The trees thinned, revealing an expansive, lush green lawn. Directly ahead, the two-story lodge spread out before them. Dormer, arched, and porthole windows, decorated its white-clapboard sides. Colorful flowers filled the pots that hung from the eaves of the many porches and balconies. The hedge of flowering shrubs which lined the outside of the building, was accented by spiral trimmed evergreens.
On the left, Alpine Lake sparkled in the rays of the sun. Trees, flowers, benches, and planters of molded concrete, dotted the paved grounds that surrounded it.
A group of guests entered the lodge through the large double doors, luggage in tow. Several more strolled down the garden paths, and others sat visiting on its benches. Guests occupied several of the balconies and porches, admiring the view of the lake, grounds, and mountains. An SUV pulled away from the entrance, and followed the paved road behind the lodge to the parking lot. Alec parked in its place, then went around to open Claire’s door for her.
“There’s Daphne!” Claire said, a smile lighting her face. She waved with one hand, and Alec held the other, as she stepped out of the car. He closed the passenger door, then turned to see a girl with a mass of ash blond curls, green eyes, and a smile as wide as Claire’s, hurrying towards them.
“Claire! It’s so good to see you,” the girl greeted her, as they hugged. “It feels like it’s been years since you moved away.”
“I know, it does, so much has happened,” Claire agreed, then reached for Alec’s hand again. “Daphne, this is Alec, my boyfriend. Alec, this is Daphne, my best friend.”
“It’s great to meet you,” Alec said, as Daphne gave him an appraising look that was more curious, than critical.
“You too. I’m so glad you could come,” she smiled. Her eyes widened as the car caught her eye. “Wow. This… is the car that was hibernating in your grandmother’s garage?”
“Isn’t it great?” Claire enthused.
“I’ll say,” Daphne replied in amazement.
“It’s thanks to Alec,” Claire said proudly. “He restored it. If you saw it before, you’d never believe it was the same car.”
“No way,” they heard a guy say behind them. Claire and Alec turned to look.
“Daniel, this is Alec, Claire’s boyfriend,” Daphne introduced them. “And this, is Daniel. My fiancé.”
The guys shook hands, then Daniel’s attention turned back to the car.
“You did all the work yourself?” he wondered.
“I wouldn’t go that far,” Alec said modestly. “I had several of my guys working on it, too, so it would be ready in time for our trip here.”
“Alec owns Collins’ Classic Auto Restoration,” Claire added. “His garage is amazing. He’s got lots of employees.”
Her praise made Alec smile. Daniel looked both impressed, and intrigued.
“That’s really great. Do you restore Thunderbirds?”
“You mean in general, or do you have a specific car in mind?” Alec asked.
“My grandfather has a ‘65. It’s kind of a cool looking car, and I’ve wondered if it’s worth having it restored.”
“Any idea what the mileage is?” Alec asked.
“I have no idea,” Daniel answered.
“Resale value for that year isn’t the best, so from a financial standpoint, it’s going to depend a lot on the starting condition…”
Claire smiled. Not because she had any idea what they were saying anymore, but because Alec and Daniel were talking, they were getting along, whatever Alec just said, it must’ve been funny, and Daniel got the joke.
“This is good, very good,” Daphne said quietly, linking arms with Claire. “It’ll be a lot easier to orchestrate living next door to each other someday, if they’re best friends, too.”
Claire laughed, but she also shushed her.
“You’re jumping the gun, don’t you think? We barely started dating,” she replied softly, glancing at Alec. He caught her gaze, and smiled.
The look in his eyes wasn’t lost on Daphne. She shook her head a little, and smiled at Claire.
“You’ve been dating since the moment he told you he liked you, and that he wouldn’t go out with anyone else. You just didn’t realize.”
Claire considered that, and shrugged a little.
“Well… whenever it was we started dating, I’m just glad to know we are.”
“Me too,” Daphne agreed. “Let’s grab your suitcase, and I’ll show you where you’re staying.”
