Chapter One

The cashier looked me over from head to toe when I approached his counter inside the gas station. "You heading up to the lodge in the mountains this weekend?"

"Yes, I am." I fished my wallet out of my purse. "How did you know?"

"You're not one of the locals. It's a small town, but we get a lot of people like you stopping by to fill up before the last leg of their trip." He took the bills from me. "The lodge is nice. Haven't been there for a few years, though."

Tired of both the small talk and the long drive, I simply said, "Glad to hear it."

One by one, he pulled nickels out of the register drawer. "I bet you're doing one of those murder mystery games."

"Yes." I stifled a sigh.

"I'd tell you to relax and have some fun, but you'd better be on your guard!" He let out a raucous laugh and passed me the handful of money. "But seriously, we're in for some bad thunderstorms this weekend. Be careful up there."

I turned around to leave. "Thanks."

"I hope you catch the killer," he called after me, still chuckling.

Outside, I climbed back into my car and peered through the windshield. Dull, gray clouds hung heavy in the sky. I took a swig of coffee from my travel mug and pulled out of the parking lot, hoping to arrive at the lodge before the rain started to fall.

The tree-lined road took me away from the outskirts of town into the mountains. As I followed its winding path, I recalled the conversation with my sister Trina that had led me out to the middle of nowhere.

"Come on, Veronica, it'll be fun," she'd said over the phone several days earlier. "And it would be a shame to let the free ticket go to waste."

"Are you sure this isn't a scam, or somebody trying to sell timeshares or something?"

"Everything's legit, I promise. I checked out their website and, when I asked around, it turns out one of my coworkers did a similar event there a couple years ago." She sounded a little too eager, but otherwise sincere. "And I already replied saying I'd go, so someone has to be there in my spot."

An exasperated noise escaped my mouth. "Remind me again why you can't attend?"

Trina giggled. "Shane invited me to his beach house this weekend, and of course I couldn't refuse." She paused. "Well, to be honest, I totally forgot I had this mystery thing coming up at the same time."

I rolled my eyes. "Shane? What happened to Jacob?"

"Jacob? We broke up weeks ago. I thought I told you." Before I could answer, she resumed her mission of convincing me to take her place. "Anyway, you should go. You'd enjoy a nice, relaxing getaway in the mountains."

"I have been busy with work lately…"

"See? It'll be perfect!" she squealed. "And it's not like you have anything better to do."

I shook my head. "Trina, insulting someone is not the best way to get them to do what you want."

"Oh, I didn't mean it like that. I just meant the whole mystery theme sounds exciting, and it's something different from what you usually do in your spare time, and—"

"Fine." I cut off her attempts at backpedaling. "I'll go."

"Yay! I'll drop off the envelope with the directions and stuff sometime tomorrow afternoon." Papers rustled in the background. "Even if acting out the mystery is, like, super cheesy, I bet you'll be great. You might even solve it. You were always so good at crossword puzzles and things like that."

"Yeah, I'm sure being able to fill in crossword puzzles is going to help."

The car bounced when I drove over a narrow wooden bridge. The lush scenery reminded me of how I hadn't taken a break from my job as a graphic designer in a long time. I had to admit it was nice to be out enjoying natural beauty for a change, instead of staring at my computer screen for hours on end.

Beneath me, a bubbling stream rushed over pearly stones and pebbles. The road wound around the mountain, taking me higher and higher. About halfway up, the GPS lost its signal, but the paved path only led in one direction.

Steering along the narrow curves, I thought more about my exchange with Trina. I hated when she was right, but she might have had a point. Devoting myself to my freelance business left little time for anything else. Some days I had to force myself away from the computer just to get out of the house for a few minutes.

I sighed and rolled my eyes again in the empty car. Somehow, Trina never seemed concerned about work, and bills, and the other mundane responsibilities of adulthood. Growing up, she'd always been the fun, carefree one, while I'd been labeled the "serious" sister. Since I was taking her place anyway, maybe this weekend would give me the opportunity to be more gregarious and sociable for a change. After all, it wasn't like I'd see any of the other participants again after the festivities were over. I resolved to consider it one of the many aspects of roleplaying I'd agreed to as part of the mystery.

At long last, the trees thinned out, and I reached the top of the mountain. A sprawling wooden building with sloped roofs greeted me. Lights shone in the windows on both stories, and a wide staircase led to a set of doors. I steered around the circular drive, past an illuminated fountain, and parked at the end of a row of cars to the side of the lodge. Maybe this won't be so bad .

The first droplets of rain splattered against the ground. I exited the car and lifted my suitcase out of the trunk. Extending the handle, I dragged it over the cobblestones and rushed toward the steps. Before I reached the doors, they opened for me, revealing a silver-haired gentleman in a black and gray suit. "Miss Campbell, I presume?"

