Chapter Sixteen
CHAPTER SIXTEEN
In a luxury cabin at the Moonshine Campground, Beth Green was pacing around the living room. Her boyfriend, Craig Bradley, understood her frustration. He felt it too, but dealt with it by sipping a glass of expensive Scotch Whisky.
When word had traveled to Danville about the sighting of a strange black, furry creature living in Smoky Hill, Beth had immediately thought of Jim. Her husband had disappeared from his sick bed, along with her floor length, imitation black mink coat. Convinced it was him, and with Craig’s encouragement, she booked a luxury cabin at the well-known campground. When they arrived and checked in, Beth made it clear they were there to hunt for the mysterious Bigfoot.
“Please put the word out,” she told the young woman behind the counter. “We need experienced guides. Let people know we’re willing to pay top dollar.”
“I don’t know any guides, but you should talk to Max, the bartender,” the receptionist replied. “He spoke to some people who actually saw the creature. Maybe he knows who they are and can put you in touch with them.”
Though Beth had seen it as a glimmer of hope, when they walked into the cabin and Craig started the fire, she stared down at the flames and threw up her arms.
“Dammit, Craig, we have to do something else,” she suddenly exclaimed. “We can’t just sit around all day and wait until tonight to talk to some random bartender.”
“He’s not a random bartender, but regardless, what would you suggest?”
“We could hike up the damn hill ourselves.”
“For goodness sake, Beth, it’s not just a hill, it’s a fucking forest that starts at the lake and goes forever. And don’t forget, there are homes and ranches running along its base. I sure as hell don’t want some shotgun-toting rancher chasing us off his land. Don’t get me wrong, I’m glad we came here, it’s a beautiful place, but I think finding this creature is a million to one shot. Even if we do, the chance that it’s Jim—the odds have to be astronomical.”
“Then what should we do? He thinks we tried to kill him.”
“Correction, he thinks you tried to kill him,” Craig said pointedly.
“It was your idea.”
“I just suggested you make him loopy enough to sign his assets over to you. It’s not my fault he panicked and took off. You must have given him too much of the stuff.”
“Craig, please. I told you, I was careful. Will you please stop fighting with me and help me figure this out?”
“I’m just trying to be realistic,” Craig said with a sigh, rising to his feet and stepping up to her. “Face facts. Winter’s around the corner. If he is here he’ll never survive in the hills, and if he shows up he’ll be a mess. If he starts accusing you of anything, just say he’s delirious just like he was when he left you. Please, Beth, let this play out and stop panicking,” Craig continued, lowering his voice and pulling her into his arms. “While we’re here we can keep our ear to the ground and if anything surfaces we can check it out, but in the meantime we should enjoy ourselves. We can spend some time at the lake, and have a look around the cute Smoky Hill township. We could even take a hike in the woods at the back of this place.”
“If I’m going to hike in any woods it will be up Smoky Hill,” she quipped, pulling back and staring up at him.
“As I just pointed out, where would you even start? You know I’m right.”
“Okay, okay, you’re right,” she muttered. “but I do feel better being here. I’m actually doing something…and I’m sorry to say you’re right about his chances. If he is running around up in that forest with only my fake fur coat for warmth he won’t last long. Fuck. What have we done?”
“Hey, it’s not your fault he panicked and thought you were capable of killing him. That’s nuts.”
“I suppose,” she mumbled with a sigh.
“It’s time for dinner and I’m starving.”
“Me too. Besides, I’m dying to speak to this bartender. I want to hear what he has to say about the Bigfoot sighting.”
“Beth, your imagination is running amok. Seriously, you need to calm down. Order a Chocolate Martini. That usually helps.”
“Ooh, yes, a Chocolate Martini,” she exclaimed, slipping from his arms to pick up her coat. “Let’s go.”
Being one of the luxury cabins it was near the restaurant, but when they stepped outside and were met with a bitterly cold wind, they decided to drive the short distance.
It was still early, and with only a few cars in the parking area they were able to pull up close to the entrance. Climbing out and hurrying inside, they found themselves in a stunningly appointed dining room.
“This place is gorgeous,” Beth breathed, looking up at the heavy exposed beams and the huge wrought iron chandelier, then staring across at the blazing fire in the huge stone fireplace. “The pictures don’t do it justice.”
“I agree. It’s impressive,” Craig murmured, helping her off with her coat, but as they walked across to the bar, Craig’s smile dissolved into a worried frown.
His plan had been simple enough. Seduce her, then convince her to drug her husband just enough to sign over his bank accounts and stock portfolio. Everything was going smoothly until Jim Green disappeared leaving a scribbled one-line note on the bedside table.
I know you’re trying to kill me.
While Craig had been reassuring Beth, inside he was deeply worried. She had no idea he’d been adding to the dosage she’d been giving her husband.
She didn’t know it, but Craig was determined to find him.
He needed to be silenced!
Permanently!