She sat back and looked at him. “What?”
“We’ll get this man who attacked you, okay? Until then, please don’t go anywhere alone.”
“Don’t worry. I won’t.” She sighed. “On the beach, I thought someone might have followed me. But there were a lot of people, and I could have been wrong. So that’s why I ended up taking those steps. That and, well, I also need to interview Evelyn Monroe. Except I blew any chance I had tonight of ever getting past her gatekeeper, Madeline Chase. Did you get the feeling she didn’t like me?”
“She doesn’t like anyone.” Probably not something a detective should say. Needed to keep it professional.
Except he was already in this for personal reasons, having been coerced into being here in the first place. “Let me work on that interview for you. I might know someone who can help.”
They got out of the vehicle and started walking on the woodsy trail toward her cabin. He didn’t like this one bit. Maybe he could press her to move without any pushback. “I think you need to stay in the lodge.”
“Braden!” Remi called and hurried across the parking lot. She slowed on her approach. “And Cressida. Your room at the lodge is ready now. A couple checked out early. You still want it?”
“I’ve grown to like the cabin, but—”
“She’ll take it,” Braden answered for her. “I advise you to take it for your safety.”
Cressida looked between them, hesitating for a moment, then, “Thanks, Remi. I’ll just go get my stuff from the cabin.”
“I’ll help,” Braden said.
“I’m in too,” Remi said.
“Guys. I’m good. I only have a duffel and an empty computer bag. Oh, and your leather jacket.”
Whatever. Both Braden and Remi assisted Cressida with her move from the cabin to the room on the second floor of the lodge, and he got his jacket back.
She gasped. “A room with a view. This is fantastic. I can’t thank you enough.”
“She also needs to interview Evelyn Monroe. Can you help with that?” Braden asked Remi. “Since you know her well.”
“You know her?” Cressida’s eyes brightened.
“She’s my boss. I’ll see what I can do,” Remi said. “Find me tomorrow and let’s talk. I’ll need to know more before I ask her.”
“Sure, that’s great. I appreciate it.”
“Don’t thank me yet,” Remi said.
“You should be safe here tonight.” Braden would make sure of it.
Remi and Braden left Cressida alone, and he followed the lodge manager down the steps, then tugged her aside. “I’d like a room. I know it’s your busy season, but please tell me that you have something available.”
She arched a brow. “Oh? This doesn’t sound like regular county sheriff’s office procedure. Is it something more?”
“It’s not what you think.” He shook his head. “I’ll pay full price, of course.”
“A room is opening up tomorrow. Just talked to a couple who has to leave in the morning. Her mother is in the hospital. As soon as it’s available, it’s yours.”
“I appreciate that.”
He left Remi and exited the lodge. Checked the grounds, the cabins, and the campground, which had opened for the summer. He could have borrowed an RV to park at the campground, but then again staying in the lodge was closer to Cressida and his mission. Cressida might not like him there, but she didn’t even have to know.
Darkness had settled at Cedar Trails. Campfires lit up the area near the cabins and campground, and security lights at the lodge gave off enough light he could see. He stood at the top of the stairs that led down to the rocky beach and looked up at the stars. He could see so many more here than in the city. The clouds had cleared away. If he waited long enough, and let his eyes adjust, he might even see the Milky Way.
He wasn’t looking forward to what came next. Octavia hadn’t returned his call for whatever reason, but he would call her again. She was three hours ahead of him on the East Coast, and probably asleep.
Fortunately, she answered.
