Descent (A Stone Mountain Mystery Book 1)

by Kristina Stanley

  Susan remained silent.

  “Until you can answer that, I think we should live apart.”

  * * *

  Amber and Donny drove to the base of the Kidz Zone, a bunny hill hidden on the backside of the resort. The street lamps from a small subdivision bracketing the run illuminated the area. Amber had persuaded him to try the sit-ski, and she hoped it was the right move. Donny said he wanted to try skiing before anyone else, especially Jeff, got excited, so she couldn’t tell anyone. She thought that meant he trusted her.

  He parked at the base of the hill and joined Amber at the back of the van.

  “You ready?” she asked. “I spent last night reading up on how to do this. I bet you’re great.”

  Donny transferred himself from the wheelchair to the sit-ski, and Amber handed him the outriggers.

  “Here, I think the Velcro adjusts to your wrist like this.” Amber fiddled with the straps until they felt tight. “Do they feel okay?”

  “How would I know?” Donny grabbed her arm and pulled her down. He pressed his cold lips onto hers. “Let’s try this thing.”

  “Slow down, cowboy. You need to learn how to fall first.”

  “That’s dumb.”

  “No, it isn’t. I read that’s what you do first. Then you get to ski.”

  “So you’re an expert?”

  Amber laughed. Donny made her feel good about herself, and she was glad she’d talked him into coming out here. “No, but at least I did some research.”

  “Okay, we’ll do this your way.”

  Donny used his outriggers to push himself to the hill.

  “Remember not to fight it when you fall. You could jar your shoulder.” Amber pushed him up the slope to a spot with a steep enough descent to pick up a bit of speed and fall over, which he did within seconds.

  Donny oriented himself so the sit-ski was facing downhill. He followed Amber’s instructions and propped himself up with his fist and an outrigger. Halfway up and straining to stay balanced, he whipped the second outrigger into position and pushed himself the rest of the way.

  “Good thing I go to the gym. This is hard.”

  They practiced several more times until Donny couldn’t wait any longer.

  “Come on, Amber. I want to try this thing. I’ve fallen enough.”

  Amber pulled a sheet of paper from her pocket and used her flashlight to read the instructions.

  Donny nudged her hip. “What are you doing?”

  “I’m reading through the steps. I don’t want to get this wrong. You need to start with small radius turns before you learn to carve.”

  “No problem.” Donny pushed forward, picked up a little speed and pressed against the side cut of the ski, causing him to carve and pick up more speed. He fell within a couple of meters.

  Amber ran after him.

  He was laughing so hard he couldn’t speak. He got himself up without help from her. “Let’s go again.”

  Amber pushed him back up the hill, getting her own workout, and let him go. This time he rotated his shoulders and brought the ski around without jamming the edge too hard, but he still picked up too much speed and fell.

  On the third try, he shoved his bum out at the bottom of the turn. The motion wasn’t graceful, but he skidded around and completed one turn. Amber felt excitement radiate from Donny, giving her a thrill of pleasure. They practiced together for another hour, and he completed three linked turns.

  The moment brought them tighter, and the strength of her feelings for him frightened her. If only she hadn’t flooded staff housing. Donny would dump her for sure if he found out.

  CHAPTER THIRTY-FOUR

  Kalin listened to Nora chatter during the entire drive to Holden. Now that Nora had decided she was keeping her baby and she didn’t mind sharing with Ben, she couldn’t seem to stop talking about her pregnancy.

  Nora’s phone rang. “What’s up?” She paused, then said, “I’m on my way to a movie with Ben and Kalin. Wanna come?” She tapped Ben on the shoulder, cupped her hand over her phone and whispered, “Turn around.”

  “We’ll be there soon,” Nora said and punched the end button. “Donny wants us to pick him up.”

  Ten minutes later, Ben turned his Ford into Donny’s driveway, sweeping the headlamps across the front door.

  Nora pointed toward the house. “Look, Lisa’s here.”

  Lisa stood on the front stoop with her finger pressing the doorbell.

  The garage door hummed open, and Donny appeared.

