by Tara Ellis
“Ugh,” Tori mumbles as the sheriff approaches. She’s suddenly interested in the contents of her purse, located on the floor by Sam’s feet. Coming up with a five-dollar bill, she glances furtively toward the retreating vehicle before holding the cash out. “Here,” she says, pushing it at Sam. “For the ice cream.”
Taking the money, Sam meets Tori’s eyes. Any concern she had about the woman’s intentions evaporates as she recognizes raw fear. She’s seen that look enough times before and is suddenly struck by a desire to help Tori. Smiling, she shoves the five dollars into her jeans pocket. “Thanks, Tori. But are you sure you don’t need an extra hand with anything?”
Tori smiles back, visibly relaxing. “No, I’m sure. You girls go have some fun. I’ll pick you up back here in two hours.”
“What do you think that was about?” Ally asks as the truck drives away. “Tori sure seemed to be avoiding the sheriff. Maybe we need to talk to your uncle.”
Sam stares at the receding truck before shaking her head. “No. I think she needs our help, Ally.”
“What?” Ally exclaims. “Needs our help with what? I can’t believe I have to spell this out for you, but if Tori is related to Kat, she’s probably related to Anthony Stepson. A guy who’s trying his best to ruin your aunt and uncle’s business. A business that gave Tori a job. Why?”
“You heard what she said,” Sam answers, her voice low. She glances around to make sure no one else is close enough to overhear. “I don’t think Kat’s related to anyone there, and I think Tori is here trying to help her. Maybe she’s her sister or something.” Taking a deep breath, Sam pulls her hair up off her neck to allow some cool air to reach it. It was getting hot already. “My gut tells me we can trust Tori. Let’s just give it some more time. We’ll see if we can find out anything here at the library about the property, how Anthony Stepson came to own it, and what he might be doing with it.”
Ally stares hard at Sam for a moment. She’s come to trust Sam’s instincts, but it’s also gotten them into a lot of trouble. “So, we do some research here at the library and maybe talk to Kevin again? I’ll bet he knows more than he’s saying. And then,” she adds firmly when Sam smiles at her, “we either straight up ask Tori, or we speak to your aunt and uncle about it.”
Sam’s smile wavers, but then she nods once in agreement. Putting an arm around Ally’s shoulders, she guides her into the cool, air-conditioned library. “Right. And we’ll start with any old property records they might have archived here.”
“Oh, I’m afraid we wouldn’t have anything like that here.”
Sam and Ally turn together toward the voice and find themselves facing an older woman with a pleasant face. She’s holding several large, hardbound books and is stooped over at the waist. Whether from the weight of the books or her age, it isn’t clear.
“We have a few, locally written historical books, but otherwise, city hall is the only place you’ll find property documents,” the woman goes on to explain when she sees she has their attention. “Even then, depending on how far back you want to go, you’re unlikely to find much. Record keeping wasn’t a strong suit of our founding fathers,” she says with a wink.
“Oh,” Sam replies, disappointed. “It could be from a long time ago.”
Setting the books down on a nearby table, the woman adjusts her wire-rimmed glasses before studying Sam. Her stoop didn’t improve with the lightened weight. “My name is Mrs. Cleary, and I volunteer as the reference librarian. What sort of information are you looking for, dear? I’m a bit of a historian, so I might be of some help.”
“Thank you!” Sam says with relief. “My name is Samantha Wolf, and my aunt and uncle own Hollow Inn. I’m curious about how Anthony Stepson came to own the adjoining property. We’ve read the Hollow journal,” she explains, gesturing to include Ally. “We don’t think there’s anything in there about neighbors or the Stepsons.”
“That’s because it wasn’t a topic openly discussed.” Clapping her hands together, Mrs. Cleary is obviously happy to talk about it. “What most people don’t know in regard to the Hollow Legend is that Shawn Hollow and his brother started out with a partner.”
Sam and Ally look at each other in surprise. “A partner in what?” Sam asks. “The gold mine?”