“Hm. There’s a thought,” Claire said, her eyebrows knitting. “Alec? I don’t suppose my bags are still in your truck, are they?”
“No, they’re in your trunk,” he assured her.
“How thoughtful of you,” she replied in relief.
“And time-saving, considering I’d be on the road another four hours retrieving them, if they weren’t. As much as I love driving your car, I’d rather be here with you.”
“As much as you love my car, I’d rather you be with me too,” she replied. He smiled in response, then he and Daniel removed the luggage, and deposited it in their respective rooms.
While Daniel and Daphne attended to last-minute wedding matters, Alec and Claire explored the lodge and its grounds. Since she and Daphne shared many of the same acquaintances, Claire found plenty of opportunities to introduce Alec.
“I like your friends,” he said quietly, as they left yet another group, and walked along the stone paved path that wound through the garden, and along one side of the large lake.
“Good. I do too,” she smiled. “I miss them, but the truth is, I miss Herschel more.”
She looked completely serious, but Alec laughed.
“If he were here, he’d be thinking of course you do,” he reasoned.
“Probably. He might also be thinking I shouldn’t hurry back.”
“I’m afraid so. Mrs. Frederick is known for her hospitality. I’m sure he’s being thoroughly pampered right now,” he replied, and she smiled at the thought.
Ducks swam past rapidly. They quacked in excitement as they made a beeline for the shore, and the bits of bread tossed by the children who stood there.
Cool air was carried across the water by the soft breeze. It stirred the flower petals gently, releasing their fragrance. Claire breathed it in deeply, then her breath caught, as she and Alec screeched to a halt to avoid two hummingbirds who were more intent on battling for territory, than they were in avoiding collision. Their fierce, rapid-fire chirps faded swiftly, as they zoomed across the garden.
“In spite of the size advantage on our part, I have a feeling those beaks would leave a mark,” Alec commented.
“No kidding,” Claire exclaimed, keeping a wary eye on the little torpedoes, as she and Alec continued on their way. “I mean it though, and not just about Herschel. Juniper Creek feels like home, more than anywhere else I’ve ever been. So does my house, and the church. My sister’s there, I love my job…”
Alec thought about that, and held her hand a little tighter.
“I’m there too,” he pointed out, and she glanced at him.
“If you weren’t so humble, you’d already know you’re the best part,” she admitted. She also blushed a little.
“Thank you, Claire,” he said softly. “You have no idea how glad I am to hear that.”
She looked up at him, and then… one of the bridesmaids hurried over, rudely interrupted, and informed them it was time to carpool to the church for the rehearsal.
Claire felt extremely put out with the girl. If she and Alec had been left to their own devices a few seconds longer, he might have kissed her. If she wasn’t mistaken, in the brief moment before that overzealous bridesmaid interfered, he looked at her the same way he did her classic car.
She forgave the oblivious girl, with effort, and they followed her back to the lodge, and out to the parking lot.
Those who weren’t yet aware that Alec and Claire were driving a 1955 Packard Caribbean, were now. While the bride’s and groom’s fathers exami
ned the car in fascination and plied Alec with questions, their mothers succeeded in herding the rest of the group to their own vehicles, and on their way to the church. They managed to drag their husbands away too, and Alec and Claire were bestowed the honor of giving a ride to the bride and groom.
Organizing seven bridesmaids, seven groomsmen, three flower girls, and a ring bearer, was no easy feat, but the mothers impressed upon the wedding party the importance of practice, and that if the wedding on the morrow was to be perfect—and it better be—then they’d best set aside conversation and fun of any kind, and save it for later. The rehearsal proceeded in an orderly fashion after that.
Alec sat with Daniel’s father, who found it much more interesting to hear all about his garage and the cars he restored, than to observe the repeated march up and down the aisle by the various members of the wedding party. Alec managed to keep up his end of the conversation, and watch at the same time. Claire glanced in his direction frequently, smiling back each time their eyes met.
