by Cindy Bell
“No, she didn’t call me in, but she did call me. She followed up on Colin, did a quick search of his tent at the campgrounds, and discovered a small shrine dedicated to Pam. He claimed that it’s his way of dealing with his grief, but Colleen suspected that it was there before she passed.” George glanced up at the sky, which had begun to darken, then looked back at her. “If so, then he might have genuinely been obsessed with her.”
“Colleen, huh?” Kerri scooped Cashew up in her arms when she returned with the ball.
“I mean, Detective Carver.” George crossed his arms as he studied her. “Did you hear anything else I said?”
“Yes, and we are having a dinner guest tonight.” Kerri headed towards the front door.
“A dinner guest, who?” As he followed after her, she filled him in on her meeting with Sylvia.
“I think the best chance we have of getting a copy of that video, is to have her over. At some point she may leave her phone unattended, and then we can hopefully get the video.” Kerri set Cashew down in the kitchen, washed her hands, and began to prepare dinner.
“But it’s likely to be password protected. There won’t be enough time for us to break through that.” George frowned as he gathered a few items around the kitchen to help her with the meal. “I’m sure she’ll be happy to have a home-cooked meal.”
“I hope she likes spaghetti.” Kerri filled a large pot with water. “I know it might be difficult, but if we get the opportunity, we need to try to go for it.” She set the pot on the stove and turned the burner on. “If not, maybe we can find a way to convince her to turn it over. I just think the video is too important for Detective Carver not to see it.”
“I agree with you. I’m sure we can come up with something.” George grabbed some plates from the cabinet and began to place them around the table.
“Maybe you could turn on some of your charm?” Kerri smiled as she glanced over at him.
“What charm?” He laughed as he began to gather some glasses.
“Oh, don’t act like you don’t know about it. You ooze charm when you want something.” As bubbles snapped and rolled across the top of the water, she added several strands of pasta.
“Is that so?” George crossed his arms as he studied her. “You seem to know an awful lot about me.”
“I do.” Kerri winked at him. “You think no one knows you, but I do.”
“Hm. I’ll have to take your word for it.” The sharp sound of the doorbell drew his attention to the front door. “Let’s see if I can muster up some of this charm you mentioned.”
“Please do.” Kerri grinned as she watched the pasta soften in the pot. As she overheard her grandfather greet Sylvia at the door, she detected a shift in his voice, a smoothness to it, and a hint of merriment that was rarely present unless he was trying to convince someone of something. Her grandfather was very skilled, but he also had a few tells.
“Hi Sylvia.” Kerri smiled at her as she stepped into the kitchen. “I hope you like pasta.”
“I do.” She sniffed the air and grinned. “Especially with garlic bread.”
“Then you are in luck.”
It wasn’t long before they were all settled around the table enjoying their food. However, her grandfather’s attempt at charm had faded beneath a lively debate about the environment.
“And if you’re not part of the solution, then you’re part of the problem.” Sylvia pointed her fork at George and raised an eyebrow. “I’m not the only one that believes that, because it’s the truth. If you’re not working to save this planet, then you’re working to destroy it.”
“I think it’s important to protect the planet, I’m not saying it’s not, but that doesn’t mean that there aren’t other important things as well.” George shrugged as he pushed his roll across his plate to sop up some of the sauce. “Human life matters, too.”
“Some things are more important than human life. The earth was here long before we were, and with our help, it can be here long after we’re gone.” Sylvia picked up her glass and took a sip.
“You can’t be serious.” George set his fork down on the table, glanced at Kerri, then looked back at Sylvia.
“I am serious. You just don’t get it.” Sylvia tossed her napkin down. “There’s nothing I can do for you, if you prefer to remain ignorant.”
“Sylvia, honestly, it’s just a discussion.” Kerri’s heartbeat quickened as she glanced between the two. She couldn’t allow a fight to break out before she had a chance to get to Sylvia’s phone. “Here, why don’t you have some more bread?” She picked up the bread basket and passed it towards Sylvia. As she did, she bumped it against her wine glass, and tipped it in the direction of Sylvia’s phone. As the red liquid spilled across her phone and into her lap, Sylvia jumped up and knocked her chair back.
