Closing Time

by Brenda Chapman

  Anger coursed through Shane’s chest and he took time to calm himself before saying, “I don’t know whether to thank you for telling me or to punch you in the face.”

  Neal handed him the flask. “The secrets are killing all of us, man. Maybe it’s time to try on the truth.”

  “Which one was she with?” Shane closed his eyes. “No, don’t tell me. I know which one.” He gulped from the flask.

  Neal sucked on his cigarette and blew three perfect smoke rings before saying, “I think about telling his fiancée up in Thunder Bay, but it doesn’t feel like my place.”

  Shane said, “I don’t envy her, pinning all her hopes on a guy who’d deceive her like that.” The irony was that he’d pinned his life on a woman who did the same, even if he’d initially bought into the infidelity.

  Neal rubbed his temple and gave Shane a knowing half-smile. “If you decide you ever need a break, buddy, I’ll be sure to get a place with a pullout couch. My door will always be open.”

  “I’ll keep that in mind.”

  After Neal left him at the spot where the road split toward his cabin, Shane knew he couldn’t face Petra yet. Especially not with a snoutful of rye coursing through his system. Instead of continuing to the house, he got into his car and drove toward Searchmont, knowing full well that he shouldn’t be driving. Staying on the side roads, he drove slowly past the Eglans’ property, spotting Owen’s outfitter truck in the driveway. He made a U-turn and parked. Owen was wheeling the lawnmower out of the garage. He leaned on the handle and waited for Shane to reach him.

  “I hear there’s been another killing up at the lodge.”

  Shane nodded. “Thomas Faraday, one of our summer guests.”

  “Christ. I’d heard it was him but wasn’t sure, knowing the way rumours go.”

  “It’s insane.”

  “The cops suspected he’d killed Rachel early on, did you know that?”

  “They didn’t have proof to charge him.” Shane wasn’t sure if Owen knew about the photos of Rachel in her bikini and he didn’t want to be the one to tell him if not. “I imagine the police will be looking at connections. Hard to believe we have two different killers on the loose.”

  “Has to be the same person. Isabelle called from town, and people are scared to bits. Reeve Neilson has called a special meeting with the police to fill everyone in and calm them down.”

  “What time?”

  “Six o’clock at the recreation centre. I imagine somebody’s on their way to Pine Hollow to tell you about it.”

  “I’ll make sure everyone knows in any case.”

  “Good. I’d ask you in, but I’ve got a list of chores to do before the meeting.”

  “No problem. I only wanted to see how you’re doing.”

  “As well as can be when your world’s been torn apart.”

  “And Isabelle?”

  “She’s become a church zealot, trying to fill the void left by Rachel’s passing. I feel like I’ve lost them both.”

  Shane clasped a hand on Owen’s shoulder, not finding any words that wouldn’t sound trite and inadequate. “I’ll see you in town then. Take it easy, Owen.”

  Kala received a phone call about the town meeting on her way back to Searchmont. A North Bay staff sergeant would be at the mic, but her presence was requested. She checked the dashboard clock and increased the pressure on the gas pedal. With any luck, traffic would remain light … and she wouldn’t be pulled over for a speeding ticket.

  The parking lot was already filling up when she pulled in at quarter to six after an uneventful drive. She hurried into the recreation centre and scanned the room. Two uniformed cops were standing off to the side at the front and she crossed the floor toward them.

  “Officer Stonechild?” asked the woman who identified herself as Officer Menisha Sharma. She held out her hand and Kala shook. Her dark eyes were friendly and her grip firm. The male cop didn’t make any move to greet her, and it didn’t take long for Kala to be reminded of Woodhouse back at the station. He looked her over before nodding. Then his eyes dismissed her and he wandered off to speak with the guy setting up the mics.

  “The bane of my existence,” muttered Sharma, giving Stonechild an apologetic smile. She pointed to a stocky man with his back to the room reading his cellphone. “That’s Staff Sergeant Giovanni.” He topped five foot six, but not by much, and had a monk fringe of hair above his ears encircling his head. “He’s the one who arranged for you to help out. He’s a decent man, although stuck with a lot of problems, including budget cuts and a staff shortage.”

