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Brett smiled, and Ainsley realized why she didn’t like him: he was putting on an act. Everything about his behavior was fake, his bland pleasantness a front that gave no hint of real human emotion. He was like a Ken doll come to life, an automaton rather than an actual person.
“Alva and Brody will stop by your cabin after you’ve had a chance to settle in. They make it a point to greet every couple personally after they arrive.”
“Wonderful,” Ainsley murmured. She was ready for this man to leave, so she and Santiago could talk in private.
Brett turned his smile on her, making her uncomfortable. “Thanks for your help,” she said, hoping he would take his cue.
He did. “My pleasure. Please, don’t hesitate to reach out if I can make your stay more pleasant. Just dial 9 from the phone, and you’ll connect to the front desk.”
“Thank you,” Santiago said.
They were silent as Brett walked to the door and let himself out. Ainsley waited until she heard his footsteps fade on the gravel of the path before turning to Santiago.
He lifted a hand before she could speak, silently bidding her to remain quiet. As she watched, he took a small black device from his pocket and pressed a button. A green light appeared on top of the device, and Santiago began to walk around the cabin.
She followed him as he entered every room, holding the device in front of him as though it were some kind of divining rod. He led her back into the main room of the cabin and sat on the overstuffed cream sofa, then patted the cushion next to him.
Ainsley lowered herself onto the plush seat, watching as he turned the device off. “Did you just sweep the place for listening devices?” She was part astonished, part impressed. She’d never considered the possibility the place might be bugged.
Santiago nodded. “Yep. And I’ll do it again after the Woodses leave, in case they turn them on later.”
“Do you really think they spy on the couples here?”
He shrugged. “Who knows? Although I wouldn’t be surprised. They’re probably looking for any advantage to scam these people.”
“I didn’t like Brett,” she said. “He’s just too...” she trailed off, trying to articulate her thoughts.
“Brainwashed,” Santiago supplied.
“Yes!” She nodded, glad he’d seen it, too. “That’s exactly it.”
“Yeah, he’s definitely drunk the Kool-Aid,” Santiago said. He shook his head. “I almost feel bad for the kid.”
“Do you think the Woodses will have that same vibe?” Ainsley shuddered at the thought of having to spend the next week in this atmosphere. It was like the beginning of a horror movie, where everything was just a little bit skewed.
“I hope not,” Santiago said. “Since they’re the ones in charge, hopefully they’re a little more natural.” He glanced around the room. “Seems like a nice enough place to spend the week.”
Ainsley nodded. “Yeah. If the circumstances were different, this would be a pretty little vacation spot.”
The room was spacious, outfitted in shades of cream and forest green. The back wall and hallway were mostly windows, looking out on the trees beyond. She’d glimpsed the kitchenette when they’d walked in, spying cream counter tops and honey-blond cabinets.
“Which bedroom do you want?”
Their quick tour had revealed the bedrooms were arranged as mirror opposites, containing a queen-size bed, a chair and a simple wooden dresser. One had been decorated in shades of purple, the other in shades of blue.
“I’ll take the purple one,” she said.
She laughed as a look of relief crossed Santiago’s face. “Not a fan?”
“It’s not my favorite color,” he admitted. “But if you wanted the blue room I’d deal.”
“I’m not going to torture you,” she said. She stood and walked over to pick up her bag. “I guess I’ll unpack while we wait.”
“Good idea,” Santiago took his bag and followed her down the hall. They reached the end, and she turned right while he turned left.
Ainsley paused in the doorway to the bedroom and glanced back. “Santiago?”
He turned to face her. “Yeah?”
