by Cindy Bell
“We’re running out of ways.” Nikki frowned. “I just spoke with Brent, and he said he saw Ashley slip into Ken’s cabin after Ken told her not to go in. Every time I think I have a lead, it reaches a dead end.”
“You can’t take what Brent says too seriously.” Kyle stood up from the couch and walked over to the fire. His shoulders flexed, then slumped as his voice deepened. “He got into an argument with Ashley just a short time before she was killed.”
“He did?” Nikki stood up as well. “Why didn’t I know about this?”
“I guess, I hadn’t thought about it. It was one of those things I did my best not to get in the middle of, it was better for me to avoid it.” Kyle shrugged and glanced over his shoulder at her. The tension in his features aged him by a few years.
“What did they argue about?” Nikki studied her brother.
“I have no idea. They were in the courtyard when I walked through. I expected Ashley to give me a hard time, but she was too busy hollering at Brent. Brent shouted right back. I got out of there as fast as I could.” Kyle took a breath, then looked back at the fire. “Maybe we won’t ever find out the truth, Nikki. Maybe this is just how things are going to be.”
“Don’t say that.” Nikki stood up and walked over to him.
“Don’t lose hope.” Sonia took a sip of her cocoa. “We’re both here for you.”
“Thank you, Mrs. Whitter.” He glanced at her, then frowned.
“Kyle, what’s wrong?” Nikki peered at him closely. She could sense the defeat in the slump of his shoulders, and the tone of his voice.
“I don’t like the way the police talked to me.” Kyle brushed his hair away from his eyes and frowned. “Nikki, it isn’t looking good. You’ve got to promise me that you’ll tell Mom and Dad I had nothing to do with this. Can you promise me that?”
“Of course, I can.” Nikki took his hand. “Kyle, don’t worry. You’re not going to get arrested for this.”
“I’m pretty close.” He narrowed his eyes. “They’re breathing down my neck. Honestly, I feel like someone is following me.”
“Kyle, I’m so sorry.” Nikki slid one arm around his shoulders and tugged him close. “I know this is hard on you. But you can’t give up. I know you didn’t do this, and the police will see that, too.”
“In a little town like this?” Kyle shook his head. “They just want to lock me up. I can see it in their eyes every time they look at me.”
“We’re not going to let that happen.” Sonia stood up from the couch and set her cocoa on the coffee table. “Kyle, you’re not alone here.”
“I appreciate that. I really do.” Kyle looked between the two of them. “But I can’t just not worry. I’m sorry. This is my life on the line.” He pulled away from Nikki and headed for the door. He paused in front of it, then looked back at Nikki. “Stay off Fir Mountain, got it?”
“Got it.” She frowned as he stepped through the door.
Chapter 11
Later that night, Nikki listened to the sound of Sonia’s snoring. It wasn’t intrusive, but a rather soothing snort that reminded her that someone else was there with her. At the moment, she appreciated that. As she toyed with her phone she wondered if it was too late to call Quinn. It wasn’t quite eleven, but would it bother him?
“Would it bother me?” Nikki whispered the question at the dark ceiling. It wouldn’t bother her one bit. She passed her finger over his name on her contact list and initiated the call. As she waited for the call to connect her mind spun. She’d never seen Kyle scared before. Not scared like this. Her younger brother was always the brave one, the daring one, the one that broke far too many bones. But she’d seen fear in his eyes, heard it in his voice, and for the first time in her entire life, he looked small to her.
“Hi Nikki.”
Quinn’s voice drew her out of her troubling thoughts.
“Quinn.” She smiled at the sound of his voice. It always surprised her just how much his voice affected her. “Sorry to call so late.”
“I’m glad to hear your voice, anytime of the day or night.” He paused a moment, then continued. “How’s Kyle?”
“It’s not going well, Quinn. The police here are really putting pressure on him. He’s scared. I’ve never seen him this scared.” Nikki kept her voice low, and Sonia continued to snore.
“Are you?”
“I hate to admit it, because I know everything will be fine, but yes I am a little. Ashley was keeping track of my brother’s activities. She was trying to get him fired. The police have to see that as a good motive for him to be angry with her. He has no alibi.” Nikki sighed. “I know how busy you are, Quinn, I appreciate you listening to me ramble.”
