Page 52 of The Summer Request
“Well…” Michelle glanced at the pan heating up on the stove. “I guess we could do that. But this hike is exceptionally beautiful and popular. I’m afraid if we wait until later, the parking lot may fill up and we won’t be able to – ”
Val held up a hand. “Okay. We’ll go now.”
Lisa emerged from her bedroom just as Michelle doled out scrambled eggs, bacon, and toast. They ate, Lisa changed into her loaned hiking clothes, and they piled into the car for the short drive to Acadia National Park.
They’d agreed to do the Ocean Path Trail near the southern tip of the island. It started at Sand Beach, which Val liked the sound of, and went just over two miles.
Or so she’d thought. When Val initially agreed to the hike, she didn’t realize that it was two mileseach way.
There was no point in complaining. Val dutifully followed along, clutching her wide-brimmed hat whenever they neared the water and the wind threatened to blow it away.
They hiked along the hillside with the rocky coast always within view. At times, they had to scramble onto the pink granite shores, carefully avoiding getting their shoes stuck in the crevices.
It wasn’t the type of beach she preferred, but it was still breathtaking, and they all stood in awe as the waves crashed in.
When they finally got back to the car, Val saw she had a message from Zora. “Let me know if the itinerary isn’t to your liking, or if you aren’t enjoying the restaurant choices. I’m happy to adjust!”
Val read the message aloud. “Zora’s on top of everything. Do you think she knows more about Justine’s death?”
“I’ve been wondering the same thing,” Michelle said.
“You mean,” Val dropped her voice, “she could be a suspect?”
“What?” Michelle flashed her annoyed look. “No, I don’t think she’s a suspect. I don’t think anyonehurt – ”
Lisa cut her off. “Zora’s not a suspect! The poor woman was barely holding it together when we met with her on San Juan.”
Michelle nodded. “Right.”
Lisa continued. “Don’t you think if she knew something, she would’ve told the police?”
“Ugh. Yeah, you’re right.” Val let out a sigh. “What if she knows Sam Beverly? It wouldn’t hurt to ask.”
Michelle and Lisa disagreed with her, but she decided to ask anyway. She wrote a message back. “Everything has been perfect! We’re having so much fun. Thank you, Zora. Out of curiosity, do you know someone named Sam Beverly?”
Zora started writing back immediately. Val stared at the three bouncing dots on her phone’s screen as Lisa and Michelle chatted in the front seat.
“Glad you’re having fun! No, can’t say that I do. Sorry!”
Oh well. Just another dead end.
They picked up lobster rolls and French fries before going back to the house to rest. Michelle wanted to go on another hike, but neither Val nor Lisa were up for it. They convinced her to spend another evening on the town, and when they were out at dinner, Lisa got a call from her son.
“Hello?” she answered, her tone bright.
Val zeroed in on Lisa, trying to pick up on any subtle facial expressions or clues as to what Avery was saying.
“Oh really?” Lisa smiled. “That’s great! How’d you do that?Oh.” She nodded and threw a thumbs up at Val. “That’s incredible. You’re so good with these things.”
Lisa continued talking to Avery for another agonizing ten minutes.
When she finally hung up, Val asked, “What did he say?”
“He found Sam!”
Val let out a squeal. “Is he local?”
Lisa nodded. “He works at a seafood place nearby. Avery said he was really easy to find. He just searched for him online along with the word ‘Acadia.’ Sam’s picture was on the restaurant’s Facebook page.”