  Nora bounced out of the truck. “Hey, Lisa. We’re going to a movie. Wanna join us?”

  Lisa shook her head. “Thanks, but I’m picking up your mother. We’re having dinner tonight.”

  Donny flashed Nora a look but didn’t say anything.

  “It’ll be fine,” Lisa said. “Go on and have fun.”

  When the four fastened their seat belts, Ben drove expertly over a mound of snow. The ploughs had come and gone, but snow had refilled the road.

  “Kinda weird Aunt Lisa’s having dinner with Mom,” Donny said.

  Nora shifted sideways to look at Donny. “I know. I can’t remember the last time that happened.”

  “Unfortunately, I can. Maybe this is a good thing,” Donny said. “Tell me again why we’re going to this movie.”

  Kalin craned her neck toward the backseat. The film was the black and white classic Casablanca starring Humphrey Bogart and Ingrid Bergman. “Because I love old movies, and it’s classic week at the theatre.”

  “So what’s up with you and Amber,” Nora asked. “Is she your new girlfriend?”

  “I just started seeing her. She’s amazing… She took me out on the sit-ski yesterday.”

  Everyone in the car went silent. Nora grabbed Donny’s hand and squeezed.

  “It was incredible. I made three turns in a row, but did I mention it was incredible?”

  “What made you change your mind about skiing?” Nora asked.

  “Amber. There’s just something about her.”

  Like she flooded staff housing? Kalin hoped not, or Donny was going to be one hurt dude. Then she remembered Amber had slept with McKenzie and wondered if Nora would tell Donny that awful little fact. Sometimes small town living drove her crazy. Too many close relationships, and eventually someone she knew was going to get hurt.

  Donny turned serious. “Have you heard how Edwin Bucher is doing?” he asked Ben.

  Donny and Ben locked eyes in the rear view mirror.

  “He’s back in Germany.”

  “Is he paralyzed?”

  “Yes.”

  Donny was silent for a moment. “Does anyone at the resort have his contact information?”

  “I have it in the office,” Kalin said.

  Donny shrugged. “I was thinking about calling him. I don’t know. It might help him if we talked. I know what he’s going through.”

  “You’re such a sweet guy,” Nora said.

  The movie theatre in Holden was a vision from the fifties. Velvet cushions on top of wooden chairs filled the auditorium. Every second row had a double seat, known as lovers’ seats.

  The chairs were removable, and Ben hoisted an end seat and placed it at the back of the theatre, leaving a spot for Donny’s wheelchair. Nora sat next to Donny, and Kalin and Ben took a lovers’ seat. Kalin’s fingers intertwined with Ben’s, and their thighs pressed together. She saw The Goddess staring at them from the other side of the aisle. Kalin grinned at her, more of a smirk really, but it telegraphed the “he’s mine” message. The lights dimmed, and the movie began.

  Engrossed in the film, Kalin flinched when it stopped midway for an intermission and the lights brightened.

  “Beer? Popcorn?” Ben asked. Donny and Kalin nodded. Nora asked for a ginger ale.

  “I’ll go with you,” Kalin said.

  The owners closed the canteen during the movie, but opened again during intermission. Popcorn was popped fresh and topped with real butter.

  She entered the foyer,
and Constable Miller waved her over. She excused herself from Ben.

  “What are you doing?” Miller asked.

  “Watching a movie. Same as you and Becky.” Kalin waved at Becky, who was standing in line with Ben.

  “I saw who you’re sitting with.”

  Kalin bit her bottom lip. “Nora’s my friend, and Donny’s her cousin. Sort of.”

  “What does sort of mean?”

  “Donny’s aunt adopted Nora when Nora’s mom died.”

  “I told you I thought you should stay away from them. Until we know who killed McKenzie, you need to be careful.”

  Kalin tilted her head to one side and smiled. “I’m here with Ben too. Nothing’s going to happen.”

  “Okay. Let me know if you find out anything relevant.”

  “I shouldn’t interfere or investigate, but if I happen to learn something…” Kalin laughed. “Did you talk to Amber?”

