Prelude of Lies (13 page)

“Seriously, you know as well as we do that not
anyone
did this.” Sydney stepped toward the red-faced deputy, her frustration evident. “Where in the hell is your boss?”

Daisy moved away, not wanting to be in the path of her sister’s temper. Jace blocked Daisy’s exit.

“You think I murdered an innocent animal and mutilated its body just to scare you?” he asked, though no anger showed in his eyes.

“I’m not as gullible as Sydney. You have a reason for wanting to be on the property. I know what that reason is, so you can cause more destruction and fear and take control of the property for your dear, sweet Grandmother.” Her words tasted like poison. She didn’t care.

“Doesn’t the fact that your sister accepted my offer of help mean anything to you?” His demeanor hadn’t changed.

“I think my sister agreed because she wanted to keep an eye on you. To prove your motives are less than noble.”

“Then why would I do something like this my first night here? Wouldn’t I wait and see where my efforts would have more impact and cost more to repair? Wouldn’t I strike to hurt your memories of your grandfather and break your will?” His ice-cold tone jarred the anger into fear.

“You are a devious bastard.” She clenched her jaw to keep her volume low.

“Am I? Have I done anything like that? Didn’t your sister tell you how Grandmother played me?”

Daisy could only stare at him. Could he be for real? “My trust is something you’ll need to earn. I’ll be watching you. Hurt my sister or this land and you will feel my wrath.” She was impressed he accepting her vicious threat without flinching.

“Fair enough. I don’t plan on doing either.”

Sydney leaned against the side of the building, her face a mask of calm control.

“Well?” Daisy positioned herself beside her, surveying the activity in the parking area.

“We can’t touch the office until they’re done gathering evidence. There’s dissention on whether this was bored teenagers or a malicious act. With everything the sheriff knows, he’s still not willing to accuse Violet of masterminding everything that’s happened.”

“Could Jace find out?” As much as she hated to think it, Jace could prove his intentions by providing them some answers straight from his darling grandmother.

“I’ll ask.” Sydney glanced at her, the unspoken proof they both required from their newest guest unmentioned.

“He is very cute.” Daisy tried to find that anger she’d used to bully him, but she was too weary.

“That he is. I don’t think he did this. I’m not sure he could manage. He looks fit, but his hands are too soft. Does that make sense?”

“Actually, yeah. Okay. I’ll get off his back for now.” Daisy leaned her head on Sydney’s shoulder. “Are we going to be able to even do this?”

“That’s the thinking this stunt was meant to bring out. Yes. We are going to open the campground. We both know we can. The only thing that’s against us is time and Vile Violet.”

“Two very big things.” Worry, and the fear of failure threatened to overwhelm her.

Since they could do nothing until the investigating crew released the office, they went to see Marshal. He opened the door, shirtless and barefoot, and Daisy swore Sydney had a little heart attack. Daisy explained the situation at the cabin, not realizing Marshal hadn’t been around to offer comfort when they screamed.

“Okay. Let me put a shirt on and I’ll show you.” He went to the bedroom and Daisy reached over to Sydney’s mouth, pretending to wipe drool from her chin.

Sydney turned to her with wide eyes. “Oh. My. God.”

“Yeah.” Even Daisy was impressed. Marshal must have started working out, he was much more defined than the last time she’d seen him shirtless. And back then, he’d been something to gawk at. She almost wanted to change places with Sydney.

Marshal returned and before Sydney found her normal breathing pattern, had the equipment all set up. He motioned them to the table with an excited smile.

“This is from two nights ago.” He pushed a button on the laptop and Daisy strained her ears.

She heard Marshal’s stock ghost question and then a brief period of silence before a different voice crackled, sounding distant but not.

“I can’t find you. Where are you? Sydney?”

“They called your name?” Daisy stared at Sydney.

“Shh. There’s more.” Marshal held his hand up.

Sydney didn’t appear affected by the use of her name. She leaned forward, her expression passive and unreadable.

“Sydney? Help me. He said you would help us find our way. I can’t find you.”

Marshal pressed stop. “Do you want to hear it again?”

“No. What else do you have?” Sydney sat back.

Marshal put in a disc and cued up the video from the pond. Everything they’d witnessed was there, including the music she hadn’t been sure she heard.

“What do you think?” Daisy turned toward Marshal.

“I don’t know. We’ve taped twice since then and haven’t had a repeat. I’m not sure so I’m not commenting.” Typical Marshal. “Okay. This is from the woods behind the bathhouse. The area Kay talked about.”

Daisy leaned forward, trying to find her bearings through the video. A figure appeared at the edge of the screen. Marshal pointed and slowed the speed down so they could watch the progression.

“Here.” He moved his finger to the other side of the monitor, revealing two shapes. The smaller moved with boundless energy, back and forth.

