Murder at the Bonfire Page 2

  “Oh, dear. Lounging by the lake. If we must, we must.”

  The ladies headed back to the lodge, chattering just like the birds in the trees.

  AN ANGRY VOICE FLOATED towards the twins as they entered the front foyer of the lodge. “I don’t care what you say, Merv. Even if it is a utility closet, we have standards here.”

  “Joyce, I’ve been the custodian for longer than you’ve been alive and...”

  “That might be so. But I’ve got a job to do. If we get a surprise inspection by the fire chief and he finds greasy rags or bottles of chemicals strewn around like beer cans after a frat party, it’ll be my hide. And you can bet I won’t go down alone.”

  “In all my years here there has never been a single complaint or...”

  “Merv, do you like your job here?”

  Embarrassed Georgie and Aleta looked down at the floor as they walked past the two staff members in the hallway leading toward the restaurant.

  They didn’t hear the man, Merv, reply. But they heard the woman, Joyce, continue as if she were scolding a student in the hall outside a classroom.

  “If you think the Lodge has become too much for you then maybe it’s time you move along.” Joyce’s voice was shrill.

  “I’m not going anywhere.”

  “Then I suggest you get used to doing things the way I say. Now clean up this room and when you are done with this there are two loose stone slabs by the pool. And don’t forget to get the wood for the bonfire tonight. I don’t want the guests waiting like they had to last Tuesday.”

  “Yikes.” Georgie whispered. “I wouldn’t last five minutes working with that woman.”

  “You wouldn’t last five minutes working for anyone.” Aleta whispered back.

  “What are you talking about? I am the easiest person to get along with.”

  “Ha!” Aleta burst out. “Right. I’ve heard you say this before. Just because you repeat a thing doesn’t make it true.”

  “Well, I still wouldn’t work for a woman like that. Take the poor guy in your office or something. You don’t do it where people can see and hear.”

  “You’re right about that.” Aleta pointed to a sign that said Please Seat Yourself. “Should we take a seat by the window?”

  “That looks perfect.”

  Before long they each had a slice of pie and a scoop of maple ice cream in front of them and two steaming cups of coffee.

  “I feel like we are in a completely different country and not just off in the suburbs. This is really nice.” Aleta said as she looked out the window to yet another stunning view.

  “I’m going to bring my sketchbook to the lake.”

  “Good idea. I’m going to bring some candy bars.”

  “Aleta, sometimes your brilliance is blinding.”

  After their snack they went back to the cabin to change clothes.

  Chapter 3

  “So what do you think?” Georgie said as she emerged from the bathroom wearing a bright red one-piece bathing suit with a matching wrap-around skirt.

  “That’s cute.”

  “You haven’t seen anything.” Georgie pulled off a white bathing cap with bright red and yellow flowers all over it. They matched her slip-on shoes.

  “Is there such a thing as being too coordinated?” Aleta asked.

  “Not in my book. You look cute. Is that a new bathing suit?”

  “Nope. I’ve had this one for years.”

  Aleta did a quick twirl in her navy blue, no frills one-piece bathing suit before stepping into a pair of denim shorts.

  “Now I know those are new.” Georgie studied her sister’s shorts. I haven’t seen you in such hip huggers since you and I were in high school.

  “What? You’re crazy.”

  “Hoping to catch yourself a Grizzly Adams?” Georgie teased.

  “I don’t know what you are talking about.”

  “Are those shorts new or not?”

  “Yes they are. Happy?”

  “Not as happy as the fella who trips over his tongue watching you walk by.”

  Aleta shook her head, snatching up the beach towels they brought with them as Georgie laughed and grabbed their small cooler.

  The old pier was completely empty as they set up their towels and cracked open a couple of waters. Georgie dangled her feet in the water with her sketchbook on her lap. Aleta, grateful no one else was about, slipped out of her shorts and dove into the water.

  Of the two sisters, Aleta was always more athletic. Not that she had won any medals or trophies within the past ten years but compared to Georgie, who considered kicking her feet in the water intense cardio, Aleta’s swimming away from the pier just to turn and swim back was like a marathon.