  Miller scanned the area around them. “I did. She refused to admit she started the flood. There’s not much I can do. She lived in the building, and her hair clip could have fallen at any time. It doesn’t prove she’s guilty.”

  “Do you believe her?”

  “It’s not relevant what I believe. Kalin, I’m serious about you being more careful. You don’t know everything there is to know about Nora.”

  “What does that mean?”

  Becky arrived at Miller’s side. “Is he giving you a hard time?”

  Why did Becky have to interrupt them at that moment? A few more seconds. That’s all she’d needed. “You know him. All business.”

  “Well, not tonight.” Becky grabbed Miller’s hand and pulled him to the auditorium.

  Kalin joined Ben in the beer line. “Here, give me that.” She took the popcorn, and Ben accepted three beers and a ginger ale from the bartender.

  “What did Miller want?”

  “He told me not to end up alone with either Donny or Nora. That I should stay with you.”

  “Excellent advice.” Ben nudged her with his hip, guiding her back to the movie.

  * * *

  Jeff had lost count of the number of times his dad had waited for him, pacing the garage floor, building anger with each step. And now he was doing the same thing, waiting for Donny. That he might be heading the same way as his dad frightened him to his core. His temper showed more often, and Donny didn’t understand his behavior. His training had been great. Nora was available again, and given time, she might come around. He still loved her. He had plans to go to university. So what was his problem?

  Jeff spoke as soon as Donny rolled into the garage. “What are you doing?”

  Donny pulled his phone from his pocket and hit the power button. “Coming home from a movie.”

  “I saw Kalin in the truck. Why would you go to a movie with her? I told you not to trust her.”

  “I didn’t go with her. I called Nora, and she asked me to come along. She was going with Ben and Kalin. What are you, my chaperone?”

  “What were you calling Nora about?”

  “What’s wrong with you? Nora and I have always hung out. It’s never bothered you.”

  Their mom walked with the quietness of a cat trying not to be noticed, so the footsteps stomping along the hallway inside could only belong to their dad. “Is Mom home?” Donny asked in a lowered voice.

  “She is.” They stayed quiet until they could no longer hear him.

  Donny grabbed a mop and wiped the tracks from his wheelchair. “Did Mom say how dinner with Aunt Lisa was?”

  “No, but she didn’t look happy when she got home. She took some aspirin and went to bed. Where’s Kalin now?”

  Donny swished the mop, making sure he didn’t miss a spot. “She went home. She said she had to work early, like before seven or something.”

  “Kalin’s investigating McKenzie’s murder. She’s got her own motives for going to a movie with you.”

  Donny leaned the mop against the wall. “I think you’ve got it wrong. I called Nora. Kalin couldn’t have planned that. How long have you been waiting in the garage for me?”

  “I wasn’t waiting. I saw Timlin’s truck pull in.”

  “Did Dad see it?”

  “I don’t think so. Why?”

  “I told him I was on a date.”

  Donny’s phone interrupted them. “Where are you?” He grinned a Jeff while he listened. “I had my phone off. I went to a movie.” He paused. “Do you want me to come over?” His grin turned into a look of concern. “Give me half an hour.” Donny tapped disconnect.

  “What’s going on?” Jeff asked.

  “Miller interviewed Amber about the flood in staff accom. She’s upset.” Donny turned toward his van. “I’m going to see her.”

  “Does Miller think she’s guilty?”

  “I guess someone found a hair clip that matches Amber’s in the same stairwell that had the flood.”

  “So?”

  “She was evicted that day.”

  “Let me guess. Kalin ratted her out.” Donny didn’t confirm Kalin gave Amber’s name to the cops, but Jeff knew it was true. “I told you Kalin’s after you. She’s picking on Amber to get at you.”

  “That’s crap. I gotta go. I won’t be home tonight.”

  * * *

  Amber waited in her living room for Donny to arrive. Tonight would be a turning point for them. Time to grow up. Maybe Donny would understand, at least she hoped he would. Starting their relationship based on a lie sucked. What if he was the one and he found out later she’d lied? She had to choose between letting him believe she wasn’t guilty and being honest with him. He said he’d be half an hour, which gave her time to decide.

