Page 107 of Only One More Lie

Andi’s thoughts raced. “I can’t believe we didn’t see it.”

“Please, tell us what you’re thinking.” Duke’s intense gaze met hers, an urgency to his tone.

She quickly shuffled through the facts to make sure she wasn’t off-base.

She wasn’t.

“The utility worker—the week he died, he was working on candy cane light poles,” Andi started. “The gardener grew poinsettias. The planetarium guy liked stars.”

Realization rippled through Duke’s gaze. “The gift shop owner represented gifts, and the neonatal nurse represented babies.”

“My parents represented reindeer.” Juniper’s voice cracked as she said the words.

Andi nodded. “Everyone who’s died has represented a different aspect of Christmas.”

Silence stretched a moment.

Finally, Ranger leaned forward and said, “So this killer . . . he really hates Christmas for some reason. But how does that help us to find this guy?”

“That’s a good question.” Andi began pacing again. “Why would he still be focusing on this reindeer camp? Why repeat an element he’s already covered?”

“What else hasn’t he covered?” Simmy asked. “What symbol of Christmas?”

“I’m not sure,” Andi said. “Wise men? Shepherds? Wreaths?”

“It’s anyone’s guess,” Mariella said. “But he seems determined to strike here again.”

“He did draw that beard on the mirror,” Matthew reminded them. “Could that represent Santa?”

“None of us have any connections with Santa,” Andi said. “Am I right?”

Everyone nodded in agreement.

“The beard, to me, indicated that this guy would be targeting either Duke or Ranger,” Matthew said. “Maybe he sees one of you two as the kingly types.”

“Why would he think that?” Duke sounded earnestly confused.

“I don’t know,” Matthew said. “Maybe because you’re tough and strong. You’re natural leaders. You’re confident. Who knows?”

“Anything is a possibility,” Andi said. “But I stand behind the idea that this guy has a personal connection with this place.”

“Like Caleb or Tim.” Juniper crossed her arms and frowned.

“They’re our best guesses right now,” Andi said. “Unless you have other ideas.”

“I don’t.”

Before they could talk about it anymore, the cabin went dark.

Any sounds around them went silent—the hum of the refrigerator, the heat blowing through the air vents, the whirring of the dishwasher.

Someone had cut the electricity, she realized.

Most likely, the killer.

As soon as the cabin went dim, Duke rose. So did Ranger.

Without saying a word, they both stalked toward the windows. Peered outside. Looked for a sign of anything suspicious.

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