“Yes, but no more. Lunch will be ready right away.”
The boys changed quickly, and then disappeared down the slope.
The casserole was still warm to the touch, and a few minutes on what was left of the embers brought it up to serving temperature.
Matty and Kyle had returned, wrapped in large beach towels, and plopped down on a hollow log near the fire pit.
“So what changed your mind about coming here?” Jake asked, when they had sat down to eat.
“I got bored,” she said. “Things were nice and peaceful at home but too quiet.”
Jake nodded as if he understood. “Well, I’m glad you came,” he said, and then added, “There’s a problem with the SUV. The drive belt has snapped.”
“Does that mean it won’t run without it?”
“Not for long. I was hoping somebody would come along.”
“It was rough getting in here with the car,” Annie said. “But here I am.”
“Yes, here you are, but it’s all right now. The game warden came by awhile ago. He said he’ll stop by and give me a lift into town on his way back.”
~~*~~
VARICK LUCAS was more careful this time. As he crept towards the big guy’s campsite he carefully avoided twigs and fallen branches, attempting to stay on the packed soil or mossy areas.
As he drew closer, he heard their murmured conversation and he trod more carefully. He had no desire to be seen. He stopped behind a bush, knelt down on one knee, and gazed through the branches toward the interlopers.
The woman he saw swimming a few minutes earlier sat with the guys now, eating and talking. He couldn’t make out what they said and he dared not venture any closer. It was vital to his plans he not be seen.
He’d admired her smooth, lithe body as she stood on the beach. Through the modest swimsuit she wore, he could imagine what was underneath. With her mid-length golden hair, and her perfect poise, she looked a vision. But good, and somehow wholesome—not like the women he’d known, and certainly not anyone he cared to harm.
He had watched her take to the water and swim gracefully awhile before returning to the beach. He saw her gather up her towel and climb the hill toward the campsite, and then disappear from his view. That was when he turned away and left before he did something stupid.
He realized she must be the big guy’s wife and those were their kids. They seemed like a family—a happy family—not like he’d known. He wondered why she’d come here now. Perhaps she had to work earlier, but what bothered him most was the invasion of more and more people into his territory.
He regretted cutting the vehicle’s drive belt, but then, he had a lot of regrets in his life. This was just one more. He wasn’t sure if he wanted to get rid of them or keep them here and kill them. The big guy anyway, not the kids or the woman. Or maybe he would just play with them awhile longer.
And then kill them.
Or not.
He pulled his head a little further back behind the thick bush as the woman stood and walked toward him. He held his breath, shifted his weight, and prepared to run. He relaxed and breathed freely again when she stopped, flipped open a cooler, removed a jug of soda, then returned and sat down again.
She certainly was beautiful—like the young girl he’d seen bathing in the stream, but a little older, more mature, more like how his mother had looked before she took sick and died.
Sometimes he wished he could have it all over again—a new life, new friends, a new everything. Lucas squeezed his eyes shut and wished away the haunting thoughts of his mother, the anger he felt for his father, and the way life had treated him. He didn’t want to erupt again—at least not right now.
Watching them eat, enjoying a home cooked meal, made him hungry. There wasn’t much of anything in the cabin, but he would go back, see what he could scrounge, and then after he ate—who knows. He’d had an interesting morning and the day was young.
He turned, crept away quietly, and headed toward his cabin, devising a plan of how best to handle the situation.
CHAPTER 31
Saturday, 1:55 PM
JAKE AND ANNIE followed as Matty and Kyle led the way through the trees. The boys had recovered from their morning jaunt and were eager to explore more of nature.
The fresh air was filled with the scent of pine, soil, and nearby streams. A lizard dashed up a tree, his feet scratching as he clamored up the rough bark, barely heard over the sounds of crackling footsteps on the rustling leaves.
Kyle kicked at the forest floor, leaving a flurry of leaves in his wake, while Matty chased a squirrel through the bushes and returned panting and empty-handed.
Jake was content to follow behind, enjoying the beauty of nature, the sounds of forest life, and the simple pleasure of being with his family.
Over to his right, a clump of bushes rustled as a rabbit dashed out and away, gone to safer territory. Jake stared, stopped short, leaned in and squinted. He took a step closer to the bush and crouched down.
His mouth dropped open in disbelief.
The face of a man could be partially seen, one eye visible, the rest of his body covered with soil and rotting leaves. It was unmistakably a man—and he appeared to be dead. Freshly dead.
Jake glanced up. The boys had continued on but Annie had stopped. She was turned around, watching him and waiting for him to catch up.
“Are you coming?” she asked.
Jake stood, took a step or two, and beckoned her over.
She came toward him and her eyes narrowed when she saw his face. “What is it?” she asked. “What’s wrong? You look like you’ve seen a ghost.”
“It’s a body,” he whispered, nodding his head toward the bush. “In there.”
“A body?”
“Of a man.”
Annie inhaled sharply and held her breath, staring at Jake through bulging eyes. She finally exhaled and managed to say, “A man?”
Jake nodded and looked toward the boys. They’d stopped several yards ahead, waiting for the stragglers to catch up, taking the time to roll around in some maple leaves that had blown into a natural pile.