  She put on three outfits before settling on a wool sweater and skinny jeans. She put her hair in a ponytail, changed her mind, pulled off the scrunchy and let her curls hang loose on her shoulders. She feathered blue eye shadow over her lids, removed it, and put on a more subtle shade of ecru. She brushed her teeth, adorned her lips with a pale pink lip-gloss that matched her nail polish and waited.

  When the doorbell rang, she almost didn’t answer. Why did I call him?

  Amber’s housemate had built a wooden ramp that angled up the one step to the porch, and Donny wheeled his way in. He reached up and pulled her in for a kiss. “You okay?”

  “I don’t know why I was such a drama queen.”

  Amber offered Donny a beer, and they moved to the living room. The room exuded a hotel atmosphere, decorated by the owners with generic furniture and artwork. Inoffensive but also uninspiring.

  “Tell me what happened.”

  “Fred and Kalin questioned me about the flood, and I guess they didn’t believe me when I said I didn’t do it. I didn’t think they’d call the cops on me.” Her moment was now. Either she lied to him or she told him the truth. She grabbed a cushion and hugged it to her chest. “I want to tell you something.”

  “Sure.”

  “It’s hard. I know we haven’t been dating long, but…”

  “But?”

  “I really like you.” Amber loved that he blushed at her comment.

  Donny smiled. “I like you too, a lot.”

  “I think we might have something together.”

  “Have I done something?”

  It figured his first thought would be that he’d done something wrong, not her. She didn’t deserve someone as good as him. “No. Nothing like that. I have, and I don’t know how to tell you.”

  “But you want to.”

  “I don’t want to start our relationship with a lie. I want you to know who I am, but I don’t want to lose you because of this.”

  “Tell me, and we can talk.”

  “I started the flood.”

  Donny remained silent for a moment, and then quietly asked, “Why?”

  She hadn’t expected the question, and a teeny bit of hope crept inside her. She thought he would tell her how horrible she was and then leave. Instead, he was going to give her a chance to explain. “I was
mad. It was stupid.”

  “What were you mad at?”

  “I’d been evicted and blamed the resort, but it was my fault. I was mad I didn’t get a job in the rental shop. I drank too much at the bar. I know that’s not an excuse, but I wasn’t thinking right. I snuck out, opened the water main and went back to the bar like nothing happened.” Amber’s eyes filled with tears, and she let them roll down her cheeks.

  “Tell me again why you’re confessing.”

  “I like you, and I want this to work.”

  “That’s the good part of the story.”

  “Don’t joke. I’m serious.”

  “I know you are.” Donny pulled her to his lap and kissed her.

  Amber tilted her head away and removed his hands from her cheeks. “Do you think I should tell Kalin? Maybe I could make it up to the resort somehow.”

  “No. You’ll put her in the position where she either has to report you or keep it to herself. That’s not fair.”

  “I need to do something.”

  “We’ll figure it out. What about volunteer work for the resort?”

  Amber would never again settle for a guy who wasn’t nice. Donny was going to help her make this right, and whatever they came up with, as long as it was together, she’d deal with it. “That might be okay. You’re not mad?”

  “A little bit of water is nothing.”

  CHAPTER THIRTY-FIVE

  Kalin left home for her office before sunrise, wanting to catch up on some of her regular work. Between the investigation into McKenzie’s death and the flood, she’d been ignoring her day-to-day job. Arriving before anyone else should give her a chance for some uninterrupted work time.

  Her snowshoes helped her cover ground quickly by preventing her from sinking into the new snow. The beam from her headlamp bumped and jiggled across the path in front of her. By the time dawn arrived, she’d be at work and hopefully fully awake. This getting up early stuff wasn’t her strength.

  She wished she could’ve brought Chica with her, but snowshoeing with the dog on a leash was difficult. Chica kept stepping on her shoes, tripping her, and she was too nervous to let Chica run off leash. They’d been lucky there’d been no proof Chica killed the deer. Next time, well, she didn’t want to think about next time.