Howl at the Loon (An Alpine Grove Romantic Comedy Book 6) Page 12

  “That’s a relief. There was this horrible noise outside. I thought he might be hurt.” The wailing started again and she locked her gaze with Alec’s and whispered, “That’s it! Isn’t it awful?”

  “I agree that it’s creepy, but I know it’s not Leroy. Do you suppose there’s another stray dog here?”

  Robin looked toward the windows. “Or maybe a cat? I don’t know, but whatever it is sounds like it’s in pain. It makes my heart hurt to hear it cry like that.”

  “I’ll go take a look.” He turned and went back out the door.

  Robin returned to her table and found most of the room was abuzz with conversation. She wasn’t the only one who had heard the anguished cries from outside.

  A crack of gunfire echoed through the room, followed by a collective gasp of surprise from the attendees. Then silence as people seemed to hold their breath, waiting for another shot. Robin turned, speed-walked back to the lobby, and peered out the door. She jumped as three more shots were fired in quick succession. Where was Alec?

  She walked outside onto the porch and wrapped her arms around her body in an effort to ward off the damp, chill air. From her perch near the steps, she gazed out across the lawn toward the lake. The wind was whistling through the trees, but other than that, everything was quiet. Where had Alec gone? Did someone shoot at him? Should she go look? What if something had happened? It was dark and he could have been shot by accident. Maybe he was bleeding to death right now. What if she had to do CPR? Did she even remember how?

  At a touch on her shoulder, she screamed and whirled around. Alec grabbed her by the shoulders so she wouldn’t fall down the steps. With an alarmed look on his face, he said, “What happened?”

  She shook herself free of his grasp and pressed her hand to her chest to encourage the pounding of her heart to return to normal. “Holy Mother Fussbucket! You scared me. I almost had a heart attack. Why did you sneak up on me?”

  “I didn’t. I just walked up the steps, then caught you before you took a header down the steps.”

  “I thought someone might have shot you.”

  “I heard the gunfire too.” He gestured toward the forest. “It sounded like it came from over there somewhere.”

  “Did you see anything?”

  He opened the door to the lodge for her. “No. I walked around the whole building and didn’t find anything. Whatever was making the noises must be gone. Sometimes animals go off into the woods to die, I think. Or maybe someone found the animal and shot it to end its suffering.”

  Robin stopped next to the front desk. “Oh, that’s terrible. The poor creature.”

  Terri ran up to them. “I heard a scream from outside! It sounded like a woman. And there were gunshots. Is someone dead?”

  Robin gestured toward the door. “I was outside. The scream was me.”

  Alec said, “I startled her when I came up the stairs.”

  “I apologize for disturbing everyone. Let’s go sit down, relax, and have something to eat.” Robin tried to muster up her most placating smile. “I was in the kitchen a few minutes ago and dinner smelled heavenly.”

  With a scowl of irritation, Terri turned and sauntered back toward the dining room. Robin and Alec followed. She looked up at him. “You probably think I’m nuts. But I do think something is out there.”

  “I didn’t see anything, but if there is something, I sure hope it stays outside.”

  Robin returned to her seat at the table. Several women and the lone male attendee had joined Brett and were quietly eating their salads. The man was named Nigel and during the introductions, he had said he couldn’t decide if his word was naughty or nice because it depended on the day. Everyone had laughed and ambitious Angela volunteered that nasty described the cologne Nigel’s boyfriend had given him for Christmas. Nigel retorted that Angela was just cranky because she was the one who had eaten all the holiday candy from the dish on his desk and he hadn’t restocked. Brett had then interceded and returned everyone’s focus to the task at hand. Robin was again impressed with Brett’s ability to deftly and efficiently redirect conflict.

  Robin had met Nigel at work a few times. He had black straight hair and was extremely slender, with the type of sleek male-model good looks that served to emphasize his impeccable attire. Compared to him, Robin was downright frumpy, but he was an exceptionally friendly and helpful person, so the word nice was an apt choice. Whenever Robin couldn’t decipher the description of an item from a manufacturer, he was always more than willing to answer questions about fabrics, styles, and terminology. The uniform manufacturer she had worked for in Spokane didn’t exactly deal in upscale clothing, so a lot of the fashion lingo they used at Eagle River was new to her.

