“Hey, yeah, speaking of that,” she said too quickly, grateful to shift the conversation back to the next clue. “You haven’t gotten any notifications for bonus challenges on the app yet, have you?”
“Nothing for this Jack Frost.” He pointed toward the brewery building. “Maybe we’ll learn more inside.”
“Hopefully. At least my nose won’t be frostbitten.”
“It’s cute.” William tapped the tip of her nose. “You’re like a real-life Rudolph.”
Marissa rolled her eyes and pressed her lips together. “Inside.”
“As you wish, Princess. As you wish.”
The brewery’s interior was cavernous, with high ceilings and shiny brewing equipment. A long bar and tasting area sat to the left. To the right was a newly expanded outdoor seating area.
“Can I help you?” the hostess asked.
“We’re wondering if there are any openings for a tour?” William emphasized “tour,” raising his brows knowingly.
The woman consulted her reservation list. “Sorry. I’m booked for tonight. You’re welcome to head over to the bar for tastings. Our water-view deck is also open outside. The fire pits and heaters are on, but we warn guests that you might get wet if you sit too close to the edge.”
“Might get wet,” William repeated.
“From the spray from the falls,” the woman responded with a sly smile.
“That has to be it.” Marissa nudged William in the waist. “Can we just find a table outside?” Marissa asked the hostess.
“Help yourself. It’s first come, first served.”
William’s eyes were bright with enthusiasm. “I can’t believe I didn’t think of the observation deck sooner. They were working on construction when I was here this fall. I didn’t know it was already operational.”
“It makes sense that the Chamber would hide a clue here.” Marissa followed him outside. “It’s great PR to show off the new space.”
“Exactly.” William held the door open for her, allowing a gust of cold air in.
The covered outdoor deck featured wraparound glass fencing, providing a spectacular view of the gushing river rapids and the winter waterfall below. This section of the Deschutes flowed over rocky boulders, creating a churn of whitewaterand a small waterfall. Giant redwood and cedar trees lined the opposite side of the river.
There were tables with built-in firepits and heat lamps throughout the welcoming space. Even though the temperature was below freezing, it was surprisingly warm under cover.
“This is seriously amazing,” William said, admiring the viewing area closest to the rushing water. “I could hang here for a while. Can you imagine how cool this will be on a hot summer day?”
“Yeah, but we don’t have time to hang out. We need to find the clue.”
“Right.” William pointed to the see-through barricade. “It must be over by the river and the falls. That’s the only place we might get wet.”
“I’m with you.” Marissa was already squeezing past the tables. The glass encasing the edge of the deck almost made it feel like she was falling into the river. A wave of dizziness came over her.
William put a hand on her shoulder to steady her. “Are you okay?”
“I’m not so good with heights.” Marissa willed her body to stop swaying as tiny little spots clouded her vision.
“Take a step back. I’ve got this.” He leaned over the railing, making Marissa’s stomach flop.
“Do you see anything?” She squinted and tried not to imagine him launching over the side.
“Give me a minute.” He bent near the precarious edge. The falls were at least two hundred feet below.
The clue had been correct. She could feel the mist from the water below. That’s probably why the tables were all arranged a few feet away.
“I see a candy cane.” William turned around and gave her a thumbs-up. “I’ve got it.”