“I don’t think it’s rambling. Honestly, I wish I could be there to help you. I thought about coming, but the roads are all still closed leading into the area.”
“That’s nice of you.” Nikki’s heart softened at the idea of him coming to her rescue. Maybe it was a little outdated, but it still felt nice to know that he wanted to be there to help. “I’m sure we can handle it. I guess I’m just not sure what to do next.”
“If I were there, I would focus on figuring out who might have had a better opportunity and motive than Kyle to commit the crime. Review the evidence at the crime scene. Nine times out of ten, the clue to solve the murder is right there from the start. It takes working that clue to get to the culprit.” Quinn paused, called out some instructions to someone else, then continued. “I know you probably don’t have access to any of the evidence from the scene, but you were the one to discover the body. You were the first one to see it.”
“Yes, I was.” Nikki closed her eyes as she recalled the sight of Ashley’s body. “Thanks Quinn. This is all great advice.”
“Then I hope you will listen to one last piece of advice.” His tone hardened just enough to indicate how serious he was.
“Sure, what is it?”
“Get some sleep, Nikki. It’s nearly impossible to solve a crime when you’re tired. It may seem impossible to rest with so much on your mind, but you have to try.”
“I will.” Nikki smiled to herself as her muscles relaxed and her mind began to slow. Talking to Quinn had eased the tension in her body. “Good night, Quinn.”
“Good night, Nikki. Stay safe.”
Nikki hung up the phone and set it on the bedside table. Moments later, something cold and wet pressed against her cheek. She jolted awake to discover that it hadn’t been moments, it had been hours, and Coco had terrible morning breath.
“Morning Nikki.” Sonia stretched her hands above her head before standing up from the edge of her bed. “Did you sleep okay?”
“Very well.” Nikki smiled, though her brother’s predicament weighed heavily on her. “You know what? We need to find out why one of Betsy’s scarves was at the crime scene.”
“You’re right.” Sonia headed for the kitchen. “I’ll make us some coffee.”
“I’m going to run the dogs outside. Maybe we’ll even say good morning to Betsy.” Nikki gathered the dogs and pulled on her coat, then stepped outside. For once, there was no snow falling. The bright morning sun promised to begin to melt some of the snow that had piled up. As Nikki let the dogs roam as far as the leashes would allow, she edged closer to Betsy’s cabin. As she got closer the door swung open.
“Hello there,” Betsy called out and waved as she hurried over to Nikki. She was bundled up, complete with a thick, black scarf around her neck. “How are you this morning?”
“Doing okay, thanks.” Nikki smiled in return. “And you?”
“Pretty good, glad to see the sun.” Betsy took a deep breath, then released it in a sharp burst. “Still cold, though.”
“Very.” Nikki grinned. “Why aren’t you wearing your colorful scarf?”
“You were right, it just wasn’t warm enough.” Betsy shook her head.
“Hey listen, I was wondering, did the police ever ask you about the scarf that was with Ashley’s body?�
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“Ouch, not a good morning conversation.” Betsy shivered as she played with the scarf around her neck. “I told them, I gave it to her. She was always admiring it, and I wanted to give her something. So, I offered her one of my handmade scarves. She seemed really touched that I did.”
“That was very thoughtful of you.” Nikki tightened her grasp on the dogs’ leashes. Her eyes remained focused on the black scarf. Had she really replaced it just so she could be warmer, or was it her scarf that Princess found in the snow?
“Maybe. It does give me some comfort to think that I gave her a gift not long before she passed.” Betsy shivered and then smiled. “It was good to see you this morning, I’m going to enjoy the warmth inside a little bit longer.”
“You do that.” Nikki grinned. “Maybe we could have coffee again sometime?” She took a step towards her.
“Sure, that would be nice.” Betsy waved to her, then headed back to her cabin.
Nikki guided the dogs back towards the cabin. If Betsy was telling her the truth, then she had even less motive to kill Ashley. It didn’t cross her off the list, but it certainly put her lower on it. When she stepped back into the cabin, she found Sonia waiting for her with a cup of coffee.
