Prelude of Lies (3 page)

Their days started too early lately. Usually they were both sound asleep by now. And tomorrow would start even earlier, thanks to Tucker and his crew. Daisy shoved thoughts of Tucker out of her overflowing brain and locked the cabin door behind her.

Sydney sat at the table, a bottle of water in front of her and a pensive expression. “Is this okay? Are we doing the right thing?”

“There’s no right or wrong to it. This is our property and our decision. We’ll know if something underhanded is going on here and with Marshal’s crew around, we’ll have protection from Jace and Violet. Marshal said they’ll definitely watch out for us. I didn’t get a chance to tell him everything, but Marshal gets the picture. He’s a good guy and he’s excited to investigate here.” She sat down, wishing for her bed, as uncomfortable as it was. “That Graham is kind of interesting. Cute, in an arrogant kind of way.”

“He’s a jackass.” Sydney flicked her water bottle.

“Yeah, but kind of a cute jackass.” Why did she find it necessary to hook Sydney up with Graham? She didn’t like the guy much either.

“I didn’t notice.” That thoughtful expression meant something.

“Who did you notice?” She studied Sydney.

“No one.”

“Oh please. They’re all handsome in their own way. Just maybe not the highly-polished material you prefer.”

“Considering how long it’s been since I’ve had sex, I’m surprised I didn’t think the arrogant bastard was hot.” Sydney laughed, her face bright red, but a sparkle finally was back in her eyes. “Too bad none of them are my type.”

“There’s a type for hot sex? Go for it, pick one and do him with no regrets. Tell him straight up that you’re not interested in anything more than a few nights between the sheets.” Uh-oh. She should have kept quiet. Sydney’s eyebrows raised and that motherly disapproving glare she saved for Daisy’s wild times appeared.

Daisy waited for the questions. Sydney would want to know how many of Marshal’s crew she’d slept with. Before Daisy got her back up and prepared to defend herself, Sydney’s expression softened and she sighed.

“Sure. I wish. I’m not as ballsy as you. Just once, I wish I could. One night of fantastic sex with a stranger and no guilt afterward. That’s a fantasy. I could never do that.” Sydney put her head down and groaned.

“You have to be true to yourself. Don’t beat yourself up because you’re not a slut like me.” Not quite a laugh because she wondered if that was really how her sister viewed her.

“You’re not a slut. Far from it. I think I’m a prude.”

“You are not. We’re quite a pair, aren’t we? Sitting here discussing our sex lives with a cabin full of prime candidates just a few feet away. If those guys weren’t like my brothers I’d consider finding a warm place to snuggle.”

“What about Tucker? He did a whole lot of watching you and flirting today.”

Daisy didn’t want to talk about Tucker, but it wasn’t Sydney’s fault things had turned out the way they did.

“Tucker is sweet, romantic, and wonderful. Too bad his ex-girlfriend turned up pregnant about two months after we started dating. He went back to her. To do the right thing.” She tried to ignore the stabbing pain in her heart by peeling the label off of Sydney’s water bottle.

“Oh, honey. I’m so sorry. Why didn’t you tell me?” Sydney grabbed her hand and squeezed.

“I wanted to, but it was easier to be bitter. I knew you’d make me realize how much he meant to me and I didn’t want to admit that. I don’t know. It seemed like one more way I screwed up. I guess I felt like a jerk.”

“For what? How did you screw that up? Because you still like the guy and he did the right thing? He’d be a jerk if he didn’t and so would you, no matter what the rest of civilization does. What kind of an example would he be for those kids he works with?”

“I know. I would have broken things off with him if he would have told her to pound sand or questioned his role as the baby’s father. It just sucks, you know? I haven’t been with anyone since him. I just can’t bring myself to get involved, even for simple sex.” Ouch. That hurt to admit. Sydney was probably the only person who understood though.

She tugged her forward and hugged her across the table. “I know. I’m sorry you had to deal with it alone. Maybe you can have some closure with Tucker now.”

“Maybe. I don’t know.” Daisy fought the tears climbing her throat. She would not cry for Tucker. Ever.

