Page 13 of Crossroads of Betrayal
Not wanting to jump into an explanation of what had happened since he’d arrived, Zeke grabbed the edge of the door so the man could keep moving. “First time at the lodge. It’s a nice place.”
“I’m Tucker,” he said, extending a palm. “I work with the therapy dogs. Come see me at the kennel if you’re an animal lover. The dogs thrive on meeting new people, and I can always use the help getting in their exercise.”
Zeke shook his hand. “Just might do that. Have a nice night.”
Entering the lodge, he swallowed a whistle. Wooden beams crossed over high ceilings. A stone hearth rose three stories, a roaring fire crackled. Several pockets of cozy furniture provided places for people to sit. Burgundy rugs covered mahogany floors.
A reception desk was nestled in the corner, and a young blond with a wide smile lifted her hand in a small wave. “Good evening. I’m Izzie. Can I help you with anything?”
“I’m looking for the dining room.”
She stood and gestured toward a hall to his left. “Walk down that way and you’ll find it. Just follow your nose.”
“Thanks.”
He peeled off in the direction the receptionist indicated. Tantalizing scents beckoned him forward, and the hunger pains in his stomach grew as he found the dining room. Square tables dotted around the space—most filled with other guests, and the back wall was made of windows that invited the mountains inside. A buffet was set up on a long, rectangular table to the side.
“Look who showed up.”
A booming voice set his nerves on edge, and he pivoted to find himself face-to-face with Darrin. He stood with feet hip width apart and arms across his chest.
Zeke didn’t have the patience to deal with this man’s bullshit but had no choice but to address him. “Excuse me?”
“You escaped the group as soon as you could. Almost as if you had a reason to run.”
His hackles rose. He didn’t have something to run from but someone. Though he wasn’t about to let Darrin know that. “I don’t know what you’re talking about.”
Darrin snorted. “We all saw you walk away with Tessa.” He nodded toward a table in the corner where a few other members of their doomed camping trip sat with sad eyes. “We saw your temper. It won’t be long before everyone here knows what you did.”
Zeke shook his head and tried to push past him.
Darrin blocked his escape. “Joan’s a mess. She doesn’t want to leave until Tessa’s family arrives and can take her home. She needed support from us, and you were nowhere to be found. I find that a little suspicious.”
He mentally counted to three to keep his cool. Last thing he needed was to blow up in front of the lingering eyes watching his interaction. “I’m sorry for what Joan’s going through, but I had nothing to offer her. I’m sure y’all helped much more than I could.”
“No one can help her. That’s why she headed back to her cabin. To pull herself together as best she can. But probably best that you weren’t around. No one needs to see the man responsible for that poor woman’s death just walking around without a care in the damn world.”
“You don’t know what the hell you’re talking about.” He squeezed the words through clenched teeth.
Darrin took a step forward and eliminated any space between them. “We both know what you did. And I’ll make sure you pay for it.”
People flew from their seats. Tension pulsed in the air with every breath.
Zeke saw red, but he wouldn’t take the bait. He narrowed his gaze, attention fixed on Darrin. “Stay out of my way.”
“Or what?” A smirk ticked up the corner of Darrin’s mouth.
A flash of motion caught the corner of Zeke’s eye, and he turned as Brooke and Grace hurried into the room.
Brooke wedged herself between them, giving them each a hard look that shouldn’t be so intimidating from such a small woman. “I don’t know what I walked in on, but I’m stopping it. Now. Today’s been tough enough without you two acting like fools in my dining room. Grab your food and sit down or get the hell out of here.”
Scowling, Darrin stomped away, muttering nonsense as he went.
Zeke locked eyes with Grace and all his hunger dissipated. He wanted to leave, to go back to his cabin and keep hiding, but he refused to let Grace run him off. Not when so much was at stake, including his reputation.
Because if Darrin thought he killed Tessa, others did too, and he’d be damned if he let the rumor mill churn behind his back. He’d make everyone face him with their suspicions and accusations. He grabbed a plate, piled it high with food, then sat alone in the corner and ate his dinner.
CHAPTERSIX
