What Happens in Montana by Kim McCollum

Author:Kim McCollum [McCollum, Kim]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: Black Rose Writing
Published: 2024-01-25T00:00:00+00:00

CHAPTER 29

MAUDE

TWO DAYS BEFORE THE BODY WAS FOUND

I heard banging. At first, I thought it was Simone up to her old antics, but then I remembered the girls. I hadn’t meant to fall asleep. I wanted to be sure they got back safely.

The clock said 2:31. Weren’t those ladies a bit old to stay up this late? I thought these hours were reserved for college kids and crack addicts, not a bunch of forty-something moms. I didn’t even realize the local bar stayed open that late. Shoot, they must’ve stayed open as long as they had customers. Lord knew that place wasn’t rolling in the dough.

I heard voices in the hall and shuffled over to press my ear to the door. A male voice, Max probably. And a female voice. Who was it this time?

I turned the knob slowly, so the latch didn’t catch, and pulled it open just a crack. Whispered giggles floated down the hall, and I peeked an eyeball out, hoping my fuzzy hair didn’t stick too far out and give me away. I caught sight of bright blonde hair entering Max’s room, followed by Max.

Damn. It was the Jenny one. Brooke. I ran my hands through my hair and paced. Toby lifted his head and whined.

“What can I do, Toby? How can I rescue her?”

He flopped his head back down, resigned. I supposed I’d have to do the same. But maybe I could pull the fire alarm? I wasn’t even sure where it was. Did we even have one? I was sure we were required to for code or whatever, but I wasn’t familiar with where it might be. I didn’t really want to wander about in my nightgown at this hour. Someone would talk.

“Simone,” I whispered. “Can you help?” I felt a chill, so I knew she was there, but she needed to do more than just cause a shiver from time to time. It wouldn’t be enough. She must’ve been frustrated with the situation, too. I knew she didn’t like Max, either. I’d seen the way he shivered. He once told me a branch tapped on his window incessantly during the night. And a strange scent of perfume wafted into his room every once in a while, even when no one was there. I didn’t remind him no branches reached his window. And how could he possibly be surprised by the lingering scent of perfume given the number of ladies that circulated his quarters?

The sky outside my window shifted from black to purple to pink as I paced. This was going to be a long day. I hadn’t heard anyone leave Max’s room. She must’ve still been in there. I supposed the damage was done. I didn’t know of any woman strong enough to resist his charm.

I needed to gather berries and vegetables in the garden to prepare breakfast, but I couldn’t seem to do anything other than listen for Brooke. I decided not to shower because the noise of the water would certainly block my ability to hear.

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