“There’s got to be a reason Tucker’s here.”

Daisy didn’t know what to say. She cared and she didn’t.

“Doesn’t matter. I’m okay, Syd. Really.” Daisy ripped the label the rest of the way off of Sydney’s water bottle, knowing Sydney would see right through her lie. Hopefully, she’d let the subject drop for now.

Silence loomed for a few minutes. Finally, thank goodness, Sydney stood and stretched. “If you’re sure you’re okay, I think I’m going to bed.” Sydney yawned.

“I’m fine. Honest. I’ve been dealing with this thing for months now. The question is are you okay?”

Sydney nodded. “I’m too tired to even think about ghosts. Or sex.”

CHAPTER 3

Okay, so only part of that was true. Sydney definitely was too tired to have sex, but not to think about it. Unless of course, Marshal knocked on her window and then she’d have to let him in.

Hopefully, Daisy didn’t notice her reaction to Marshal. Sydney thought all the fluids had drained out of her body as soon as she caught sight of him. Damn, but the man was beautiful. The black T-shirt showed off every muscle. There couldn’t be an ounce of fat on him.

She cringed. Letting Daisy know she lusted after one of her best friends wasn’t a good idea. She’d been too chicken to ask about him for fear the question would give her away. This was one of those times she’d love to have Daisy’s attitude about sex. A couple of nights in Marshal’s bed would be enough. More than that would give her complications she didn’t need or want.

Too bad she was too scared to act on the impulse.

She could dream about him. At least that would keep her mind off what happened in the same cabin where the guys now slept. Forcing the experience out of her weary mind, she settled in and tried to picture Marshal without his shirt.

The next morning, her fantasy came true as she followed the overgrown path back to the cabin after her walk. Too bad she hadn’t kept her head up so she could have watched him come toward her. As usual, her attention was on the ever-growing list of things that needed taken care of before they could even think of opening the campground, and she ran right into him.

At first, she thought she’d bumped into a tree. Stunned, she stayed still, wondering if trees really put out that much heat.

“Sorry. Are you okay?” Husky voice, warm, solid chest. Holy shit.

She tried to compose herself, slyly bringing her hand up to her chin to make sure she wasn’t drooling. His chest was directly in front of her and she didn’t want to stare. His eyes were no help, they had the same effect on her. She was an idiot and now he would know as well.

“I’m fine.” She almost asked if he was okay, but figured she’d have done little damage to him even if she tried. “Sorry. Wasn’t paying attention.”

“Me either. Trying to get in a run and come up with a schedule.” He held up a notebook similar to hers.

“Same here. There’s a lot to do.” She managed to relax and met his eyes. The warmth there did little for the carnal urges she’d had since meeting him, but she liked the tiny crinkles around his eyes.

“If my team being here is holding you up, we can come back another time. I do believe you both are safe here, for the most part.” His smile melted her insides.

“Actually, no. I might not completely believe in what you do, but I’ll be grateful to have some answers.”
And the protection you provide
. She almost said that last part, but decided against it. She didn’t want him to think that was the only reason she’d agreed to this investigation.

“Fair enough. Did Daisy mention I need to interview you about what happened yesterday?”

“She did. Just tell me when.” Sydney didn’t really want to talk about that ever again, but the truth was, she needed answers.

“After breakfast? I’d like you to be a part of the investigation tonight, if you’re up to it. Maybe if you see how we operate, you’ll have a better understanding of what we do.” Did he seem nervous?

“I hoped I could. No matter what my sister says, I am not closed minded and unreachable.” Why was she so defensive? Why did she care what he thought? What had Daisy told him?

“She didn’t say exactly that, but she did tell me how she works at getting under your skin by exaggerating pretty much any story out there.” He winked and her lower limbs dissolved.

“That brat.” Sydney couldn’t help but smile. “I had a feeling, but she’s always so serious about the subject. I thought for sure she had cracked up.”

“That’s what she says about you.”

Sydney quelled the brief flare of irritation and smiled.

“I’ll see you after breakfast.” He gave her a half-salute. She couldn’t resist the urge to turn and watch him walk away.

