Page 12 of The Familiar Stranger

Two days passed with Maddie and me lounging, eating, and touring the Asheville area, all the while keeping our ears to the ground, hoping for a whisper of a clue as to what was going on with our two acquaintances.

But all was silent.

I hoped the lack of news was a good thing and that the whole sordid series of events had smoothed out with no need for input from us.

It was what it should be, I supposed.

Still, I had a looming feeling—a feeling I just couldn’t shake.

CHAPTER9

We were back at the spa, what had all but become an addiction, floating in the mineral pool like two … well, like a pair of dead bodies.

“Let’s go by the Hard Body Boot Camp,” I said, standing up from my floating position. “I saw on Instagram that Almond is back at work.”

Maddie snickered.

“What?” I asked. “Why are you laughing?”

“You’reon Instagram?”

I moved a hand to my hip. “Social mediaisa method for investigation, you know.”

She stood up, flung her hair to one side, and squeezed the water out. “Go to see Almond, huh? And the purpose would be …?”

“To offer our support, of course.”

“I doubt Almond wants to see me, first of all. I still don’t understand why she thought there was anything happening with Harmony. I’m as straight as it gets. You know, it’s kind of rude, to be honest. Rude to Harmony and to me.”

I understood what Maddie was saying. At the same time, it was the reason I was dead set on speaking to both women. If Harmony was involved in an abusive relationship, I wouldn’t feel right leaving the resort without offering my support while giving my two cents in the process.

We swam over to the side of the pool, and we leaned back on our elbows, gently kicking our legs in the water.

“Is support for Harmony all you’re wanting to accomplish by stopping in for a visit, or is there something more, something you haven’t said?” Maddie asked.

There was always more.

I just knew well enough not to make a big deal about things when I had more questions than answers.

“I wouldn’t say it’s the only reason,” I said. “But it would give me peace of mind … and since I can’t stop thinking about her, maybe a quick visit will ease my suspicions.”

“Hmm,” she said, tilting her head side to side as if weighing the options. “Okay, yeah, why not? Let’s do it.”

CHAPTER10

Before we left the inn for Hard Body, we decided to do some quick souvenir shopping. We didn’t have much time left in the mountains, and souvenirs were in order.

First we went to the spa gift shop, where we each purchased lavender-scented slippers. They were filled with rice so they could be microwaved and a glorious foot experience had—from the comforts of home. We also splurged on two overpriced spa robes with the inn’s logo on them.

Then we headed to the gift shop on the main level. It was fine—your typical collection of mugs, magnets, and branded fleece—but I’d been hoping for something with more substance, something that actually reflected the spirit of the mountains. So we made our way upstairs to the Loft, where small shops and studios featuring local artists and makers were tucked along a wide corridor with exposed beams and soft gallery lighting.

One shop in particular stood out, with a mix of handcrafted items and Asheville-themed clothing that felt a step above the usual tourist fare.

“Now we’re talking,” Maddie said.

She went one way, and I went the other. Then we met at the register, where one gentleman was ahead of us in line.

Maddie’s arms were filled with all kinds of things, mostly gifts for friends. I, on the other hand, was thinking of Cade when I chose a knife and a leather wallet, both handmade and top quality with intricate design work.

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