“So here’s the question,” I said. “Could Eliza leave her place of employment, drive over to Mari’s, go inside and kill her, and then make it back to the school and load up supplies in that time frame? Knowing she can’t walk very quickly.”
“Only way I can see it happening is if Eliza already had supplies packed in her vehicle. If she already had the supplies handy, then she just simply had to drive into the parking lot and go inside with the buggy.”
I snorted. “Well, I hadn’t thought about that. But you’re right.” I glanced over at him. “But what’s her motive to kill Mari? They seemed to like each other. Mari and Eliza both testified to that.”
“I agree. Hunter and Sasha Carter have the biggest motives and the most to gain with Mari’s death.
“Rayna is stumping me. I’m not sure what her motive to kill Mari is—outside of this weird aversion to Eliza that Rayna has, and Rayna didn’t like the fact Mari befriended her. But that’s not worth killing someone over.” I sighed. “Then again, I heard Rayna tell Mari she better cut off the friendship with Eliza or else. She even brought Jayla into it. Rayna said it would be best for everyone—including Jayla—if Mari stopped the friendship, especially when Mari said she wanted to tell Eliza something.”
“But we don’t know what that something was, right?”
I shook my head. “Not that I know of. But I get the feeling we aren’t getting the entire truth with these supernaturals. Not about what happened to Mari, not about these mysterious veiled-threat valentines.” I sat back in frustration. “I think we still only have half the puzzle pieces.”
“Let’s see what we can get out of Hunter and Sasha.”
I settled back into the seat. “Supernatural Sport Resort, here we come.”
14
Supernatural Sport Resort was a sprawling three-story brick building located outside of Mystic Cove. The resort offered activities such as golfing, kayaking, hiking, paddle boating, and outdoor yoga classes. Indoor activities included shopping, fine dining, and spa and massage packages. I knew from experience their mud baths were no joke.
As Zane and I approached the entrance to the resort, the set of massive glass doorswhooshedopen, and a warm gust of air hit me in the face when I stepped inside.
“It’s been a while since I’ve been inside the lobby,” I said. “Usually, I just go straight to Crystal’s cabin.” I smiled up at him. “Have I told you how much I loved your Valentine’s gift to me? The girls and I are going to love a pampered day.”
Zane winked at me. “I figured as much.” He sobered. “Although, it’s still lacking in comparison to what you bought me.”
I rested my hand on his arm. “You gave me something that means the world to me—a place where I can go and be pampered with the women I love. When you’ve never had that, it’s huge. I gave you the book I knew you’d never buy for yourself, eventhough you could. That was my way of saying thank you for everything. If it weren’t for you finding me, Zane, I’d never get to experience all these wonderful things.”
“I love you, Kara.”
I smiled. “And I love you.” I glanced around. “Now, let’s pay our suspects a little visit.”
The lobby was enormous, with a rustic yet ritzy feel to it. Cathedral ceilings stretched high overhead, supported by thick timber beams. The floor was a polished stone tile in warm golds and tans, and directly in the center sat a large tiered fountain. Water cascaded down three levels of carved stone, and enchanted lights beneath the surface shifted from blue to green to soft amber. Comfortable sofas and armchairs were arranged around the fountain, creating a space that felt homey and warm.
Along both sides of the lobby, shops lined the walls. To my left, a coffee shop with a dark green awning spilled the scent of roasted espresso into the open air. Next to it, a jewelry shop sparkled behind glass windows, followed by a sporting goods store with enchanted fishing rods displayed in the front window. On the right side, two clothing boutiques sat on either side of a chocolate store I now recognized. Fairy-Kissed Confections glowed above the wooden door. In the window, truffles were arranged on tiered displays, and ribbon-wrapped boxes hovered in the air. The last shop on the right appeared to be another boutique, this one selling outdoor gear and winter accessories.
Guests milled about the enormous lobby, browsing the shops or sitting by the fountain with drinks in hand. The whole space felt like stepping into a small village, and if it weren’t for the check-in desk along the far wall, I might have forgotten I was inside a building at all.
Zane and I approached the front desk, where a young werewolf in a crisp navy blazer greeted us.
“Welcome to Supernatural Sport Resort,” he said. “How can I help you?”
“Hello,” Zane said. “My name is Zane, and this is my partner, Detective Hilder. We’re with PADA. We need you to ring Hunter Quinn’s room and inform him we need to speak with him.”
The werewolf’s eyes went wide, but he did as Zane said, not asking any questions. He spoke into the phone, and a few seconds later, he hung up and smiled at us. “Mr. Quinn will be right down.”
“Thank you,” Zane said as we moved aside and waited for Hunter.
A few minutes later, Hunter emerged from the elevator with Jayla at his side. He was dressed in a suit, his hair was in place, and he looked refreshed, like he’d had a good night’s sleep. His daughter, on the other hand, had her backpack slung over one shoulder, a book tucked under her arm, but her face was puffy and swollen.
“What now?” Hunter asked. “Can’t you understand we’re grieving as a family and need some time alone?”
“We just have a few follow-up questions,” Zane said. “It won’t take long.”
Jayla looked up at her father, and he gave her a nod. “Go read by the fountain, honey. I’ll be right over there.” He pointed toward the coffee shop across the lobby. “I’ll get you a hot chai, how does that sound?”
“Okay. Thanks.” The young girl wandered over to one of the sofas near the fountain, settled in, and opened her book.