At last the mothers were satisfied. Either that, or they were as hungry as the wedding party, all of whom were eager to leave the church and return to the lodge, where the rehearsal dinner awaited. The rehearsal dinner, which was no casual affair. It was a race from the lodge parking lot back to their rooms, and into semi-formal attire.
Alec straightened his tie in the hall mirror, then knocked on the door to Claire’s room. She gave her hair one last fluff, then crossed the few steps to the door, her full, knee length skirt swirling as she walked. She briefly admired the silky rose fabric, which brought out the roses in her cheeks.
Opening the door, she joined Alec in the hall and promptly took his breath away. The look in his eyes made her blush.
“You’re looking at me the way you do my car,” she tried to joke. “Or maybe you’re thinking how well I match my sofa right now, although it’s velvety, and my dress isn’t… it is slippery though, if you hug me right now, I may slide right out of your arms…”
Especially if he kept looking at her that way.
“You are the most beautiful girl I’ve ever seen,” he declared softly, as he took her hands in his.
“Thanks,” she said, her blush deepening as she dropped her gaze. “You look nice, too.”
A crowd of guests rounded the corner, abruptly halting their moment.
Claire thought if that happened many more times, she might start smacking people.
Alec thought how blessed he was, that she was his.
Not that she was, entirely. But she would be.
“Ready?” was all he said.
“Ready,” she smiled back.
She took the arm he offered, and they walked with the others to dinner.
The lodge’s banquet hall was currently off-limits, as it underwent decorating of epic proportions, in preparation for the next day’s wedding dinner and reception. Such a large space was absolutely necessary in order to accommodate the lengthy guest list. As for the rehearsal dinner, the dining room was perfectly adequate and easily held the bride and groom, their immediate families, the bridal party, and their accompanying guests.
Claire looked around at the plush carpet, carved mahogany trim and dark wainscoting, mulberry and gold striped wallpaper, chandeliers, gold foil-covered pressed tin ceiling, the imposing hostess station and hostess, and the white shirts, dark pants, and bow-ties of the staff, and reminded herself that she was dressed for this.
Everyone found their places at the long table, and dinner commenced. As the diners began finishing the many courses, several couples took advantage of the softly playing music, dance floor, and the opportunity to make fools of themselves now, rather than saving practice for the reception. Claire and Alec had fun watching those with talent and experience, and even more so, those with neither.
“Do you want to join them?” Alec asked, and Claire considered it.
“No… I’ll be on my feet a lot tomorrow. I’m doing fine,” she hurried to assure him. “But I’ll let my ankle rest for tonight.”
“That’s probably smart,” he conceded. The guy beside him struck up a conversation, probably about cars, and Claire turned her attention back to the dancers.
From across the room, Daphne caught her eye. She looked disturbed, grim, and not happy about something. She hurried across the floor and straight for Claire, making her wonder. While she puzzled over the source of Daphne’s disturbance, several more guys pulled up chairs and joined the conversation beside her. She picked out a few words that made her suspect they were still talking about cars.
Daphne slid into the empty seat next to Claire’s, folded her hands on her lap, and gave her a long look.
“Hi.”
“Hi to you,” Claire said, frowning a little. “What’s going on?”
Daphne sighed and rubbed her forehead.
“I don’t tell Daniel a lot of what you and I talk about,” she began, and Claire had a sneaking suspicion she already knew what was coming. Daphne suspected she did too, but continued, in spite of it. “He knew nothing about Dean, and how he was. All he knew was that you guys used to be friends, and he and Dean are acquaintances… we go to the same church, after all. So… Dean finagled an invite out of Daniel.”
“I see,” Claire considered. “So he may be here tomorrow.”
“He probably will be,” Daphne said soberly. “I don’t know what’s going on with him, but I do know he and his fiancé haven’t exactly been getting along. Then he started calling you… If you ask me, he wants to ensure he still has you to fall back on.”
Claire rolled her eyes, then closed them tight, and counted to ten. Then twenty. Then—
“Are you praying?” Daphne asked, and Claire opened her eyes.