“Oh yes,” Mrs. Cleary confirms. “They came to this region together, seeking their fortune. Shawn Hollow and his brother were the main investors, so when nothing panned out after several years, they bought out Harvey Stepson by giving him half the property. It was a year later when they hit the gold vein, which was soon followed by the deadly collapse. Harvey tried to buy his rights back for decades after Shawn closed down the operation, but Mr. Hollow refused to sell. To him or anyone else. If you’ve read the journal, you know why.”
“Shawn Hollow never forgave himself for his brothers’ death in the mine cave-in,” Sam answers. “He never let anyone back in the mine.”
“Wait!” Mrs. Cleary exclaims. “Are you the two girls who solved the mystery up there last summer?”
Sam blushes. “Yes, that was us. So you can understand why we have some concern about Anthony Stepson?”
Waving a hand dismissively, the librarian makes a huffing sound through her teeth. “That leech? I can’t believe he managed to get anyone on the city council to listen to him. Why he didn’t sell to your uncle when he first inherited the property from his grandfather two years ago, I don’t know. What could he want with it, other than a free ride? I’ve heard he even charges rent to the family he’s got living with him! It would have been nice if the decades-long dispute between the Hollow and Stepson properties was resolved, but it seems fate has something else in mind.”
Thanking the older woman, Sam turns to face Ally, her brows drawn in thought.
“Uh-oh,” Ally moans. “I recognize that look.”
10. COOKED-UP INTENTIONS
“Thanks for offering to help with the food prep, girls.” Beth pushes at a stray lock of hair with the back of a floury hand. She claims her recipe for homemade chocolate-chip cookies is her best. “I’m not as sold on this whole post-tour BBQ thing as your Uncle Bill is, but he seems to enjoy it, so I go along with it.”
Sam grins at her aunt. “The tour starts at two, right? And then the BBQ is down at the lake from whenever we get there until six?” She and Ally got back from town around noon. When Sam saw her aunt in the kitchen, she thought it might be the perfect opportunity to talk with her about what they’d learned.
Dropping the last of the cookie dough onto a baking sheet, Beth picks it up and heads for the large wall oven. “That’s right. Sometimes it ends by five if we don’t have a full group, like today. “It will just be you two and the family of four who arrived Saturday night, the Mileys. But the dinner will be for everyone.”
“We haven’t met them yet,” Ally says. “Where were they last night?”
“Oh, they had reservations in town at a dude ranch for dinner and a show,” Beth explains. “Speak of the devil,” she adds when there’s an explosion of noise from the foyer as what sounds like a stampede comes down the stairs. Sam can only imagine how happy Mr. Appleton must be about the new guests. A moment later the group is led into the kitchen by a boy around ten years old with flaming red hair.
“Are the cookies done yet?” he demands, looking at Beth with pleading eyes.
“Thomas, don’t be so rude!” scolds a woman. Sam assumes it is Thomas’s mother. She places a firm hold on the boy’s arm as she’s talking. “I’m sorry, Mrs. Clark, but he could smell those from upstairs!”
Beth laughs as she turns to the first tray of cookies that are already cooling on the counter. Grabbing a handful of the treats, she happily wraps them in a paper towel before giving them to Thomas. “You have to share these with your sister,” she instructs with a wink.
“We’re going swimming!” A small girl peeks out from behind her mom.
“We figure there’s enough time to take a dip before the tour,” Mrs. Miley says, placi
ng a hand on top of the girl’s head. “It starts down at the lake, right?”
“Yes, at two,” Beth confirms. “But the time is flexible today so just enjoy yourselves!” She waves goodbye as the three file back out into the foyer where Mr. Miley is waiting with a stack of beach towels.
“They seem nice.” Sam absently pounds at the ground beef she’s working into a patty. She’s not sure how to bring up the whole property topic.
“They’re a very nice family,” Beth agrees. “It’s too bad they’re already leaving tonight, although I suspect Mr. Appleton won’t mind.”
“How long is he here for?” Ally asks.
