“We only have one choice. Make sure she doesn’t get her hands on this land.” Daisy moved back to the windows she scrubbed.
“Amen to that.” Sydney dropped her rag in the bucket and stood, unsure of what she should say to Jace.
Sure, there was a chance he was messing with their heads, but the frustration and disappointment she saw in his eyes made her believe him. Maybe she’d be a fool at the end. Until he gave her a reason to stop believing in him, she trusted him. There was something about him that spoke to her soul, and she hated it.
Besides, Jace had already accomplished more in just a few hours than she and Daisy managed all week. The outside of the office had its first coat of paint and he’d helped Tucker’s crew remove a nasty nest of snakes from under the front porch.
Not good for the inspectors, those snakes. She and Daisy had stayed inside. Not that she feared the slithering beasts, she just didn’t want to touch them or have them go up her pant leg in a desperate attempt to get away from the chaos of moving to new quarters.
She and Daisy had continued scrubbing, each keeping watch at the crack under the door for strays. At least the snakes weren’t poisonous. This time.
Two hours later, the office was ready to go. The outside paint was still wet, but the inside sparkled with their efforts. They’d arranged the desks in a way to facilitate easy check-ins and discussed the gift shop they’d open once they acquired the capital.
Sweaty, smelly, and completely worn out, Sydney wondered how she’d stay awake for Marshal’s ghost hunting tonight. Her stomach growled and she groaned in response. One bad thing about not having all the conveniences of home yet. Decent meals took foresight and planning even with their microwave and ancient hot plate. Skills Sydney definitely did not possess. And she definitely wasn’t in the mood for canned spaghetti tonight.
Apparently, Daisy didn’t either. “I’m starved.”
“Let’s get cleaned up and go to Kay’s. It’ll be quicker. I could use a break from this place anyway.” Sydney stretched.
What she wouldn’t give for the Jacuzzi tub she’d given up with her condo. They’d install one in Gramps’ cabin for sure.
Kay’s face lit up when they came in the door. They’d missed the dinner crowd and only a few patrons were scattered around the restaurant. How they’d managed to get out without the horde of men at the campground was a mystery. Not that they would have minded, but the guys seemed preoccupied.
“Do you two mind if I take my break with you?” Kay asked when she took their orders.
Sydney agreed and Daisy assured Kay they welcomed the company.
Daisy winked as Kay left to put their food order in. “Maybe we can pick her brain.”
Kay returned faster than expected. She carried three plates and a huge smile. “Premonition. I had it right, for the most part.” She sat their plates down and squeezed in beside Daisy.
“Did you really have a premonition?” Daisy asked with narrowed eyes.
“Well. No. Marshal called and asked if we delivered. We don’t, but I made an exception when he told me what happened out there. You guys had quite a day. I asked him what you two wanted and he said you were on your way. I guessed at what you’d want, and I did pretty good, too. I think?”
“Yes. Sneaky. So you took our boys food?” Sydney didn’t want to think about what the guys were up to. She hated the thought that one of them could be behind the nonsense today.
“My grandson. The one I told you about that needs a job. Though I’m not sure I want him working out there until you figure out who is trying so hard to scare you.” Kay seemed embarrassed.
Sydney reached over and covered the woman’s hand with her own. “I don’t blame you. Once we get this situation resolved we’d be happy to have him as our first real staff member.”
“Don’t you dare hire him because he’s my grandson. I want him to get the job on his own. He’ll go through the process like any other applicant. He’s a good worker, but I believe he feels weighed down by this town. Everyone knows everyone, so it’s hard to get a job on your own merits and not because of who your parents and grandparents are. If that makes sense.” Kay picked up her burger.
“Perfect sense. You going to be mad at us if he’s not suited for the job?” Sydney teased, already knowing Kay’s answer.
Kay swatted her arm and laughed. “Absolutely.”
They ate in silence. Sydney didn’t realize just how starved she was until she finished her burger and scanned the dessert menu.
“What did you two want to ask me? I can see the questions on your faces.” Kay pushed her plate away.
Daisy stopped and nodded for Sydney to take charge of the conversation.
“You knew Gramps for a long time. Why do you suppose he really married Violet?” Sydney’s stomach responded with a tightening and she wondered if she should have grilled Kay on an empty stomach. What if Kay revealed something that made her want to vomit?
“There was history between them. Violet’s family moved here when Del and I were in seventh grade. She was beautiful. Long, blond hair and just gorgeous. She seemed a little standoffish at first but Del had a crush on her. I think she knew, too. Eventually, she joined our little circle and the three of us became the best of friends.”
“That’s not what I expected.” Daisy leaned forward.
“I’m not done yet. In tenth grade, Violet broke Del’s heart. They’d gone to the Homecoming dance together. Del was thrilled. He was so in love with her. I don’t really know what happened. I never asked, figured Del would tell me in his own time. About a month later, Violet stopped coming to school. I went over to her house to check on her after the third day. Her parents wouldn’t say where she’d gone, only that she’d transferred to a new school.”
