Page 15 of Christmas at Black Cherry Retreat
Chapter Eight
Tom purposely left Fee’s cabin until last. He’d made neat stacks of wood behind all the other cabins during the afternoon and there was only hers left to do. He was wary of going to the door again but if he sneaked into the backyard she might freak out and come after him with the knife. Tom tried to imagine how he’d explain to his father that he’d been stabbedby one of the guests. Hank would roar with laughter and call him every name under the sun.
A couple of minutes later he stood at Fee’s door but before he could knock she flung it open.
‘Are you psychic?’
What was the woman talking about now?
‘I couldn’t decide whether to tell you or not.’ She frowned. ‘I’m probably making something out of nothing.’
Tom removedhis hat and scratched his head. ‘Okay. Let’s start again.I’lltellyouwhy I’m here thenyoutellmewhat the heck you’re jabbering on about.’ As he explained about the wood delivery a shy smile illuminated her serious features.
‘Oh, God, now you must be officially convinced I’m mad,’ she groaned. ‘Thanks for bringing the wood. The evenings are cooling off and I might be tempted to lighta fire soon.’
‘No problem. Now what were you talkin’ about?’ Tom asked but she only nibbled her lip. ‘Is something wrong with the cabin?’
‘No, not exactly.’ She conceded. ‘I went for a walk earlier and forgot to lock up.’ Fee held up her hands. ‘I know you told us to and I’m sorry.’
‘Hey, I’m not going to throw you in jail. I only mentioned it for your own safety.’
Fee idly kicked the mat. ‘I came back into the kitchen planning to finish my sandwich, but… it wasn’t there.’
He wouldn’t dare to suggest she might’ve thrown it in the trash, or misplaced it. The normally even-tempered Gina was furious at him once when he asked if her missing car keys might still be in the ignition. The fact that’s where they turned out to be didn’t help.
‘And yes, I’msureI put it in the fridge. I’mnotan idiot and I’mnothormonal.’
‘I didn’t…’
‘Yes, you did,’ she retorted. ‘I’ve worked with enough bloody men to know the signs. I’m pretty sure Tennessee squirrels aren’t smart enough to open refrigerator doors either.’
‘What’s your theory?’ he sighed.
‘Somebody came in here while I was out and ate it?’
It took all Tom’s waning self-control not to laugh. ‘Right. Like who? One of my starving guests?’
‘Don’t mock me. Maybe your escaped prisoners?’
It suddenly clicked that she was scared stiff, but would die rather than admit it to him. ‘Hey, I’m real sorry. Sometimes I’m a dumbass.’
‘Only sometimes?’ A hint of a smile pulled at her mouth and he didn’t mind appearing to bea moron if it lightened her worry.
‘Maybe.’ Tom grinned. ‘Did you notice anything else out of place?’
‘I don’t think so, but I haven’t really…’ Fee’s voice trailed away.
‘Do you want me to take a look around?’
‘Would you mind?’
Tom felt even worse. He’d no right to make her feel a nuisance.
‘Of course not. Do you want to stay out here or walk throughwith me?’
‘Um, come with you, I think,’ she mumbled but didn’t move out of the way.
‘It might help if you let me inside,’ Tom suggested and she awkwardly stepped back out of the way. He walked in past her and quickly checked out the living room. The only unusual thing to strike him was the lack of any personal possessions lying around. His next stop was the bathroom which heldnone of the usual feminine clutter. Tom stepped back out and headed for the bedroom where everything was equally pristine. Fee’s yoga mat, neatly rolled up in one corner, and a small stack of books on the dresser were the only signs of occupation. At a guess he’d say Fee had spent so long living in temporary, confined spaces she didn’t know what to do with a whole house to herself. Without a wordhe headed back towards the kitchen and she followed along behind.
