Chapter Fifteen

Nate wanted to hug Emily but guessed she’d be embarrassed. Shaking off fatigue, he mounted the steps to the deck. “Hey, everyone, the sheriff doesn’t have anything new to share. How about you finish your drinks and go home? I know we’re ready to get some rest.”

“Good idea,” Jack called. “Any of you kids going to help me stable the horses and dry those water dragons you released?” A chorus of young voices volunteered. The noise moved from the deck, and the adults exchanged tired looks. Keeping the youngsters occupied had taken their minds from the tragedy.

Nate settled on a bench in the gazebo. After handing him a glass of iced tea, Jared efficiently packed the liquor bottles into a plastic carton. He zipped the cash into a bank deposit bag and handed it to Nate.

“Another skill?” Nate asked with an easy smile. He removed two twenties and handed them over. “Working the bar is above and beyond. You deserve this.”

“Thanks. I’ll be here in the morning.” Jared gave him a snappy salute before taking the carton inside.

“What a day,” Liz said before she plopped next to Nate with a long sigh. “The hayride would have been enough. Everyone loves the wagon and the horses. And three hours is certainly worth paying a fee.” She rubbed a hand over her eyes and leaned her head back against the side. Her brown eyes closed.

“You’ve been working harder than me to have everything ready for the opening,” Nate said. “Having someone working registration is going to help tremendously. Jared looks like a good worker.”

She grunted an affirmation. He watched the rest of the neighbors drift away.

Open to the lowering sun, the barn doors revealed several people helping Jack with the horses. Jenny was grooming her mare, Sheba. The pretty brown horse tossed her head and snorted. Sara and John held out handfuls of straw for her to munch. Several bales of hay were stacked out of the weather.

Liz yawned loudly. “When I have time, I’ll check the upstairs.”

Another knot in his gut released. Leaning forward, he braced his elbows on his knees. The afternoon heat built dark clouds on the horizon. The air smelled of rain. He took the time to look at his property.

Both barns’ doors stood open. They looked right. Pleasure sent a smile over his face. Bordered by thick grass, the pond had come alive. A ribbit, ribbit, ribbit came from frogs already in the water. A red-winged blackbird dove for a bug and flashed its wings when he rose. Four Canada geese rode their wings to a splashy set-down. They swam to the edge and pulled at the grass for food. Several more bird varieties he didn’t know winged across the surface.

Sipping his tea, he let the day unwind. Next spring they’d add a fountain to the pond. He wanted to keep it clear for the kids to swim. Maybe a few domestic ducks or geese, too. Liz had mentioned chickens but he had no idea how to care for any fowl. Getting eggs from a neighbor sounded easier.

The herb garden needed care if he wanted fresh parsley, basil, and other herbs for his cooking. Keeping the roses around the gazebo healthy took time, but they promised to flower well. He rubbed the back of his neck. Maybe he needed a gardener, too. Or a farmer who’d do the gardening for a barter.

At this rate, Jared and Anna wouldn’t be enough Inn help. Jack had his own place to maintain. Jenny would be returning to school after Labor Day. He’d need to discuss all these changes with Victoria. Although she acted as a silent partner, she wanted to be involved. Fixing the cabins to shelter wounded warriors was her project.

The last thing he wanted to think about was the skeleton. If it were Bertha’s lover, it was sad. Even a lost hiker meant someone had died. Their family would want to know. That problem he’d leave in the hands of the sheriff. Karen was competent.

Dusk settled quietly over the hills. Liz joined him when he went inside. He washed his hands and donned his apron. A simple baked chicken with fresh yellow squash, brown rice and a salad was already prepped. By the time the table was set, coffee made, and baked apples ready for the oven, the chicken was cooked. Liz called the kids to wash.

Jack and Jenny joined them. Emily slid into a chair a few minutes later. She barely nodded and Nate hoped the discovery wasn’t depressing her. He smiled at her, but her gaze avoided his. He frowned.

“Everything is done,” Liz announced proudly. She gestured upstairs. “We’ve double-checked the bedrooms and they are sparkling. All the toilets flush. The public rooms are polished and dusted. Nate has the kitchen under control. The menus are ready, the produce ordered. And I can’t think of anything else.”