“Creepy. And Gramps never told you what happened?” This didn’t make sense.
“Nope. He was devastated and wouldn’t talk about Violet at all. He met your Grandma our senior year. She’d moved here from Tucson. The Del I knew came back then. They were deliriously happy, those two. Your gram was the best thing that ever happened to him. Beautiful, but down to earth. When she died, I worried Del would go with her. I think he stayed strong for you two. He always said you had her spirit and nature.” Kay patted both of their hands.
Sydney tried hard to remember their Gram. She’d died when Sydney was five after a nasty flu virus that drained her physically and mentally. Sydney’s memories were good. She just didn’t have many.
“Del was alone for a long time. And then Violet came back. She breezed in here, acted as if no time had passed and that she hadn’t hurt us by the way she disappeared. Her first question was about Del. Her husband had passed on the previous year and she said she had to make it up to Del for the way she’d hurt him. And apparently she did.”
“Why would he marry her? She was so mean.” Daisy flicked her straw.
“Not to him. Or me. Not to anyone until several months after the wedding. Then her moods became erratic and drastic. Del never knew what she’d be like at any time of the day. I can’t help but wonder if she’s mentally ill. She could be sugar sweet one minute and all claws the next.”
“We’ve only seen the claws, except before they married. I think she knew how we felt. She was so fussy about everything, totally different from Gramps.” Daisy tied the straw wrapper into knots. “Do you think Gramps was happy with her?”
“I kept my distance for the most part so I can’t say for sure. Del was happy at first. I know that. We were happy for him. It seemed like one of those true romances you usually only hear about. The weirder she acted, the wearier Del appeared. You might find some answers in his journals, if you’ve found them.” Kay checked her watch, and then gathered their plates. “Violet didn’t used to be such a terrible person. She was my friend and I’ll always have a soft spo
t for her, just like Del did.”
“We weren’t trying to be disrespectful.” Sydney hoped Kay hadn’t thought that.
“You’re frustrated and haven’t had many good experiences with her. I understand that. And I’m not saying you should change anything. Something happened to her though and it makes me sad.” Kay sighed. “Remember we’re here for anything you need. If you get sick of staying out there by yourselves, give me a call. We have a nice guest house you’re welcome to use. And remember to be careful. Del would haunt me forever if I let anything happen to the two of you.”
Kay’s last words hung in the air as she went into the kitchen. Sydney couldn’t get them out of her head.
“Do you think we could contact Gramps’ spirit and ask him about all of this?” Judging by Daisy’s face, Sydney was about to be committed to a mental facility.
“Cut it out. That’s creepy. It’s one thing if spirits are lost but another altogether to purposefully call them from the other side. You don’t know what could happen. Instead of Gramps we could summon the devil himself.” Daisy shook her head.
“We’re already dealing with the devil,” Sydney pointed out a little defensively.
“True. Let’s not make more trouble for ourselves. The ghosts in the campground aren’t the issue. The real problem is flesh and blood people trying to stop us. We still need to know why.” Daisy stood. “Where is our bill?”
“I’ll get it.” Sydney stood and went to the bar where Kay wiped the counter.
Kay greeted her with a smile.
“What’s our damage?” She opened her wallet.
“No charge. On the house for keeping an old lady company during her break.” Kay had that expression, the one that said she’d take offense if Sydney argued with her. Gramps used to get the same expression when he was too generous with her and Daisy.
“Thank you.” Sydney gave Kay a hug across the bar and met up with Daisy in the parking lot.
She still hoped they’d pass inspection tomorrow, but wouldn’t bet on it. Having the contracts for the bathhouses and electric work wasn’t enough. The office nearly ready probably wasn’t either. And considering the storm mess, they were doomed to fail.
Trying to stay positive was becoming increasingly difficult.
Graham met them at the gate. He had the expression of someone who had bad news and didn’t like that he was chosen to be the bearer.
“What?” Daisy asked, annoyed.
“You left your cell phone here,” he said. “You had a telephone call. Well, a lot of calls. I finally answered after the hundredth time.” Graham took a step back, holding up the cell phone Daisy left in the office by accident.
“And?” Daisy reached through the window and took her phone, obviously ignoring how Graham’s hand lingered.
“Your mother. She’ll be here by morning.”
Daisy’s expression change from irritation to fury.
“Fuck. Argh. Thank you.” Daisy nodded and put her window up, leaving Graham wounded and confused, if his expression was any indication.
Sydney put the window back down. “Thanks, Graham. Don’t mind her, she’s in shock. Did you hang out here to tell us that when we got back?”
Graham shook his head. “We’re working on the office. Come and see.”
Sydney put the car in gear and drove toward the office. The lights were out and she had no idea what Graham was talking about.
As she turned off the headlights, the lights around the building blazed on. The paint gleamed, still probably wet, but perfect. Flowers poked out of the gardens and the fountain sputtered before coming to life. Sydney got out of the car and stared in amazement.
