Last Resort by Karen Chester

Author:Karen Chester [Chester, Karen]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Tags: cozy mystery, mystery, Amateur Sleuth, women sleuth, karen chester, small town, whodunnit
Publisher: Karen Chester
Published: 2019-03-07T23:00:00+00:00

THE FOLLOWING MORNING Emma woke up early. She lay in bed for a while, listening to the birds twittering outside as the sunlight streamed around the edges of the curtains. When she heard Caitlyn stirring, she peeled off the cotton sheet, climbed to her feet, and padded out into the living room. There, Caitlyn, her mauve-streaked hair mussy around her shoulders, was yawning and stretching her arms. She stopped when she caught sight of Emma.

“Caitlyn,” Emma said. “I don’t want us to fight, and frankly I hate it. I’m sorry. Will you forgive me?”

Her face crumpling, Caitlyn immediately rushed over and wrapped her arms around Emma. “No, I’m sorry! I hardly slept a wink last night. You know how much I hate any kind of fighting!”

Emma rubbed her friend’s shoulders, taken aback by the force of her response. “I suppose I feel like you’re the younger sister I never had. It makes me over-protective.”

“Oh, Emma. That-that’s the nicest thing anyone’s ever said to me.” Caitlyn hugged her harder then stepped back, wiping her eyes. “I feel so much better now!”

“So do I.” Emma smiled.

Caitlyn grew serious again. “So, you don’t mind me spending time with Trey?” As Emma hesitated, she added, “It’s just that I haven’t met someone so nice in a long time, and, well, I’d forgotten how wonderful it is. I think I’m a good judge of character, and even though I’ve only known Trey a few days he’s been nothing but honest and upstanding.”

“That’s good to know,” Emma replied, holding back on the reservations she still felt.

“I can’t imagine Trey doing anything illegal. Did you know he’s self-conscious about his ears? That’s why his hair is so shaggy. To cover his jug-ears—that’s his description, not mine. Besides, it’s not like there’s anything serious between us. You and I are going home in a couple days, and once Trey’s fieldwork is done he’s going back to Sacramento. So, you see, there’s nothing to worry about.”

Although it was a relief knowing it was nothing more than a vacation flirtation, Emma wasn’t completely reassured, not with Poppy’s accusations still lingering in her mind.

“I’ll try not to worry,” Emma said. “As long as you promise to be careful.”

“Of course. I’m always careful.” Caitlyn grinned. “Right! What are we having for breakfast? I feel like something sweet and indulgent. How about a stack of pancakes with bacon and maple syrup? I’ll make them.”

Her cheerfulness was infectious, and Emma laughingly agreed. But as they set off for the main lodge, the familiar underlying tension returned to Emma, a tension she couldn’t ignore.

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