“Then tomorrow, the first two guests will arrive.” Nate inhaled sharply. “Breakfast on Friday is planned. Menus for dinner on Saturday and Sunday are ready and the preparation started. I ordered extra wine to go with the entrees.”

“I can’t believe it. Labor Day weekend is here.” Liz groaned.

“This one will be the hardest. We’ve done our best to anticipate problems, but only so much is under our control. I have every confidence in you.” He squeezed Liz’s hand.

Jack laughed. “I can’t see any problem daring to challenge Liz.”

The children finished their desserts and carried their plates to the dishwasher. Jenny loaded them.

Jack pushed back and stretched his legs out. “You make a fine meal, Nate. And I thank you for including us. Jenny and I are going over to my parents’ place for a few hours. I’ll be back later. Today’s excitement has the dogs antsy, and I want to calm them.”

“Are you staying the night?” Liz asked anxiously.

He patted her shoulder. “I’ll be late, but I’ll be back. I have the cot set up in the barn again.”

****

Emily wanted to pull Nate aside, but there wasn’t anything to say. She’d deceived him with her half-truths and she didn’t know how to fix it. She rubbed her tired eyes.

After loading her dishes into the dishwasher, she poured coffee for herself. She wouldn’t get much sleep tonight anyway. She wandered to the deck and found a seat. Stars burned a thick path across the dark sky. Heavy clouds crowded the horizon. She looked for the North Star and the Big Dipper, the only stars she knew. They were bright tonight.

She was relieved when Nate went to his room. Liz carried the children to the cottage after saying good night. After finishing her coffee, Emily unplugged and rinsed the pot before heading to her room. She paused outside Nate’s door, but his room was silent. She hoped he was asleep. He’d been as upset by the body as she was.

The extra bed was neatly made. Emily carefully packed her things. The letters made a thick file and they went in the zippered pocket for safety. When she told Nate she was leaving, she meant it. She checked her police identification was tucked into her wallet, then gathered a thick towel and shampoo.

Taking a shower with a bathroom down the hall had been a hassle. When working, Em was in and out in ten minutes. Tonight the sound of the water shouldn’t wake Nate. She hoped. Tonight she spent time washing and conditioning her hair. The familiar action soothed her.

Since the inn was quiet, she pulled on a long T-shirt and opened the door. Her heart fluttered. She was disappointed Nate wasn’t waiting for her in the dark passage. She blew out a frustrated breath and opened one of the bedroom windows to let the fresh breeze blow in. A whip-poor-will called from the hill.

The comfortable bed beckoned her. Flowery potpourri scented the bedroom air. She lay on top of the handmade quilt and stared at the ceiling. Sleep eluded her. She lost count of the times she turned over, punched the pillow, yawned.

An owl hooted from the nearby woods. The call of the whip-poor-will sounded closer. The curtain flapped and the scent of smoke tainted the air. Her watch claimed it was only twelve thirty, not nearing dawn. She swore and rolled over again.

Someone knocked on Nate’s door and called his name. Emily pulled on her pants and sneakers before she opened her door.

“What’s happening?” Her pulse raced. Smoke, she smelled smoke.

“We need help. That bastard set a half-dozen fires. Mostly chicken coops or dog houses,” Jack snarled angrily.

“I’m ready.” Nate finished buttoning his shirt.

“Wait a minute, Jack. You know Nate can’t handle any equipment. He’s barely on the mend.” She held out her hands as if to stop them.

“I’m sorry. I wasn’t clear. We need people to direct traffic. Even with one arm he’ll do fine.” Jack patted her hand.

She shook him off. “Then I’ll help, too. And don’t give me any chauvinist crap about women.”

“I wouldn’t dare,” Jack said. Both men laughed.

Emily dressed and grabbed a sweatshirt before they raced to Jack’s truck. The short drive downtown seemed to take forever. Smoke drifted low to the ground. They turned onto the main street. Jack pointed to a line of cars and trailers stalled on the road.

“The vendors for the three-day fair and farm market are mad as wet hens. They arrive early to get the best spots. Usually the worst thing that happens is a shouting match, but they are angry. Some of them know the mayor and got him out of bed. Only he can’t put out the fires. We need to get the traffic moving,” Jack explained.

