“I’m sure she won’t mind. You might want to ask her first, though, just in case.”
Chapter Four
The rising sun had taken some of the chill out of the air, but everyone who was outside still wore thick jackets. Except for Ronald, who seemed impervious to the cold.
The spring grass had yet to appear and patches of snow still hid in the shadowy places around the campground. The alpacas stood close together, as if still anxious. Their heads swung from side to side, studying anyone who moved.
June waited to talk to Blanche, standing behind a white-haired woman. She was pretty sure her name was Gabriella. While she couldn’t see her face, she estimated her to be a bit older than she was, probably in her early sixties, but she was almost the same size as June. A bit shorter, a little more pudgy around the middle.
Gabriella had dropped by to say hello just after she and her family had arrived. She had brought over some delicious homemade caramels, but June had the distinct impression that she had gone through all that trouble just to see what was up with Rebecca and Nathan. Maybe she was a fan of their videos or maybe she wanted to make an appearance on their channel. She had practically invited herself inside June’s home to say hello to the young couple and to tell them how excited she was that they were here at Castle Creek and that she hoped they would put the campground in a good light.
June glanced back in the direction of her motorhome, where Rebecca and Nathan were planning out their day. She stretched her back and hoped their activities didn’t involve her. She’d already spent far too much sight-seeing since they arrived. She just didn’t know if she had another hike in her. She especially hated the way she held the athletic couple back. Surely they were tired of her slow, plodding pace.
One of the alpacas honked and she glanced back at them and at Ronald. He was looking at his phone, elbows on the wooden fence. Past him, at the far edge of the females’ pen, whatever it was still glittered in the sunlight. She wondered what it could be. Could the person who took the alpaca have dropped something? Could they figure out who did it without having the cops here? She couldn’t help her own curiosity. It was just like a jigsaw puzzle left out on a nearby table. She couldn’t stop herself from messing with it until she figured out where each piece went. She watched the glittering piece of metal and waited while Gabriella rambled on and on about what she thought the alpaca might have been doing.
Finally, a snatch of the conversation caught June’s attention.
“Well, I didn’t want to say anything in front of the others, but you know the last people in the pens were those people who post videos on the internet. We’ve never had an alpaca disappear until they showed up,” Gabriella said.
Was she honestly blaming Rebecca and Nathan for taking the alpaca?
Blanche frowned and asked the question June would have asked in her place. “What would two people who travel around the country all the time want with an alpaca?”
Gabriella pulled out her phone. “Well, you never know. Look. I took a video of them recording theirs. I just thought it would be a cool thing to have. I mean, I watched all of their videos, but I didn’t know they were such crooks.” June couldn’t see the image, but she could hear Rebecca’s voice.
“Aren’t you the cutest? I could just take you home with me.” June heard the smile in her daughter’s voice. “Do you think we could make a spot for her in the fifth-wheel, honey?”
Nathan laughed. “She’s too cute…”
Gabriella clicked off her phone and radiated satisfaction.
Blanche didn’t look completely convinced. “Where would they keep it?”
“I don’t know. Maybe with the mom. Maybe she wants to set up a farm of her own or maybe they’re tired of roaming around. They spent a ton of time in the pens and they really seemed to like Penelope. A pregnant mama would be just the thing to keep their views coming in while their whole channel changes. I mean, when you think about it, who would most benefit from having a pregnant alpaca? Someone who could not only make money from the alpaca themselves, but they get paid from the views. I’m telling you, it makes total sense.”
June felt her stomach tighten. Surely Blanche would see this for the nonsense it was. They couldn’t do anything without the police, could they? Then it dawned on her. All they had to do was post something on the internet or start having all the people in the campground downvote Rebecca and Nathan’s videos. Their income was actually in a fairly fragile state when you thought about it. She watched Blanche’s face carefully. The woman seemed to actually be considering Gabriella’s opinions.
“They did spend a lot of time in the girls’ pen,” said Blanche. “And they took a lot of video of Penelope, but we can’t point fingers yet. We’d need more evidence.”
“Of course you’re right. I’ll check around and see if anyone saw anything suspicious. You just can’t trust famous people.”
Says the woman who practically broke my door down to meet the ‘famous people,’ June thought.
Gabriella wasn’t done. “I think what we need is a good guard dog. I had one when I was a little girl, you know, and it was well trained. Didn’t even try to eat the chickens, well usually. Kept them safe from all kinds of things. Of course, you couldn’t let a dog like that in your house. No, you’d need to have it right out here with the alpacas. I saw on TV once that there was this breed that was really good with alpacas. I can’t think what it is, but I’ll look it up and let you know. My daughter has…”
Blanche smiled reassuringly and caught June’s eye over the woman’s shoulder. The moment there was a break in the flood of words, she said, “I appreciate you pointing that out. We’ll have to keep a close eye on our new guests.”
Gabriella nodded in satisfaction. As she walked away, June couldn’t help noticing the smug look on her face. When she saw June, her eyes, which were ringed with blue eyeliner, widened in recognition.
