Chapter Twenty-Two
CHAPTER TWENTY-TWO
Craig had taken Beth on an early morning Magic Mattress Ride, and as they headed to the restaurant for breakfast she was smiling happily. But a frown suddenly crossed her brow. Thinking he was about to endure yet another mood swing he inwardly groaned.
“Beth, are you having one of your sad moments?” he asked, doing his best to stay patient..
“One of my sad moments…” Beth repeated, mumbling the words.
“What’s on your mind?”
“Jim. He could be very nice and he doesn’t know where I am.”
“Fuck…” he grunted under his breath. “Okay, let’s have some breakfast. Maybe that will help.”
“Help what?”
“Never mind.”
“Are you mad?”
“No, Beth, I’m not mad,” he replied, though he was gritting his teeth and trying to stay calm as he opened the door to the dining room.
The entire situation with her was becoming untenable. Jim had disappeared, and if he’d died the life insurance would pay out. But his body would have to be found and an investigation would be launched. It could take forever. If he was still alive and suddenly surfaced, things could take an ugly turn very fast. Though Beth couldn’t access the funds from her husband’s veterinary practice, she could withdraw money from their savings and personal checking accounts. Like a bolt from the blue Craig decided he’d had enough. He’d convince her to pull out a hefty amount, then take the money and run.
“Good morning,” the hostess said, breaking into his thoughts as she greeted them. “Follow me and I’ll show you to your table.” It was a short walk, and as they settled into their chairs she handed them menus. “We’re alerting everyone to be careful at the moment and steer clear of the forest above the lake,” she continued. “There’s been another sighting of the creature being talked about as a Bigfoot. The photograph is on our website if you want to see it.”
“Really?” Craig said, his pulse ticking up. “Was it seen close to the water or deep in the woods?”
“Quite close, apparently.”
“I see. Well, thanks for the heads up.”
“Do you think it’s Jim?” Beth asked in a hushed whisper as the hostess left.
“It’s hard to say, but I think we should just withdraw whatever money is available to you and leave.”
“But we can’t…can we? I mean, if it’s him and he’s still walking around he must be getting better. Those pills are probably wearing off by now, and if he shows up…oh, dear.”
“That’s my point,” he said impatiently, thinking it was almost certainly Jim wandering around in the long, black, fur coat. “But let’s take a look at that photo.”
As he lifted out his phone and brought up the website, he wasn’t sure if he should be relieved or even more worried.
“Let me see,” Beth demanded urgently. “Oh, you can’t really make out what it is. But isn’t it more likely to be Jim than some mythical creature?”
“Yes, this needs to be checked out, but I’ll go alone,” he replied, thinking he’d kill the man and be done with it.
“Why?”
“I don’t want to worry about your safety, and I’ll travel faster if I’m by myself.”
* * *
Stepping into the shower stall, Jim turned on the hot water and picked up the small shampoo bottle. Even though he’d washed his hair when he’d been in Doug’s small cabin it still felt grimy. As he rinsed out the foaming suds he realized his brain felt clearer. Toweling himself off and pulling on the complimentary bathrobe, he ambled back into the living area and poured himself another cup of coffee. The breakfast had been delicious, and the coffee the best he’d had in a long time. But as he picked up the mug he noticed the cabin phone was indicating a missed call. Picking it up he listened to the voicemail.
“Hi, Jim. It’s Doug. Believe it or not there’s been another sighting of an alleged Bigfoot in the forest just above the lake, but the picture just shows a kind of blurry black shadow. It could be anything. I just wanted you to know. Call me when you get this, but no rush.”
As he returned the call, Jim didn’t think much of the alleged sighting. He’d lived in the forest for weeks and there were odd shadows everywhere.
“Hi, Jim,” Doug said as he answered. “How are you?”
“Feeling better with every passing minute. So there’s supposedly another sighting.”
“Yes, but as I said, it’s probably nothing.”
“I agree.”
“I have to work, but Katy will be stopping by in a little while.”
“You don’t need to worry about me. I’m doing great, thanks to you two.”
“Regardless, she’ll be swinging by in an hour or so.”
“Okay, thanks, Doug. Bye for now.”
“Bye, Jim.”
* * *
While Doug had been talking to Jim, Katy had been at the sink washing up the breakfast dishes. Ending the call Doug walked up behind her and moved his arms around her waist.
“I’m off to work,” he murmured as she leaned back against him. “Find me and say goodbye before you leave.”
“Of course I will. It’s such a shame we can’t go up Smoky Hill later though. It’s a perfect day for a trail ride.”
“Don’t go gettin’ any ideas.”
“Like what? Jumping on Mindy and galloping into the trees?”
“Exactly. If I have to protect you from yourself, I will.”
“What does that mean?”
“Do something you know you shouldn’t and you’ll find out,” he replied, his breath hot against her ear.
“That sounds like a dare.”
“Take it any way you want, but I suggest you behave,” he added sternly, and before she could respond he stepped back, swatted her backside, and strode out the door.