The Father's Secret: Recluse Island, #2

Chapter One

The preschool-aged boy slid his hand from his mom’s and stepped toward a raccoon peeking out at the edge of the woods.

Evan, come back here.

He didn’t budge.

The little critter twitched its nose. It was far more interesting than the guide listing off a list of rules to the group.

Evan knelt and extended his hand toward the cute little creature, who tilted its head.

Come here, his mom said.

He knew how this game went. She’d eventually get tired of repeating herself and let him do what he wanted.

Evan inched toward the raccoon. Are you bored, too?

It flicked its tail.

Evan!

He moved closer to the critter. Another minute or two, and Mom would give up.

A hand touched his back. You can’t wander off. We’re going on a hike in the woods.

Evan pointed to his new friend. Look. A raccoon.

Mom knelt. Aw. It’s just a baby.

Where’s his mom? Evan asked.

Probably not far, and she’ll be vicious — grown raccoons are mean. That’s why you need to stay with me. She grabbed his hand and pulled him back to the group of hikers.

The guide continued listing off rules.

Boring.

But then everyone started walking.

Walking!

Evan perked up and looked around. The scenery changed as they entered the forest. There were so many trees it seemed like clouds had covered the sun, blocking the light.

They followed a trail barely wide enough for the two of them to walk side by side. Leaves brushed against his bare arms. Birds chirped, and the adults all spoke excitedly about a patch of flowers.

He tried to pull free of Mom’s grip, but she was being insistent today.

Maybe he’d see something even more interesting than a baby raccoon in the woods. The guide had said something about bears.

That would be fun. He never saw those back home, though Mom said they were getting closer. She read about it on her phone. Just like she’d read about their hotel that looked like a castle and had a bowling alley and a hundred other things to do inside and out.

The hike went on forever, and Mom wouldn’t let go of Evan’s hand. Not when they saw a bunny or the two deer. Not even when they’d crossed paths with a group of horse-riders. The other moms let their kids pet the large animals. Mom was scared of horses.

Finally, they stopped at a lake. There weren’t as many trees, so it was bright and warm again.

The grown-ups all pulled lunches from their backpacks. Mom and Evan sat with a nice lady and her older son, who only paid attention to his earbuds. The two women chatted about the hike and the hotel.

Evan scarfed down his organic PB&J on rye, apple slices, a bag of granola, and juice — sack lunches Mom had ordered when she’d signed them up for the hike. He’d wanted the one with cheese puffs and pop.

Earbud kid got that one.

Evan shoved his wrappers into the bag and sighed.

A few kids gathered at the lake’s edge throwing stones. Some skipped across the water.

Can I go over there? he asked.

Mom was busy talking about the hotel’s spa. She didn’t even hear him.

A smile tugged on Evan’s mouth. He took her silence as a yes and made his way over to the kids. Glanced back at Mom. Made eye contact, and she nodded in approval.

He picked up a stone and threw it out as far as he could. It sunk.

An older boy made fun of him.

Evan watched the others to figure out how they made the rocks skip. Tried a few times before giving up. There had to be something more interesting to do.

Movement caught his attention in the trees.

A brown bunny with a black spot over one eye nibbled on a leaf.

Evan took a few measured steps.

It kept eating.

He inched closer. Glanced back at Mom.

Still talking to the other lady.

Evan made his way closer to the bunny. One step, two, three, four.

It looked up. Spun around. Hopped behind a bush.

Not to be deterred, Evan raced after it, easily getting around the plants. Couldn’t see the little creature. Its brown fur blended into the shade of the trees.

Little bunny, where are you? he called.

No movement, no skittering sounds.

Evan walked in the direction the bunny started. Called out every few moments.

Stopped at a pile of leaves and branches.

Something moved.

His breath hitched.

Leaves rustled.

A large rat ambled out, chewing on something and not noticing Evan.

Why would a rat be chewing gum? And all the way out here in the woods?

The curiosity was too much.

Evan scrambled over to the pile and kicked aside a branch the size of his leg.

Two crows squawked and flew away. A dirty opossum emerged from the pile and hurried away.

Something smelled bad. Made him cough.

Evan covered his mouth and kicked more leaves away.

