“That would be fun,” Christine replied. “I wouldn’t say no to an impromptu dance party.”
“Do you have a CD player handy?” Daniel asked.
“I do,” Emma murmured.
“Really?” Margaux squeaked.
Daniel whipped around to see everyone’s faces for the surprising turn in the conversation.
Emma was bright red and nibbling her lip, digging her shovel into the ground. “I can’t sleep without my headphones on and either white noise or a book on tape.”
“Does anyone still say book on tape?” Christine asked.
While Emma used her shovel as a walking stick, Christine gripped hers like a weapon. Why take such a posture? In light of the stumble earlier, Emma’s use made more sense. Unless Christine was in possession of facts she hadn’t shared with the group.
Emma turned redder as each second passed. “I mean. Maybe not? Maybe it’s just me.”
“Why not upgrade? Use your phone and wireless earbuds? A CD player skips a lot, right?” Margaux asked.
Emma shrugged. “That’s kind of part of what helps me fall asleep. It’s a whole routine now. A ritual.”
Something lingered behind the words. He’d ask her later, in confidence, without an audience.
“I didn’t see anything in the cabin,” Margaux blurted.
“Were you looking through our belongings?” Christine asked. “Old habits die hard?”
No one spoke. Only the chittering of a squirrel filled the air. As a detective, he couldn’t help but itch to ask more questions about that comment. But he knew when to back off interrogating during an investigation.
“I’m counting on at least one disposable camera,” he added, happily moving the conversation along and turning back to lead the way once more.
“That would be useless,” Christine replied. “Where can you get film developed now? I’m hoping we included actual printed photos. Or a mix CD. Something tangible and immediate.”
Daniel agreed. The culprit’s identity might be revealed by something in the box, whether their villain realized it or not at the time. Photographs were his top choice. But if the villain knew that was their aim, the mysterious figure might be following or racing ahead. On a wrapped ankle.
“Negatives would work. Remember those little canisters for 35mm film? We could unfurl the unprocessed rolls, hold those up to the light, and look at the pictures, no lab required,” Emma added.
“If there are photos or negatives, can I make a motion that the three of us girls look through them first?” Christine asked, her voice shaky.
“You wouldn’t have taken any sort of scandalous photo out here in the woods, would you?” Emma retorted.
“I don’t know. Jennifer and I were always daring each other. I wouldn’t be surprised,” Christine replied.
“I agree,” Margaux chimed in. “Sorry, Sheriff. But you’ll have to let us take the lead about pictures.”
“That’s fine by me,” Daniel said, working to keep his tone steady and even. He was glad to be in front so none of the women could glimpse his flush. He had no desire to see anything he wasn’t supposed to.
The trees finally gave way to a beach and a dilapidated dock. Across the water, he spied a heavily forested island and sagged with relief. “We’re here.”
“Great,” Margaux said, nearing him. “Let’s do this and get it over with. I’d love to sleep in a real bed and not on the ground tonight.”
He reached out his arm to block her path. “The sun is getting low. We’d better set up the tents and make a fire. We can cross in the morning.” He pointed to a couple of overturned canoes on the shore. “After we inspect whether or not those are sea-worthy. The water is still in the fifties. I don’t want to swim across and freeze tonight when the sun goes down.”
“Good thinking,” Emma said with a smile, approaching the pair.
“I’m starving for hot dogs and s’mores,” Christine said.
Margaux sighed and plastered on a smile, turning back from the water’s edge and retreating to a ring of stones.