“Drop me off here,” Emily ordered, and exited the truck. “I’ve done traffic duty before. I can get them to the town green with a little patience.” Jack hesitated before he handed her a walkie-talkie. She hitched up her pants and realized she’d forgotten her belt.

“I’ll help, too,” Nate said and started to slide out.

“No. You stay with Jack and take it easy,” Emily snapped and poked him in the chest with her forefinger. “You have a big day tomorrow, too.” She blew out her breath and stared into his angry gaze until he leaned back. She slammed the door and waved them off.

Walking to the entrance to the town parking area, she shook her head. Smoke rolled in clouds over the area and the distant fire engines rumbled like angry dinosaurs.

“Hey, you. You need to move this rig.” She thumped on the hood of a pick-up truck pulling a fifth wheel.

“This isn’t where I want to park,” the driver whined. “Who are you anyway?”

“I’m the cops. Either pull this over to the far end of the lot or I’ll throw your butt in jail until the judge arrives on Monday,” she ordered while she waved her badge in his face.

He put his trailer into gear and turned into the drive. Every driver argued with her. She finally stopped listening. Being threatened with losing her job here made her grin. Once she convinced them to move on, the majority of the vendors didn’t look back while they hurried to find a good spot. Luckily the town’s committee had marked the vending area with stakes and yellow tape.

What had seemed like a zillion vehicles resolved into several dozen who knew what they were doing once parked. She watched from the corner curb for more vehicles, but the rush had slowed to a trickle.

A breeze lifted the smoke and blew it away.

After checking the channel on the walkie-talkie, Emily called Jack. “Hey, there. I’ve cleared the traffic jam at the park entrance. They’re parking at the rear of the lot.”

“That was fast,” he complimented. “We should hire you every year.”

“Sorry. I have a job,” she protested. “Where are you?”

“Head straight up the road. You’ll see an engine on the second corner. Turn right and keep going another block. The only cars this far up are locals. We’ve kept them away from any burning.”

Emily walked the short distance. Most of the houses across from the green had posted hand-made “No Parking” signs on their lawns. A few with big driveways stated their hourly fees. Emily laughed aloud. She tugged at her sweatshirt when the evening chill cooled her skin. The locals knew how to earn an extra dollar from the tourists who crowded the town for the long weekend.

The blue engine lights flashed and the driver gave her a wave. The night grew quieter the further she walked from downtown. Without the smoke the air smelled like mown hay. Another engine blocked the next turn. Jack’s truck was parked at the curb. Nate leaned on the fender. He yawned and rubbed his face.

“What’s happening?” she asked.

“The fires are out. Jack’s walking the perimeter looking for hot spots, places where the fire might spring up again. When he returns, he’ll give us a ride home. I know I’m ready.” He yawned again. Glancing around, he cocked his head. “What is that noise?”

Emily listened. “Sounds like a sick cat,” she muttered. “Or a child.”

Nate took a few steps along the road. He pointed into a shadowed curve. “Over there.”

“Be careful,” Emily warned. “That doesn’t sound right.”

Using her small flashlight, she checked the verge. An old pick-up truck was parked at an angle off the road surface. The pitiful sound came from inside. With the windows rolled down, Emily could see a single figure crouched on the seat. He winced away from her knock on the doorframe.

“Artie?” Nate approached the driver’s side door. “What’s the problem?”

“I want to go home,” Artie sobbed, and cowered away. He scooted to the open window. “I’m supposed to be home.”

Emily frowned at the young man. “Why are you parked here?”

“The policeman said I had to fix my headlight before I could drive at night. And I forgot.” He muffled another sob. “They must have been looking for me. They’re all over. So I hid here. I want to go home.” He wiped his face with a paper towel and blew his nose.

Emily shook her head. Holding the radio close to her mouth, she called Jack.

“We have a situation. Artie is afraid of the police and he’s parked in the dark. Could you bring someone to escort him home when you return?”

“We’ll take care of it.” Jack sounded exhausted, too.

A few minutes later another pickup truck arrived. The driver knew Artie and encouraged him to follow him to his home.