A brown glove lay there. It was the same color as the dirt.

Weird place to leave a glove. Maybe it was the same person who dropped the gum the rat was chewing on.

He leaned a little closer. Dirt clung to it.

There was also a fingernail on the thumb.

Evan! Mom’s voice rang through the woods.

He stood up and looked around, realizing how far he’d wandered.

I’m here! he called, and ran toward her voice.

She appeared between some trees, her face red, then she hugged him so tightly he couldn’t breathe. I told you not to run off! Come on. We’ve already put the hike behind schedule.

I found a glove back there.

Honey, we have to go. She pulled him back toward the others.

But it has a—

Now.

The pile of debris was already out of sight.

Chapter Two

Two Weeks Later

Chris Avery checked his compass. We’re going in the right direction. It should only be a little farther.

I don’t recognize any of this, Blake said.

They’d gotten a little turned around, and everything in the woods was starting to look the same. But he didn’t want to say anything that would worry the boys.

Do you? Blake asked.

Chris took a deep breath. We’re surrounded by trees, not using any premade paths.

That isn’t what I asked.

Dustin looked around. Are we lost?

Maverick held up his phone. There’s no coverage out here.

Chris gave his words careful consideration. This was supposed to be bonding time for him and his sons with his new stepson. Their expedition to hunt dinner was a smaller part of the larger week-long camping trip to bring the whole family together. Vanessa and the girls were back at the tents doing something together.

He wasn’t sure any of the bonding time was doing any good. His three had been playing jokes on their new siblings since they’d set up the tents.

Dad? Dustin asked.

We aren’t far.

We’re lost, Blake said.

No, we aren’t.

What about the fish? Maverick asked.

They’ll be fine. Chris stopped walking and looked around for anything familiar. Checked his compass again.

Aren’t they going to go bad? his stepson asked. Maybe we should cook them and then find the campsite.

They’re gutted, Dustin said. They can wait.

But we can’t put them in a fridge.

We’ll be there soon, Chris said. Let’s just focus on getting there.

The boys grumbled.

He marched on ahead. Footsteps sounded behind him. More muttering, but at least they were moving forward and nobody was arguing.

Hey, Maverick said after about five minutes. I recognize that rock.

Chris stopped and turned around.

They all look the same, Blake said.

No. Maverick pointed to a boulder off to the side. Look how it appears folded on top. I remember thinking it was like a beanie when we were on our way.

You sure it’s the same one? Chris asked.

Positive. You think two rocks look bent over just like that?

Not likely. How far were we from the tents when you noticed it?

Maverick looked deep in thought for a moment. Twenty minutes? Half hour?

Perfect.

They all picked up their pace, the boys all practically shoving each other out of the way to get back first. But it was all good-natured.

Perhaps the camping trip was actually doing some good.

After what felt like forever, they finally broke through to the clearing. The lake and three tents were a glorious sight.

Where are the girls? Blake asked.

Probably off having fun, Chris said, and set down his supplies. One of you start the fire. We’ll cook dinner, and I’m sure they’ll return quickly.

I bet they went back to the hotel.

Yeah, Dustin agreed. They must’ve gotten tired of waiting for us, and grabbed some food.

Or they’re getting pampered at the spa, Maverick said.

The three boys gave each other high-fives and laughed.

At least they were getting along. And it wasn’t like he could argue their point. Vanessa and Hope hadn’t been thrilled about the idea of camping. The twins had been. They loved exploring, which was how Summer had recently ended up with a broken arm.

Thankfully, they’d managed to keep from hurting themselves since then. Not only in their new home inside the massive hotel but also in the almost week of camping. Tomorrow, they’d return home.

Chris still hadn’t managed to sneak away and check on Norm’s gravesite. He’d been rushed, not having the time to dig as deep of a hole as he’d have liked. But he had covered it well with plenty of tree and bush branches.

At least it was remote. Nobody would accidentally stumble upon it.

But it continued to haunt him. He couldn’t stop thinking that he hadn’t been careful enough. That somehow this would come back to him.

Should he have admitted his guilt initially? Norm had attacked him. It was self-defense.

Kind of. Mostly.