His broad back and gray running shorts were enough to make a blind woman drool. She couldn’t stop watching and wondered what Daisy would say if she caught her. Yikes. She needed to get a grip and bury the uncharacteristic itch.

She had her libido under control by the time she arrived at the cabin. Except Graham stood on the porch, and all the thoughts about imaginary hot sex with Marshal evaporated as irritation filled the spaces.

“Can I help you?”

“I was hoping I could help you,” he said.

The effort it took to not roll her eyes almost zapped her strength. Somehow, she managed to remain polite.

“With what?” She had a feeling she wasn’t going to like anything that came out of his mouth.

“I think this whole ghost hunting crap is bunk. From what I understand, you share a similar view of the situation. I thought we might put our heads together and see if these ‘top-notch investigators’ can spot a ruse, or if they’re as dumb as I think they are.” He brushed at a fly that continuously landed on his expensive-looking running jacket.

His irritation at the persistent insect amused her, but she tried not to show it. She allowed his words to sink in, stunned. Angry, that he assumed because of her skeptical view, she’d be a party to his scheme.

“So, regardless of the fact that you’re researching paranormal activity for a book that pays your bills, you want to mess with the odds and arrange the outcome? I may be a skeptic, but I am not so sealed off that I can’t accept the possibility of paranormal activity. Just because I happen to disregard the stories, doesn’t mean they can’t be true.” She was an inch from his nose, barely able to see the shock on his face.

“So, is that a no?”

“Of course it’s a no. And don’t think I’m going to keep your secret. Marshal and his team will know you want to trick them. You obviously formed a wrong opinion of me.” She backed off, putting some distance between them.

“Obviously. Never mind. Without help, there’s no way. I would like to interview you, if you would be so kind?” From the scowl on his face, Sydney figured he knew he screwed up.

For a brief second, she felt for the guy. She knew all too well what it was like to be surrounded by die hard believers unwilling to see the hard evidence or logical possibilities. From what Marshal said, most of that had been faked by her sister to irritate her, so now she wasn’t quite sure what her sister believed.

“Tell you what, if, by the end of this investigation, you can find a shred of an open mind, I’ll give you an interview. Start treating my sister’s friends like professionals. I would imagine you hate to be treated like anything less?” Sydney moved past him. “And FYI, don’t wear cologne out here. The flies love it. So do the mosquitoes.” She banged the door closed behind her as she left Graham standing on the porch.

Daisy applauded as she shut the door. “Well said. Did you know I was in here?”

“No. I thought you were with Tucker. You thought I said all that for your benefit?” Sydney leaned against the door.

“Kind of.” Guilt washed over Daisy’s face and glanced at the floor.

“The guy is the biggest asshole I’ve ever met, except for Jace. I hate that superior attitude bullshit. Did you hear what he wanted me to do?” She wanted to kick something.

“He’s a jerk. I’ll let Marshal know, or maybe you should tell him yourself.” Daisy grinned.

“Maybe I will. I’m supposed to meet with him in a little while and tell him what happened yesterday.” Her face burned, but she had to know. “Can I ask you something?”

“I knew it. You have the hots for Marshal. Excellent. Seriously, there is not now, and never was, anything between us. He’s a great guy. Sometimes I wish I felt more for him, but there’s no spark. He’s like my brother. And he’s all yours.”

“I’m not sure I want him.” And she wasn’t. At least not long term. God, what was wrong with her? Was she seriously considering following her sister’s advice?

“Well, just in case you do, I give you my blessing. As if you need it.” Daisy laughed.

Somehow, that didn’t make her feel any better. “Don’t mention any of this to Marshal. God, I feel like a teenager. The next thing you know I’ll have a zit.”

“Sister’s honor.” Daisy hooked her pinky and Sydney joined hers in their symbolic act of promise.

“Heard Graham propositioned you.” Marshal motioned to the chair across from him. Too bad he insisted the question and answer session be done in this freaky cabin. She didn’t feel good in here and told him so.

“That’s not uncommon. We’ll try to help you find out what’s going on and figure out how to deal with it.” His words were soothing even though Sydney figured he used the speech often.