Landscape lighting lined the sidewalk, the repaired board sidewalk. The front porch of the office now held two brand new benches and several pots spilling over with beautiful flowers.
The sign was what caught her eye though. Placed right beside the door:
Brookside Campground and Resort.
Sydney and Daisy Brooks, proprietresses.
In loving memory of Del Brooks.
Tears filled Sydney’s eyes. Daisy nudged her arm as the door opened and light filled the interior. Following the welcoming glow, she stopped inside the door, moving only to allow Daisy to stand beside her.
Their day’s work still intact, the new changes were stunning. Comfortable furniture filled the space they’d designated as the reception and waiting area. Mature potted plants hugged the corners, giving the room a homey feel. The desks now housed everything needed for office work. Framed prints of the campground in earlier years covered the walls and soft music played in the background.
“How? What? Who?” Daisy sputtered behind her.
“We all pitched in.” Marshal motioned to the office area. Every man in the campground, including Tucker’s crew and Jace, now stood on the porch.
“You guys have had such a rough time of it. We all can’t help but feel we’ve held you back. You’ve opened your property to us. We wanted to give something back. You don’t deserve what’s happening around here. We’re not leaving until whoever is messing with you is caught.”
“You guys are incredible. This is wonderful. Thank you so much.” Daisy started down the line, hugging each in turn.
Words escaped Sydney. No one had ever done anything like this for her before. Her hands shook and she didn’t know what to say. She finally found her voice as she wiped at her tears. “Ditto.”
Following Daisy, she hugged each man. She couldn’t help but wonder whose idea this makeover had been and didn’t miss the barely concealed animosity between Tucker and Graham.
“The phone lines are in, but it’ll be Monday before they’re hooked up. The satellite Internet is back in business, too. And the electric work for the office and house is finished.” Jace pointed to the lines.
“How did you do that?” Sydney blurted out. “The electrician said Monday.”
“Turns out he and I went to school together. When I explained the deal you guys were forced to make, he came out on his own time to take care of this part.” Jace grinned.
Sydney couldn’t help it, she hugged him tight, not caring what kind of spectacle she made of herself.
Marshal cleared his throat from behind her. “The house . . . the air conditioners work, the dead animals are gone, and we removed all the damaged furniture. It doesn’t stink anymore, but I’m afraid you’ll probably have to do more repair work than you thought, but you should be able to move in soon.”
Sydney hugged him, wondering what Jace would say next. She seemed to be caught between these two trying to outdo each other.
“All the plants you wanted are on order and will be placed early next week. My guys want to do the house painting. All you need to do is pick a color.” Tucker smiled, and Sydney watched as Daisy hugged him. “We moved a few jobs back so we can make sure this place is perfect when you open. No problem.” Tucker’s grin at Daisy’s second hug made Graham turn green. Wow.
“The stones for the parking area will be delivered in the morning, hopefully before the inspectors arrive. I talked the guy into throwing in a spreading crew. He was more than willing after hearing your story.” Graham glared at Tucker.
The stones had been a huge deal. They hadn’t been able to talk the quarry into delivering them for at least another month. Daisy squealed and hugged him, the same tug of war going on for her sister.
“He’s also dropping your order for the campsites off. We’ll have to spread those though.” That earned Graham an extra squeeze.
“You’ll be able to work from the house with the wireless Internet we set up.”
“We’ll replace the faucets in the kitchen.”
And on it went. Sydney was stuck in the middle of a childish game of “My dad is bigger than your dad.”
Interrupting their banter, she thanked them again, the words coming from her heart even though their current behavior irritated her to nearly a screaming level.
“Sydney. We found this in the closet.” Marshal pointed to a battered box on the coffee table.
“What closet?” She went to Marshal, an ominous prickle at the back of her neck.
“There was a false front in the bathroom storage. We didn’t open it.” Marshal sounded a little freaked.
When Sydney read the top of the box, she understood. The frayed and dried edges of the layers of duct tape even deterred her. The message printed on top was kind of frightening.
This box intended for Sydney Brooks. Anyone who tries to reveal the contents will face my wrath, either in life or death.
Yep. Creepy.
Still, Sydney brushed the remaining dust away, melancholy washing over her. Gramps had hidden this box for her.
She hopefully now possessed his journals.
Maybe she also possessed some answers.
CHAPTER 13
Daisy woke early, before the sun and Tucker’s arrival. Why was he her first thought every morning? She stretched and tried not to think about Tucker, which wasn’t hard when she remembered her mother would also show up this morning. She still had no idea what she’d say to her or how she would react.
Her mother was only interested in the money she thought Daisy inherited. If it wasn’t for Violet, none of this would be about to take place. A burning sensation spread from her stomach to her chest. She needed to hang on to that anger.
Something crashed near the office. Fear had her out the door and down the path before she realized the stone delivery Graham arranged had arrived. She turned to go back to the cabin, a creepy chill covering her neck and legs. The temperature was chilly this morning, but this breeze felt like winter.
Prelude of Lies Page 14