“Through this weekend.” Beth moves to the sink and begins rinsing out the mixing bowl. “Apparently, he’s found his muse here in Montana and is working on the final few chapters of his latest novel. Girls,” she says, turning to face them. “Would you like to check in with your parents? I called them after you arrived Saturday night, of course, but have you spoken with them since you got here?”
“We called while we were in town,” Ally answers. “Our phones work there so we were able to talk with them and get online for a little bit while Tori was running her errands.”
“We also talked with Mrs. Cleary,” Sam interjects, seeing her opening. “At the library. Do you know her?”
Beth eyes Sam suspiciously. She knows her niece well enough to realize when she’s attempting, unsuccessfully, to be coy. “Yes, Sam, I’m familiar with the local town gossip. She’s nice enough and usually means well, but I can’t imagine what you could have been talking about.”
Sam cringes under her aunt’s scrutiny. She might as well be direct. “Did you know that Anthony’s great-grandfather, Harvey Stepson, used to be partners with the Hollows?”
Beth’s frown deepens and she’s obviously surprised. “No, I didn’t. But I don’t see how it matters, really.”
“Shawn Hollow and his brother bought Harvey out of his share in the mine by giving him the property. Harvey tried buying the mine back after the collapse, but when Shawn wouldn’t do it, so they had a falling out. That’s what set up the whole rivalry thing.”
Beth slowly dries her hands on the front of her apron. “While I admit that it’s an interesting piece of history, it’s not the sort of conversation Mrs. Cleary should be having with you. The last thing we need before the council vote later this month, Sam, is for more gossip to start spreading about old property disputes.”
“But—” Sam begins, intending to bring up Tori’s odd behavior, but Beth cuts her off.
“Bill should have never mentioned anything about Mr. Stepson, especially not in front of you or our guests.” Crossing the few feet between them, Beth places a hand gently on Sam’s shoulder. “I know you feel a strong connection to Hollow Inn and want to help settle this issue we’re having, but I really don’t want you to go digging this time. Please.”
Pressing her lips together into a thin line, Sam wavers, torn between her aunt’s plea and her own instincts. “Don’t you think there’s something odd about the commune though, Aunt Beth? That Anthony Stepson might be trying to hide something?” The look that replaces the caring expression on her aunt’s face is enough to alert Sam to the fact that she should have left well enough alone.
“We aren’t going to dig,” Ally says quickly, stepping up next to Sam. “It’s just that we noticed a couple of weird… things this weekend. But we’re here to relax, not cause problems. Right, Sam?”
Sam knows what Ally is doing and feels a sudden urge to hug her friend. Backpedaling from her aunt is not an easy task. She needs all the help she can get. “Right. Sorry, Aunt Beth. I didn’t mean to pry.”
Beth raises an eyebrow at that declaration and gives a little snort. “The day you stop prying will be a rare one indeed.” Taking the plate of finished hamburger patties, she gives a small shake of her head. “But that’s part of what I love about you, Sam.” Sighing, she makes a shooing motion at the two girls. “Go. Have fun. Just stay out of trouble.”
11. STILL A LEGEND
Sam is doing her best to enjoy the commentary her uncle is giving during the tour, but it’s hard to get her mind off all the questions tumbling around in her head. Twisting on the back-bumper seat of the cart, she stares momentarily at Tori, who’s driving. She’s leaning over to say something to the small girl next to her. The two younger Mileys are in the cart with Sam and Ally while their parents ride with Bill.
After starting off at Florence Lake, they traveled a few miles along the gravel road that winds up the hill behind Hollow Inn. They’ve now stopped in front of the old, boarded-up entrance to the gold mine.
“Established by Shawn Hollow in 1898,” Bill reads from a sign near the entrance. “Closed in 1901 after the tragic deaths of three men that still lie within.”
“Cool!” the young boy, Thomas Miley, shouts from the back seat of the cart. He’s sitting behind Tori and in front of Sam. “Can we go inside?”
“No,” Sam answers for her uncle. “It’s too dangerous, Thomas. That’s why there’s a bunch of boards and a Keep Out sign.” Sam smiles crookedly at Thomas when he rolls his eyes. Last summer, she’d pressured Ally into exploring the mine with her, and they barely avoided a disastrous incident.