“How did it go? I saw you out there with her.”
“She was sweet as sugar, as usual. She said she gave Ashley the scarf as a gift.” Nikki shook her head. “I’m not sure if I believe her, but I am less inclined to think that she killed Ashley.”
“Interesting.” Sonia glanced at Nikki.
“I’ve been going over the evidence from the crime scene in my head. We can’t figure out what the black plastic is right now, and the scarf has an explanation, but what about the boot print? If the boot print in the snow is one of their main pieces of evidence, then let’s try to find someone with the same size boot.”
“It will at least split their attention between Kyle and this other person.”
“I doubt that Betsy or Gloria have the same size boot.” Nikki frowned. “But Max might. I think we should start there.”
“Then forget this coffee, let’s go to the café and have some. I’m sure he’ll be there. I’ve already set out breakfast for the pups.” Sonia grabbed her coat and gloves.
“Good plan, not sure how we’re going to get a good look at his boots, but it’s worth a try.” Nikki gave both dogs a good pet, then straightened up.
“I know how we can. I’ve seen that they both leave their boots by the front door and change into dress shoes. I guess they are concerned about presenting a certain image.” Sonia tugged her boots on.
“I never noticed that.” Nikki gazed at her with admiration. “Good observation.”
“Thank you.” Sonia smiled.
* * *
When Nikki and Sonia reached the lobby the smell of coffee and pastries filled the air. Nikki did her best to ignore the hunger that twisted her stomach into knots. But the pastries smelled so delicious she could barely resist.
“I’m starving.” Sonia grabbed her hand and tugged her towards the café. “Let’s eat. We need to look casual, right?”
“Yes, I guess we do.” Nikki spotted Max as he rounded the corner from the hallway into the lobby. While Sonia ordered their coffee and pastries, Nikki watched Max as he walked over to the collection of snow boots by the front door. When he picked up a pair to put them on, she walked over to him.
“Going out to walk the dogs?” Nikki slid her phone out of her pocket.
“Yes.” Max passed his gaze over her. “Why?”
“Oh, I was just wondering. Is this the time that you usually take them out? I thought maybe we could walk them together sometime.” Nikki held her phone by her side, and ran her thumb across the screen. She could only hope that she had managed to open her camera.
“I suppose we could do that.” Max shrugged. “Yes, this is the time.” He picked up his boot, and slid it on to his foot. She pressed the button on the side of her phone to take a series of pictures as the sole of his boot tilted into the air. She did the same as he put on the other boot.
“I’ll keep that in mind for tomorrow.” Nikki smiled at him, then headed back over to the table that Sonia had chosen.
“Did you get it?” Sonia hissed as Nikki sat down across from her.
“I’m not sure, yet.” Nikki skimmed through the pictures on her phone, then smiled. “Yes, he has the same size boot!” She snapped her fingers. “It certainly could have been him. He had a problem with Ashley, maybe he saw this as the best way to take care of it. I’m going to let the officers know.” She began to send a text on her phone.
“Wait.” Sonia placed her hand on Nikki’s arm. “Don’t just yet.” She looked into the young woman’s eyes. “Let’s keep this information to ourselves for just a little while.”
“What? Why?” Nikki frowned. “The sooner they get this information, the sooner they can turn their attention away from Kyle.”
“You’re assuming that they are good at their job. But they benefit from the resort being here. If one of the owners is found to be the killer, do you really think they are going to be eager to make that arrest? It could cost them, and this entire area, a whole lot of money.” Sonia frowned. “Call me cynical, but I’m not sure we should trust those two. I think we need to find some more solid evidence that proves beyond a doubt that Max is the killer, before we go to the police.”
“You’re right.” Nikki tucked her phone back into her pocket. “There has to be something more that can point them in his direction.”
“Maybe it’s time we got a little buddy buddy with Gloria. She seems the type to get loose lips when she drinks.” Sonia took a sip of her coffee. “But it will have to be you, not me. After the kitten incident, she’s given me nothing but suspicious looks.”