  “How’s the water?”

  “Very nice.” Aleta bobbed up and down. “And I can feel the bottom with my feet up to here. See, I’m bouncing on my toes. I’m sure it drops off but you could certainly come in and cool off without fear of drowning.”

  “Are there fish in there?”

  “Well, of course there are fish.” Aleta replied.

  “Is the bottom all slimy? I’ll freak out if I get in there and it’s all gross and slimy.” Georgie fussed.

  “It feels mostly like pebbles. There is a little mud. Now quit stalling and come on in.”

  “I will. Just let me get a few memories down on paper.” Georgie’s hand flew across the pages as she worked on her drawing while Aleta floated in the water with the sun warm on her face. Georgie finally set her things aside feeling the sweat on her back.

  “Okay. I’m coming in.”

  In most cases Georgie was the adventurous one. But, in this case she didn’t trust diving into the water like her sister did. With slow, deliberate steps she eased herself down the waterlogged wooden steps at the end of the pier. Pushing herself away she was happy because Aleta was right, she could feel the bottom with her feet.

  “You look like an exotic lily bobbing up and down in the water.” Aleta joked.

  “I feel like one.”

  The ladies bobbed in the calm water while chatting, completely oblivious to the man who came teetering out of the woods and up to the pier.

  “Who is that?” Aleta gasped and pointed over Georgie’s shoulder.

  “That looks like the guy who was getting yelled at in the hallway.” Georgie squinted. “He better not take our candy bars.”

  They watched for a few minutes as the man stared out at the water.

  “Does he even see us?”

  “If he does I think he sees six of us total. Tell me he isn’t drunk.” Georgie smirked.

  “He certainly seems drunk or high or something.” Aleta agreed.

  They continued to study the man as he staggered a couple more steps down the pier. He squinted, pointed his finger in Georgie and Aleta’s direction but stopped when there was a shout behind him.

  “Merv!” A strapping fellow with gun-metal gray hair wearing a brown park ranger uniform emerged from the woods. “Merv? You all right?”

  The custodian turned around, squared his shoulders and let out a huge sigh. He looked down at his shoes and put his hands behind his back like a child caught throwing stones at the windows of an abandoned house.

  “Yeah.” Merv muttered. “Yeah. I’m doin’ fine.”

  “Merv, we’ve talked about this. You’ve been doing so well. Come on, tell me what happened.” The ranger sounded concerned as he came up and clapped Merv on the shoulder.

  “I’ve taken care of this place for years, Luke. Years. I love this place. I’m the... protector.”

  “I know, Merv.”

  “But that woman. She doesn’t understand.”

  “Are you talking about Joyce?”

  “Nothing’s been the same since she got here. Nothing.” Merv muttered.

  “Okay, Merv. You know she can’t see you this way. You’ll be out on your can for sure. Remember, you’ve been doing great, Merv. You can’t give up. You can’t let Joyce or anyone else get to you.”

  Luke looked over the pier at Georgie and Aleta who were bobbing up and down in the water, watching the scene with interest. He put his hand up to assure them he was handling the situation.

  “Look, go to my office, pour yourself a cup of coffee and lay down on the couch. You’ll be fine in half an hour, okay. Can you do that?”

  “Yeah. Yeah, Luke. I can do that.”

  “Okay, follow the path and I’ll cover for you if I see Joyce.”

  “Thank you, Luke, God bless you, man.” Merv nodded his head and began shuffling toward the path that Luke had emerged from.

  The ranger, whose name tag identified him as Luke, moved a few steps along the dock before addressing the twins. “He didn’t bother you ladies, did he?”

  “I don’t even think he saw us. But we’re glad you arrived. Thanks.” Georgie said as she bobbed in the water.

  “Is he all right?” Aleta said as she swam the few strokes to the wooden ladder and hauled herself up onto the pier.

