Seductive Suspect

I sighed and rolled my eyes again in the empty car. Somehow, Trina never seemed concerned about work, and bills, and the other mundane responsibilities of adulthood. Growing up, she’d always been the fun, carefree one, while I’d been labeled the “serious” sister. Since I was taking her place anyway, maybe this weekend would give me the opportunity to be more gregarious and sociable for a change. After all, it wasn’t like I’d see any of the other participants again after the festivities were over. I resolved to consider it one of the many aspects of roleplaying I’d agreed to as part of the mystery.

At long last, the trees thinned out, and I reached the top of the mountain. A sprawling wooden building with sloped roofs greeted me. Lights shone in the windows on both stories, and a wide staircase led to a set of doors. I steered around the circular drive, past an illuminated fountain, and parked at the end of arow of cars to the side of the lodge.Maybe this won’t be so bad.

The first droplets of rain splattered against the ground. I exited the car and lifted my suitcase out of the trunk. Extending the handle, I dragged it over the cobblestones and rushed toward the steps. Before I reached the doors, they opened for me, revealing a silver-haired gentleman in a black and gray suit. “Miss Campbell, I presume?”

Thunder rumbled somewhere in the distance. I brushed the raindrops off my jacket and hurried inside. “Yes. How did you know my name?”

“You’re the last guest to arrive.” Back stiff, he bowed, then straightened. “My name is Victor. I am pleased to be of service to you this weekend. If there’s anything you require, do not hesitate to ask.”

“Thanks. Nice to meet you.”

He gestured behind him to a young woman wearing a frilly maid’s uniform. “And this is Babette. She is also here to attend to the needs of you and the other guests.”

Babette stopped swirling her pink feather duster over a table and grinned at me. “Bonjour, mademoiselle!” she said in a terrible French accent.

I rescinded my previous thoughts about possibly enjoying this trip.

Victor picked up my suitcase. “The others are dressing and preparing for dinner. Allow me to show you to your room so you may do the same.”

He led me through the foyer. My sneakers squeaked on the floorboards as I looked around. Wood paneling stretched up to the high ceiling, and an elaborate crystal chandelier hung above me. Bronze statues lined either side of the room, each in the shape of a different animal. To the right, someone was working in what I assumed to be the kitchen or dining room. More doors led out from the open space, but I followed my guide to thestaircase.

A U-shaped landing overlooked the foyer. Victor stopped in front of the fifth door and pulled a key out of his pocket. After turning it in the lock, he handed it to me. “Dinner will be served in the dining room in approximately half an hour.” He set the suitcase down next to the bed. “I hope you find your accommodations satisfactory.”

Once he left, I investigated my assigned quarters. The king-size bed stood in the center of the room, adorned with an array of pillows and a hunter-green quilt. Matching dressers and an antique chair added to the lodge’s rustic ambience. A quick glance showed no TVs, radios, or phones.

I peeked into the bathroom and found nothing out of the ordinary. “Good thing I don’t have to share with anyone,” I muttered.

Lastly, a glass door led out to a wide balcony edging the upper level of the lodge. Through the adjacent windows, the treetops of the surrounding forest stretched toward the sky. I anticipated taking in the view after the storms cleared.

Unzipping my suitcase, I retrieved the envelope of materials Trina had given me. Costumes weren’t required—thank goodness—but the brochure suggested guests bring semiformal attire. I hung my clothes in the closet to get any wrinkles out and opened the drawer beneath the mirror.

A set of laminated cards lay inside, which I’d expected. I read the top one to learn what role I’d be playing in this mystery. “Stella Harrington, a young, vivacious heiress who’s always ready to spend her family’s money on her next adventure.” Not the most creative description, but it could be worse. I flipped through the cards and perused the rest of the information I needed for the first night.

Once I’d memorized the facts and tidbits, I quickly unpacked the rest of my belongings. Standing in front of the mirror, Ibrushed out my light-brown hair before twisting and clipping it into a simple updo and applied a little makeup. I didn’t know if my efforts were enough to transform me into a wealthy heiress, but they’d have to do.

I pulled off my jeans, zippered sweatshirt, and T-shirt, and grabbed a purple cocktail dress from the closet. Silver jewelry and a pair of black heels completed the outfit, and I was ready to go. Slipping the room key into my clutch, I opened the door and set out for the dining room.

Out on the landing, I found my next-door neighbor leaving at the same time. A man in a navy-blue suit dropped his own key into his pocket and turned around. Upon seeing me, a smile spread across his face. “Well, hello there.” Deep-set hazel eyes looked me up and down. “And whom do I have the pleasure of meeting outside my room on this lovely, if stormy, evening?”

I lifted my chin to meet his gaze, since he stood much taller than me. “Stella Harrington,” I said, extending my hand. “You might have heard of my father, the oil tycoon.”

“The name sounds somewhat familiar.” He wrapped his fingers around mine. “I’m Colonel Mandrake. I returned from a tour overseas not long ago.”

“Oh?” I raised an eyebrow. “You seem a little young to be a colonel.”

Chuckling, he winked at me. “I’m very ambitious and talented.”

I realized he hadn’t let go of me yet, and my cheeks flushed. “I can imagine.”

He laughed again. “I’m sure we’ll have plenty of opportunities to tell each other about our escapades this weekend. Or at least I hope so.” Releasing my hand, he offered me his arm instead. “May I escort you to the dining room, Miss Harrington?”

This whole situation had already proved to be as campy as I’d expected. But he was cute, with his dark hair and dimples, and Ifigured I should try to have fun. “I’d be honored, Colonel.”

I held onto his elbow and we descended the staircase together. Inside the dining room, I realized for the second time that day I was the last to arrive. Three men and three women sat at the long table, and they each turned to look at us when we entered. The “colonel” and I sat next to each other in the two empty seats marked with cards bearing our aliases’ names. No one spoke, and I wondered if everyone else felt the same skepticism I did.

Victor strode through a swinging door carrying a tray of covered plates. “Ah, good, you’re all here.” Babette appeared behind him to help distribute the dishes, along with an older woman in a white apron. “Ruth, our cook, has prepared an excellent meal for you tonight. Perhaps you can get to know each other while you eat.”

Everyone glanced around, still saying nothing.