She pretended to be best friends with the woman who had been throwing around accusations. Clearly, June was going to have to try to figure out who had taken the alpaca. She couldn’t just hope that everyone else in the campground would see reason, and she might not be able to do that if Blanche knew who she was. She plastered on a smile. “Gabriella, it’s so good to see you again. Thank you so much for bringing over those caramels. They were delicious. Maybe we should have another little chat before I have to go. I’d love to get your recipe and maybe I can share one of my own,” she said.
“But you—” Gabriella started, looking between June and Blanche.
“Oh, I know I didn’t act like I liked them but I really do. You will share the recipe with me, won’t you?”
Gabriella huffed and walked away without another word.
June breathed a sigh of relief. At least Gabriella hadn’t informed Blanche who she was.
“How can I help you?” Blanche asked.
June took a deep breath.
Chapter Five
Blanche’s smile did not meet her eyes. As much as she seemed glad to be free of the conversation with Gabriella, she didn’t look like she wanted to start another one.
June held out a hand. “I’m June Winters.” There was no point lying. She no longer shared a last name with her daughter, so it was unlikely the owner would recognize it. Besides, the blond woman seemed a bit preoccupied.
Blanche shook her gloved hand. “Good to meet you. I assume you’re one of the campers?”
June smiled. “Yes. I have a spot here.” She forced her eyes not to look back at her RV. “I couldn’t help but be curious about the missing alpaca.”
Blanche sighed dramatically. “It’s just tragic. The whole campground is absolutely sick about it. We’re all very attached to the alpacas, you know. They’re like the campground mascots. It just breaks my heart to think about poor Penelope getting stolen away from her home, where she was safe and cared for.”
And yet you don’t want the police involved, June thought. “While I was watching the herd, I noticed that
there was something metal inside the alpaca’s pen. It’s under the trough. Do you mind if I go see what it is?”
Blanche brightened, but a frown immediately replaced the smile. “Are you with the police?”
“No,” said June. “I’m just a camper. I’m really not sure if it will turn out to be anything, but it’s possible that it’s something the kidnapper dropped. It might help narrow down who might have taken the alpaca. I would have gone in there myself, but I figured you might be worried about having strangers in the pens today.”
Blanche’s facial expression changed in an instant. “Well, of course you can look into it. Anything we can do to figure out who took my poor alpaca. She could be in labor right this minute and we don’t even know where she is. It just breaks my heart.” She waved at Ronald, who was still scrolling through something on his phone. “Ronald, make sure that you help her with anything she needs,” Blanche shouted. “And make sure you stay with her anytime she’s in the pens.” She turned back to June. “You understand my caution, I hope. I don’t mean to offend.”
June smiled. “Of course. I would feel the same way if they were my animals gone missing.”
Ronald walked closer. “Kurt should be here later today. Just got off the phone with him.”
“Good,” said Blanche. “Make sure you corner him when he gets here and find out what he thinks might have happened.” With that, she turned and walked away. She didn’t seem nearly as upset as Danielle had been, and it bothered June that Blanche didn’t want the police called. It just seemed the sensible thing to do.
“Will do, Boss,” Ronald called after her. He pushed up his glasses and rubbed at his eyes.
“Looks like you’re making the boss happy,” June said.
“I hope so. It’s a real good job. Easy most of the time, and just look where I get to live. Doesn’t get much better than this.”
June agreed. “I can imagine. So, you mostly check people in and out?”
Ronald walked with her, matching her slow strides. “Oh, that and scheduling who’s here and who’s not. We host a few events every year, too. They’re more fun than work, though. I always meet new people, the pay is not bad, and I get to live in this gorgeous place for free.”
June nodded. It sounded like the perfect job to retire to, though Ronald was much too young to have retired. Still, maybe she could find something like this when she sold her business.
To her left, the male alpaca still eyed her every move. It made her feel a bit uncomfortable.
In the few days she’d been here, she hadn’t spent much time with the alpacas. She’d wandered over and looked at them, but that was about it. Rebecca and Nathan had actually gone in the pens and fed them. She ground her teeth, thinking about the accusation that Gabriella had made.
She paused before the gate to the female’s pen. “They don’t get aggressive do they?”
He unlatched the gate to the pen, which would be big enough for a truck to drive through if it were fully opened. It squeaked loudly on its hinges.
Ronald chuckled, shaking his head. “They couldn’t hurt you if they wanted to. They’re like elongated sheep, only more expensive because they’re exotic animals from South America. Ladies first,” He waited for her to enter.
June Winters, what have you gotten yourself into?
A knot of worry formed in her belly despite his words. She didn’t know the first thing about sheep, either. Her cane was not much help on the slippery, frozen ground and so her steps were careful and probably slower than Ronald wanted.
He smiled and waited, but she was sure he had other things to do.
June swallowed as she noticed that all of the alpaca were staring right at her. They were still all clustered together, but that many eyes watching her in unmoving silence was kind of creepy. Didn’t they blink? “Why are they looking at us like that?”
Ronald smirked, but his voice was calming. “Don’t let them unnerve you. They’re just curious because they don’t recognize you.”
Great, June thought.
