CHAPTER Twenty Eight
Picking up and leaving the lake was now an easy decision for Camille and Ross. Knowing where to go was a bit of a dilemma.
“How about we head back to Cobden and help your folks out around the brewery? Our first trip was interrupted, and I’m sure they would love to have you home for Christmas.” Ross was not just appeasing Camille. He really wanted to spend more time with her family.
“Really?” Her smile was a dead giveaway that Camille would love to go home, especially for the holidays.
Christmas time was a busy time there, and Camille knew her folks could use the help.
And even though Camille thought working there was super boring, it would be a nice change of pace, and this time she would have a very sexy co-worker to help pass the time.
With the approaching holidays, Camille wondered about Ross’s family.
The only thing he had ever mentioned was that he was an only child.
Now she felt silly and self-centered for not asking more questions.
Then again, Ross had never offered information, so maybe that was a hint that he would just as well leave the topic alone.
Now curious, Camille vowed she would tiptoe around the subject the first chance she got.
Although she had not formally asked, she was sure her parents wouldn’t mind if she and Ross stayed in the boathouse, which was more of a cabin since its renovation a few years prior.
If it were just her, her old room at the house would suffice, but privacy was an issue there, making the boathouse a much better option.
Camille blushed at the thought, remembering their little tryst there when her mother caught them making love.
Camille smiled, knowing there wouldn’t be much privacy anywhere back home.
These amusing thoughts were short-lived, however, and her mind soon turned to a darker memory, recalling why her mother was so frantic that day.
Shane Simpson’s phone call was intended to scare them, and he was successful.
Unfortunately, her mother had also experienced his darkness.
Camille wondered if they could ever escape Shane’s revenge, or if they were just fooling themselves.
And now, by going back home to Cobden, Camille worried that her parents would be drawn into the chaos she and Ross lived in.
She hoped with all her heart that the monster hunting them would lose their trail, or better yet, follow them and slip up so the feds could capture him.
She longed for the day she got that news, but until then, Shane Simpson was at the forefront of her mind, and she hated it.
The drive home would have been a lot more fun with Ross, but they were in separate vehicles since they were moving.
With no one to talk to, Camille was alone with her thoughts.
She was relieved that her relationship with Ike was completely over, and she wondered how long he would be in the hospital.
She hadn’t thought about it before, but Ike would come home when he was discharged.
She hoped life wouldn’t be too awkward with her and Ross in Cobden now.
She also wondered where Janelle had ended up and when they would hear from her.
And after her mind moved away from Janelle, her next thought went directly back to Shane.
Did he hide out around the lake area? Had he realized that they’d skipped town?
Was he smugly claiming a victory for scaring them enough to leave?
But Camille’s main worry was that Shane was watching, waiting for the perfect time to ambush them.
Leaving the Ozarks was a logical decision, but it didn’t ease her mind as much as she had hoped.
And once again, Camille worried she would be exposing her family to this monster.
Although she tried to turn her attention to other thoughts, Camille seemed to have a one-track mind these days.
And as thoughts of Shane kept coming, she had the haunting realization that running away was most likely a temporary solution.
At some point, her issues with this dangerous serial killer would resurface.
Camille was definitely getting the feeling that spending a few hours alone with her thoughts was not good for her well-being.
In fact, these troublesome thoughts had Camille second-guessing their decision to move home.
One benefit of an occupied mind was that the four-hour drive went rather quickly, and before she knew it, they were pulling into the long lane at Brew4U to find the usual crowded weekend afternoon.
The Christmas decorations were up, and the place looked so beautiful, dusted with snow.
Just being home in the cheery atmosphere helped sway Camille’s thoughts to a lighter, happier space.
The Christmas decorations were the usual, and she couldn’t wait to see the lights at night, even though it looked like her dad might have skipped putting up some of the strands.
She really couldn’t blame him, though. He was getting older and didn’t have anyone there to help him.
She thought maybe at some point she would look in the shed and get the rest of the decorations out.
That would be a fun and easy project for her and Ross.
Camille didn’t plan on living there too long.
In fact, she suspected that with some more research, she and Ross would be traveling to various locations to investigate Shane’s trail of bodies.
She was convinced there were a lot more victims out there, and she wanted to give their families some closure.
Even though she and Ross were now on Shane’s hit list, Camille knew she had to finish what she’d started.
Being home for a while would put some time and space between them and Shane.
It would also give the feds time to find him so he could be held accountable.
His capture would certainly take a burden off her back and Ross’s as well, giving them a much safer space for continuing their investigations. And if they could solve a few more cold
cases related to Shane’s devious past and pile those charges onto his extensive list of offenses, even better.
As Camille expected, Marla and Dan Hargrove were elated to see her and Ross.
Even though their previous trip was cut a little short, the Hargroves had grown quite fond of their daughter’s new beau, and they were looking forward to seeing him again and getting to know him better.
And Dan was hell-bent on having one solid night of drinking and having Ross taste all his beers.
That was one of the events that got postponed because of their premature departure last time.
After the usual greetings, Camille got the answer she’d expected when she asked to stay in the boathouse and help out around the brewery for the holidays.
“Of course, Milly. That would be wonderful to have you and Ross here for a little while. But I know you; I can’t get my hopes up that you’ll be here too long,” Marla Hargrove said, pleased to have her daughter around even for a few days, but hopefully longer.