Mr. Miley shakes his head at his son. “We can’t go inside, but if we come back later this summer like I want to, we’ll make time to go hiking. Mr. Clark tells me there are several trails up here.”
Thomas looks disappointed, but he knows better than to argue with his father. “Do we have to leave tonight?”
“After dinner,” Mrs. Miley confirms. “I’ve got to get back to work tomorrow.”
“Next up is our last stop, Michael’s Peak,” Bill announces, putting his cart in gear. The engines are quiet enough that he can talk to them all without having to yell.
Sam turns back around so she’s watching the mine recede as they speed down the hill. “You know,” she says to Ally, who’s been quiet for most of the tour. “The lake is named after Florence, the lookout after Michael, and the creek after Thomas.” Thomas Creek was the first stop on the tour. It’s a small, glacier-fed stream that feeds into Florence Lake. Thomas was thrilled to discover a Hollow Inn landmark that shared his name. “I know Shawn intentionally didn’t name anything after Joseph, but I don’t ever remember hearing about a landmark for Christopher. He was their oldest son. You think he’d be the first to be memorialized.”
Ally frowns and then attempts to push back her red locks of hair being blown in her face. “Huh. You’re right. I’m sure there’s something we don’t know about. Sam,” Ally continues in a lowered voice, looking sideways at her friend, “are we still going to talk to Kevin about things?”
Sam hesitates. She wants to honor her aunt’s request, but she can’t help but feel that Ally was right earlier and Kevin might know something helpful. He’s already been at the inn for over a week and he’s nearly as snoopy as she is. And Sam suspects her normally reluctant best friend might be willing to meddle in things a little longer if Kevin is involved.
“We might as well ask him if he knows anything about Tori or Anthony Stepson,” she whispers back. “I think he was holding back on us last night. Plus he’s my cousin so it’s not like talking to him is prying. Right?”
“Right,” Ally agrees. “We’ll find him tonight after the barbecue.”
“Why wait?” Sam points toward the woods as the carts come to a stop at a fork in the road. “I think I just saw him going down a trail back there.”
“This leads to Michael’s Peak,” Bill says, pointing at the road to their right. “I ask that you kids be careful when we get there. It’s quite a drop.”
“Uncle Bill,” Sam says before they have a chance to start back up. “Isn’t the trail to the old shack back that way?” When her uncle nods in confirmation, she glances at Ally before smiling broadly. “Well, since Ally and I have already been to Michael’s Peak, we were hoping we could go on a hike, and we’re familiar with tha
t trail.”
Bill rubs at his chin thoughtfully. “Do you have your radio?”
Sam slips her backpack off her shoulder and fishes around inside it. Pushing aside a protein bar and two bottles of water, she triumphantly pulls out the radio. “Got it right here!”
“Go ahead then, but you realize how long of a walk it is back to the inn?”
Sam hops down off the back of the cart before answering. “It’s okay. You can start the barbecue without us if we’re not back in time.”
“The kids can get in the other cart and I could go with you,” Tori offers.
Ally looks nervously at Sam as she jumps down next to her. “You don’t need to do that,” she answers for them. “We’d rather walk. Right, Sam?”
Afraid they’re being too transparent, Sam loops an arm through Ally’s and steers her toward the trees. Ally gets anxious when they’re being anything but a hundred percent honest and starts to panic. “Yeah! We haven’t been out here for a year. It’ll be fun to explore a little. Go ahead without us.”
Tori starts the cart back up in response, but she’s frowning at them. Giving a small wave, she takes off after the other cart that’s already kicking up dirt as it goes down the road.
“That was uncomfortable,” Ally groans. “I think she knows we suspect something.”
“She’s smart,” Sam agrees. “Between my comments in the truck this morning and the avoided run-in with the sheriff, it’s obvious that we’re both holding back. We’ll have to talk to her eventually.”
They walk a little farther in silence and then come to a stop at a barely distinguishable trailhead.
“After what Aunt Beth said, I want to put it off until we actually know what’s going on and how she’s involved.”