  The salad was delicious and Robin dug in, gobbling it down with gusto. Having Alec scare the socks off her was the culmination of another long day. She couldn’t wait to crawl under the covers in the bed in her little cabin and pass out. This retreat was certainly not turning out to be the relaxing vacation she’d hoped it would be.

  A loud crack of thunder followed by a flash of lightning broke the silence of the meal as several women shrieked in involuntary surprise. The dining room lights flickered a few times as heavy rain started pounding on the roof. Robin looked up as if examining the ceiling would give her insights into the structural integrity of the building. The noise got louder and changed pitch. It sounded like thousands of BB pellets were hitting the roof. Was it actually hailing out there?

  The wind howled outside and another massive thunderclap rang through the air. The lights flickered a few more times and finally went out. Robin stood up and said loudly, “Please stay where you are, everyone. I’ll get some matches from the kitchen so we can light the candles on the tables.”

  Nigel said, “How romantic,” and a woman at the table giggled. A glow of light came from around the swinging kitchen door and Robin walked toward it, stumbling a few times as her eyes adjusted. Chuck was standing in front of the flame from the stove. He smiled. “I had a feeling I’d see you in here.”

  “Do you have matches?”

  “Yup. Now you know why those candles are on the tables. Those little votives aren’t just for decoration.”

  She took the box of matches from him. “Thank you.”

  One of the roadies, who was sitting on a metal stool, said to Chuck, “Should we start taking out the main course?”

  The young man was so dimly lit, Robin couldn’t make out which roadie he was. Chuck said, “Why don’t you help Robin light the candles?”

  He lurched off the stool and took another box of matches from Chuck. “Cool. I’m on it.” Robin followed him and they went around to the tables lighting the candles, so soon the room was bathed in the warm glow of candlelight. The hail had subsided, but the low drumming noise of the rain continued on the roof.

  Roadies came out with food, which seemed to cheer everyone up. Finally, Robin sat down next to Brett again and eagerly returned to her dinner. Brett was patiently listening to a woman named Linda describe her recent golfing vacation. Linda’s word was logical and Robin tried to tune out her long-winded analysis of the perfect golf swing. Robin wasn’t sure how interested Brett was in golf, but overhearing the story made Robin glad she was sitting where she was. Golf was boring on TV, but Linda took the tedium to a new and more soporific place. Robin yawned and glanced across the room at the windows. A shadowy figure moved outside and she dropped her fork, which clattered on her plate.

  Brett turned to look at her. “Are you okay?”

  “Y…yes. I thought I saw something, but I think it was my imagination.” Nothing was there anymore. Suddenly the door to the lodge opened with a whoosh, and someone came inside. Robin couldn’t see the person, but she looked around the room. Wasn’t everyone already here? She put her hand on Brett’s arm. “I’ll be right back.”

  Walking away from the light into the darkness, she took out a match and struck it. There had to be flashlights in this place somewhere. The person
had disappeared into the darkness of the lobby area. Where did he go?

  At the front desk, she shook out the match and lit another. Wait! It had to be Ernie. He was the only one who wasn’t around. And he couldn’t possibly be out fishing in a hail storm. She went behind the counter and knocked on the door to his living area. “Ernie? Are you in there? It’s Robin. I’d like to talk to you.”

  Nobody answered and she pressed her ear to the door. Silence. It didn’t sound like anyone was moving around in the space. She shook out the second match and sat down on the rickety chair at the front desk. This was all way too creepy. Where was that guy?

  A shadowy form approached the desk and Robin’s heartbeat accelerated. She lit another match, revealing Alec’s face in the dim light. He leaned over the desk toward her. “Why are you sitting over here in the dark?”

  “I saw something…or someone…outside, and then someone came inside. I realized it might be Ernie, and I thought he might be here somewhere. But I don’t think he is.”

  “He’s probably around somewhere. You should eat your dinner before they take it away.”

  Robin shook out the match before it burned her fingertips. “You’re right. This is absurd.”