Annie looked around as if expecting danger to be lurking close by and moved instinctively closer to Jake. She seemed unable to speak and stood open-mouthed, staring toward the bush.
“Take the boys and go back to camp,” Jake said. “I’ll be along shortly.”
“What’re you going to do?”
“See if I can find out who it is.”
Annie took another glance toward the body. “We can’t leave him here.”
“We have no choice. I can’t carry him back that far and I don’t want the boys to see.”
Annie observed him a moment, as if considering it. Finally, she nodded and whispered, “Ok.” She hurried toward the boys. “We have to go back now,” she said.
“Aw, Mom, can’t we stay a bit longer? We just left.”
“I know. We can come out again later, but right now we have to go back.”
“Why?” Kyle asked.
Annie hesitated. “We just do, that’s all. Mr. Lincoln will be back later.” She herded them back the way they’d come.
The boys reluctantly followed her. Jake stood between them and the bush, preventing them from catching a glimpse of the body.
Matty walked past and looked at his father, a curious look on his face.
“I’ll be there soon,” Jake said to Annie. “Go in the tent and stay there.”
“Is something wrong?” Matty asked.
“I’ll fill you in later, Matty. Please go with your mom and don’t complain.”
Matty shrugged and continued on, Kyle trudging behind his friend.
He watched them until they were out of sight, and then returned to the body and pulled the bush aside. Scavenging bugs and insects had begun to gather. He swept away the dirt, revealing the rest of the man’s face. It was unfamiliar.
He brushed at the leaves and soil until the body was clear of debris, and then rolled it i
nto the open.
The body of the middle-aged man wore a pair of dress pants, a button-down shirt, and sturdy shoes. His dark hair was cut short and matted from the damp soil.
The front of his shirt was soaked with blood, now dried and turning a reddish-brown hue. He appeared to have been shot, or possibly stabbed. Jake didn’t bother checking. He would leave further investigation to the proper authorities.
Being careful not to disturb anything, he felt in the man’s pockets. They were empty. No wallet, no cash, no keys. He checked around his neck and wrist. No jewelry, no watch.
Jake was no expert, and he knew he should leave everything to the real experts, but he calculated the man had likely been dead for less than a couple of hours. The joints of the man’s arms and legs were still easily manipulated. Rigor mortis had not yet begun to set in.
He explored the forest floor around him, and then moved around behind the bush and crouched down. He lifted his gaze, his eyes following a vague trail of disturbed leaves, as if something had been dragged through there.
He followed the indistinct tracks a hundred feet and came upon what appeared to be a seldom-used trail. Not a footpath, but wide enough for a vehicle to pass. The tracks ended abruptly at the trail.
He examined the ground for tire marks and footprints. Neither were visible, not unexpected considering the terrain. He examined the trail for fifty feet in either direction and still no evidence of the method of transport could be found.
It was possible the body was carried here from somewhere else, and then dumped and dragged. It would have to be a strong person if that were the case. The body of the victim looked to weigh close to two hundred pounds, maybe a bit less.
He returned to the body and stood awhile, contemplating what he knew, and what he didn’t know.
He concluded someone had driven or carried a body here, dragged it to the bushes, burying it with soil and leaves in an attempt to hide it. The type of vehicle—and it seemed inconclusive there was one—was unknown. The killer or killers were also unknown.
In truth, he didn’t know much.
He recalled the cabin the boys had found. He was uncertain where it was, but knew it was somewhere this side of camp, perhaps a mile or so further on.
The boys were sure someone lived there, and if so, it was possible the person who lived in the cabin was the victim—or the killer.
He considered heading in the direction of the cabin in an attempt to find out what this was all about but soon changed his mind. His first priority was to ensure the safety of his family, and the second was to notify the authorities. There was nothing else he could find out here. He had to get back.
He rolled the body out of sight behind the bushes and set off toward camp.
CHAPTER 32
Saturday, 3:11 PM
HOLLY CHURCHILL wasn’t getting the enjoyment from this backpacking experience she expected. She had hoped her companions wanted to explore the area further, enjoying the wilderness. Instead, their only desire was to camp in this one spot, drink booze, and hang around.
She had enjoyed her little excursion yesterday afternoon. The stream she’d visited was beautiful, and she’d felt refreshed and clean after her improvised bath. Maybe she would take another solo trip this afternoon and get away from her fellow hikers.
She slipped off her shoes, hung her legs over the edge of the limestone rock, and dangled her feet in the cool lake water. She didn’t need the others around for her to enjoy the afternoon. Their purpose was only for security. She knew it wasn’t practical or safe to hike long distances alone, especially in an uncharted area. Next time she would find someone more suitable to explore with.
She turned her head when, from the corner of her eye, she caught a glimpse of someone coming along the beach. He wore a tan-colored uniform, a belt-load of equipment at his waist.
He approached her and stopped, a friendly smile on his face. “Good afternoon. Heard you folks were here.”
She looked at the badge on his chest and beamed at the handsome ranger. “Good afternoon, Officer.”
