Prelude of Lies

by Victoria Smith

  Everything had turned out well for them today, despite Ed’s injuries and the death she’d smelled in the hospital this morning. The last report from the hospital had been good. If everything went well, Ed would be out of critical care by morning. Despite all the good news, foreboding crept in as Daisy waited for the rest of the family by her parents’ minivan.

  Something bad was about to happen.

  CHAPTER 22

  Sydney couldn’t shake the irritation that had grown all afternoon. Daisy pretended all was well, probably for their parents’ sake. The act was getting on Sydney’s nerves.

  To go from nearly comatose to bubbly and carefree wasn’t setting well with Sydney. If her guess was correct, her sister was due for a major breakdown.

  Jace and Marshal stayed away most of the day. Jace had called to update them on Ed’s condition, but didn’t say when he would arrive back at the campground. Marshal said he had work to do and disappeared shortly after their parents arrived.

  She couldn’t help but feel relieved. The last thing she needed was her mother asking a million questions about the guys and hearing her lecture on the appropriateness of her and Daisy allowing so many men to live at the campground.

  If her mother only knew.

  Now she wondered if calling the folks had been a wise decision. Some of her freedom had been swept away with the arrival of the parents. Decisions were talked through four different ways instead of the two usually required. At least they’d made some much needed progress today. If nothing else happened, they’d be ready to take reservations next week, and open the following week. Two weeks early.

  Sydney couldn’t help but wonder what Violet would do when she saw the ads they’d placed. They’d covered every newspaper and advertising magazine and linked to camping searches all over the Internet. They’d even started a blog where they would post pictures and progress related to opening, and then campground events and activities once they opened. They even planned a billboard and radio spots.

  She only hoped guests would come. Marshal advised leaving the ghosts out of this round of advertising. They’d agreed that unless the spirits interacted with the paying customers that they’d continue as Gramps had. Sydney still wasn’t sure how she felt, but since nothing bad had happened she supposed it was the best course of action. Once they re-established Brookside, they’d consider a different approach. Even though her nerves were stretched thin and her irritation was at an all-time high, the prospect of opening had her excited.

  Graham had hung out for a few minutes this morning. Until her mother had made some sort of comment about inappropriate behavior and the Dawson’s twenty-two-year-old daughter having sex with every guy she met. She figured he was pretty smart for leaving. The next questions would be aimed at him and his opinions on the matter.

  Tucker waved as he passed on his way back to town with some of his crew. Sadly, their job was nearly done. Sydney was going to miss him. He’d become a brother figure. She could definitely see what Daisy found attractive about him. Admitting he was handsome was as far as that went though. She figured how she felt was what Daisy had meant when she talked about Marshal.

  She wasn’t sure how Daisy would react when everyone left. Marshal and his crew, including Graham, couldn’t hang out much longer. The two weeks they’d been in residence was far longer than they’d planned. They all had their own lives.

  Hell, she wasn’t sure how she was going to feel either. By Sunday, everyone would be gone. Hopefully, that figure included their parents. Days remained and she was no closer to deciding which man belonged in her life.

  Maybe things were better this way. Maybe she shouldn’t choose. That thought hurt and she tried to brush it off as Daisy bounced down the stairs toward her.

  “I’m so hungry.” Daisy checked her hair in the reflection of the car window.

  “You are such a liar. How can you act like nothing is wrong?” Sydney faced her, certain they shouldn’t have this conversation right now, but not intelligent enough to stop the accusing words.

  “Nothing is wrong. Everything is great.” Daisy turned on a bright smile.

  “Everything is not great. Ed’s not going to die, but that’s about it. I’m sorry I called Mom and Dad. I shouldn’t have. But get off whatever cloud you’re on and come back to earth with me,” Sydney said quietly.

  “You did the right thing. Look at how much we got done today. We’re in great shape. Nadine is behind bars and we’re going to beat Violet. How much better can it get?”

  “Oh, please. Spare me. Cut the ‘happy girl’ act. Tucker is leaving tomorrow. Graham by the weekend and you can pretend everything is fine?”

  Daisy spun, her words were hard and quiet. “Mom and Dad are leaving in the morning. So yes, until then I can pretend. Once they go, I’ll fall apart. You might want to do the same. Otherwise they’ll be our first reservation and it might be permanent.”

  Sydney leaned against the car and sighed. Daisy was right, but that didn’t mean she had to like it. “Fine. I’ll play your game, but don’t lay the act on so thick. Mom will see right through what you’re trying to do.”

  “10-4, Chief.” Daisy mock-saluted her, and Sydney smiled even though she felt like throwing up.

  Somehow, Sydney lived through dinner. And the car ride back to the campground. By the time they reached the parking lot, her dad sneezed constantly and his eyes were red and watery.

  He cursed as he turned off the car. “I’m sorry to do this. I can’t stay. Your mom and I are going to head home. My system can’t take anymore.”

  Sydney hid her sigh of relief. “Oh, Daddy. We don’t want you to leave, but I don’t want you to be sick either.”