  As they walked back to the dining room, Robin leaned over and whispered to him. “Would it be okay if I sit at your table? There’s this woman talking about golf and I’m not sure I can face hearing any more about the different types of drivers.”

  He laughed. “Sure. I hate golf.”

  The dinner plates had already been removed, so Robin went to the kitchen, got some more food from one of the roadies, and sat down next to Alec.

  A large woman at the table looked up as they sat down. Alec said, “Loretta, this is Robin.” The woman was wearing a flowing top and had an array of plates surrounding her. Robin remembered that Loretta was Terri’s much-maligned cubicle-mate. Loretta’s word had been level-headed, but it appeared her equilibrium had left the building. She said in a shrill voice, “Robin. You’re the person I’m supposed to talk to about the accommodations. Well, I’d like to complain about the lack of electricity. I can’t see my food. What if it’s touching?”

  Robin paused for a moment, considering how best to respond. Terri had mentioned Loretta’s food hang-ups. “I’m sorry about the weather. I assume the storm knocked out the electricity. I’m sure it will be back on soon.” She gestured toward the plates. “You seem to have everything quite well subdivided.”

  Brett walked to the table and put his hand on Robin’s shoulder. “May I join you?” Robin smiled up at him. Apparently he couldn’t stand any more golf either. “Certainly.”

  Loretta said, “Do you know when we’re getting electricity back?”

  “No, I’m sorry. I assume the power company is...”

  A loud cracking noise interrupted Brett, and Robin looked toward the windows. A huge tree branch was pressed up against the glass, its wispy twigs and leaves waving in the wind.

  Loretta’s eyes were wide. “This place is creepy!”

  Brett laughed, “Oh, it’s just a storm. Those old ghost stories don’t mean anything.”

  Robin cringed inwardly as Loretta whined too loudly, “What ghost stories? Are you saying there’s a ghost here? You mean this place is haunted?”

  The room fell completely silent as everyone seemed to digest this new information. In the most calm and reassuring tone she could muster, Robin said, “No. It’s just a silly story. Apparently all the locals know about it here in Alpine Grove. There’s nothing to worry about.”

  Nigel said, “Tell us! I love ghost stories.”

  Robin glanced at Alec, who smiled at her. “Aww, come on.”

  With a sigh, Robin said, “All right. I have heard from a couple of people that a ghost named Julia Lambert supposedly inhabits the North Fork Lodge.”

  Terri said, “Lambert? You mean like our boss Darrell Lambert?”

  “Yes, Julia is supposedly an ancestor of his. Darrell’s uncle Ernie Lambert owns this place.” Robin went on to explain the story of Julia’s fiery demise. “Apparently, Ernie and his wife used to play up the whole ghost legend by running a haunted house at Halloween. Until his wife died, it was a popular local attraction.”

  Angela piped up. “So his wife is dead too? That means there could be two ghosts!”

  Robin waved her hands in exasperation, “Oh please, everyone, there are not any ghosts here. Don’t be silly.”

  Suddenly, the lights flickered and came back on. Everyone cheered and Chuck came out of the kitchen. He motioned to Robin and mouthed “Dessert?” She nodded emphatically. Brett excused himself and Robin watched as he strode through the lobby and out the door. She smiled as a roadie placed a delectable-looking piece of chocolate cake in front of her. Thank goodness. It was definitely time to administer chocolate.

  Alec inclined his head toward her and said under his breath. “Good thing the lights came back on. Telling that ghost story might not have been the greatest idea.”

  “I know. But what could I do after Brett opened his big mouth?”

  “Well, you did a great job of keeping your cool while everyone else was losing theirs.”

  She looked at him in surprise. “Thank you. That’s very sweet of you to say.”

  He flashed a conspiratorial grin. “Don’t worry, only a few more days and we’re outta here.”

  “I know. I’m counting down the hours.”

  After dinner, Robin sat with Alec, Nigel, and Darlene, who was still poking at her now-stale piece of chocolate cake. Everyone else had left the dining room and Nigel and Alec were exchanging customer-service stories. Nigel related a complicated tale of a customer who couldn’t find the discount code printed on the back of her catalog. “A question like ‘what is the number in the yellow box?’ shouldn’t be so hard.”