  “Any word on Harrison’s baby?”

  “The surgery was a success and the baby’s doing fine. Hopefully Harrison will be back soon. These murders have come at the worst time for our force, so we’re fortunate you’ve been stickhandling. Come with me and I’ll introduce you to the Sarge.”

  “Officer Stonechild.” Giovanni grasped her hand in his bear paw and squeezed. “Thank you for all your work on this case … well, cases now. Have you any idea what’s going on at Pine Hollow Lodge?”

  “Nothing concrete, but I’m beginning to unravel some of the relationships.”

  “Good. Good. I’m sending another detective to work with you while Officer Harrison is on leave. We’ve got Forensics sorting through the latest scene and will keep you informed. Hell of a thing about the lack of internet and cell service at that place. Like the Dark Ages.”

  Kala’s heart dropped but she remained silent. She liked Harrison and wasn’t keen to try to get along with a new case lead, especially if it was the sullen cop taking his seat at the table. Though she wouldn’t mind Menisha Sharma if she had to have anybody. “We’re working around the communications issues as best we can.”

  The mic man signalled to Giovanni that everything was ready. Kala turned and saw that the seats had filled, with media taking up the front row. CBC and CTV cameras were set to film.

  “Would you like to join us at the table?” asked Giovanni. “I can defer questions to you as necessary.”

  “Certainly, sir.”

  She sat in the chair between him and Menisha Sharma, nodding to Reeve Neilson as he took his seat next to Giovanni. Looking over the crowd, she saw the Pine Hollow people — Shane, Petra, Neal, and Martha sitting in the second row; the two Hydro workers, Ian Kruger and Blaine Rogers, across the aisle, still dressed in their work clothes. Rachel’s parents, Isabelle and Owen Eglan, were farther back on the same side. A group of teenagers with their parents clustered behind them, including Rachel’s ex–best friend, Carrie Blackmore. Darryl stood alone at the back of the room looking like he’d rather be anywhere else. Phil and Greta Bockock arrived together and slipped into empty seats away from the kids. Father Vila was notable by his absence.

  All the suspects gathered but one, thought Kala.

  Her eyes scanned the audience while Sergeant Giovanni read a concise statement about the active murder cases. He looked up when he finished. “We do not believe the public to be at risk, but we advise everyone living in Searchmont and the area to take every precaution until we have an arrest. Reeve Neilson will now make a brief statement.”

  Judd Neilson had likely shared a beer with most of the people sitting in front of him, and Kala sensed a relaxing of the tension in the room. He was one of them, and they trusted him. His eyes made a slow sweep of the audience before he started. “As Sergeant Giovanni told you, we don’t know if Rachel Eglan’s death is connected to Thomas Faraday’s drowning. We need to be patient and let the police do their work. I ask any of you with information, no matter how inconsequential it seems, to come forward. Your privacy will be respected. Our deep sympathies go to the families of Rachel Eglan and Thomas Faraday. The police are doing everything they can to bring the killer or killers to justice. We’re a good town, a strong community, and we will get through this together.” A ripple of applause cut across the room.

  Giovanni fielded media questions for half an hour before wrapping up the briefing. He had
n’t needed Kala’s input since they were revealing little to the public. The truth was there wasn’t much to reveal. This had been a public relations exercise meant to reassure the town.

  Giovanni called her over before leaving with the other members of his team. “These murders are garnering national attention, so expect reporters to be circling. Officer Harrison was keeping me updated and inputting reports. I’m going to expect that of your new partner and am getting final clearance to give you access to our police database. I’d like you to make it to a quiet place with Wi-Fi late afternoons so we can update each other. Here’s my card with my direct line if you feel the information warrants a phone call.”

  “Very good. Thank you, sir.”

  “I’m the one who should be thanking you.”

