But all I can think about are Levin’s cryptic words and howMeg, of all people, told him to keep things from me. Plus, his insistence todrop it, that an investigation might bring more attention to Camp Alpine Lake. But I can’t imagine that would actuallyhurtthe camp. Mellie and Stu would definitely want to find out the truth, too, especially if someone like Jordan Adler was involved. They’re always looking for reasons to beef up security. Atowniemurdering anothertowniewould certainly give them reason to keep camp secluded from the rest of Roxwood.
But it’s now officially a rain day, which means we’re stuck inside where there are no answers about Heller’s death and where Jordan Adler was that night.
I head to the counselor room, careful not to interrupt the little groups of girls making their own magic. I want to ask Meg about why she’d demand Levin keep me in the dark, but there’s a walkie talkie pressed to her ear. She nods in my direction as the boys’ group leader says something garbled over the speaker.
“We’re getting the Lodge,” she mouths to me.
We both know that’s the most coveted rainy-day activity, given to whoever is on Stu and Mellie’s good side that day. There’s a big pull-down projector and dozens of movies to choose from.
“The Princess Bride?” Meg asks.
“Fine,” the boys’ group leader says. “See you soon.”
“Over and out,” Meg says. “Dick.”
I wring out my ponytail, lake water dropping on the floor. “Hope that was turned off.”
“Who cares. Shower up?”
I make a show of sniffing my armpit. “I stink or what?”
“Like a wet pup.” She throws a towel at me.
I begin to change, searching for the words to ask her what Ineed protecting from anyway, but then something crackles over the walkie. “Hey, Meg?” the boys’ group leader says. “Can you guys bring some hot cocoa packets from the dining hall? You’re closer.”
Meg groans and looks out the window. It’s pouring now.
“I’ll do it,” I say.
“For real?”
“Sure,” I say. “Payback for getting stoned at the social.” Plus, it’ll give me more time to figure out how to ask hernotto protect me from information about Heller’s death.
She rolls her eyes but I can sense her gratitude. I turn my back to her and tuck Heller’s necklace into my underwear drawer, before grabbing a sweatshirt from my dirty clothes pile. I pull a poncho over it and make a break for the dining hall. But as I run, I can feel Heller’s badge moving around in the pocket by my stomach. I press my hand to it to make it stop.
When I get to the dining hall it’s empty except for Christina, who I can hear humming from all the way in the back of the kitchen. Based on the smell, we’re having her famous turkey chili tonight.
“Who’s there?” she yells.
I poke my head into the kitchen and wave. “Here for hot cocoa. Got a spare box?”
“Ramblers must have the Lodge today, huh?”
“You know it.”
She nods to one of the big crates stacked against the wall. I grab a few packets and head for the door.
“Oh, wait a sec, darling. Can I ask you a favor?” Christina wipes her hands on her white apron, stained with tomato and chocolate and who knows what else. “I’m out of cumin. Can you run to thestore and get me one of those big plastic containers? Can’t make chili without it.”
I stare at Christina, sort of shocked.
She must read the surprise on my face because she shakes her head and throws up her hands.
“I know,” she says. “I’ve been waiting on a spice delivery for over a week now. Pretty soon we’re gonna be having salt and pepper meals.” She scrunches up her face in disgust.
“Mail carriers on strike or something?”
Christina shrugs. “No idea. Every time I ask Stu about it, he says the delivery is on its way.”
