Page 91 of All You Want
“What for? No one knows I’m Bigfoot, and the murderer is using Bigfoot as the one to blame. They planted the mask in Evan’s room and had Larissa lie that she’s with him.”
“Unless there were two Bigfoots running around,” Tami says. “We have to check all the video feeds, and I don’t trust anyone but me and you.”
“The crime scene unit down the hill is analyzing the feeds and photographic evidence.”
“That’s to prepare for a trial,” Tami says. “I’m afraid someone was working with Diana, and if they’re still on the loose, something bad might happen tonight.”
“Someone is trying to pin it on Evan by using the mask,” I concur. “Why?”
“Bad business deal gone south?” She writes names and draws lines to create a table. “I’m glad Evan isn’t connected to the murder. He certainly wouldn’t have wanted to implicate himself by planting the mask. Besides, he took off after the fireworks show to go to his next gig.”
Her relief bothers me, and my muscles tighten in response. I scratch the back of my neck and rock back and forth on my feet. “I’m keeping all options open. There’s still the nagging detail of the broadcast announcement that sent your guests to the loading dock to mess up the evidence.”
“It has to be Molly. I bet she has a beef with Evan and planted the mask. Where is she, anyway?”
“Not answering any calls, and no one has seen her. She left her witch’s costume in the closet after Neil walked you to the parking area and before Neil returned for the chocolate.”
“She might be working with Diana.” Tami’s eyes light up. “I remember now. PE was her favorite subject, and she was manager for the basketball team, even though she was too short to be on it.”
“It’s a reach, but possible. Diana isn’t answering any questions without an attorney, and we can’t get a public defender to show up until Monday.”
“So, Diana has no alibi for the ghost hunt or the fireworks show or the questioning after discovering the body. But Molly was seen by everyone at the ghost hunt, the fireworks show, and the body discovery.”
“You’ve done enough digging.” I take the pencil from her hands. “Look, we have Diana behind bars. The security tapes are being checked. You have heavy police presence, so there’s nothing stopping you from enjoying the trick or treat hunt. Is this like an Easter egg hunt?”
“Sort of, but we have scary stuff hanging from the trees, and coffins to open in your search for goodies. In order for everyone to spread out, they’re given a map with the order of trees and hollows to visit, and we make sure every map has a different order.”
“What a neat idea. Can I be on your team?”
She pokes my abdomen which is lean and mean, no jelly on my belly, and says, “You can get all the treats you want from the kitchen, but yes, you can trick or treat with me. Some of the stations require you to solve a puzzle before you get a treat.”
“You have the best ideas.” I put her cowgirl hat over her head and pull the rim down over her eyes.
She giggles, now relaxed. “Since your uncle paid for the Pickaxe Polly Parlor, I can let you stay there tonight.”
“That sounds mighty fine to me, Pardner,” I drawl like a sheriff from the old west. I feel like picking up my filly and taking her to the Pickaxe Polly Parlor right away, but I’m an honorable man, and I have to stay on my toes tonight and keep Tami’s Halloween safe.
* * *
~ X ~
It’s the giggling echoing through the tunnel that alerts me to intruders. I’m glad they’re female and stupid, but still, I have to scare them away.
I’m wearing a furry mask, so I put on the Bigfoot glove Foxy brought with her. Tonight’s Trick or Treat is the night I get Tami, and I can’t have anyone messing this up.
“Help!” Foxy shouts. “Someone help.”
“Shut up.” I grab the gag. “I don’t want to hurt you, so stay quiet while I deal with them.”
“It sounds like my friends.” She struggles and groans. “Don’t hurt them.”
“Too late. You shouldn’t have shouted out.” I shove a knee into the small of her back. She whimpers as I twist the gag over her mouth. “You better hope they think it’s a game.”
She whips her head up and down. Her eyes bulge, and she shudders. I cover her with my body and push her down on the musty mattress.
“Now, stay here and don’t move. If you’re good, I’ll let you go.” I tuck an old blanket over her to hide her flaming red hair.
Last thing I want is for the females to panic. From the sound of them, there are more than one, and they think they’re on a grand adventure. Well, I’ll give them something to get really scared about.
