Chapter 50

CHAPTER 50

B y the time they reached the camp, Andi could hardly see the road in front of them. Thankfully, she and Duke arrived safely—even if her nerves felt shot.

“I think we should swing by the lodge,” Andi told Duke as the SUV tires rumbled over clumps of snow. “I want to talk to Juniper. Plus, I don’t feel like she should be by herself this evening.”

“I agree that’s probably a good idea, especially with Caleb still being out there. And Tim. And even Jared.”

“Exactly,” Andi said. “There are too many dangerous possibilities. Plus, I’d like to ask her a few more questions.”

Suddenly, the ache on top of her head began again. Without realizing what she was doing, she reached for it.

“You keep touching the top of your head lately,” Duke murmured. “What’s going on?”

“Nothing.”

“Andi . . .” His voice trailed.

He clearly knew something was wrong. Was this her chance to open up?

“It’s just a headache.”

“A headache at the exact same area where someone almost sawed open your skull?”

She swallowed hard but said nothing.

“You can talk to me, you know,” Duke said quietly.

“I know.”

“You don’t have to shut me out. I want to be there for you.”

“I know.” Her voice came out sharper than she’d intended. “I don’t want to talk about this anymore.”

“Understood.” His voice sounded defeated.

Andi immediately disliked herself for what she’d said, for the tone she’d used.

But it was too late to take it back.

Duke pulled to a stop in front of the lodge.

Andi cast a lingered glace at him before hurrying inside. Later, she promised herself. She’d talk to him later—when they didn’t have so many other things pressing on them.

It didn’t take much to convince Juniper to stay at the cabin with them—as long as Tundra could come. Andi had said of course.

Apparently, at the direction of the police, all the guests and the rest of the staff had been sent home during a break in the snow. It only made sense given the conditions.

Juniper climbed into the SUV with them, and they headed to the cabin. The rest of the gang had already gone back a couple of hours ago.

“Why do I sense you guys have bad news?” Juniper started, glancing back and forth between them from the backseat.

Andi stole a glance at Duke as she contemplated what to say.

“Why don’t we wait until we get back to the cabin first before we share?” she finally said.

“Okay.” Juniper began to pet Tundra, her hand moving almost frantically across his back. “But you’re making me nervous.”

Andi hated to put her in that spot. But it was better if they shared the update once instead of multiple times.

Once Duke parked, the three of them—plus Tundra—rushed through the onslaught of snow toward the front door. Thankfully, someone had thought ahead enough to place a shovel outside and to refill the firewood near the door.

They burst inside.

The gang gathered around the fireplace. Some of them had pen and paper in hand. Others had files in their laps. Matthew had his laptop. They were all working and drinking coffee, and several bowls of popcorn sat between them.

Everyone’s eyes brightened when Andi, Duke, Juniper, and Tundra came inside.

“I’m so glad you made it.” Simmy rose and gave them each a hug. “We were so worried. The weather out there has been atrocious.”

“We had a couple of close calls on the road, but thankfully Duke knows what he’s doing.” Andi flashed him a soft grin.

“I don’t know about that. Maybe it was just God’s grace that got us there and back in one piece.” Duke paused. “By the way, Juniper and Tundra are going to stay here tonight just to be safe.”

“Sounds smart,” Simmy said. “Let me get you something warm to drink and maybe a blanket.”

“Did you learn something else?” Ranger’s voice sounded dead serious and all business as he stood near the fireplace, a hulking look to his stance.

“Maybe. But first . . . ” Andi took her boots off and found an empty seat on couch.

Then she and Duke explained everything they’d learned today, ending with the revelation that Caleb was their most likely suspect due to the photo Barb had taken.

Andi glanced over at Juniper and saw she looked pale. “What do you think about all of that?”

Juniper shook her head. “I’m stunned. At one time I thought he was my Prince Charming. But as I got to know him, I realized he definitely wasn’t perfect and that he definitely wasn’t Prince Charming. But I figured everyone had their flaws, right?”

In a sense, she was correct, Andi mused. But there was being imperfect, and then there was being secretive and a liar. There was a difference.

“I’ve been so distracted with running this camp . . .” Juniper continued. “I wasn’t able to spend that much time with him—or even monitor him, for that matter. Then he and Peppermint started doing these appearances together with the reindeer. I suppose the two of them bonded because of that.”

“That could have happened,” Simmy said. “If they were spending a lot of time together, feelings could have developed. But I’m sure that’s not easy to hear, and it doesn’t make what they did right.”

“I guess it doesn’t matter. Peppermint’s not here anymore, and Caleb was a cheating jerk.” Juniper swallowed hard. “But this leaves me with no one.”

“Oh, sweetie.” Simmy sat beside her and squeezed her hand. “I know this is hard right now, but you’re going to get through it.”

Before they could talk any more, Tundra suddenly rose and began growling at the front door.

Duke and Ranger both strode to the windows.

As they did, Duke flipped on the outdoor lights so they could see.

He peered outside, but snow was the only thing filling the air.

It would take a lot for someone to be out in this weather just to threaten them.

But Tundra had clearly heard something.

“What is it, boy?” Juniper rubbed the dog’s head.

He let out a whine and then lay down, almost as if whatever sound he’d heard was forgotten.

Strange. But dogs did strange things sometimes.

Just to be on the safe side, Duke checked all the windows again. They were all locked, and he saw nothing outside.

He and Ranger nodded at each other as they took their places back with the group around the fire. The cabin appeared secure.

“False alarm,” Duke announced.

Tundra stood and began to turn in circles to get comfortable. As he did, his tail swept the coffee table, and a folder fell off, scattering papers everywhere.

Simmy quickly reached down to grab them and stuff them back into the folder.

But as she did, her gaze stopped at one. She held it in her hands, staring at it.

Her hand began to tremble.

“Simmy?” Andi seemed to sense that something was wrong as she frowned and leaned toward their friend.

But Simmy didn’t seem to hear Andi.

She tore her eyes away from the paper in her hands, her gaze laser focused on Juniper. “This is yours, isn’t it?”

Duke glanced at Juniper, wondering what exactly was going on. He hated being in the dark about it, but he hoped to hear an explanation soon.

Juniper nodded. If it was possible, her face went even paler.

Simmy stared at her, an unreadable emotion dancing in her gaze. “Is this what I think it is?”

Juniper ran a hand over her face, her expression crumpling. “Yes. I think it is.”

“Does somebody want to explain what’s going on?” Ranger finally asked. “Because I, for one, have no idea.”

But it was as if Simmy and Juniper didn’t hear him. They kept staring at each other.

Then finally Juniper mumbled, “I think you’re my mother.”