What other choice did Chris have after Norm figured out that he’d killed before?

Both times, it was to protect his loved ones. Both men had been threats to his family. Norm, the head of the hotel’s maintenance crew, had not only been stealing from them, but he’d kept the twins’ location a secret when they were missing.

Anyone else would’ve done the same thing.

Dad? Blake’s voice broke through his thoughts.

What?

The fire’s going.

Great. Chris pulled out the fish, and soon the four of them had dinner cooking.

Laughter sounded, and a minute later, Vanessa and the girls came into sight.

His new wife’s face lit up with excitement. Look at all that fish. We could stay another two days and not go hungry.

No, Mom. Hope groaned. You promised we’d go back tomorrow.

Of course we are. You kids have to get registered for your new schools in two days.

At that, all the kids complained.

Why so soon? Anya whined. The first day isn’t for a month. It’s cruel to make us think about it in the middle of the summer.

That’s what the district wants. You get to tell them what sports and clubs you’re interested in. I heard the high school might need a new cheer coach.

Hope’s mouth fell open. What?

You don’t want me as your coach? I’ve done that your whole life until we moved up here to Washington.

Exactly. School is my territory.

And mine, Maverick said. But what’s wrong with Mom working there?

Hope glared at him. You’d be singing a different tune if she was talking about coaching football.

"That would be weird."

She turned back to her mom. You can’t do this to me. I need a chance to get to know the new kids without being the coach’s kid.

We’ll talk about this later.

Hope stormed away, disappearing into the trees.

Vanessa turned to Chris. Do you think I shouldn’t look into the coaching position?

He gave her a kiss. You’d be perfect for the job. With your experience, they’d be crazy to turn you down.

But Hope—

Will be fine either way. The other girls will love you, and that will only make her more popular with them. There’s no harm in looking into it. You can always change your mind before school starts.

I suppose you’re right.

I am. He turned his attention back to the fish, which was cooking faster than expected.

They managed to get through the meal without anyone bickering. After cleaning up, the kids wanted to swim in the lake. They laughed, splashed, and the kids interacted between families much more naturally than before the trip began.

Vanessa wrapped her arm around his back and beamed. Look at them. This is even better than I’d hoped.

I’m glad they’re getting along so soon.

The kids stayed in until the sun began to set. Chris called them out for s’mores. It was hectic, but everyone seemed to be having fun. After they ran out of marshmallows and chocolate, Blake told a ghost story.

Chris watched the twins closely as the tale progressed. They were only ten, and could get scared if his son went too far off the rails. But when he got to the scary part, it was Hope who let out a scream. Her younger sisters both giggled at the twist ending.

Maverick made fun of his older sister, and she stormed away.

Mav, Vanessa snapped. Go make sure she’s okay.

She’s just embarrassed.

Because you made fun of her.

If she wasn’t so obsessed with looking perfect, she could laugh at herself, too. I’m not apologizing.

Vanessa turned to Chris, her eyes pleading for help in the flickering firelight.

Maybe you should check on her.

Fine, Maverick groaned and got up.

Thank you, Vanessa said.

He didn’t respond.

The twins begged for another scary story.

This time, Dustin told a story. The younger girls were just as enraptured by his story. Even Anya leaned forward, her eyes slightly wider than normal.

Chris smiled and wrapped his arm around Vanessa. His mind wandered back to Norm’s grave. He’d been wanting to get back there to check on it since burying the man. There hadn’t been time to dig the hole as deeply as he’d wanted, and he kept worrying about animals getting to the remains. All it would take was one small part getting dragged off and discovered.

Hopefully there would be enough decomposition to hide Chris’s involvement. It wasn’t like he’d wanted to kill the man. He was left with no other choice.

Why did people have to keep threatening his family? Couldn’t they just leave well enough alone?

Unfortunately not.

He glanced toward the cooler. If only he could have packed some beer, but Vanessa had stopped him. She was worried about him. Thought he’d been having a little too much since they’d moved into the hotel. He should’ve packed some bottles with his clothes. That would help put his mind at ease.

With any luck, he wouldn’t have to deal with anyone else. Things were settling into a nice routine with the hotel. The staff were getting used to the family being there, and with Lucy as the