“Watch it!” Sylvia huffed as she snatched her phone up from the table.
“Oh no, I’m so sorry. Is it okay? Is it still working?” Kerri stared anxiously at Sylvia.
“Let me check.” Sylvia swiped her finger along her phone, then entered the password. “It looks like it’s fine, luckily.” She sighed.
“Why don’t you let me put it in a bag of rice just in case? Sometimes the liquid seeps in after a few minutes. I don’t want it to be ruined. I’ll get you a shirt to change into, too.” Kerri stood up from the table and reached for the phone. Her heart pounded as she wondered if the woman would hand over her phone. Would her trick work? Would it work fast enough that the phone would remain unlocked?
“Sure, I guess we can’t be too careful.” Sylvia handed the phone over to Kerri. “Where’s the bathroom?”
“Down the hall and on the left.” George tipped his head in the direction of the bathroom. “There are towels in there if you need to dry off.”
“Thanks.” Sylvia hurried down the hall to the bathroom.
Once she was gone, Kerri handed the phone to her grandfather.
“We need to find the video fast and send it to my phone.”
A ripple of fear carried through Kerri as she glanced in the direction of the bathroom. How would Sylvia react if she caught them in the act? Kerri wasn’t comfortable being deceptive, but she also knew that Detective Carver needed the video in order to conduct a thorough investigation.
“I’m on it right now.” George took the phone from her and began to scroll through the files on it. “Unless she deleted it.” He frowned.
“Hopefully, she didn’t. I’m going to get her a shirt before she suspects something. I’ll knock on the wall when we’re coming back into the dining room.” Kerri met his eyes. “We need that video.”
“I’m on it.” George nodded without looking up from the phone.
As Kerri hurried down the hallway, she could hear the sink running in the bathroom. Her small house usually suited her just fine, but at that moment she wished there was more space between the bathroom and the dining room. She grabbed a shirt from her closet and returned to the bathroom just as the knob on the door began to turn.
“Sylvia, I have a shirt here for you.” Kerri held the shirt out as the older woman opened the door.
“Oh, that isn’t necessary, my shirt will dry.” Sylvia waved her hand and started to step out of the bathroom.
“I insist, I’d like to get your shirt cleaned for you. It was my mistake, it’s the least that I can do.” Kerri dangled the shirt in front of her. “Please, or I’ll feel so guilty.”
“You shouldn’t let anyone make you feel that way, young lady.” Sylvia stared straight into Kerri’s eyes, her own narrowed to slivers of determination. “Life gives you choices, and you make your choice. Never look back, never have regrets, never feel guilty, never apologize for who you are or anything you’ve done.”
“That’s very wise.” Kerri considered the woman’s words as her heart pounded. “I will keep it in mind.”
“Do, or you will spend years of your life pleasing others, and find yourself alone in the end.” Sylvia plucked the shirt out
of Kerri’s hands. “Thank you, I’ll wear it because my shirt is wet. But I don’t need my shirt cleaned. I don’t like the chemicals they use at the dry cleaners.” She stepped back into the bathroom.
Kerri breathed a sigh of relief as soon as the door shut. A quick glance towards the dining room revealed nothing about whether her grandfather was able to get the video off the phone. Seconds later, the door popped open again.
“Thanks for the shirt.” Sylvia tugged on the hem of it. “It’s a bit big, but it will do.”
“I’m glad you like it. Let me put your shirt in a bag for you.” Kerri accepted Sylvia’s soiled shirt.
“Thank you, dear. I do travel light, so I don’t have too many clothes to choose from.” Sylvia began to walk towards the dining room. “I wouldn’t mind a refill.”
Kerri knocked lightly on the wall of the hallway.
“I’ve been looking for the stud in this wall so I can hang a picture, I’ve yet to find it.”
“That’s a bit strange.” Sylvia glanced over her shoulder and shrugged. “Isn’t there some kind of device to help you do that?”
