“No, I don’t.”
She released a heavy exhale, and her world righted itself again.
“But they may or may not have been accidentally sharing information with the killer. And we can’t take any chances.”
“What am I supposed to say? How should I act?”
“Sad about losing your friend.”
She could do that. She wanted to do more. Help uncover the truth. Get real answers. Keep everyone safe.
“But don’t worry. I’ll be with you. Until this case is solved, you’re the number one target. I won’t let anything happen to you. I’m sticking close.”
Despite the gravity of the situation and his serious tone, she relaxed. She didn’t worry if he was near. She felt almost emboldened. “Can we look through Owen’s things? Maybe we’ll find something. If he knew what happened, he must have left notes or clues.”
“Did he tell you to do that?”
“No.” Her nose burned. “He didn’t say much of anything to me before…” She sniffed and swiped at her eyes. “Another life gone. Such a tragic waste, and we’re further from the truth than we were all those years ago.”
“We will figure this out and get justice for both of the victims. I have a bigger, more pressing concern now.”
“What?”
“You. The killer doesn’t know what Owen disclosed to you. We have to assume the killer isn’t aware of your amnesia. You’re a loose end, through no fault of your own.”
Same with Liz. Had her sister uncovered some conspiracy? Was that what got her murdered? Emma had an easier time considering the death an accident than intentional malice.
She couldn’t shake some niggling worry that she knew more. If she could remember her final interaction with her sister, she would understand how everything fit together. Her memories must be the key to unlocking the mystery. But again, a murder didn’t make sense to what Emma did remember. Finding the note that said sorry. The police escorting Emma and her parents to the body in the morgue. The yellow tape blocking the top of the hill. Camp Promise didn’t hold riches, and despite the wealthy clientele, the camp had never been concerned with security before the accident.
With her memories still lost in the deepest recesses of her mind, including whatever prompted the apology, she operated with minimal information. If she could announce that to the camp, she might stay safe. Each thought compounded the pain building behind her eyes.
“What about the others?” she asked. “My cabin mates? Any word about the note and if Margaux was the intended target? Or are Christine and Jennifer in danger, too?”
“I’ve contacted the FBI about the situation but don’t share that yet.”
“Why? You don’t think we can trust Margaux? What about Jennifer and Christine?”
“I don’t know.”
She shivered at his sincerity and candor. “Will I be safe in my bunk?”
“Yes. I’ll be across from you, and I need you to act as normal as you can. Give no one any cause for suspicion or changed behavior.” He reached for her hands and squeezed. “Do you think you can do that?”
As long as he wasn’t touching her, she had a chance at normalcy. With the barest graze, however, her heart skipped a beat, and her cheeks flushed. “Yes. I’ll do my best.”
“We’ll get answers.”
She pulled away from him, folding her arms over her chest. “What about the Thomases?” The words caught in her throat.
She knew first-hand the terrible aftermath of losing someone. Her family had never recovered from Liz’s death. Emma had buried every thought, feeling, and emotion so deep she might never regain what she had lost.
And she realized with the time spent together that Daniel had been collateral damage. He reawakened long-dormant dreams. “Do you think someone from the camp called to pull them away on purpose?” Her mind raced with every terrible possibility.
“Let’s not jump to any conclusions.” He shook his head. “Focus on the facts. And the hardest one is that Owen is dead. He was murdered. I want to ask questions on their turf.”
“I’ll go with you.”
“You don’t need to.”
