard and turned onto the sandy beach.
She loved listening to the silence, which was, to her, predominantly the soft sounds of nature…a chipmunk rustling through the leaves, a squirrel chasing hi
s mate around a tree trunk then skittering from tree to tree on the branch highway. Birds chirping…the soft splash of tiny waves lapping against the shore…and the distant hum of a faraway boat motoring across the water. The lake silence always calmed her, and she was so thankful for her family refuge.
Picking up a random stick, she tossed it down the beach. “Go get it, Jaz.”
The dog took off running, retrieved the stick then raced back to Elise. The game continued over and over. He never tired of playing fetch. When the weather was warmer, she would throw a stick into the lake, and Jaz would happily swim out, chomp hold of the twig, and return to Elise. But on her last throw, when she threw the wood, he ran toward it then stopped cold.
A moment later, he sped into the forest and out of sight.
Elise took off after him. “Jaz. Come here, boy.” She whistled, but he didn’t return. She heard him barking feverishly in the distance. “Jasper. Come. Now.” But Jasper continued to bark deep within the woods.
When her cellphone beeped, she dug the device from her back pocket and glanced at the screen. She read Deke’s text.
Meeting over. OMW. Should be at the house around 5.
Without replying, she stuffed the phone into her back pocket and continued toward the sound of Jasper’s bark, pushing aside vines as she tramped through the thick woodland. “Jaz. Come here.” Why wouldn’t he respond to her command? He’d never ignored her before. A wave of adrenaline shot down her back as she lumbered deeper into the dense forest glen.
11
Jasper sprang through the brush, startling Elise. She spun, and her hand flew to her chest. “Dear Lord, Jaz. You scared me to death.” She leaned over to scrunch behind his ear. “Why did you run off like that, boy?” After taking several long breaths of relief, she yanked on his collar. “Let’s go, buddy. We need to get back to the cabin.”