One of the alpacas broke from the herd to sniff at her. It was dark brown. Like the others, it had really big eyes, long lashes and seemed to be smiling. Even though the animal wasn’t as tall as June, she couldn’t help cringing back.
The alpaca was persistent.
Ronald chuckled. “Don’t worry. She’ll stop. Think of her as a big, really stupid, expensive dog. Once she’s gotten accustomed to your smell, she’ll leave you alone.”
June tried not to giggle as the animal sniffed at her armpit. “That tickles.” She tried to move away and the alpaca followed. She pushed against its furry chest and was surprised how soft it was.
The alpaca snorted and stomped her front legs, as if June had offended her, but that didn’t stop her from following wherever she went and sniffing the whole way.
June was so distracted by the animal, that she almost forgot where they were going. They finally crossed the large field to the trough. Sure enough, the metal object that Ronald had spotted still glittered, though she couldn’t make out what it was with the alpaca wandering around her all the time.
The sniffing stopped and the alpaca wandered back to the group.
That was more of a relief than June would have liked to admit, even to herself. “Why did they put the trough in front of the gate?” she asked.
“They mostly use the main one in the center. Safer that way. They arranged the troughs here so the girls wouldn’t get out.” Ronald pointed to the other pen where the single, white alpaca watched their every move. “Prince Albert and the girls switch pens sometimes. He’s a tricky one. The trough is a better deterrent to keep him in, though usually he is just looking to get in with the females.”
“I thought you said they were kind of stupid.” She glanced behind her, and sure enough, all those alpaca eyes were still watching her.
Ronald shrugged a shoulder. “That one is smart enough to get out sometimes, but that is about the extent of their intelligence.”
“Huh,” said June, turning back to the task at hand.
The trough was actually three butted up against each other. Each was in a metal frame with a rounded bowl, more like half a cylinder on its side. They were set to the side of the pen, right in front of another gate that led directly to the outside. A coiled water hose lay on the frozen ground, attached to a rusty spigot just outside the pen.
Upon inspection, June noticed a layer of frost wiped clean from the ground, like the feet of the center trough had been dragged across it in one long stripe. More frost had formed over that patch of ground. It just wasn’t as thick in that one section. Soon, that detail would melt away. Surely those marks in the frost would have been made late last night.
June tapped at her lips with one finger and glanced around. She didn’t see any footprints, but those might not have shown up on the frozen ground. Clearly, someone had been out here in the middle of the night, and they had moved the trough in the center, the one just in front of the gate.
The shiny metal object lay just in front of the trough, partially covered in mud. It appeared to be a set of keys. A keyring, along with part of a key were easily visible, but the rest was buried in the ground. “I think this might have been what you spotted, Ronald.” She put her cane out in front of her for balance and reached down to pick them up, but the metal ring slipped out of her gloved hand.
“Here, let me help you.” He bent over and tried to pull the keys out, but they were frozen in place. “Well, that’s not going to work.” He reached through the fence and grabbed the end of the hose. “I think this will reach. We can thaw the ground to get them out.” The hose creaked as he moved it. “Here, hold this in place.”
June grabbed the frost covered hose and was glad she had thought to bring gloves.
It was barely long enough to reach the troughs and the end had been cut. She stretched it as far as it would go.
The hose crackled as water trickled, then sloshed out onto the ground.
A moment later, he shut off the spigot and hurried over to see if he could get the keys out. He threaded his finger through the key ring and pulled hard. He almost fell back as they popped out of the ground. He grinned triumphantly and held them out to her.
She jingled them, trying to shake some of the mud free. “You sure you don’t want to hold on to them? I mean, you’re the one who spotted them in the first place.” She regretted the words as soon as they left her mouth. What if he took her up on that offer? What if he agreed with Gabriella and decided that Nathan and Rebecca had done it? Would the campground retaliate or demand an alpaca they didn’t have?
Ronald waved a meaty hand. “No. Blanche will want to know if you found anything. I doubt I’d be any good in figuring out who did it, anyway. I’m just here to help.”
June clamped the keys in her fist. “Any idea whose they are?”
He shrugged one shoulder. “No ma’am. I mean, they’re mostly a gob of mud right now and I’m not sure I would recognize many people’s keys anyway.”
She glanced at the muddy keys in her free hand, grateful that he hadn’t wanted them. Hopefully, they would be enough to show that her family had nothing to do with the missing alpaca. All she had to do was figure out who they belonged to and tell Blanche.
They crunched back across the frozen ground. The alpacas watched, but fortunately none of them followed.
“Thank you for your help,” she said, as they left the pen.
“No problem,” he said, rubbing at his face. Then he yawned widely. “I need a nap. Stayed up too late playing video games again.”
“No offense, but you look like you could use one,” June said. She found herself wondering who she should ask about the keys. Most everyone had gone back inside their RVs, and she didn’t blame them. Another cup of coffee seemed like just the thing that moment. It was still too cold to be standing around outside, but she could see Danielle doing just that. June was about to say goodbye to Ronald when a big, black truck rattled down the road and stopped in front of them.
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