Page 71 of Waylaid in Whittier

“And me head to the bathroom,” Elvira said. “He probably slipped out the kitchen’s back door where he wouldn’t be seen and attacked her, not to kill her, but to take her down.”

“Because time was running out,” Millie said. “The roads and mining areas were only hours away from being shut down for the season. He’s the one who told the authorities you two had argued. The cops arrest you. Wanda is in the hospital leaving your so-called honey hole wide open for him to dig.”

Sharky shoved the rest of his breakfast sandwich in his mouth and scrambled to his feet. “If the bar owner shows up, we’ll know we have our guy.”

“If he didn’t throw the weapon away, there’s almost a one hundred percent chance the crowbar is at the bar, in his vehicle, or at his house,” Millie said.

Wanda patted her walkie-talkie. “Neil is itching to nab my attacker. All I have to do is say the word.”

“As soon as we have a visual, make the call.” Millie shaded her eyes and surveyed their surroundings. “You’re sure this is the right spot?”

“One hundred percent.” Wanda stepped in beside her and pointed to a dirt path and a narrow incline. “There are two ways to the spot. They intersect at this location. Veering off the path will get you lost pretty darn quick.”

While they waited for Lyle to show up, Millie tried to envision what sort of person he was. Attacking a local, someone he knew. Swooping in and helping himself to their claim. If this was the case, she wondered what else he might be capable of.

Sharky consulted his watch for the umpteenth time. “Are you sure this is the last day?”

“Very last,” Wanda confirmed. “At sundown, the DNR will close the roads.”

“I’ll bet people disobey the rules and sneak back here,” Elvira said.

“Like you would try to do?” Millie joked.

“I won’t lie. I might be tempted.”

“Tempted and caught. The DNR patrols these sites. If you get caught, you’ll pay a hefty fineandthey’ll confiscate whatever you found and is in your possession.”

Elvira clutched her gut. “The punishment seems extreme.”

“You have to understand, when the weather turns, the idiots who come out here end up risking the lives of rescuers. It’s to set an example and discourage others from trying it.”

“It makes sense. Rules should apply to everyone without exception,” Millie said. “It’s not fair to those who obey, while others don’t.”

Wanda began waving her arms in the air. “I see someone coming,” she hissed.

Millie ducked down, watching as a figure appeared on the horizon. At first, the person was too far away, but as they drew closer, she realized it was Lyle Gardner.

Wanda must’ve recognized him at the same time. She reached for her radio and hit the side button. “Hey, Neil. It’s Lyle Gardner. I repeat. Lyle Gardner who owns Bay Bar & Grill.”

Thank goodness the group was a safe distance away…too far for him to hear Wanda talking.

Neil’s reply was prompt. “Dispatching officers now to his vehicle at the trailhead and the bar. Will keep you posted.”

“10-4.” Wanda adjusted the volume, turning it down. “Should we go chase him down?”

“No way.” Millie shook her head. “He could be armed.”

Elvira stood in a small clearing and snapped a picture of him right before he disappeared around the bend. “I can’t believe it’s Lyle. All this time, I thought he was a cool dude.”

“He’s a cool dude with motive and opportunity,” Millie said. “With any luck, your brother will get the evidence. We can wrap up this mystery and be back on board the Siren of the Seas with plenty of time before we set sail.”

Chapter 27

“I don’t know how I can ever repay you guys for helping save my butt,” Elvira said. “I thought I was gonna be stuck in Alaska for months.”

“Wanda was the one who set you free,” Millie reminded her. “Catching Lyle helped save your honey hole.”

“Once we discovered the bar’s owner might be behind the attack, the authorities obtained a search warrant,” Millie said. “Lyle Gardner never even realized he’d slipped and mentioned the crowbar, the weapon no one knew about.”

---