He pushed his sunglasses up on his nose and held out his hand. “I’m Andy.”
Holly shook the offered hand, her smile growing wider. “Holly. Nice to meet you.”
Andy waved vaguely across the lake. “I was over at another camp and they mentioned you were here. Thought I would drop by, see if all’s ok with you folks.”
“Everything is fine here.”
“Staying long?”
“Just for the weekend. We plan to go home tomorrow afternoon. I have to work on Monday.”
“I hope you’re having a good time,” he said. “You’re a long ways in. Folks don’t often get in this far, especially with no vehicle access to this area. I had to stop back aways and walk in here myself.” He glanced up the beach toward the trees and the pair of tents nearby. “You with them folks up there?”
Holly laughed. “I came with them but I spend most of the time by myself.” She glanced toward her companions. She didn’t see Rosie, but the two boys leaned against a tree, looking her way. “They’re not very good company.”
Andy pursed his lips and bobbed his head up and down several times. “I hear you. It ain’t everybody likes the same thing. Guess we all have our own way to camp.”
“They have theirs and I have mine,” Holly said with a smile.
Andy’s eyes scanned the beach. “Been making a bit of a mess here I see.” He pointed toward some debris that had blown up against a tree. Three or four bottles lay in a heap nearby. “I’d hate to have to hit you with a fine.” He looked at Holly, his eyes narrowed. “Be sure and clean that mess up afore you go.”
“We will.”
“I best go and chat with the rest of ‘em,” he said, as he turned his back and started up the beach.
Holly slipped her shoes on and followed him.
Rosie lay on a soft bed of pine needles and fallen leaves, propped up on one elbow. She sat upright and watched them as they approached.
Holly looked around but the two boys were no longer there.
Andy had stopped short, staring at the fire pit at the edge of the tree line. He crossed his arms, glared at Rosie, and pointed toward the pit.
“That’s not safe,” he said, his once friendly voice now taking on a gruffer tone. “Yer too close to the trees and you could start a fire.” He moved over and kicked at the burned out coals. “Next time you light that on the beach where it’s safe, or not at all. You tryin’ to burn this whole forest down?”
Rosie ignored his question and stared at him blankly. “It wasn’t me that lit it.”
“Then see to it you get the message across.” He turned toward the beach. “And clean this mess up afore you go. I won’t have you coming in here and messing up my forest.”
“Yes, sir,” Rosie said in an insolent tone.
Andy gave her a black look. “You oughta learn not to be so disrespectful. Not just to me, but to everything around you,” he said, with a sweeping motion toward the forest.
Rosie turned her head away and said nothing.
Holly touched the officer’s arm. “I’ll be sure the message gets across.”
Andy looked at her as if deciding whether or not to believe her. His tone softened. “I might check back again later.” He turned his head, pressed his lips together in a thin line, and squinted toward the trees. “Where’re the other two at? I understand there was four of you here.”
Rosie spoke up, her voice impatient, “They just went for a walk.”
Andy shook his head at Rosie, frowned, and glared a moment. Then he turned to Holly and motioned across the lake. “I was at the Lincoln camp already. Is there anybody else ‘round here you might’ve seen?”
“I haven’t seen anyone else except Mr. Lincoln and the two boys with him.”
“All right then. Guess I best be moving on.”
He turned abruptly and headed back the direction he’d come. He stopped after a few steps and turned around. �
�I’ll be back.” Then he strode down the beach and out of sight behind the trees.
Rosie stood, placed her hands on her hips, and scowled down the beach. “I don’t like him.”
“He’s just watching out for the forest. That’s his job.” Holly laughed. “You have to admit; this place is a mess.”
Rosie stuck her nose in the air. “Well, I still don’t like him.” She dropped back down to her resting place and lay on her back, her hands behind her head, and closed her eyes.
Holly looked curiously at Rosie, a girl with a stubborn, rebellious nature. Holly thought the warden was fine. It was Rosie that Holly didn’t like all that much.
She sighed, went to her tent, found a garbage bag, and set about cleaning up the site. None of this was her mess, but she didn’t care. She would clean it up anyway. She didn’t bother asking Rosie to help, already suspecting what the answer would be.
CHAPTER 33
Saturday, 3:18 PM
ANNIE WAITED ANXIOUSLY for Jake to return. They were in the middle of the wilderness, miles from anywhere, and there might be a killer lurking nearby.
The boys had pelted her with questions, wondering why their excursion was cut short in such an abrupt manner, and she didn’t know how to answer.
She watched them, finally settled down and sitting quietly on the floor of the tent, working on a jigsaw puzzle she’d packed for a rainy day. They would be finished soon, bored, and eager to be active again.
She lifted her head and listened intently to a rustling sound outside the tent, then breathed in relief when she heard Jake’s voice. “It’s just me.”
She warned the boys to stay put with a meaningful look and an upraised finger. They went back to the puzzle and she crawled from the tent.
She stood as Jake approached, a worried look on his face. “Everything ok here?” he asked.
She nodded. “The boys are in the tent.” She scrutinized his face for a sign. “Did you find out anything?”
Justice Overdue: A Private Investigator Mystery Series Page 11