“That’s the dog.” Daisy sat forward.

“Shh. Watch.”

What she thought was the phantom dog from their very first day here moved toward the camera. Daisy could make out a tail but the rest of the body was a blur, even with the slower speed. Then, nothing. Had she blinked and missed it running away?

“Watch again. The dog just disappears.” He rewound, and Daisy knew she hadn’t blinked.

“What about the other one?” Sydney asked, her eyes fixed on the screen.

“Here. Don’t pay attention to the little one, but watch again.” He backed up the video to where the shape had first appeared on the screen.

“There. Now here. Here.” Marshal pointed. The figure seemed to disappear and then reappear several feet away from where it started. “Watch.”

A face appeared in front of the camera. Marshal paused the footage at the exact moment the image recorded itself.

“Why didn’t we see that the first time?” Sydney stared at the vague face with interest.

“Too quick. That image is about a half a mili-second on the timer. See.” Marshal backed up and then played the footage at the same speed he’d used for the dog. “In normal speed we would have never seen him. If it weren’t for the dog, we’d have missed this. Impressive?”

“Awesome. And your thoughts?”

“No comment. You know I don’t give my true thoughts until the end of the investigation.”

“You usually don’t let clients go with you either,” Daisy pointed out. “Or let them see the evidence before you’ve picked it to death.”

“Okay. You’re right. No comment.”

“Is there more?” Daisy asked, eyeing the stack of CD’s beside the computer.

“Yeah. More of that dog thing or whatever it is. This time outside the bathhouse. Let me show you.” He went through the stack of CD’s.

A knock sounded on the door. Daisy got up to answer, finding the deputy sheriff on the other side.

“The building’s all yours again. Sorry for the delay. I had some of my guys clean up the worst of the blood. I figured it was the least we could do for acting like assholes. Plus, we talked to Frank. He never told us what to expect out here before he left for Florida.”

Daisy hugged him, even though she didn’t know if that was appropriate. She didn’t care. He’d just made their afternoon easier and she was kind of mad at Frank for not filling the new guys in. Not that it mattered now.

“Go. Get busy. I think the guys have the CD in the van.” Marshal stood, obviously aware how important getting the office ready was for their inspection.

Sydney appeared a little dazed. Daisy started to ask, but she shook her head. What had happened those few minutes her back was turned?

Interesting.

They were a pair. Each stuck between two men and no clear choice for either. Of course, neither of her choices had made a move except for Tucker and his hormonally raged kiss. Graham had stayed out of her way and though his lack of attention hurt, she couldn’t say she really cared. Maybe she should adapt and follow her sister’s advice and just ignore them both. Sydney was right. They had a campground to open.

CHAPTER 12

Sydney tried her best to ignore Daisy’s curious stares. Pretending to concentrate on scrubbing the wood floors in the cabin, she’d successfully sidestepped having to discuss what happened in Marshal’s cabin.

God, but the man could kiss.

Seeing him without a shirt had totally clouded her sense and hormones. She’d spent most of the time daydreaming instead of focusing on the images and figures his crew had caught during their nighttime wanderings.

She already knew this place was haunted. Marshal wasn’t going to tell them anything new, but the verification from someone trusted in the field could only help Daisy’s master plan for the campground. Heavy boots sounded behind her. Not recognizing the gait as Daisy’s she turned to find Jace. He smiled, his jeans covered with paint and his shirt ripped directly over his left nipple. Disheveled, but oh, what a sight. If she kept having to see men in various forms of hotness, her ovaries were going to explode. Daisy came over, obviously not willing to leave her alone with Jace for a second, lest he sprout fangs and drain her of all her blood.

“Good. I have to tell you both something.” He seemed worried, a sign that didn’t bode well. “My grandmother let a few things slip this morning. Your birth mother knows about your inheritance because my grandmother told her. Apparently, Grandmother is not against using unconventional means to get her way. She also told her there was more cash involved and that she was sure her poor, lonesome daughter would be willing to part with some to have her back in her life. She really talked it up from what I understand. Acted like she was close to you and that you’ve cried on her shoulder many times because of your childhood.”

“That bitch.” The words were out before Sydney remembered she stood in front of the bitch’s loyal and loving grandson.

“My thought exactly.” His agreement surprised her.

“How did she find her? I searched for a whole year before finally finding out where she was.” Daisy’s anger showed.

“The difference of a bottomless budget. I’m sorry. I know she’s my family, but I want you to know I don’t think very highly of Grandmother these days. She never used to be so vindictive and mean.”

“Why, besides the casino, does she want this property so badly? It’s almost like she married Gramps just to get her hands on it.” Sydney went back to work as she talked, not willing to take a chance on her laziness earning the evil woman what she so badly desired.

“I thought the same thing. Grandmother never used to be this horrible. I always loved spending time with her. I adored her. I don’t know what happened to change her personality. Or else she hid this side.”

