Page 168 of Timber

“Well, congratulations, dear! What can I do for you?”

“I was wondering when would be a good time to come up to meet with you this Friday or possibly this weekend? I’d like to also see the cabins and see if we need to schedule any upcoming repairs or updates.”

“That won’t be a problem. Allen had asked that I keep the books open for a bit. Originally, one couple was supposed to check out this Wednesday and another gentleman this Friday, but they had to cut their visits short. They’ll both be checking out tomorrow instead.”

My eyebrows rise in surprise and I glance at the others. “Oh. Well, I hope everything is okay with their families and that no one is injured or sick or anything.”

“Oh, no, nothing of the sort. John and Grant work together at the same company and they have an emergency with one of their accounts, which is why they need to leave early.”

“Well, that’s a relief then. I guess if they are checking out early, would it be possible to come up and meet with you earlier then?”

“That won’t be a problem. We live on a farm that neighbors your grandparents’ land, well I guess now it’s your land. The close proximity is why your grandparent’s asked if we would be willing to do this for them. Will you still want us to continue handling things for you as well?”

“Well, I would first like to meet you and your husband, but as of right now, I am leaning toward having you both continue to handle things. My husband and I live in Forest Creek so we aren’t too far away if you would need us for anything. Going forward, I’d like to pop in regularly to check in with you both and check on the cabins.”

“That won’t be a problem at all. Just give me a jingle when you want to come and we’ll be here. As for this week, how about Wednesday around 1 pm? Grant had mentioned that one of the toilets was running a lot so after they check out, George was going to take a closer look at it and run into town for any parts he might need to fix it.”

Ice runs down my spine, but I force the feeling away for now. Looking up at Timber, he nods.

“That sounds perfect! Oh, I was going to ask. Just in case we do need or want to do any repairs or updates, was there anyone on the waiting list to check-in? My husband works in construction so he wants to make sure everything is good, especially since it won’t be long until it’s winter.”

“Well, let’s see. Usually the Deans and Crowley gentleman like to reserve the cabins sometime in October. They like to hunt out here and they usually have good luck, too. Besides them, the weekends will start to book up as well for other hunters. During the week would be the best time for repairs unless you want me to blackout certain dates?”

“How about we decide on if we need blackout dates once my husband has a chance to look everything over?”

“Sounds like a plan, dear.”

“Alright, so we’ll see you at 1 pm on Wednesday. Please keep us posted on the toilet repair, especially if it turns out to be bigger than expected.”

“Will do, dear. See you on Wednesday. Goodbye.”

“Goodbye.”

As soon as she hangs up, I drop my phone, grab my cable out of my bag and plug in my phone to my computer.

“Mae?” Thor asks.

Hesitantly, I look up at him. “I... I think they’re in on it. The renters. I’m pulling up my pictures so I can see them better. Wasn’t one of the women handcuffed around a toilet?”

“Fuck, I think you’re right,” he says, and they all come around to stand behind me.

Clicking on the folder, I find the picture I want and enlarge it.

“Fiddlesticks...”

Unfortunately, by enlarging the picture, I realize who it is from her tattoo.

“Jane...”

They all curse.

“This changes things. Timber, you and the guys need to head up today. Stay hidden and try to get pictures of them. We need recon.”

“We’ll gather our gear and head out. We planned to take the black SUV. Should we still do cameras or wait to do that on Wednesday?”

“Let’s wait for now, but we need pictures and or footage of them when you see them. If possible, try to put trackers on their vehicles.”

“And if we see the women?” Kai asks, his hands clenching into fists.

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