  Alec had his own story about a woman who called asking about a particular skirt. It was the day after Thanksgiving and Alec was answering overflow calls. The customer said that it was a blue-flowered peasant skirt with purple ruffles along the bottom. Since he didn’t answer calls regularly, Alec didn’t remember the item, but he spent ages on the phone talking to the woman, doing searches, and faithfully flipping through every available catalog looking for a skirt like the one she described.

  At last he’d given up and said, “I’m sorry, I can’t find any skirt that looks anything like what you’re describing. It doesn’t sound like any item I’ve ever seen in stock at Eagle River. Maybe it was another catalog?”

  The caller had said, “No, I know you have it. You must carry it because I dreamed about buying it.”

  Everyone at the table laughed at Alec’s reply, which had been, “Interesting. I dreamed you changed your mind and bought the skirt on page 42 instead because it’s on sale.” In the end, the customer had bought the skirt in the catalog, after all.

  As the conversation wound down, Nigel stood up and said goodnight. Darlene thanked Alec for something and followed Nigel out of the building, leaving Alec and Robin in the dining room alone. Robin put her elbows on the table and leaned forward to rest her head on her arms. She peeked up at Alec. “I’m so tired I can barely move.”

  They both jumped at the sound of the lodge’s front door opening. Robin sat up straight in her chair and her jaw dropped in surprise as Ernie walked over to the front desk. He stopped and looked at them. “Why are you two sitting there? You’ve got every light on in this whole building, wasting my electricity.”

  Robin scuttled over to the light switch and turned off the dining room lights before heading to the lobby area. Alec followed her to the front desk. Robin spread her arms and raised her palms to the ceiling. “Ernie, where have you been? I was getting worried about you.”

  “I’ve been around.”

  Robin looked at Ernie more closely. Although his face was only illuminated by the feeble light from the old lamp on the desk, something about him had changed. Somehow he seemed even more ragged than he had the last time she’d seen him
. He was wearing old blue jeans with a faded red-and-black flannel shirt and suspenders stretched over his bony shoulders. His gray razor stubble had evolved into a scraggly thin beard and his unruly hair had frizzed out. Maybe it was the humidity from the rain, but his hair was practically standing on end, as if he’d stuck his finger in a light socket.

  He thumped his cane on the floor. “Don’t you people sleep? Go to bed.”

  Robin said, “I need to talk to you.”

  As he walked around to the other side of the desk, he mumbled something unintelligible, and with a groan, he sat down in the chair and leaned his cane against the wall. “So talk.”

  Robin glanced at Alec helplessly. She’d wanted to talk to Ernie about so many things, and now her mind was a blank. She cleared her throat. “Well, during the storm we heard some gunshots outside. And some strange noises. The guests were a bit frightened.”

  Ernie moved his shoulders slightly. “I didn’t hear anything. I’ll ask Myrtle.”

  Alec said, “So I’ve been curious. Could you tell us about Myrtle?”

  Robin noticed that Alec had managed to phrase the question without implying Myrtle was dead. “Yes, I’d like to hear about her too.”

  The hard expression on Ernie’s face softened. “No one can talk about Myrtle without mentioning her sense of humor. That woman—well, what can I say? Sometimes you meet someone and you know it’s right. That’s the way it was for me. When we met, it was like she could see into me. All the good stuff and the bad stuff too. But it was always okay, you know?” He shook his finger at Alec. “If you ever meet a woman like that…someone who totally understands you and who you can laugh with, don’t you ever let her get away. I’m telling ya, there’s not enough laughter in this world.”

  Alec nodded, but didn’t say anything. Robin asked, “How did you meet?”

  Ernie took a photograph out of the pocket of his flannel shirt. “Blind date.” He handed the black-and-white snapshot to Robin. The edges were rough and the paper was criss-crossed with white creases. A woman wearing a classic sixties pillbox hat and a tailored suit was standing on a pier, obviously laughing at the person taking the picture. Robin smiled and handed it back to him. “That’s a lovely photograph.”