Chapter 11 #2
Foul play? Or poor visibility?
He couldn’t shake Emma’s white as a ghost reaction.
If she had seen some indication of trouble, she would have found a way to pull him aside and tell him.
He hated that they couldn’t speak freely because of their companions.
He longed to talk one on one and help get her through a difficult time.
Because he wanted to heal her past and be part of her future.
He couldn’t lie to himself anymore about his intentions toward her.
But neither was it fair to open his heart as she sifted through so much pain and tried to make sense of a tragedy that had pulled them apart.
“Ugh,” Christine said. “I can’t do this silence anymore.”
“We can’t exactly play the license plate game out here,” Emma replied.
He was glad to hear the lightness in her tone.
If he had misgivings, he must be alone. That was for the best. He didn’t want her weighed down with anything more than the burdens she always carried.
He’d like the chance to help ease those off her shoulders.
But he’d be glad for any little moment of levity.
“And I won’t participate in Truth or Dare. ”
Sniggers greeted his comment. He smiled, still facing forward as he pressed on, his eyes roving the ground for any more holes or evidence of traps.
“Worried about your integrity?” Christine teased. “Fair enough. I’ve learned over the years that I don’t really want or need everyone’s truth either.”
“What do you mean?” Emma asked.
He was intrigued, too, by the reflective comment.
“Most people present a version of themselves to the world that I’m happy to accept. I don’t need to know everyone’s secrets. In fact, I prefer not to know,” Christine said. “You can’t unlearn things.”
Like if a friend committed murder two decades ago? And was covering their tracks for now? Daniel wasn’t sure Christine realized she implicated Jennifer with the comment. Christine would be an accomplice if her best friend was involved. He knew that with absolute certainty.
“I’m out of ideas for games. The trees are too thick to look up at the clouds,” Margaux added. “And I’m no good at identifying plant types.”
Daniel fought an eye roll. Something about her set his teeth on edge. He had to remain neutral. To assume a bias would color his entire perspective of the situation.
“I keep wondering what’s inside the time capsule,” Emma said, cutting through the tense silence. “I can’t remember what we collected.”
“I’m worried it’s all outdated technology we can’t use,” Margaux chimed in.
“Like a home movie?” Emma asked. “I don’t remember making any of those at camp, but I suppose someone in Shaunitoc has a VCR. Right, Daniel?”
He chuckled. “The library does for sure.”
“There has to be at least one CD. Remember those late-night commercials to order things like Totally Great 1998, today’s top music,” Emma said.
“That would be fun,” Christine replied. “I wouldn’t say no to an impromptu dance party.”
“Do you have a CD player handy?” Daniel asked.
“I do,” Emma murmured.
“Really?” Margaux squeaked.
Daniel whipped around to see everyone’s faces for the surprising turn in the conversation.
Emma was bright red and nibbling her lip, digging her shovel into the ground. “I can’t sleep without my headphones on and either white noise or a book on tape.”
“Does anyone still say book on tape?” Christine asked.
While Emma used her shovel as a walking stick, Christine gripped hers like a weapon. Why take such a posture? In light of the stumble earlier, Emma’s use made more sense. Unless Christine was in possession of facts she hadn’t shared with the group.
Emma turned redder as each second passed. “I mean. Maybe not? Maybe it’s just me.”
“Why not upgrade? Use your phone and wireless earbuds? A CD player skips a lot, right?” Margaux asked.
Emma shrugged. “That’s kind of part of what helps me fall asleep. It’s a whole routine now. A ritual.”
Something lingered behind the words. He’d ask her later, in confidence, without an audience.
“I didn’t see anything in the cabin,” Margaux blurted.
“Were you looking through our belongings?” Christine asked. “Old habits die hard?”
No one spoke. Only the chittering of a squirrel filled the air. As a detective, he couldn’t help but itch to ask more questions about that comment. But he knew when to back off interrogating during an investigation.
“I’m counting on at least one disposable camera,” he added, happily moving the conversation along and turning back to lead the way once more.
“That would be useless,” Christine replied. “Where can you get film developed now? I’m hoping we included actual printed photos. Or a mix CD. Something tangible and immediate.”
Daniel agreed. The culprit’s identity might be revealed by something in the box, whether their villain realized it or not at the time. Photographs were his top choice. But if the villain knew that was their aim, the mysterious figure might be following or racing ahead. On a wrapped ankle.
“Negatives would work. Remember those little canisters for 35mm film? We could unfurl the unprocessed rolls, hold those up to the light, and look at the pictures, no lab required,” Emma added.
“If there are photos or negatives, can I make a motion that the three of us girls look through them first?” Christine asked, her voice shaky.
“You wouldn’t have taken any sort of scandalous photo out here in the woods, would you?” Emma retorted.
“I don’t know. Jennifer and I were always daring each other. I wouldn’t be surprised,” Christine replied.
“I agree,” Margaux chimed in. “Sorry, Sheriff. But you’ll have to let us take the lead about pictures.”
“That’s fine by me,” Daniel said, working to keep his tone steady and even. He was glad to be in front so none of the women could glimpse his flush. He had no desire to see anything he wasn’t supposed to.
The trees finally gave way to a beach and a dilapidated dock. Across the water, he spied a heavily forested island and sagged with relief. “We’re here.”
“Great,” Margaux said, nearing him. “Let’s do this and get it over with. I’d love to sleep in a real bed and not on the ground tonight.”
He reached out his arm to block her path.
“The sun is getting low. We’d better set up the tents and make a fire.
We can cross in the morning.” He pointed to a couple of overturned canoes on the shore.
“After we inspect whether or not those are sea-worthy. The water is still in the fifties. I don’t want to swim across and freeze tonight when the sun goes down. ”
“Good thinking,” Emma said with a smile, approaching the pair.
“I’m starving for hot dogs and s’mores,” Christine said.
Margaux sighed and plastered on a smile, turning back from the water’s edge and retreating to a ring of stones.
They weren’t the first group to use the site. He was glad to find a spot ready for a fire.
Christine offloaded her backpack and pulled over a fallen log as a seat while she sorted through her supplies.
Emma stood at his side. She opened her mouth and quickly shut it, returning to the others to set up camp. “Good idea, Christine. Come on, Margaux. Help me with these other logs, and then we can gather sticks.”
He was glad for her even temper and ability to quickly cool rising ire in others. But he longed for a moment alone to pull her aside and discuss the journal. And to establish an around the clock watch of their camp. Someone was watching them. And he didn’t know who or why.