Chương 4: Chapter 4: Fish Out of Water
Curiosity got the better of Shasta as the black Lincoln pulled up to the red-painted clapboard lodge. The trip down the unpaved drive from the highway had taken a good fifteen minutes. A friend of a friend of someone Eddie knew had told him about the place.
Shasta had checked it out on her phone. The website wasnt kidding when they said remote. The tree-shrouded driveway opened up onto a clearing to reveal the large main lodge and a sprinkling of small cabins, all painted the same warm red. A sparkling lake was visible beyond the buildings and Shasta could see a small plane at the end of a long dock.
She climbed out of the back of the car and took a few steps to stretch her legs. Still wearing the outfit shed worn to court, she realized that stilettos were probably not the way to go on the soft ground.
Eddie looked at her across the top of the car. Well, kiddo, are you ready?
She flipped her red hair in annoyance and followed him up the front steps and into the two-story building.
They were greeted by a petite brunette woman with a friendly face. Welcome! Were so glad to have you. Im Jackie Walker. This place has been in my family for three generations.
Shasta shrugged noncommittally. Eddie filled in the gap. Thank you. Shasta is understandably tired from the trip. I can take care of checking her in.
Of course, Jackie replied, watching Shasta curiously. Lets get that squared away now.
Shasta wandered over to a window and peeked out. If you think Im staying in one of these little shacks, youre crazy.
Oh, no, Ms. Pyke, we have you in the island cabin. Its very private, Jackie assured her.
Hmm, island cabin. That sounds more like it. Digging into her huge black leather bag, she extracted her phone and stalked outside. It wasnt that she was anxious to talk to anyone. She simply felt humiliated. Her life had spun so far out of her control and she felt like an errant child. She stabbed at the phone anyway, and she was irritated to find that there was no signal.
Why cant I get some fucking bars? she muttered to herself, waving the device around as if shed catch a signal if she hit just the right angle.
You wont find a signal. There are no towers for about a hundred miles.
Shasta turned and glared at the source of that information. He was a good foot taller than she, with broad shoulders wrapped in some sort of flannel. He had dark brown hair with caramel highlights that glinted in the sunlight filtering through the tall pine trees, and hed pulled it back, presumably to keep it out of his eyes, which were the most sparkling blue.
Seeing her glare, he raised both hands in mock surrender and walked away, heading for the front door of the lodge. The door opened just as he reached it.
Oh, good, youve met Blake. Blake will be taking you across to your cabin.
Oh, good, Shasta muttered as Eddie shot her a dirty look.
Jackie chose to ignore her sarcasm. Hell load your things into the boat, and you can get settled.
Okay, kiddo, this is where I leave you. Eddie crossed to Shasta.
Can I speak to you for a moment? she asked him. She took his arm and led him a few feet away. Please, she begged, clutching his hand, please dont leave me here. Dont make me do this.
Youll be fine. Look at me, he soothed. He gently took her chin and raised her eyes. Youve got this. Its just a vacation. Ill be back to get you in no time.
Waves of desolation washed over Shasta and she felt hot tears threatening. She pulled her sunglasses into place and cleared her throat. Okay, fine, whatever.
Eddie flashed his winning smile. Thats my girl. Ill see you in a few weeks.
Shasta fought panic, willing her breathing to return to normal as she watched the car carrying Eddie disappear down the drive. She turned to see the woman watching her curiously.
Blake probably has your things in the boat by now. But youre welcome to stay for supper before you go out to the island. Its not fancy, but its good. The woman smiled reassuringly.
Uncomfortable, Shasta crossed her arms in front of herself. No, thanks, Ill just go to my place now.
The woman nodded. If you just take that path, youll end up at the dock. She waved to her right. The kids and I leave for Orlando in the morning. Blake will be here to help you with anything you might need.
Wordlessly, Shasta nodded and headed off in the direction the woman had indicated.
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