“No. Although I should. Later, after I’m not irritated. Otherwise, I may pray for an old-fashioned smiting,” she replied with irritation. Daphne bit back a laugh, then so did Claire. “But, it’s fine. What does it really matter? The worst thing he can do, is annoy me.”
“Okay. Good,” Daphne nodded. “Not that he can annoy you, but… that you’re not upset the way I was afraid you might be.”
Claire glanced at Alec. He was still deep in discussion, so she turned back to Daphne, and lowered her voice.
“I look back and can’t believe what poor taste I had. Seriously, why didn’t you have me committed?”
“It’s a lot harder than it seems,” Daphne answered frankly.
“Well… I’m so thankful he got engaged. And thankful my grandmother left me her house, and for everyone—and everything—I gained after that, including perspective. I realize now, that there were so many things about Dean that bothered me. I knew it then, but I don’t know… I guess I was desperate, and willing to put up with anything, rather than be alone. The past two years weren’t my best, but they’re worth everything I learned. Even before I moved away.”
“You dodged a bullet, that’s for sure,” Daphne said.
“No… more like God deflected it,” Claire decided. “I’m not wearing a target anymore. So, the worst thing Dean can do is annoy me.”
“If he does that, let me know,” Alec said, catching that last part as he turned back to her. “He won’t annoy you for long.”
“I will,” Claire replied, her heart responding to the protective look in his eyes.
“Will that be by wrench, or truck?” Daphne asked, and a smile flashed across Alec’s face.
“You know what they say about necessity. Use what you have.”
“What’s this about a wrench, and a truck?” Daniel asked, as he joined them.
“Can we talk about this… you think?” Claire wondered.
“The whole thing, I suppose you mean?” Alec asked.
“Please do,” Daniel replied, his curiosity growing. So was that of everyone within earshot.
“Well… it’s not like we’re testifying, or anything,” Claire reasoned.
“Alec and Claire solved a huge corporate espionage case, and returned a valuable via
l of experimental serum to the lab it was stolen from,” Daphne said, and everyone’s chins dropped. “Claire was assaulted during their investigation. That’s where the truck and the wrench come in.”
What was left of the evening was spent regaling Claire’s old friends with tales of their adventure. Before the night was over, they had the attention of everyone in the room, including the musicians, servers, and imposing hostess. If a vote was taken, they’d easily walk away with the title of most interesting couple.
The hour was growing late by the time their audience was satisfied, and content to walk away. Walks in the garden however, or any hope of a minute to themselves, would have to wait for tomorrow. Alec escorted Claire to her door and hugged her goodnight. In spite of the sleek fabric of her dress, she did not slide right out of his arms.
“See you in the morning,” he said.
“Bright and early,” she replied. “Or… it’s already early.”
“Then I’ll see you when it’s bright,” he smiled.
Chapter 24
Morning dawned, and with it, a day filled with activities of all kinds. Wedding guests began to arrive in droves, and the lodge was soon filled to capacity. Claire and Alec had breakfast and lunch together, but her responsibilities as maid of honor occupied much of her time.
She paused briefly in her rush through the lobby, where Alec sat talking with a number of friends who were old to her, and new to him.
“I promise, after the ceremony, I’m all yours,” she told him apologetically.
“I’m holding you to that,” he smiled.
He was completely relaxed and appeared to be enjoying himself, so her mind was relieved. She smiled back, then returned to the task at hand.
As afternoon turned to evening, the bride and her maids gathered their gowns and joined the hair and makeup professionals at the church building. Guests readied themselves for the big event, and soon after, a steady stream of cars began wending their way to the chapel.
Alec found a parking space, and followed the sidewalk to the double doors. Inside, he signed the guestbook as requested, then turned toward the entrance to the sanctuary. The usher seated him on the bride’s side, and he watched patiently as the remaining seats filled steadily.
Lochlan Museum: The Case of the Collectible Killer Page 41