“Yes, you’re right. I’ll have to try it. I’ll just get you a fresh drink.” Kerri caught sight of her grandfather, perched in his chair, his attention on his phone. As her gaze swept over the table, she spotted a small sandwich bag with Sylvia’s phone and a helping of rice tucked inside.
“Thanks for taking care of this.” Sylvia sat down in her chair and eyed her phone. “I sure hope it doesn’t give me any trouble. It’s tough to find a phone that works with the service I use. I’m about the only one on the mountain that gets reception. Even though in some areas of the mountain I can’t get reception, I can in most.”
“I noticed how poor it is up there.” Kerri frowned as she settled in her chair. “How did you manage to find such good service?”
“It’s not cheap, that’s for sure. But I travel to so many different, remote places, that I need something I can rely on.” Sylvia picked up her fork to finish the last of the pasta on her plate. “I don’t mind living in isolation, but I hate to be out of contact.”
“Do you have many people that you keep in touch with while you’re on these excursions?” Kerri continued to watch her closely. She was uncertain if her grandfather had successfully retrieved the video and didn’t dare to check her phone to see if she had received a text or an email. If she did, she might tip Sylvia off to something being amiss.
“Not too many. I do have some fans that like to follow my activities. They provide donations to support my efforts, so I do like to give them updates.” Sylvia flashed a smile. “People do enjoy finding out where their money is going.”
“I’m sure they do.” George nodded as he finished the last of his food. “I think it’s a great sacrifice that you’re making, giving up your time to ensure the owls are safe.”
“Oh, it’s not just the owls. I always have new projects brewing. To me, it’s not exactly a sacrifice. I enjoy every minute. I’ve always been more comfortable making friends with animals than people.” Sylvia laughed as she used a piece of bread to polish off the last of the sauce from her plate.
“But you were friendly with the protesters.” George looked at her.
“I was. I thought they all were dedicated to saving the owls.” Sylvia sighed.
“You thought they were?” George looked down the table at her. “You mean, you discovered they weren’t?”
“I do know that for some of them their heart wasn’t in it.” Sylvia frowned, then dabbed at her lips with her napkin. “Many people are what I call fair weather fans of the environment. They will do their best to support and protect it when it suits them, but if something else catches their interest, then they are no longer so dedicated. Don’t get me wrong, not everyone has to live in the woods like me, every little bit of support helps. But if you profess to be a friend to the animals, then don’t turn around and neglect them.” She balled the napkin up in her hand and tossed it onto the table beside her plate. “That is the kind of thing that gets under my skin.”
“Understandably so.” Kerri nodded. “But you did make friends with Pam, didn’t you?” She picked up her glass and took a sip from it. She hoped the question seemed casual enough.
“Oh, Pam.” Sylvia’s features tensed, and she nodded. “Yes, she was a sweet, young girl. Like the others, she was also really interested in protecting the owls.”
“Did you spend a lot of time with her?” Kerry asked.
“No, not really. Why?”
“Oh, I was just wondering.”
“Are you finished with that?” George stood up, picked up his plate, and reached for Sylvia’s. Kerri realized that George wanted to divert the conversation as Sylvia was becoming suspicious of the questions and might clam up completely.
“Yes, thanks. I haven’t been this stuffed in a long time.” Sylvia sat back in her chair and smiled. “I can’t thank you both enough. This has been a bright spot in an otherwise tragic week.”
“I’m glad you enjoyed it.” Kerri smiled. Then she glanced out the window. The sun had already set. “Would you like us to come with you up the mountain and make sure you get back to your camp? It’s already dark.” She handed her own plate to her grandfather, who carried all three to the sink.
“Oh no, the darkness and I are quite familiar. I know the woods so well I don’t even need a flashlight to find my way back.” Sylvia stood up, then patted her pocket. “But I have one just in case.” She picked up the bag that contained her phone and smiled. “Thanks again, I hope you both have a good night.”
“You too, Sylvia!” George called from the kitchen.
“I am really sorry about your shirt.” Kerri walked her to the door.
