Page 77 of Backwater Justice

“Since it’s late in the day, how about I spend the night at the inn in Eugene? It’ll give me a chance to experience the place—a real bed, shower, and a rug under my feet.” Kathryn was attempting to sell Dickie on the idea. “I could spread the word. Good, free publicity.”

“Let me check to see if there’s an extra room.” He phoned the inn and asked, then turned to Kat. “You’re in luck. We just got a cancellation. Otherwise, you’d have to shack up with your roomie.”

Kat feigned a confused expression. “Oh, Isabelle. Right. Is that where she is?”

“Yes.” He had to get moving if he wanted to get the woman out of Blaine and back to his cabin. It was six hours to Blaine, and then another six hours back. He knew Oliver was freaking out, so Dickie cancelled the meeting for the following day and decided to drive to Blaine that evening. It was better to do the transfer at night, anyway.

* * *

It was around dinnertime when Bart told Isabelle that Kat had been given a run to Eugene and would probably arrive shortly.

“I guess I’ll take you ladies to dinner, if that’s alright.” Bart was behaving like a person with some authority. She accepted graciously. As they crossed the road, she noticed Sasha slumped down in the passenger seat of her car, pretending to doze.

At the restaurant, Bart was greeted by a middle-aged woman wearing a robin’s-egg blue uniform. “Hello, Bart. Back in town again so soon?”

Bart tried not to seem rattled. He’d forgotten that he’d had lunch at that same place just a few days ago when he’d locked up the laundry room. “Yeah. Just can’t keep away from your cooking, Marie.”

“Don’t believe a word he says.” Marie chuckled.

Isabelle didn’t need any convincing of that. “Hi, Marie. I’m Isabelle. I’m the temporary facilities manager for the Cascade Inns.”

“Temporary? That’s too bad. You’ve got a much prettier face than this lug.” She jerked her thumb at Bart and chortled.

Isabelle smiled and followed her to a four-top table in the front corner near the windows. Kat was pulling into the parking lot across the street, and Isabelle sent her a text. When she got out of the truck, she waved and made a motion of washing her hands and splashing water on her face. Bart nodded, and Isabelle gave her a thumbs-up. Isabelle watched Kat go into the main office. Several minutes later, she exited without her Geiser Creek jumpsuit and bounded toward the restaurant.

“Hey guys!” She made her way to the table. “I love the idea of uniforms. I don’t know why I never thought of buying a bunch of jumpsuits for when I drive. Always wear jeans and a flannel shirt, but I kinda like the one-piece zip-up thing.” She pulled out a chair before Bart had the opportunity to make the gentlemanly gesture. Kat was a huge presence, even for him.

Small talk ensued as they ordered Marie’s meatloaf with gravy, mashed potatoes, and carrots. More small talk, food, then it was time for Bart to make a move. At least pretend.

He took the check from Marie and handed her cash. “And can you make me a roast beef with cheddar on rye?”

“Didn’t you have enough to eat? You practically licked the plate and ate four biscuits.” Marie pretended to scold him.

“One for the road.”

“It’s only an hour drive, Bart. You got a hole in one of your legs?” Marie asked.

Isabelle and Kat suppressed a laugh. That was the joke they made about Maggie.

Marie added the sandwich to the bill and handed it to him.

“Need that receipt, please,” he reminded her. As the three left the restaurant, Bart turned to them. “I’ll be heading back. Let me know if you need anything.”

“Thanks for all your help. And dinner.” Isabelle held out her hand.

“Ditto,” Kat said with a firm grip.

The two women followed Bart across the street. They went inside, and Bart got in his truck and left the parking lot. Sasha immediately went into action. She was several car lengths behind him when he made a right turn into a neighborhood. Sasha thought it was strange that he didn’t go straight onto the interstate. Two blocks down, he made another right turn, and then another. He was at the intersection two blocks from the inn. He crossed the main road, turned his truck around, and positioned himself so he could see the parking lot of the inn.

That’s odd.Sasha sent a text to Charles:

Appears target is waiting for a target.

Charles answered:Explain, pls.

Sasha tapped out the message:Target went around the corner and is now situated within sight of inn.

Charles replied:Interesting. Stay with him.

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