Thunder rumbled somewhere in the distance. I brushed the raindrops off my jacket and hurried inside. "Yes. How did you know my name?"

"You're the last guest to arrive." Back stiff, he bowed, then straightened. "My name is Victor. I am pleased to be of service to you this weekend. If there's anything you require, do not hesitate to ask."

"Thanks. Nice to meet you."

He gestured behind him to a young woman wearing a frilly maid's uniform. "And this is Babette. She is also here to attend to the needs of you and the other guests."

Babette stopped swirling her pink feather duster over a table and grinned at me. "Bonjour, mademoiselle!" she said in a terrible French accent.

I rescinded my previous thoughts about possibly enjoying this trip.

Victor picked up my suitcase. "The others are dressing and preparing for dinner. Allow me to show you to your room so you may do the same."

He led me through the foyer. My sneakers squeaked on the floorboards as I looked around. Wood paneling stretched up to the high ceiling, and an elaborate crystal chandelier hung above me. Bronze statues lined either side of the room, each in the shape of a different animal. To the right, someone was working in what I assumed to be the kitchen or dining room. More doors led out from the open space, but I followed my guide to the staircase.

A U-shaped landing overlooked the foyer. Victor stopped in front of the fifth door and pulled a key out of his pocket. After turning it in the lock, he handed it to me. "Dinner will be served in the dining room in approximately half an hour." He set the suitcase down next to the bed. "I hope you find your accommodations satisfactory."

Once he left, I investigated my assigned quarters. The king-size bed stood in the center of the room, adorned with an array of pillows and a hunter-green quilt. Matching dressers and an antique chair added to the lodge's rustic ambience. A quick glance showed no TVs, radios, or phones.

I peeked into the bathroom and found nothing out of the ordinary. "Good thing I don't have to share with anyone," I muttered.

Lastly, a glass door led out to a wide balcony edging the upper level of the lodge. Through the adjacent windows, the treetops of the surrounding forest stretched toward the sky. I anticipated taking in the view after the storms cleared.

Unzipping my suitcase, I retrieved the envelope of materials Trina had given me. Costumes weren't required—thank goodness—but the brochure suggested guests bring semiformal attire. I hung my clothes in the closet to get any wrinkles out and opened the drawer beneath the mirror.

A set of laminated cards lay inside, which I'd expected. I read the top one to learn what role I'd be playing in this mystery. "Stella Harrington, a young, vivacious heiress who's always ready to spend her family's money on her next adventure." Not the most creative description, but it could be worse. I flipped through the cards and perused the rest of the information I needed for the first night.

Once I'd memorized the facts and tidbits, I quickly unpacked the rest of my belongings. Standing in front of the mirror, I brushed out my light-brown hair before twisting and clipping it into a simple updo and applied a little makeup. I didn't know if my efforts were enough to transform me into a wealthy heiress, but they'd have to do.

I pulled off my jeans, zippered sweatshirt, and T-shirt, and grabbed a purple cocktail dress from the closet. Silver jewelry and a pair of black heels completed the outfit, and I was ready to go. Slipping the room key into my clutch, I opened the door and set out for the dining room.

Out on the landing, I found my next-door neighbor leaving at the same time. A man in a navy-blue suit dropped his own key into his pocket and turned around. Upon seeing me, a smile spread across his face. "Well, hello there." Deep-set hazel eyes looked me up and down. "And whom do I have the pleasure of meeting outside my room on this lovely, if stormy, evening?"

I lifted my chin to meet his gaze, since he stood much taller than me. "Stella Harrington," I said, extending my hand. "You might have heard of my father, the oil tycoon."

"The name sounds somewhat familiar." He wrapped his fingers around mine. "I'm Colonel Mandrake. I returned from a tour overseas not long ago."

"Oh?" I raised an eyebrow. "You seem a little young to be a colonel."

Chuckling, he winked at me. "I'm very ambitious and talented."

I realized he hadn't let go of me yet, and my cheeks flushed. "I can imagine."

He laughed again. "I'm sure we'll have plenty of opportunities to tell each other about our escapades this weekend. Or at least I hope so." Releasing my hand, he offered me his arm instead. "May I escort you to the dining room, Miss Harrington?"

This whole situation had already proved to be as campy as I'd expected. But he was cute, with his dark hair and dimples, and I figured I should try to have fun. "I'd be honored, Colonel."

I held onto his elbow and we descended the staircase together. Inside the dining room, I realized for the second time that day I was the last to arrive. Three men and three women sat at the long table, and they each turned to look at us when we entered. The "colonel" and I sat next to each other in the two empty seats marked with cards bearing our aliases' names. No one spoke, and I wondered if everyone else felt the same skepticism I did.