“We only have one choice. Make sure she doesn’t get her hands on this land.” Daisy moved back to the windows she scrubbed.

“Amen to that.” Sydney dropped her rag in the bucket and stood, unsure of what she should say to Jace.

Sure, there was a chance he was messing with their heads, but the frustration and disappointment she saw in his eyes made her believe him. Maybe she’d be a fool at the end. Until he gave her a reason to stop believing in him, she trusted him. There was something about him that spoke to her soul, and she hated it.

Besides, Jace had already accomplished more in just a few hours than she and Daisy managed all week. The outside of the office had its first coat of paint and he’d helped Tucker’s crew remove a nasty nest of snakes from under the front porch.

Not good for the inspectors, those snakes. She and Daisy had stayed inside. Not that she feared the slithering beasts, she just didn’t want to touch them or have them go up her pant leg in a desperate attempt to get away from the chaos of moving to new quarters.

She and Daisy had continued scrubbing, each keeping watch at the crack under the door for strays. At least the snakes weren’t poisonous. This time.

Two hours later, the office was ready to go. The outside paint was still wet, but the inside sparkled with their efforts. They’d arranged the desks in a way to facilitate easy check-ins and discussed the gift shop they’d open once they acquired the capital.

Sweaty, smelly, and completely worn out, Sydney wondered how she’d stay awake for Marshal’s ghost hunting tonight. Her stomach growled and she groaned in response. One bad thing about not having all the conveniences of home yet. Decent meals took foresight and planning even with their microwave and ancient hot plate. Skills Sydney definitely did not possess. And she definitely wasn’t in the mood for canned spaghetti tonight.

Apparently, Daisy didn’t either. “I’m starved.”

“Let’s get cleaned up and go to Kay’s. It’ll be quicker. I could use a break from this place anyway.” Sydney stretched.

What she wouldn’t give for the Jacuzzi tub she’d given up with her condo. They’d install one in Gramps’ cabin for sure.

Kay’s face lit up when they came in the door. They’d missed the dinner crowd and only a few patrons were scattered around the restaurant. How they’d managed to get out without the horde of men at the campground was a mystery. Not that they would have minded, but the guys seemed preoccupied.

“Do you two mind if I take my break with you?” Kay asked when she took their orders.

Sydney agreed and Daisy assured Kay they welcomed the company.

Daisy winked as Kay left to put their food order in. “Maybe we can pick her brain.”

Kay returned faster than expected. She carried three plates and a huge smile. “Premonition. I had it right, for the most part.” She sat their plates down and squeezed in beside Daisy.

“Did you really have a premonition?” Daisy asked with narrowed eyes.

“Well. No. Marshal called and asked if we delivered. We don’t, but I made an exception when he told me what happened out there. You guys had quite a day. I asked him what you two wanted and he said you were on your way. I guessed at what you’d want, and I did pretty good, too. I think?”

“Yes. Sneaky. So you took our boys food?” Sydney didn’t want to think about what the guys were up to. She hated the thought that one of them could be behind the nonsense today.

“My grandson. The one I told you about that needs a job. Though I’m not sure I want him working out there until you figure out who is trying so hard to scare you.” Kay seemed embarrassed.

Sydney reached over and covered the woman’s hand with her own. “I don’t blame you. Once we get this situation resolved we’d be happy to have him as our first real staff member.”

“Don’t you dare hire him because he’s my grandson. I want him to get the job on his own. He’ll go through the process like any other applicant. He’s a good worker, but I believe he feels weighed down by this town. Everyone knows everyone, so it’s hard to get a job on your own merits and not because of who your parents and grandparents are. If that makes sense.” Kay picked up her burger.

“Perfect sense. You going to be mad at us if he’s not suited for the job?” Sydney teased, already knowing Kay’s answer.

Kay swatted her arm and laughed. “Absolutely.”

They ate in silence. Sydney didn’t realize just how starved she was until she finished her burger and scanned the dessert menu.

“What did you two want to ask me? I can see the questions on your faces.” Kay pushed her plate away.

Daisy stopped and nodded for Sydney to take charge of the conversation.

“You knew Gramps for a long time. Why do you suppose he really married Violet?” Sydney’s stomach responded with a tightening and she wondered if she should have grilled Kay on an empty stomach. What if Kay revealed something that made her want to vomit?

“There was history between them. Violet’s family moved here when Del and I were in seventh grade. She was beautiful. Long, blond hair and just gorgeous. She seemed a little standoffish at first but Del had a crush on her. I think she knew, too. Eventually, she joined our little circle and the three of us became the best of friends.”

“That’s not what I expected.” Daisy leaned forward.

