Page 7 of Blackwood

“Good press.” The harried mayor pinned me with his dark eyes. “I like good press. More visitors, more tourist dollars. That’s what we need.”

“I can’t promise any of that.” I shrugged. “I’m just doing research.”

He sighed and drummed his thick fingers on the countertop. “Well, keep it out on the west side of the county at least.”

I returned his stare. He wouldn’t spook me from my investigation, and I wasn’t the type to let anyone—mayor or otherwise—push me around. I took a big bite of my eggs and spoke around the mouthful. “That’s my focus.”

“Good.” He scowled.

The sizzle in the kitchen did all the talking for a while until Bonnie appeared with a to-go box.

“Got it all for you, Mayor Freeman. You going to the winter market?”

The mayor swiped the Styrofoam coffee cup from Bonnie and snagged the box of food. “Yep, and I’m late. Put it on my tab.”

“Sure thing.” She gave him a thin smile, one that didn’t reach her eyes.

He slid off his stool, gave the sheriff a nod, then headed out into the cold.

Bonnie frowned as soon as the door closed. “Old sourpuss.”

“Charming.” I nodded and bit into my toast. “Really got a way with people.”

Sheriff Crow laughed. “Go easy on Len. He’s been crabby ever since he started the Lodge. Too much work.”

I finished my eggs. “The Lodge?”

“You haven’t heard of it?” Bonnie threaded a yellow dish towel over her shoulder. “It’s a swanky retreat. I hear you can get massages there.” She leaned closer to me and cupped her hands around my ear. “It’s for menonly. I hear they gethappy endingsthere and do crazy nude dancing around bonfires.”

Sheriff Crow chuckled as my eyes widened at Bonnie’s revelations. “Not true. None of it true.” He shook his head at Bonnie. “Don’t go lying to her about it and scaring her off. It’s just a hunting club. Len’s been trying to get the governor to visit. Did you know that, Bonnie? It’s not a massage parlor or nudist colony. I’ve been a few times. Ty’s going to visit sometime soon. Right, Ty?”

“Sure, if I ever get out of this hellhole!” Something clanged in the kitchen. Ty was definitely not a ghost.

The radio attached to the sheriff’s shoulder crackled. “Sheriff, Danny is making trouble at the Quick Mart again.”

He clicked the radio. “I’m eating at Bonnie’s. I’ll be there in fifteen minutes.”

“Carl says he’s screaming about the lights in the woods. Won’t stop. Scaring off customers.”

The sheriff pinched the bridge of his nose. “Bonnie, can you put mine in a to-go box for me?”

“Sure thing, hon.” She swiped up his plate.

“Viola, tell Carl to keep Danny there. I’m on my way.”

“Will do.” The radio crackled once more and fell silent.

Sheriff Crow ran a hand through his hair and plopped the hat on, snugging it down as he stood. “I guess I forgot to mention it’s not just the woods you have to watch out for around here.” He leaned over, his clean, masculine scent washing over me. “I was serious about calling me. Safety is important, especially since you aren’t from here. I want you going back to that school of yours singing the praises of country hospitality. The mayor will have my ass otherwise.”

I bit into my extra-crispy bacon. “If the food is any indication, I’ll be able to give a glowing recommendation.”

“Great.” He leaned away and took his breakfast box from Bonnie. “In that case, I hope you find what you’re looking for.”

I smiled to myself. “So do I.”

Chapter Five

Iheftedmy packonto my back and slammed my trunk closed. Dirt and gravel crunched beneath my boots as I studied the small slope to my left. I’d parked on an old logging road to the west of Blackwood near the site I’d described to the sheriff. Instead of heading south toward the clearing, I consulted my map and walked into the woods toward the northeast.

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