Victor strode through a swinging door carrying a tray of covered plates. "Ah, good, you're all here." Babette appeared behind him to help distribute the dishes, along with an older woman in a white apron. "Ruth, our cook, has prepared an excellent meal for you tonight. Perhaps you can get to know each other while you eat."

Everyone glanced around, still saying nothing.

Victor's bright smile never wavered. "Mr. Steele, why don't you tell us about your latest film project out in Hollywood? I'm sure it's fascinating."

Someone at the other end of the table cleared his throat and started talking about the fictional movie his character directed. While listening for any important bits, I took the opportunity to study the other people I'd be spending the weekend with. Mr. Steele was a clean-cut, average-looking guy who played his role well enough. Next to him sat a thin, lanky man with shaggy hair whose hunched posture prevented me from getting a good look at his face and made me wonder what he was hiding. The third male guest towered over the people around him with his bulky frame. Light hair, buzzed short, contrasted with ruddy cheeks, and he gulped his drink in between asking loud, enthusiastic questions.

Victor set a plate down in front of me and whisked away the lid to reveal prime rib with mashed potatoes and mixed vegetables. Not bad at all. I cut into my meat and turned my focus to the women at the table.

The mousy woman across from me nibbled at a green bean. Maybe she looks more like a rabbit, I thought, especially with the fur collar on her dress. A redhead in a tight blouse, whose vivid hair color most likely came from a bottle, took a sip of wine, her lashes fluttering behind black rimmed glasses. The last guest sat with her back stiff and hands folded as she waited for her food. Her long blonde ponytail and pert nose gave off the impression of cheery youth, but something about her posture and how she stared at each person who spoke told me she had no interest in making friends. Whatever the reward for solving the mystery, she came here to win.

We gradually slipped into our assigned roles during our meal. I answered any questions posed to me with an airy giggle and a tale of Stella's latest caper. I didn't know if it was possible to fly over the entire state of Nebraska in a hot air balloon, but it sounded fun when I said it, and no one doubted me. Whenever a lull in the conversation slowed down our game, Victor interjected to keep us going.

I tried to take note of everything I heard and get a clearer image of the characters around me, paying more attention to the stories they told instead of keeping their aliases straight. Ponytail alluded to being some sort of anthropologist or explorer. Shaggy portrayed a reclusive writer venturing out of his home for the first time in years. Big Guy seemed eager to share everything about his fictitious life, while Rabbit and Redhead acted more reticent and coy.

Once everyone finished dinner, the three staff members led us to a large room in the rear of the lodge. The vast library rivaled the size of my apartment. Leather armchairs and sofas formed a sitting area in one half near tall bookcases, and the other side held a pool table and an ornate chess set. The sound of a torrential downpour sluiced through the heavy curtains. In the dining room, the house had muffled the thunder, but here, it rattled the windows and floor like we were in the center of the storm.

"Please, make yourselves comfortable," Victor said. "I will need some time to prepare this evening's organized activities, but Babette is available to serve you in the meantime."

Carrying my wineglass, I took a seat on one of the couches. Colonel Mandrake sat beside me, leaving no more than a few inches between us. Rabbit, Shaggy, and Ponytail joined us, each selecting one of the armchairs, while the others ambled over to the pool table.

Another boom of thunder caused the overhead lights to flicker.

Rabbit glanced upward, and her nose twitched. "That's not good," she murmured.

On the opposite side of the room, Big Guy let out a roar of laughter. "Hope this place has plenty of flashlights. Though I bet I can beat all of you in the dark!"

Ponytail sniffed. "In the jungles of Africa, we didn't even have electricity."

I had to admire her commitment to not breaking character. "Africa is one area of the world I haven't been to yet," I said. "Maybe I'll ask my father to organize a safari for me sometime soon."

She shot me a withering look. "It's no place for trifling games. Don't you think you'd have more fun somewhere else?"

"Hey, now." The colonel leaned forward. "There's nothing wrong with wanting to expand your horizons, see new things."

"I'm glad someone understands." I turned toward him, assuming he'd offer more enjoyable conversation than the humorless Ponytail. "And what about you, Colonel? I'm sure you've seen all sorts of exciting places during your service."

He chuckled. "Always searching for your next thrill, aren't you, Miss Harrington?"

I crossed my legs and inched closer to him. "You already know me so well."

"And I can't wait to learn more." He patted my knee, letting his hand linger for a moment.

Ponytail rolled her eyes but said nothing further.

Babette approached our little group and stood in front of Shaggy. "Another glass of cabernet sauvignon, monsieur?"