  “Merv? Yes. He’s worked at the Lodge for as long as I’ve been a ranger. That’s at least twenty years. The guy was no problem at all until his wife passed. She’s been gone for about five years. He’s been on the wagon for most of that time.” Luke reached his hand down to help Aleta up. “But, it’s been difficult for him. That’s why I cut him some slack.

  “Was he drunk?” She asked and thanked him for his assistance. Aleta couldn’t help but feel for Merv. She knew how it felt to want to drown your sorrows.

  “No. He was a little buzzed. I’ve seen him drunk and believe me, he wasn’t drunk. I’d probably have had to restrain him if he was.” the ranger cleared his throat. “Uhm, I’m Luke Holt.” He extended his hand again.

  “Aleta Kaye. That exotic lotus in the water
is my sister, Georgie.”

  “Hi, Georgie.” He waved down in to the water. “I like your hat.”

  “It’s a swim cap.” Georgie muttered, looking at the water in front of her.

  Aleta chuckled.

  “I assume you ladies are staying at the lodge?”

  “Yes.” Aleta said scooping up her towel and wrapping it around her waist.

  “How long will you be here?” He asked, paying no attention to Georgie as she maneuvered her way to the ladder.

  “We are staying for the weekend. Just a girl’s weekend.”

  “The lodge has a bonfire every night. Are you going to go?”

  “Probably. We heard there was cider.”

  Aleta and Luke continued to chat as Georgie watched, the wheels turning in her head as there was no way to deny the sparks that were flying.

  “Yes, the cider is delicious. And, I don’t know if you like s’mores, but they serve those, too.”

  “We love s’mores.” Aleta giggled.

  “Well, I’ll be sure to bring the marshmallows.” Luke nodded. “See you both tonight.”

  “Okay, Luke. We’ll see you tonight.”

  As Luke walked away Aleta pretended not to be watching him but just as she dropped her towel to shimmy into her new shorts he turned around to get one last look. His smile was charming and surprising but not as surprising as the smile and wave Aleta gave back.

  “Why you little harlot.” Georgie said as she pulled herself out of the water.

  “What are you talking about?”

  “I’m talking about the shameless flirting you’re doing with Ranger Rick there.” Georgie teased.

  “He was being nice, and I was being nice back.”

  “Yeah. Just remember getting back to nature includes getting back to the birds and the bees.”

  “Georgie Kaye, can you climb out of the gutter for one minute? Stan must have been some stud muffin, because every time we start talking about men, you circle back to sex.”

  “What gutter? I’m just watching out for my baby sister.”

  “Two minutes, Georgie. You were born two minutes before me.” Aleta stated.

  “Makes me think Dudley Do-Right likes to rob the cradle.”

  “Dudley Do-Right was a Mountie.”

  “Are you sure? I thought he was a forest ranger.” Georgie asked.

  “You are impossible. I’m going back to the cabin. Are you coming?”

  “Yeah, I’ve had enough sun. This was fun right? We’ll do it again tomorrow?”

  “Absolutely.” Aleta’s attitude toward her sister was never stormy for long. Most of it was the fun kind of banter they’d exchanged their whole lives.

  Their mother often told stories about how the two girls argued then laughed only to argue some more before laughing again from when they were toddlers into adulthood.

  As the ladies made their way back down the wide trail to their cabin they passed cabins numbered nine and eleven.

  “What is going on over there?” Georgie pointed to a woman wearing the same dark green skirt and light green blouse as the rest of the staff in the lodge. It looked like she was trying to hide or possibly conduct some kind of covert surveillance.

  Within a matter of seconds, a tall man wearing black dress pants and a blue polo shirt walked up behind the woman, slipping his arms around her waist. She squealed but before she could say anything, the man had her in a lip-lock. When the couple broke apart they glanced around furtively before slipping inside cabin marked #11 via the back door.

  “Love is in the air, I guess.” Georgie joked.

  “Did you and Stan ever sneak off like that?” Aleta asked with curiosity.

  “With those three mood killers I gave birth to? Are you kidding?”

  They laughed as they walked the rest of the way back to their cabin.

