Page 34 of Whispers of the Lake

“Oh. So, you’re not Alex Reed?”

“No.”

“Is he around?”

“I sure am,” a deep voice said behind me.

I twisted around, spotting another man in a white tee that had black stains on it, and faded jeans. His hair was blond and cut short on the sides, tousled at the top like he’d been running his fingers through it all day. He was lean, tall—but not as tall as the guy on the other side of the door.

“Hi,” I greeted as he joined me on the porch. “I’m Rose Gibson. I’m currently staying in Twilight—”

“I know who you are.” I was relieved to see him smile, considering how serious his tone was. He offered me a hand and I took it, giving it a quick shake.

He laughed nervously before looking to my left. The other guy was gone. “That’s Damian,” Alex said, jerking a thumb at the door. “He’s not much of a talker. Likes keeping his head down. Not much of a people person either.”

“But I assume you are?”

Alex smiled in response. “What brings you this way, Ms. Gibson?”

“I was wondering if you stumbled upon the person who stayed here last, or had any kind of encounter with her.”

“I don’t usually share details about my tenants with other tenants, Ms. Gibson,” Alex said, inclining a brow. He gave me a thorough once-over before pointing a knowing finger. “Wait a minute. Someone called a few days ago asking the same thing. That was you, wasn’t it?”

“It was,” I admitted.

“Well, I’m sorry, Ms. Gibson, but just ’cause you booked the property doesn’t mean I can tell you anything about the previous tenants.”

“I understand that, but this situation is delicate. See, the whole reason I booked yourbeautifulcottage”—gotta stroke the ego—“is because my friend stayed here. Her name is Eve Castillo.”

Just like Damian, Alex’s eyes held a flicker of panic. And just like Damian, he recovered quickly. “Yeah, I can’t say that I really saw her.” He scratched the back of his head. “We try not to bother the tenants unless they need us for emergencies. Makes people feel like they’re at home and all that. I’m sure you get it.”

“Of course.” I nodded, but what I really wanted to do was grab his shirt, yank him forward, and slap him until he gave me answers.

Alex and Damian were hiding something. That much was clear. Eddie wasn’t wrong about Damian either. He was a bit off-putting. I had the urge to ask about the scream Selma mentioned, but something told me to hold off on that nugget of information for now.

“Well, if you remember anything at all, will you contact me? I can leave you my number.”

“Nah, that’s alright.” Alex raised a hand that was stained with black smudges similar to his shirt. “I can find it on your application.”

“Oh.” I huffed a humorless laugh, walking toward the steps. “Right. Well, thanks for your time.”

“Sure thing.”

I walked away, making sure not to look too suspicious or panicked. When I finally rounded a thick-trunked tree, I released the trapped breath in my lungs. With one last glance at the blue house, I saw Alex storm inside and slam the main door behind him.

CHAPTER TWENTY-SIX

Back at the rental, I closed the door behind me and locked it. This house was so quiet compared to my apartment. I always heard the people walking upstairs, neighbors shutting their doors, or dogs barking. The quietness here was deafening. Removing my gun, I checked to make sure the safety was still on, then placed it on the dining table.

Eve’s purse was where I’d left it, the contents laid out on the table as well. The iPhone and camera were what I was interested in most. Eve used both to record her content. Sometimes she used them to take pictures and record random events happening in her life.

I picked up the phone first. It was dead. “Of course,” I grumbled.

I searched for my charger in the bedroom and plugged it in. While it was soaking up juice, I returned to the table and grabbed the camera. After powering it on, I noticed right away that there wasn’t much battery left. I didn’t have the proper USB to charge it, nor was there one in Eve’s purse. I sat at the table, going to the camera’s gallery and hoping it wouldn’t die on me.

Images of the lake appeared. Some during the daytime and others when the sun was setting. The last photo she’d uploaded to her Instagram was there as well, followed by a slew of about ten more. Each had her striking a different pose. Forever the girl needing the perfect picture. I clicked and a video was next.

After hitting the Play button, Eve’s voice filled the room. “So, I swore I wasn’t going to make any content during this trip,” she said in a cheerful voice, “but you guys know me. Even when I need time to myself, I want to share my experiences with you. And even if I’m feeling kinda blah and—oh, crap!”

---