His gaze traveled from her stiletto heels, over her fishnet stockings, up to the hem of her short, fluffy skirt. I tried not to giggle at how she mangled the pronunciation of the wine.

"Sure, thanks," he said. "I mean, merci ."

The billiard balls clattered together, followed by a whoop of victory. "Told you I'd win!" Big Guy grinned. "All right, who's in for the next round?"

"I'll play." Ponytail stood up and beckoned to Rabbit. "Come on, let's go."

Before I continued my flirtatious game with the colonel, I saw I'd reached the bottom of my glass of cabernet. I searched for Babette, but she stood on the far side of the room, delivering a drink to Mr. Steele. "I guess I need to get my own refill." I pushed up off the sofa. "Can I get you anything while I'm over there?"

He rose to his feet. "I should be the one fetching you a drink."

"I don't mind."

Those charming dimples appeared again. "I'll go with you anyway. Might as well see the whole selection of what they're offering here."

Various bottles lined a narrow table in the far corner. I approached it, nearing the center of the room. A loud clap of thunder and lightning shook the floorboards beneath my feet. The lights extinguished completely, plunging us into darkness.

A chorus of surprised cries filled the air. The room was pitch black, and I couldn't even see my hand in front of my face. I groped around in an attempt to get my bearings. When I shuffled forward, my hip collided with something heavy and stationary, and I recoiled. The pool table?

A deafening pop exploded somewhere to the right of me, accompanied by a flash of light. Wincing, I covered my ears. More confused chatter set the room abuzz.

"What was that?"

"Ow! Get off my foot!"

"Everyone, stay calm! Don't move!"

I remained in place, one hand on the pool table, and no one bumped into me. Efforts to discern the individual voices proved futile since I hadn't known these people long enough. Recalling the different characters I'd met, I wondered if the blackout was somehow part of the planned events. Could this be the beginning of the mystery?

A single, wan beam appeared near the door, illuminating Victor's head and shoulders. He'd found at least one flashlight on the premises after all. "Ladies and gentlemen, please stay where you are. I hope this power outage is temporary, but in the case of—"

The lights came back on before he finished the sentence. Everyone cheered, but an ear-piercing scream cut through the hubbub. I jerked toward its source and gasped.

Mr. Steele lay face down beside the pool table. A small hole marred the back of his blazer. As we all gaped at him, a dark red puddle slowly seeped out from beneath his body. Several feet away from his head, a gun rested on the floor.

Victor hurried over, nudging people aside until he saw what had captivated our attention. Shock and concern washed over his face. "Oh my…" Regaining his composure, he cleared his throat and straightened. "My dear guests, in light of recent occurrences, I think it would be best if you all retired to your rooms for the night."

"Now?" Big Guy shook his head. "The party's just getting started!"

"Please." Victor stepped back and gestured toward the door. "The storm may cause us to lose power again and, due to these other…unexpected circumstances, you need to return to your rooms. Now."

His tone left no room for argument. We shuffled out of the library into the foyer in one huddled clump. As we moved up the staircase, murmurs rumbled around me about how the mystery portion of our weekend had started, amidst speculation about what clues we'd receive the following day. I agreed with those who admired how realistic the murder scene appeared and the perfect coordination with the thunderstorm's effects. Whoever had outlined and orchestrated our little story, they'd done a good job of surprising us and piquing our interest.

On the landing, we parted ways, and I headed toward my room. Colonel Mandrake guided me to my door, his hand at the small of my back. "I very much enjoyed meeting you tonight, Miss Harrington." He smiled at me. "Sleep well."

I said my goodnights and slipped inside my room, cheeks warm. The evening had been pleasant, even fun, though shorter than predicted, like Big Guy had complained. At least I'd had a good time, and I anticipated the rest of my stay at the lodge.

Even after I took off my dress, the colonel's touch lingered on my skin. At this point, I found him as intriguing as the unfolding mystery and couldn't wait to learn more about him. Hopefully I'd get the chance to know the real him, and not just the character he portrayed.

While I changed into my pajamas and prepared for bed, I contemplated the evening's events and tried to piece together some clues. Nothing in the characters' backgrounds stood out to me yet, and my efforts to remember who stood where when the lights went out fell short. "I'm sure we'll learn more in the morning," I mumbled, climbing into bed.

After setting the alarm clock so I'd have time to shower before breakfast, I switched off the lamp on the nightstand. With a lengthy yawn, I snuggled under the covers, tired from the day of travel and subsequent activities. I waited to drift off to sleep, but something tugged at the back of my mind.

For some reason, I kept thinking about Victor's expression when he first saw Mr. Steele lying on the floor.