“As for why I’m here at Cedar Trails Lodge in Hidden Bay, specifically, it seems as good a place as any to meet with people and talk. Find out what they know. What they’ve heard. In my father’s notes, he had a name with a question mark beside it. Evelyn Monroe. I contacted her weeks ago to ask for an interview while I’m here, but so far, she has avoided my calls. Or rather, her gatekeeper has.”
Interesting. “Why Mrs. Monroe?”
“Do you know her?”
He lifted his palms. “Not personally, no.”
“What can you tell me about her?”
“Not much, I’m afraid. Why do you think your father wrote down her name?”
“I don’t know. But the reason he traveled to Hidden Bay was to learn about the truth behind theSpecter’s Bounty. So I assume Mrs. Monroe might have information.”
He could help her on that front. And just like that he might have found a solid way in to remain connected to her instead of protecting her from afar, which was the worst way to go about it.Thanks for nothing,Octavia. “You’ll want to check out the museum in Forestview. It’s what goes for a small town around here. It’s just across the highway and in the rainforest.”
“What kind of museum?”
“The kind that might have the information you want.”
“Seems it would be located at the Hidden Bay Marina instead of the forest. Usually anything that includes maritime history is close to the water.”
“Forestview is close enough and a few miles from the bay. The original museum was in the smattering of buildings you saw at the marina. It burned down. Now it’s in town, away from the water.”
“Oh.” Her deep frown reflected her pain. “Artifacts, history, and archives might have been lost. That’s awful.”
“If you go to the museum, I’d like to join you.” Now he might be crossing the invisible line between professional and personal.
At the look she gave him, he added, “I’m concerned about you, that’s all.”
She took him in as if trying to read if he was telling her the truth or a lie.
He’d stayed too long. Braden moved to the door, standing in the frame so she couldn’t shut the door in his face. “Be aware that your attempted killer could try again because you’re now a witness—you mentioned as much. I suggest that you try to move into the main lodge for more security.”
She pressed forward as if he wasn’t blocking her way. He had two choices. Stand his ground, which would put him entirely too close, or step outside. Usually, he stood his ground, but he gave way, stepping outside. What was she up to? In the little time he’d spent with her, he couldn’t deny she had a lot of her mother in her.
Terrifying.
“Thanks for the advice,” she said. “I’ll keep that in mind.”
“One more thing, how are you going to get around without a rental car?”
That proverbial deer-in-the-headlights look before her face relaxed. “I rented a car out of Forestview, and the rental company is bringing it to me in a couple of days. I wasn’t supposed to be here until tomorrow night, so Wednesday morning they will deliver it.” She bit her lip, then pressedthem together. “I’ll call the rental company and see if I can get it earlier.”
“Not with your cell, you won’t. No good service. You’re lucky if you get half a bar. But the lodge has a landline you could use.”
“Thanks for the tip and for carrying my stuff.” Arms crossed, she leaned against the doorjamb.
Her hair had finally dried, revealing the same bright red as in her photograph in Octavia’s office. With her striking eyes, the cabin at her back, and those wild curls, she looked like he imagined a forest sprite would appear.
“If they can’t accommodate the change”—and he doubted they would—“I’m happy to give you a tour for the next two days. Take you around for your research.”
Instead of taking him up on the offer, she narrowed her gaze again. He might have pushed her too far too fast.
“I’ll let you know, Detective. Thanks for the offer.”
“I’ll contact you soon about the forensic artist. She’s local,” he said, “so this should happen soon, before you forget the details.”
“Oh, I won’t forget.”