“Great! We can unpack later. We have just enough time to give Ross the lowdown on running the dishwasher,” Camille said, smiling at her dad. “Ahhh, yes, I can see he looks like a great dishwasher,” Dan played along. Ross was a bit confused, but he was smart enough to figure out that
doing the dishes at the brewery was everyone’s least favorite job. Being the new guy, however, he understood his place.
“I think I’ll amaze you all and be the best dishwasher you’ve ever had,” Ross said confidently.
“I certainly hope so,” Dan replied. “Milly’s not worth a shit!”
“Dad!” Camille fired back. “You hate it as much as I do, and I hate to break it to you, but you kinda suck at it too.”
Ross laughed and ended the family feud by telling them both he’d be happy to take that chore off their hands. All he needed was someone to show him what to do.
“Well, there’s no time like the present. The lunch crowd will be here soon. He needs a little breaking in before that happens.”
Ross followed Camille into the kitchen and was instantly rewarded with a big kiss and a smile.
“What was that for?”
“For just being so … so … Ross,” she said while she laughed. “You’re always so easy to get along with, and my parents absolutely love you!”
“They’re great people, and I love being here. I’d love being anywhere with you, Milly.”
This was the first time Ross had ever called Camille by her nickname, and both of them had to admit, it didn’t seem quite right.
“I think I’ll just stick to Camille,” Ross said as Camille nodded her head.
“Now, tell me what to do here as your new chief dishwasher.”
Ross was amazed at how busy the brewery was for lunch, and he struggled to keep up. And even when the crowd died down, and the dining room was nearly empty, he had piles of dishes.
Camille, seeing his distress, came to his aid, and together they finished the lunch mess just in time for the happy hour tasting crowd, which busied Camille but didn’t pile up many dishes. Ross took the brief time off, sat down, and wondered how he would make it through the dinner crowd.
“You look completely worn out, Ross,” Marla Hargrove said, patting him on the shoulder.
“Naw,” Ross replied. He was trying to conceal his exhaustion.
“Well, you did a remarkable job. You and Camille have earned the night off.”
This statement was music to Ross’s ears. “I figured we’d work the supper shift too.”
“No, we really just have trouble filling the afternoon slots. Megan and Jake will be here tonight. You’re off duty! And Camille has less than an hour to go,” Marla stated, quite proud to be giving good news.
“Well then, I’m going to head back to the boathouse and unpack the cars before Camille gets off work.”
“Sounds good! Thanks for your help today.”
Ross was like a little kid getting out of school for summer break. It had only been one day, and his ass was officially kicked.
After unloading both vehicles, Ross figured he needed Camille’s help putting things away, so he decided to build a fire and have a beer.
Camille was taking longer than he expected, so he thought he’d take a quick shower, put on his flannel pants, and get comfortable on the couch.
Grabbing another beer from the fridge, he sat down and was asleep within minutes.
When Camille came in, she saw the beer glass nearly full and Ross sleeping soundly.
So tired he couldn’t even drink a beer, Camille thought, smiling.
She grabbed a blanket, covered him up, and made sure the fire was okay.
On her way to the shower, she grabbed Ross’s beer and took a big swig, not caring that it was now warm.
It was only six o’clock, and she knew this was just a nap for Ross, so she thought she’d order pizza when he woke.
They would have to go get some groceries tomorrow.
After her shower, Camille watched Ross sleep and wondered some more about his family.
The more she thought about it, the more she thought it was strange that he had never mentioned them.
Maybe tonight was the night she would broach the issue.
She grabbed another beer and messed around on her phone until she heard Ross stirring.
By that time, she was bored and ready for some company, so she went over to the couch and snuggled up under the blanket and in his arms.
“Mmmmmm.” Ross was groggy, but he couldn’t ignore his cuddly couch buddy.
“You did so good today,” she boasted, knowing he was probably about ready to quit after one shift.
Ross stretched and wrapped her comfortably in his arms.
“Damn, I’m not gonna lie. That’s some hard duty, right there,” Ross admitted, hugging her a little tighter.
“I thought we’d just order pizza and go get some groceries tomorrow.” “Sounds great,” Ross said, looking at the end table for his beer.
“I drank that,” Camille admitted. “I’ll get us another one.”
“This little boathouse is quite cozy,” Ross said, sitting up.
Camille sat back down beside him and really wanted to just ask her questions about his family rather than chit chat, so she went for it.
“Where’d you grow up, Ross? Is your family around here?” And there it was—the question Ross had been waiting for. “My family is complicated,” Ross said, obviously a bit guarded.
Camille decided to let him expand on his statement and not probe. “I grew up in Naperville, near Chicago. My parents still live there.” “Are you close with them? I mean, you’ve never …”
“I know, but like I said, my family is complicated.”
Ross could tell Camille was hurt that he was not sharing more about his family, and he didn’t want her to think his secrecy had anything to do with her.
“I tell you what. You go order the pizza, and I’ll tell you all about my family over dinner.”
“Really?” Camille said, her eyes brightening.
“Yes, but I want meat lovers,” he said, giving her a little slap on the rear.
Camille was about to find out all the secrets she craved, and she couldn’t wait.
Ross, however, had a knot in his stomach the size of a fist. It was time to lay it all out, but where should he start?
He was starving and wanted to eat, but his stomach did a full flip, and he lost his appetite when the pizza arrived.
Nonetheless, he knew it was time to start talking.