  She hugged him from her seat behind him, her brain spinning with the evening’s conversation. Twice their mother had asked if they were sleeping with the guys she saw milling around the campground.

  The first time, she’d answered her truthfully. The second time she told her they’d had a huge orgy just the other night and how wonderful it’d been. Her mom’s eyes had gotten huge and Daisy gave her a thumbs-up. She’d never said anything so drastic to her mother before and it felt good. After that, they’d gone back to talking about Violet and the different ways she tried to get them off the property.

  Finally, their parents drove away. Sydney stood beside Daisy and waved. It had been good to see them. But now she could breathe again. They had helped, but she did worry for her dad’s health. His allergies couldn’t even be called allergies, more like a ticket to the funeral home if the amount of toxins in his system became too much. The shot the doctor had given him wore off far sooner than it should have.

  When the headlights finally faded, Sydney turned to Daisy. “So, do you think Mom believed me?”

  “That was freaking perfect. I taught you well.” Daisy one-arm hugged her. “An orgy. I couldn’t have done better.”

  They walked in silence for a minute, the darkness settling around them like a comfortable blanket.

  “You know you’ve always been so serious, just not about sex. I think Mom is shocked to her toes.”

  Daisy unlocked the cabin and as they stepped inside, they realized they had more guests.

  The white cat was curled up in the upholstered chair with tiny furry bodies surrounding her.

  “She had her babies. Look.” Daisy stood over the cat, awe on her face.

  “How many? Wait. Don’t tell me. Seven.” The kittens were cute. Too cute.

  Daisy counted, shaking her head. “Seven. We have our dwarfs.”

  “I can’t believe this. Ten cats. This is so wrong.” Sydney peered at the tiny furry bundles and smiled, despite the sinking in her stomach.

  “What did the shelter say?” Daisy patted Prince, Princess, and Snow White, scratching under their chins and complimenting them on the new kit
tens even though it was absurd.

  “No missing cats. The sheriff didn’t know of anyone who’s lost a cat. I even called the vet. No luck.” She sighed.

  “Too weird. I guess we should make this crew check-up appointments soon. We have ourselves a cat family. I definitely don’t want to add to these numbers.”

  “No doubt. It’s a sign.”

  Prince meowed and Sydney glared at him.

  “I don’t know. You could be right. None of the guys came around after Mom and Dad arrived. Marshal and Graham holed up in the cabin. Tucker did physical labor for the first time since last week and Jace stayed away all day. What does that tell us?” Daisy put her briefcase on the table.

  “That we’re doomed. I’m going to call and check on Ed. Kay told the nurses station to update us. Hopefully they’ll actually do it this time. They keep forgetting we’re next of kin.” Sydney punched in the number and waited. She explained who she was and why she called. The nurse sounded pleasant and put her on hold while she checked on Ed.

  The time dragged. Sydney was about to hang up and call back when the woman’s voice came back on the line. Sydney had the impression the news was going to be bad.

  “Sorry it took me so long to come back. His wife said to tell you there’s healing power in love. Ed is off the respirator and breathing on his own. There is no apparent permanent damage from the heart attack and besides a few bruises and a broken arm, he’s going to be fine. He’ll definitely be under the doctor’s care to monitor his health from now on. They’re moving them to a regular room in the morning. Kay’s ready to be released but she won’t go without her husband.”

  “Excellent. Tell Ed and Kay we send our love and we’ll be in to see them tomorrow,” Sydney said goodbye and hung up, wondering over Kay’s remark about the healing power in love.

  Was that meant specifically for her? Or had she just said it as a general statement?

  Jace came back. Sydney called into Daisy that Ed was fine and gave her the outline of what the nurse said. “Jace is here. I’m going to find out what he knows and why he stayed away all day.”

  “Keep your clothes on.” Daisy laughed, and Sydney closed the door with a bang.

  Jace smiled when she approached. “How’d your day go?”

  “With our parents here?” She laughed. “I’m glad I called them even if mom grilled us about why all you guys were staying here and if we’re having sex with you.”

  “She’s just worried about her little girls.” Jace kissed her forehead.

  “Where have you been all day? Too chicken to meet the folks?” She tried to keep her tone light.

  “Well, kind of. I didn’t know how they’d treat me seeing as how I’m Violet’s grandson.”

  “I hadn’t thought of that.” And she hadn’t. She’d been too busy being mad at him for staying away.

  “I talked to the sheriff. Nadine is probably not going to see freedom for a long time. I saw her. She looks even worse than the other day, if that’s possible. She’s coming down off whatever she’s been on. It’s not a pretty sight.”

  “Do you think she’ll remember what she tried to do?” Sydney hoped so. Maybe that would make Nadine see what a terrible person she’d become.

  “Hard to say. Her man friends are talking. The only thing she said when I was there, was that you two were sluts and she wished you would have been in the van they ran off the road.”

  “So she’s admitted having something to do with Ed and Kay’s accident?” She leaned into him, enjoying the comfort and not realizing how much she’d missed him.