“It’s no problem, the owls don’t care what I’m wearing.” Sylvia winked at Kerri, then headed down the driveway. As Kerri watched her go, she felt a small pang of guilt. This woman dedicated her entire life to the environment, and the most Kerri did was toss some nuts out to a very entertaining squirrel.
Chapter 15
“I got it.”
George’s strong voice right behind Kerri, made her jump.
“The video?” She turned to look at him. “Did you send it to my phone?”
“To mine actually. It was just easier at the time.” George held up his phone to show her. “I did my best to cover my tracks, but if she gets suspicious, she will be able to see that it was sent. I’ve already forwarded it to Detective Carver.”
“Good.” The tension in Kerri’s shoulders finally eased. “Now, we just have to hope that it leads to something solid.”
“I’ll take care of the dishes, you look exhausted. Why don’t you get some rest?” George gazed at her, his brow creased. “Have you gotten much sleep at all lately?”
“Not really.” Kerri wiped at her eyes. “You’re right, I’m going to head to bed. You get some rest, too.”
“Oh, I will. Do you want some tea? Something to help you sleep?” George started towards the kitchen.
“No.” Kerri covered up a yawn. “I don’t think I need any help.” As she headed for her room, she called for Cashew to join her. As her pup curled up beside her, she closed her eyes. All she wanted was a few moments of peace. But of course, her mind began to spin. Echoes of the conversation at dinner carried through her mind. Memories of her interaction with Colin, and with Elm, interrupted thoughts about Pam’s last moments. Somewhere in the middle of the flow of her thoughts, her awareness slipped away.
Kerri awoke with a start, one so sharp that she almost fell off the side of the bed. She noticed right away that Cashew was no longer in her bed. Where had she gone? A glance at the window revealed it wasn’t light yet. She rolled to the side and looked at the clock on her bedside table. Ten minutes to four. Her body ached with the urge to go back to sleep, but her instincts were ablaze. She had no idea what didn’t feel right, but it drove her out of bed. As she wandered down the dark hallway, past her grandfather’s room, she noticed
that his door was closed. He usually slept with it closed. A faint scratching sound drew her past the kitchen towards the laundry room.
“Cashew?” Kerri’s heart jumped into her throat as she stared at the closed laundry room door. How would she have gotten in there? She opened the door, and the dog jumped up against her leg. “Oh sweetie, how did this happen?” She scooped her up in her arms and smiled as she licked her face. “It’s all right, you’re okay now.” As she fought her way through the fog of sleep, she realized there was only one way Cashew could have gotten into the laundry room, behind a closed door. She set her back onto the floor and crept up to her grandfather’s room. First, she listened for his snoring. He claimed he didn’t snore at all, but he did, and loudly. The quiet indicated that her suspicions were valid. She opened the door to find his bed empty. Instantly she knew that he’d gone up on the mountain. Wasting no time, she threw on some jeans and a t-shirt, then grabbed her jacket and a flashlight. Cashew followed her to the door.
“Not this time, sweetie, this time I have to go alone.”
Kerri threw her hair into a ponytail with a hair tie she found in her car, then drove towards the mountain. If he was up there, she intended to find him.
Kerri pulled into the campground parking lot, and spotted her grandfather’s jeep right away. Although she felt some relief knowing where he was, anger also sparked within her. Why would he sneak off? What was he up to that he didn’t want her involved in? She turned the car off and started up the path that led away from the parking lot. With her flashlight trained on the ground she began to pick up freshly broken twigs and faint impressions of footprints. Her grandfather had taught her how to track people, not just animals, and her instincts told her that she was hot on his trail.
After a few minutes of hiking Kerri noticed that his tracks veered off into the woods. Why had he gone off the trail? Fear crept up within her. What if something happened to him? What if the killer caught him snooping around? She continued to follow his tracks as urgency pumped through her veins. She walked for several more minutes before she came to a stop. No matter where she looked, she didn’t see any sign of which direction her grandfather might have gone in. Frustrated, she took a deep breath, and remembered a lesson he once taught her.