Page 22 of Only One More Lie
“Unless she’s hiding something.” Duke slid the words into the conversation.
Andi glanced at him. “You think she’s hiding something?”
He shrugged. “I do.”
“But she asked us to come here,” Simmy reminded them. “Why would she ask us to come if she’s not going to share everything?”
“Because everyone has secrets,” Mariella murmured. “Everyone.”
No one denied her words.
Instead, Andi glanced around at the festive light poles, at the colorful Christmas lights.
Life continued on after loss and tragedy.
But that didn’t mean things returned to normal. It was a lesson Andi was learning for herself also.
CHAPTER 9
The gang continued trekking through the snow, following the vintage-looking light poles that lit their path.
Andi shivered as she walked. The place appeared so peaceful . . . but it wasn’t.
Horrible things had happened here. A killer—or two—was still out there.
It would be hard to relax knowing that.
She knew the truth. If Andi and her team failed, someone else might die. Her throat tightened at the thought.
They did have one ace up their sleeve, however. On the last episode ofThe Round Table, they’d hinted that they’d be looking into this case. Andi hoped that might be enough to draw this guy out—to either make him nervous or make him arrogant enough to slip up.
However, what if that had backfired? What if Pepper’s death had something to do with the fact they were coming to investigate?
They reached the lodge and stepped inside. Twenty or so people were seated at small, round tables in the dining area to their left. Many of them spoke quietly, whispering nervously toeach other—no doubt about the rumors of the dead body found here.
Andi had no doubt some people would try to leave earlier than planned. Christmas and death didn’t mix, nor did vacation and murder. She wasn’t sure what Juniper had said to her guests to reassure them or to explain things. Publicity-wise, this had to be a complete nightmare.
The scent of something savory—probably some type of beef—teased at Andi’s senses and made her stomach rumble.
The place was nice, not like the basic dining hall at the summer camp she’d grown up attending. Andi wasn’t sure why she’d pictured this place being like that. Probably because the rustic resort called itself a camp.
But this dining hall had a pitched ceiling lined with rich-looking beams. The tables each had burgundy tablecloths covering them and small, decorated Christmas trees as centerpieces. Huge windows lined the north side, where the aurora might be spotted on dark nights.
Juniper met them near the door, Tundra beside her. Her eyes still looked glazed with tears, but she held herself together.
“Good news,” she started, her voice lackluster. “It looks like Emmett will be okay. I mean, he’s still critical right now, but the doctor thinks he’ll make it, that we got help to him in time.” She glanced to Duke. “Part of that is because you did CPR, so thank you.”
“I’m glad I could help,” Duke said.
She released a breath, and then tensed as if her lungs froze again. “I’m sure you’re hungry. We have a buffet tonight with beef tips, mashed potatoes, and green beans. We also have some freshly baked rolls and an assortment of drinks.”
“Sounds delicious.” Simmy tilted her head in that sweet manner she was known for. “Thank you so much for yourhospitality. But if you want to take some time for yourself, I’m sure everyone would understand . . .”
“I’ll do better if I can keep myself busy.”
Andi understood that.
The murder club gathered at a table in the corner. As they all took their seats, Andi glanced at everyone in the room.