Chapter 9 #3
“Are you sure?” He hated the idea of traipsing through the woods.
The path must be overgrown. He wasn’t sure even a machete could cut back the branches and shrubs enough for safe passage.
With limited cell service, they didn’t have a guaranteed way to call for help besides his radio.
Would the others agree to stick that close together in case of an emergency?
“I wasn’t. But if you really think Owen was behind the threat, then Margaux won’t have any reason to fear for her safety, although…”
“What?”
“She didn’t seem that anxious last night.
” Emma shuddered. “Like she knew she was in the clear? I don’t know.
I had a bad feeling about it. Between Margaux, Christine, and Jennifer, I can’t shake my worries.
I know you said not to be alone with any of them.
I don’t trust being in the group without you there. ”
He’d always admired the way she trusted her gut instincts. If she didn’t like a situation, she got herself out. And he wasn’t liking what she told him. “I have back-up coming to help with Margaux. They should arrive tomorrow. Can we hang back and wait here?”
Emma shook her head. “No, everyone is on board with going. If we delay, we might miss the chance. The longer we’re here, the more likely we are to pack up and leave.
The Thomases grief is palpable. I want to dig up the time capsule.
I’m praying something might help me recover my lost memories.
I want to do what I can to help solve Liz and Owen’s deaths. ”
He couldn’t argue with such a noble pursuit. “What will you do after?”
“I don’t know. Make sense of everything? Find resolution? If Liz’s death wasn’t an accident or what I feared, do I have some buried clue we need?” Emma shook her head. “I can’t help but wonder if it will help with our investigation, even if I come up empty.”
“I suppose it’s worth a shot. What’s the second thing?”
“What do you think about Margaux claiming the key fob is hers?”
He shot Emma a blank look.
“Remember? It fell off the bed? She said she didn’t rent a car here and that she prefers a driver at home. She said the key was from home. It’s an old-school style key. If she is as wealthy as she claims, why would she have an older vehicle?”
He stroked his chin. “What you’re saying is suspicious but circumstantial, not concrete evidence.”
“I know. It’s all vibes,” Emma murmured. “I can’t shake my gut instinct that she’s hiding something. The key fob is for a standard vehicle. It’s old-school. You’d have to turn the ignition with it. Seems out of place for her.”
They already knew Margaux wasn’t disclosing everything. Emma brought up valid points. But he needed to protect her even from herself.
He almost asked her what she knew about a car accident involving Jennifer or if she’d heard anything about a mystery investor.
As far as he could tell, every woman in the bunk kept a secret.
But sharing his concerns would only rattle an already anxious Emma.
Paranoia didn’t mix well with the great outdoors. “Thank you for telling me.”
“Listen.” She stepped closer and lightly touched his forearm. “I need to warn you about something.”
Something else? He wasn’t sure how much he could process at one time. He gulped.
“The women think I like you.” She blushed and dropped her hand from his sleeve. “I know that’s so high school and embarrassing. But I figured I’d go along with it. Gives us an excuse to stick close and head out together. I think they’re all bored married women, looking for a little excitement.”
But you don’t like me? He liked her. If he didn’t tell her now, he might not get a chance. How did he form the words? He rubbed his clammy palms on his pants.
The door to the bunk opened and snapped shut.
“Oh good, you’re here,” Margaux said.
He shut his mouth, saved from a response he wasn’t ready to verbalize.
“Did you tell him the plan? Is he ready to go?” Margaux asked from the step, Jennifer and Christine behind her, all dressed for the day and with backpacks on.
“She did,” Daniel replied. “And you all look prepared. But I need to pack a bag. Can I meet you at the mess hall for a quick breakfast and to gather some more supplies? Food? Flashlights? Waters?”
“Good idea,” Jennifer said. “We’ll need lots of marshmallows.”
“Yes, let’s bring the essentials,” Christine added.
The trio set off up the path.
What had he agreed to do? He regretted agreeing. But maybe between the old journal and buried secrets, he’d find the answers. And ease Emma’s heart. Maybe she’d decide to stay.
Emma lingered, hanging back.
He should take the moment to revisit their earlier conversation.
Feelings could make the tense situation even more complicated and confusing.
But then he’d be faced with the truth, and he might not like what she had to say.
Longing for her to come home for good was a ridiculous dream.
He knew in his brain but couldn’t stop his heart from yearning.
“You’d better grab breakfast. I’ll meet you there.
We’ll have time to chat. We’ll have nothing else to do on the hike. ”
She pursed her lips, and for a second he thought she might protest. But she nodded and walked away, catching up with the others. Would there ever be an opportune moment to talk about them? Or should he accept the inevitable goodbye?