  It was going on eight thirty when she finally drove her truck out of the community centre parking lot. She hadn’t eaten since morning but didn’t feel like sitting in a restaurant. She had some eggs and bread back at the cabin and she’d make do with that. Time to call it a day and get home to Taiku.

  CHAPTER TWENTY-NINE

  Evening twilight had settled into darkness when Kala pulled into the Pine Hollow Lodge parking lot. She grabbed her flashlight from the dash before jumping from the cab and hurried down the path to her cabin, eager to be back with Taiku. Swinging the flashlight’s beam toward the lake, she was at first startled and then curious when she saw the figure of a man sitting on the rocks. She tried to picture Jordan’s truck in the parking lot but hadn’t looked at the other vehicles in her haste. She slowed and started walking toward the lake, tired from a long day and craving time alone. The man stood and she raised the flashlight.

  “What are you doing here?” she asked, unable to keep the delight from her voice.

  “I had holidays coming and figured you could use a hand. Sergeant Giovanni’s made me your sidekick.” Jacques Rouleau bent to pick up his overnight bag.

  She smiled. She wouldn’t be saddled with the unfriendly Sudbury cop. “Let me get Taiku and then I’ll catch you up over some eggs and toast if you’re hungry.”

  “Famished. I’m hoping you can let me have the spare room.”

  “Of course. You can take Dawn’s bed, although I have to warn you that it’s a bunk.”

  “No problem. I’ll manage the cooking while you take Taiku for a wander. I’m happy for some activity after sitting in the car all day.”

  He knows I need some space to unwind and recharge, she thought, and the day’s worries eased.

  A half hour later, refreshed after a walk with Taiku along the waterfront, she joined Rouleau in the small kitchen where he was scrambling eggs and toasting bread. She set out a couple of plates and cutlery, settling into the easy camaraderie that started when they first worked together on the Ottawa force.

  “Who’s looking after Major Crimes while you’re away?” she asked.

  Rouleau laughed. “Believe it or not, Woodhouse. He’s become a team player over the summer, much to my relief.”

  “Proving that miracles really do happen.”

  Rouleau opened the fridge and pulled out a bottle of beer. “I brought some cranberry and soda for you, too, if you’re thirsty,” he said.

  “That’d be great. Thanks.” She lit the candles on the table and they took their places with Taiku lying at Kala’s feet.

  “I could get used to this life,” said Rouleau looking around the room. “A simple existence near the water and wilderness.”

  “It is a draw.”

  They ate without talking. Kala got up to make tea and returned with two mugs and the steeping pot. “So how do you want to play the investigation?” she asked.

  “I’m here to back you up until Clark Harrison returns. You remain lead. Tell me what’s been going on.”

  He leaned back in the chair holding the mug of tea and listened intently while she filled him in on the two murders and the list of suspects. She ended with, “So any one of them could have killed Rachel and Thomas except the reeve and his wife, who were at Pine Hollow Lodge for supper that night, but their alibis check out. The undercurrent of strong emotions running through this community has been palpable. Rachel must have been the catalyst that brought out the rage.”

  “Any idea if she was involved with someone she shouldn’t have been?”

  “I believe she was.”

  “Do you know who?”

  “I have a strong hunch. We’ll start the day by visiting him tomorrow.”

  “Don’t tell me. I’ll sleep on all you’ve told me and see if I come up with the same person by morning.”

  She smiled and stretched. “You have lots to think about. I start the day with a jog at first light. Then we can have breakfast at the main lodge and you can meet Shane Patterson and whoever else is around.” She stood. “Time for bed.”

  “I won’t be long behind you.”

  She stopped at the door to her bedroom. “Thank you, sir, for coming. I already feel more hopeful that we’ll get to the bottom of these murders.” She didn’t wait for his response before stepping into the bedroom with Taiku and closing the door softly behind her.