  Chapter 4

  The afternoon slipped by as the ladies lounged in the cabin. Georgie cleaned up some of her drawings after taking a hot shower. Aleta dove into a romance book about a poor maiden who is hired to work at a count’s lonely castle.

  They finally agreed on dinner when the sun had just started to set.

  “I do hope that Merv fellow is feeling better.” Aleta said as they walked to the lodge. “I really feel bad for him. Even if he did make a mess or a mistake, that woman should be more sympathetic.”

  “Well, maybe she’d given him a number of chances and he kept blowing it?” Georgie said as she requested a table for two from the hostess.

  “You might be right. I just can’t help but...”

  “I know. I miss William, too.” Georgie soothed.

  “I wanted to get drunk.” Aleta added. “I wanted to get drunk and get behind the wheel of the car and just drive away. If I crashed, I crashed. But, the thought that I might hurt someone else always stopped me.”

  “The pain never really goes away.” Georgie patted her sister’s hand.

  “No, it doesn’t.” Aleta shook out her napkin and placed it in her lap.

  “Maybe you should mention that to Merv. If we see him again. I wouldn’t go seeking the guy out. He might get the wrong idea.” Georgie offered. “But it might be just what he needs to hear.”

  “That’s a good idea.” Aleta looked at the menu and gasped. “Did you see they have German chocolate cake?”

  “Now, add a scoop of that maple ice cream to the side of that.”

  “I think I know what I’m having for dinner. Dessert!”

  “Okay, but don’t forget that Smokey Bear is bringing some marshmallows for you and him to make s’mores.”

  “His name is Luke. Can you just call him Luke?” Aleta snapped.

  “Whatever you say.” Georgie shrugged her shoulders. “I’m just telling you that maybe you shouldn’t order dessert if he’s going to have something sweet for you.”

  “See, you make it sound seedy.”

  “No. You are thinking of it in a seedy way. Shame on you. Mother would be shocked.” Georgie pursed her lips and slowly shook her head.

  “Please. What do you say we go nuts and get a couple of steaks?”

  “I’d say that is a great idea.”

  It didn’t take long for the sisters to get deep into a conversation about some long-forgotten relatives that may have contributed to Aleta’s gifts at mathematics and Georgie’s artistic talents. In between bites of steak and sips of wine they were laughing, sometimes almost crying and having a good time.

  “Do you think the bonfire has started?” Aleta asked after they had the bill added to their room account.

  “It’s dark enough. Let’s go take a look.”

  Down a skinny path flanked on each side by tall grass and decorative stones the ladies could hear lots of talking and laughter.

  “Sounds like it’s coming from over there.” Georgie said.

  The path led them a little way from the lodge. It opened up to a beautifully rustic camping site with simple log benches arranged around the fire pit. Some people brought their own chairs to lounge in. The fire was just getting started in the middle. Merv had obviously taken Joyce’s words about not making the guests wait to heart.

  The nighttime air had grown cooler since the ladies had walked into the lodge to eat. Through the branches overhead the stars twinkled and a crescent moon started to inch its way into view.

  Everyone in attendance was chatting as the logs began to hiss and snap shooting small embers off like miniature comets.

  Georgie and Aleta took a seat on one of the benches.

  “Would you like a cider?” Georgie asked.

  “I would.”

  “Be right back.”

  On the other side of the fire just slightly off in the shadows was a quaint booth where a man from the lodge was tending bar.

  “I’ve got cider, hot chocolate, and for a small fee, if you wanted a little nip added to keep the chills away, I’d be happy to add a little Bailey’s Irish Crème to your hot chocolate or a shot of whiskey to your cider.”

  “No thanks,” Georgie smiled. “It’s our first night. If you add any of the hard stuff, we are sure to get a polite notice tomorrow morning telling us we aren’t welcome anymore.”

  “Okay” The man laughed. “Two kiddie cocktails, coming up.”

  “Bruce.” A female voice hissed from behind Georgie, before saying more loudly right in her ear, “Excuse me.”