“Me?” Nikki bit into her bottom lip, then shook her head. “I’m not sure that I could get her to talk.”
“I’m sure that you can.” Sonia sat forward and looked into her eyes. “Nikki, you’re a brilliant, young woman. You know that, don’t you?”
“Thanks Sonia, but I’m not sure that she’d believe me. We’ve had some tense moments, too.” Nikki frowned and glanced in the direction of the front desk. Gloria shot their table a brief look of animosity. Nikki looked back at Sonia. “I’m not sure that it’s going to work.”
“All you can do is try, dear.” Sonia picked up her danish. “Either way, you might find out something new about Gloria.”
“Good point.” Nikki took a deep breath, then looked back in Gloria’s direction.
Nikki spent the rest of the morning and most of the afternoon looking into Gloria. What she discovered surprised her.
“Sonia, Gloria has owned a cat sanctuary in the past. She really does have a passion for felines.” Nikki narrowed her eyes as she read over a recent article about her. “It sounds like there was a bit of a scandal over the sanctuary. Maybe that’s what really led to the purchase of the resort. A change of pace I suppose.”
“What kind of scandal?” Sonia peered over her shoulder.
“A group of people protested against the sanctuary, claiming that Gloria didn’t take good enough care of the cats. She lost it on them and was charged with assault, but the charges were dropped.” Nikki glanced over at Sonia. “I couldn’t imagine her not taking care of the cats properly. She seems to adore them when she speaks about them. But I guess there is possibly a history of violence, or at least a temper, don’t you think?”
“Yes, I do think. And I’m sure that Ashley was pushing all of her buttons. She seemed like the type of woman to try to stir up trouble wherever she could.” Sonia clucked her tongue. “I bet the two got into something very heated, and Max had to finish off the job.”
“I guess I’ll try to find out.” Nikki glanced at her watch. “Gloria should be home by now. I’m going to head over to their cabin. Luckily, you brought with some wine to give to your niece. Are you sure it’s ok if I take a bottle?”
“Of course, te
xt me if you need anything at all.” Sonia walked her to the door. “I’ll be on call.”
“Don’t worry, now that I know a little more about Gloria, I’m sure that I can do this.” Nikki blew Coco and Princess a kiss, then zipped up her coat. As she walked across the courtyard in the direction of the Merners’ cabin, she shivered. The temperature had dropped quite a bit. Luckily, there was no more snow. Hopefully, the road crews would make some progress at clearing the roads. She guessed that things could easily go sideways after her conversation with Gloria. When she knocked on the door, a quick rush of fear almost drove her back from it. This is for Kyle, she reminded herself, and knocked again.
The door swung open, and Gloria gazed at her, her eyes narrowed and her forehead wrinkled.
“Hi Gloria.” Nikki smiled as she held up the bottle of wine in her hand. “I brought something for you. Well, for us.”
“What’s this about?” Gloria’s lips pinched together in annoyance.
“I just wanted to apologize. I know things got a little out of hand between us. Everything is tense, because of Kyle’s involvement in the investigation. But we’re all stuck here together in this snow, and I hate for tension to be in the air.” Nikki offered her the bottle of wine. “I thought maybe we could have a drink together and just start over. Maybe I could meet your cats?”
“Oh yes.” Gloria smiled at the mention of her cats. “They do love having visitors.” She glanced past her. “No tag-a-longs? I make Max keep his dogs in another cabin, because they scare my kitties.” She narrowed her eyes. “Brute things they are.”
“No, the dogs are at home.” Nikki clenched her teeth against the words that she wanted to speak. The dogs lived in another cabin? Did Max live with them?
“In that case, come right in. I’ll get us some glasses.” Gloria held the door open for Nikki.
Nikki stepped inside to discover a luxurious interior. It was far nicer than any of the cabins she’d seen so far, and at least twice the size of them. The furniture all looked far too expensive to sit on, and the décor appeared to be handpicked by a magazine editor. Even the fireplace looked too perfect to ever use. She lingered just inside the door and wondered if she’d made a mistake. How could she fit in, in a place like this? How could she find anything in common with a woman like Gloria?