  Rouleau took a second beer outside and returned to the rocks at the end of the property where he sat and looked out over the water dancing with sparkles of moonlight. The air had cooled since he was last sitting in this spot waiting for Stonechild and he zipped his jacket up to his chin. He stretched out his legs, drank from the bottle, and looked out at the dark horizon while he thought. Stonechild hadn’t asked him anything personal or had questions about anyone else — Marci, his father, the people on the Major Crimes team. She hadn’t even asked about Gundersund or Dawn. He wasn’t sure what this meant, if anything at all, but he believed the absence of questions spoke to her state of mind. She was untethering herself from Kingston and her relationships. She was cutting herself loose.

  He’d read her file. Her life in foster care had been a series of leavings. People had abandoned her, whether by choice or circumstance, and she’d learned not to care. To move on without looking back. He wasn’t certain his presence here would make a difference because as far as he could see, she was already halfway out of their lives. Gundersund was giving her space, not wanting to let her go, but knowing he couldn’t force her to stay. Was this the best strategy or was he only making her decision to leave easier?

  Rouleau sighed and drained the last of the beer. There were no answers to be found looking out at the black water tonight, and sitting on this boulder in the damp was not helping anybody. He stood and turned. His eyes darted toward the forest and the path leading from the main lodge. A flash of white disappeared into the woods and his senses went from exhausted to fully alert. He sprinted up the rise of land toward the trees and stopped at the path’s entrance, not seeing anything in the deeper blackness under the canopy of branches. He tilted his head and listened. Some rustling and scurrying, but nothing that sounded heavy enough to be a human. He walked a few paces down the path before deciding the dangers outweighed the risks. Without a flashlight, he couldn’t see more than a couple of feet in front of him.

  A few moments more and he started back toward the cabin. The long drive and fresh air had taken their toll and he wanted nothing more than to go to bed and close his eyes until morning. If somebody had been watching him from the path, they were long gone, and he wasn’t foolish or young enough to give chase.

  CHAPTER THIRTY

  Rouleau took a seat across from Stonechild and looked around the dining room. The decor was rustic pine, warm and inviting at the same time. The wooden beams and timber were likely harvested from the forests around Searchmont. He could see the attraction to this place. Even the lack of internet and cellphone service was appealing, or would be if they hadn’t been working on a case.

  Two men dressed in work clothes entered and said good morning before taking a table near the window. Rouleau looked at Stonechild, but she was watching a man in a white apron coming toward them with a full pot of coffee.

>   “Morning, Shane,” she said.

  “I’ll be right back with your tea, Officer. Lemon zinger okay?”

  “Perfect.”

  He raised the pot in Rouleau’s direction. “You the new cop on the cases?” he asked.

  “I’m assisting, yes.” Rouleau turned his cup over and pushed it across the table within reach of the pot. The two men who’d sat near the window were openly staring at him. “I’m Officer Rouleau,” he added, “and you would be …?”

  “Shane Patterson. My cousin Martha and her husband, Neal, own the lodge, and I’m here with my wife, Petra, cooking for the summer season. Well, I’m cooking. Petra’s playing at being the lady in waiting.” He laughed. “And those two tanned specimens,” he pointed to the men at the window, “are Ian Kruger and Blaine Rogers, our Hydro workers. They’ve been renting a cottage all summer, spending long days in the bush, and are eager to be on their way. We’re only a couple of the suspects on your list, although I guess I shouldn’t make light.” Shane grimaced an apology before saying, “So, everyone in for waffles and sausage?”

  Four heads nodded and he filled the Hydro workers’ coffee mugs before disappearing into the kitchen. Rouleau waited for Stonechild to take the lead. She looked over at the two men. “You were both interviewed yesterday?” she asked.

  The taller, better-looking one answered. “Yeah. Neither of us was alone when Thomas was found and we’d gone straight to supper after we finished working in the bush all day.”

  Stonechild nodded. “Thanks, Ian. Anything to add, Blaine?”

  Blaine rubbed his forehead and took his time answering. “No, we were together the entire time. Neither of us saw Thomas that day or anything out of the ordinary.”

  The two men raised their coffee mugs to their mouths at the same time and Rouleau exchanged a look with Stonechild. Her eyes signalled that she’d also noticed their unease before she turned her face back toward their table. “Have you got another migraine, Blaine?”