“Why do you let Graham tag along? He thinks you guys are nuts and wants to sabotage you.”

“To be honest, I don’t know. Except to say that underneath all that arrogant machismo, he’s a decent guy. I think he put on an act for you, to see if he could get a different angle on the story.” Marshal leaned back on the chair, his T-shirt stretching over his stomach and chest. Sydney forgot to breathe.

“Why are you defending him? What’s he got on you that you don’t want out?” She’d meant the question as a joke, but when Marshal’s expression glazed over, she figured she’d hit a nerve. Interesting.

Marshal shook his head as if he took the statement like the joking she’d meant, but the unmistakable current of tension told a different story. She allowed him to change the subject and recounted the events of yesterday afternoon.

“So where were you when it touched you?”

They were standing in the bunk room. She pointed to the wall closest to a neatly made up bunk.

That bed had to be Graham’s. All the other beds were a mess of sleeping bags, clothes and personal items. “You moved the bed. I was here.” She pointed at a spot near the head of the immaculate lower bunk.

“We had to. The rain dripped in there. Poor Graham was getting wet. I couldn’t sleep with him whining above me.” He cringed a little as if he knew telling her the cabin leaked would overload her already-packed repair list.

“Oh. I didn’t realize it rained last night. Sorry.” She ignored that the neat bed belonged to him because she wasn’t sure what it made her feel. As she turned to show him where she’d stood yesterday, icy-cold tendrils wrapped around her. Her breath came out as a fog and she shivered.

Marshal held up a piece of equipment around her, circling her as he shook his head and grinned. Finally, the freeze lifted. Her shaking did not.

“Is there anyone here who’d like to speak?” he asked over and over with pauses like someone would actually answer, moving the tiny tape recorder in a slow sweep around the room.

He patted her shoulder as he passed. “Let’s go.” He motioned, allowing her to exit first.

She re-seated herself at the table, waiting as Marshal grabbed a briefcase and sat down. The smile on his face was a testament to his love for his job. “Want to hear what we recorded last night?”

He moved a laptop to the center of the table.

Sydney nodded, not sure if she really did. Snoring and shuffling blared through the speakers and Marshal fast forwarded the recording.

“I’m here. Where are you?” The female voice sounded disjointed, and the hair on Sydney’s neck stood.

“Margaret?” The response seemed to come from farther away.

“That’s pretty much it. There’s a more, but we ran out of time to clean up the track.” Marshal still grinned.

“Creepy. I thought you weren’t going to set up equipment last night.” She hadn’t meant for that to come accusing. She didn’t care what he did.

“We weren’t. Until we were getting our beds ready and the window opened and closed by itself. Twice. So we turned on a camera and a recorder. The video shows the window opening one more time, we think. We haven’t had much time to analyze it. Dave thinks there’s a shadow. Usually it takes us days to go over all the information.”

“Why days?” She had to admit the process intrigued her.

“We check and double-check. Sometimes triple-check. Listening, a second at a time, to eight hours of usually nothing is a bit draining.” He marked the CDR they’d just made with the date and put it in a plastic case.

“I can imagine. Can we listen to that?” She pointed at the disc.

“Do you want to?”

“Why not? What made the room so cold?” She waited as he inserted the disc.

“You want me to say a spirit, but the truth is I don’t know for sure. The temperature changed. There might be a cave underneath and a draft came through the floor. Say there is a cave, ice chunks are breaking loose, and getting caught somewhere a few feet down? Hard to say. Okay, it’s ready.” He pressed ‘play’ and she leaned forward.

He asked the same question he had when they were in the bunkroom, the silent space in between felt like hours. No wonder it took them a few days to go over the evidence. Just when she thought she’d die of boredom, Marshal got an answer to his question.

“Margaret? I’m here. Where are you?” the same voice from the recording they’d just made whispered.

Sydney figured her shock showed by the smile on Marshal’s face. The recorder had stayed on the table between them the whole time. There was no way he could have altered the evidence.

“Did I say creepy already?”

“I know. Are you still willing to sit with me tonight?”