Murder in the Woods by Thea Cambert

Author:Thea Cambert [Cambert, Thea]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: Summer Prescott Books
Published: 2022-02-06T00:00:00+00:00

Chapter 9

Detective Patterson took down Esme and Charlotte’s statements himself since they’d been the ones to discover the body. Then he gave them leave to run to town to pick up a quick lunch for everyone. Normally, guests at Piney Woods brought their own food and made their meals in their cabins, except for when special events were going on—like campfire breakfasts or cookouts under the stars. Today’s lunch had not been organized, but since everyone was still in shock over Todd’s death and stuck in the Barlowe brothers’ cabin talking to the police, Detective Patterson agreed that it seemed a perfect time for an impromptu lunch service.

Esme, Ethan, Charlotte, and Stewart all piled into the old, rickety Piney Woods Range Rover.

“Alive and kicking since 1973,” said Stewart as the engine roared to life.

As it turned out, Stewart knew a few shortcuts that Ethan hadn’t found yet, and they were driving into downtown Cottonwood Basin in no time. Esme, who was in the back seat with Ethan, had worked very hard the whole drive not to mention Heather or her brother Colt, although her curiosity was beginning to drive her nuts. What could Ethan and Heather have fought about to cause this extreme reaction? Esme was torn between wanting to know and just being glad Ethan was with them. The truth was the group didn’t feel complete without him.

Stewart pulled into a parking spot on Aspen Street right in front of the bar. “I smell French fries,” he said as he stepped out onto the sidewalk.

“And meatloaf?” said Charlotte, taking his arm. “Suddenly I’m hungry.” The two of them led the way into The Outpost, with Esme and Ethan trailing behind.

Esme glanced at Ethan, trying to read his mood. Was he frustrated? Upset? Heartbroken?

He looked at her, catching her in the act, and let out a long sigh. “I just want to keep busy,” he said. “No use stewing.”

“You know if you want to talk about it . . .”

“I know. Thanks.” He held the door open for her and they went inside.

The Outpost was nothing like Esme had imagined it’d be. It fit more into the modern cozy pub category than the typical bar category. Inside, one entire wall was windows with sheer curtains that came only halfway up from the bottom, softening the light that filtered in across exposed red brick and wood floors. The light fixtures gave off an amber warmth, and the bar was topped with a long slab of polished oak. Behind it were shelves of bottles and green plants, and racks of glasses in all shapes and sizes, reflecting the light in the room. The rest of the space was scattered with tables, and a nice crowd had come in out of the cold for a hot, homemade lunch.

Charlotte spotted Rose right away and gave her a wave.

“Welcome in!” said Rose, coming out from behind the bar. “Here for lunch?”

“Most definitely,” said Stewart, eyeing the plates on other people’s tables. “We’ll be making a big to-go order.

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