  What did that mean?

  “That’s the only thing she’s admitted. There are enough charges against her to keep her behind bars even if she doesn’t remember the kidnapping. And there’s evidence to convict her even if she never remembers.”

  “I guess that’s good for Daisy’s sake. She doesn’t deserve what that woman’s done to her.”

  “I agree. So what did you guys get done today?”

  Sydney filled him in, trying not to think about the ease of their conversation. Trying not to think about how right it felt to share her day with him.

  They ended up at her cabin. “Come in. I want to show you something.”

  Jace followed her inside and to the cats. He peered at the furry little beasts, his smile melting her heart.

  “Aren’t they cute? I love kittens. Seven? What are they the seven dwarfs?”

  Daisy and Sydney burst out laughing. Sydney still swore there was some kind of message being sent to her. She just couldn’t figure out what the heck she was supposed to understand.

  A knock on the door sent Daisy to answer. Sydney heard her greet someone and the next thing she knew, the room filled with all the missing men.

  She had to slap Tucker’s hand away when he tried to pick the new kittens up, and stop Graham from doing the same thing. Marshal was the only one who seemed unaffected by the babies.

  He grunted and seemed distracted. Sydney didn’t know what to do. Should she ask him what was wrong or wait until they were alone? Was he upset with her or just tired from a long day of processing video and audio?

  “Did you guys find anything interesting today?” She tried to sound casual.

  “A few good clips and sounds. Not much different than what we’ve already found. We’ll show you once we get everything organized. Probably tomorrow. I’d like to tape one more night before we head back home Sunday or Monday.” Marshal talked to her, but didn’t really look at her.

  What did that mean?

  Sydney didn’t want to lose him by default. She didn’t want him to give up because he thought she’d already made her choice. She hadn’t. At least she didn’t think she had. Truth be told, she was more than half in love with both of them.

  She’d already been more than half in love with Marshal when Jace appeared and she finally stopped hating him. Her feelings for Marshal hadn’t changed. At least she didn’t think they had.

  With a sigh, she realized how different things were going to be around here in just a few days. This support system that had assembled itself would be gone and it’d be down to her and Daisy.

  And the cats.

  And the ghosts.

  At least Violet should leave them alone once they opened and her hopes of getting her hands on Brookside were canceled. Sydney wasn’t stupid enough to believe she’d ever completely give up, but at least she wouldn’t have a legal leg to stand on.

  She’d never have to deal with the woman again.

  Unless she and Jace had a future. Then the woman would be a part of her extended family. The thought made her sick to her stomach and was almost enough to change any thoughts she had of being with him.

  The next morning, Sydney woke with a heavy heart. Tucker and his crew were officially finished today. Sure, they’d see them often for maintenance. A contract Sydney had insisted upon even though Tucker said he’d take care of the property for free.

  The campground looked official. The grounds were spotless and well-groomed, the finishing touches far more than Sydney could have hoped for or dreamed up herself.

  Daisy was already gone by the time Sydney came out of the shower. She’d planned to visit Kay and Ed, drop off the advertising paperwork at the various locations, and pick up lunch for Tucker and his crew.

  Marshal waved as he opened the door to his cabin. A distracted hand movement that seemed more an obligation than desire. Sadness filled her. He’d avoided her at every turn and even though she knew what his lack of interest probably meant, she didn’t want to admit it.

  Jace’s car was gone. She tried to remember if he’d said anything about errands and couldn’t. She walked the property, pleased, excited and sad. Life was about to change and she didn’t know if she was ready. She and Daisy would move fro
m their cramped little cabin to the house where they’d have their own space in a few weeks. She would miss the little wooden house at the edge of the woods. As weird as that was.

  Jace pulled in, too fast, but since there were no children around she decided not to mention his speed was unacceptable. He stayed in the car and appeared to yell into his cell phone. She wasn’t sure if he’d seen her and decided not to wait.

  A bundle of wildflowers sat in the center of the desk she’d claimed in the office in an old soda bottle. There was no note. A tiny spider crawled over a white petal, disappearing into the center of the bundle and Sydney decided smelling the flowers was out of the question.

  She moved them beside her computer and turned on the machine, staring out the window until the system became operational. Jace continued to sit in his car, only he didn’t appear busy anymore. He had his head against the seat and his eyes closed, his posture reminding her of defeat.

  Sydney wanted to go and talk to him, but wasn’t sure how he’d react. Forcing her attention back to the computer, she clicked on the email icon, hoping for a reservation request or at least an email requesting more information.

  Nothing. She shouldn’t be disappointed. The web page had only been operational for a few hours. They’d have guests their grand opening weekend. They had to.

  She stared out the window again. Jace wasn’t in his car and she had a ping of disappointment that he hadn’t come to see her. Not that she really had time to chat. The pile of paperwork she needed to take care of seemed to have grown in a few hours. Grabbing a file from the top of the stack, she opened it and did her best to put both men out of her mind.

  Someone decidedly male cleared his throat.