Page 96 of Only One More Lie

“Okay.” Juniper began to pet Tundra, her hand moving almost frantically across his back. “But you’re making me nervous.”

Andi hated to put her in that spot. But it was better if they shared the update once instead of multiple times.

Once Duke parked, the three of them—plus Tundra—rushed through the onslaught of snow toward the front door. Thankfully, someone had thought ahead enough to place a shovel outside and to refill the firewood near the door.

They burst inside.

The gang gathered around the fireplace. Some of them had pen and paper in hand. Others had files in their laps. Matthew had his laptop. They were all working and drinking coffee, and several bowls of popcorn sat between them.

Everyone’s eyes brightened when Andi, Duke, Juniper, and Tundra came inside.

“I’m so glad you made it.” Simmy rose and gave them each a hug. “We were so worried. The weather out there has been atrocious.”

“We had a couple of close calls on the road, but thankfully Duke knows what he’s doing.” Andi flashed him a soft grin.

“I don’t know about that. Maybe it was just God’s grace that got us there and back in one piece.” Duke paused. “By the way, Juniper and Tundra are going to stay here tonight just to be safe.”

“Sounds smart,” Simmy said. “Let me get you something warm to drink and maybe a blanket.”

“Did you learn something else?” Ranger’s voice sounded dead serious and all business as he stood near the fireplace, a hulking look to his stance.

“Maybe. But first . . . ” Andi took her boots off and found an empty seat on couch.

Then she and Duke explained everything they’d learned today, ending with the revelation that Caleb was their most likely suspect due to the photo Barb had taken.

Andi glanced over at Juniper and saw she looked pale. “What do you think about all of that?”

Juniper shook her head. “I’m stunned. At one time I thought he was my Prince Charming. But as I got to know him, I realized he definitely wasn’t perfect and that he definitely wasn’t Prince Charming. But I figured everyone had their flaws, right?”

In a sense, she was correct, Andi mused. But there was being imperfect, and then there was being secretive and a liar. There was a difference.

“I’ve been so distracted with running this camp . . .” Juniper continued. “I wasn’t able to spend that much time with him—or even monitor him, for that matter. Then he and Peppermint started doing these appearances together with the reindeer. I suppose the two of them bonded because of that.”

“That could have happened,” Simmy said. “If they were spending a lot of time together, feelings could have developed. But I’m sure that’s not easy to hear, and it doesn’t make what they did right.”

“I guess it doesn’t matter. Peppermint’s not here anymore, and Caleb was a cheating jerk.” Juniper swallowed hard. “But this leaves me with no one.”

“Oh, sweetie.” Simmy sat beside her and squeezed her hand. “I know this is hard right now, but you’re going to get through it.”

Before they could talk any more, Tundra suddenly rose and began growling at the front door.

Duke and Ranger both strode to the windows.

As they did, Duke flipped on the outdoor lights so they could see.

He peered outside, but snow was the only thing filling the air.

It would take a lot for someone to be out in this weather just to threaten them.

But Tundra had clearly heard something.

“What is it, boy?” Juniper rubbed the dog’s head.

He let out a whine and then lay down, almost as if whatever sound he’d heard was forgotten.

Strange. But dogs did strange things sometimes.

Just to be on the safe side, Duke checked all the windows again. They were all locked, and he saw nothing outside.

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