“I’m not done yet. In tenth grade, Violet broke Del’s heart. They’d gone to the Homecoming dance together. Del was thrilled. He was so in love with her. I don’t really know what happened. I never asked, figured Del would tell me in his own time. About a month later, Violet stopped coming to school. I went over to her house to check on her after the third day. Her parents wouldn’t say where she’d gone, only that she’d transferred to a new school.”

“Creepy. And Gramps never told you what happened?” This didn’t make sense.

“Nope. He was devastated and wouldn’t talk about Violet at all. He met your Grandma our senior year. She’d moved here from Tucson. The Del I knew came back then. They were deliriously happy, those two. Your gram was the best thing that ever happened to him. Beautiful, but down to earth. When she died, I worried Del would go with her. I think he stayed strong for you two. He always said you had her spirit and nature.” Kay patted both of their hands.

Sydney tried hard to remember their Gram. She’d died when Sydney was five after a nasty flu virus that drained her physically and mentally. Sydney’s memories were good. She just didn’t have many.

“Del was alone for a long time. And then Violet came back. She breezed in here, acted as if no time had passed and that she hadn’t hurt us by the way she disappeared. Her first question was about Del. Her husband had passed on the previous year and she said she had to make it up to Del for the way she’d hurt him. And apparently she did.”

“Why would he marry her? She was so mean.” Daisy flicked her straw.

“Not to him. Or me. Not to anyone until several months after the wedding. Then her moods became erratic and drastic. Del never knew what she’d be like at any time of the day. I can’t help but wonder if she’s mentally ill. She could be sugar sweet one minute and all claws the next.”

“We’ve only seen the claws, except before they married. I think she knew how we felt. She was so fussy about everything, totally different from Gramps.” Daisy tied the straw wrapper into knots. “Do you think Gramps was happy with her?”

“I kept my distance for the most part so I can’t say for sure. Del was happy at first. I know that. We were happy for him. It seemed like one of those true romances you usually only hear about. The weirder she acted, the wearier Del appeared. You might find some answers in his journals, if you’ve found them.” Kay checked her watch, and then gathered their plates. “Violet didn’t used to be such a terrible person. She was my friend and I’ll always have a soft spot for her, just like Del did.”

“We weren’t trying to be disrespectful.” Sydney hoped Kay hadn’t thought that.

“You’re frustrated and haven’t had many good experiences with her. I understand that. And I’m not saying you should change anything. Something happened to her though and it makes me sad.” Kay sighed. “Remember we’re here for anything you need. If you get sick of staying out there by yourselves, give me a call. We have a nice guest house you’re welcome to use. And remember to be careful. Del would haunt me forever if I let anything happen to the two of you.”

Kay’s last words hung in the air as she went into the kitchen. Sydney couldn’t get them out of her head.

“Do you think we could contact Gramps’ spirit and ask him about all of this?” Judging by Daisy’s face, Sydney was about to be committed to a mental facility.

“Cut it out. That’s creepy. It’s one thing if spirits are lost but another altogether to purposefully call them from the other side. You don’t know what could happen. Instead of Gramps we could summon the devil himself.” Daisy shook her head.

“We’re already dealing with the devil,” Sydney pointed out a little defensively.

“True. Let’s not make more trouble for ourselves. The ghosts in the campground aren’t the issue. The real problem is flesh and blood people trying to stop us. We still need to know why.” Daisy stood. “Where is our bill?”

“I’ll get it.” Sydney stood and went to the bar where Kay wiped the counter.

Kay greeted her with a smile.

“What’s our damage?” She opened her wallet.

“No charge. On the house for keeping an old lady company during her break.” Kay had that expression, the one that said she’d take offense if Sydney argued with her. Gramps used to get the same expression when he was too generous with her and Daisy.

“Thank you.” Sydney gave Kay a hug across the bar and met up with Daisy in the parking lot.

She still hoped they’d pass inspection tomorrow, but wouldn’t bet on it. Having the contracts for the bathhouses and electric work wasn’t enough. The office nearly ready probably wasn’t either. And considering the storm mess, they were doomed to fail.

Trying to stay positive was becoming increasingly difficult.

Graham met them at the gate. He had the expression of someone who had bad news and didn’t like that he was chosen to be the bearer.

“What?” Daisy asked, annoyed.

“You left your cell phone here,” he said. “You had a telephone call. Well, a lot of calls. I finally answered after the hundredth time.” Graham took a step back, holding up the cell phone Daisy left in the office by accident.

“And?” Daisy reached through the window and took her phone, obviously ignoring how Graham’s hand lingered.

“Your mother. She’ll be here by morning.”

Daisy’s expression change from irritation to fury.

“Fuck. Argh. Thank you.” Daisy nodded and put her window up, leaving Graham wounded and confused, if his expression was any indication.

Sydney put the window back down. “Thanks, Graham. Don’t mind her, she’s in shock. Did you hang out here to tell us that when we got back?”