Camping Caper Read online

  “I’d love to take a canoe out,” Eleanor said.

  “I hope you know that means you’d have to paddle it across the lake.”

  “I didn’t mean I wanted to go way over there.” Eleanor put a hand over her to her brow and said, “Is that where the Bonfire Boys are camped?”

  “I imagine so. Why?”

  “Maybe we should paddle over there later. I really miss my Mr. Wilson.”

  “I know what you mean, but there has to be another way over there.”

  “Yup, there’s a battery-powered boat,” Moraine said from behind us, nearly scaring me half to death.

  “Please don’t sneak up on me like that,” I said with a hand pressed to my chest.

  “Sorry. I thought you wanted to meet with Stuart to discuss the accident.”

  “Did you get ahold of him?”

  “Nope. His phone went straight to voicemail. It looks like the three of us will have to go over there tonight.”

  “What time tonight?” Eleanor asked. “I hope you don’t mean after dark.”

  “Of course I do. How else will we be able to make it there without anyone noticing?”

  “I-I’d rather not if you don’t mind.”

  “Come on, Eleanor. I’ve never known you to back away from a challenge. We’ll at least have flashlights.”

  “Unless you’d rather we use torches,” Moraine teased.

  Martha waved us over. Kenna sat with a towel wrapped around her body as she perched on a bench. “Could you please speak with Kenna? She refuses to go swimming.”

  “Why?”

  “She won’t tell me. Maybe you can get her to tell you, Mother.”

  I nodded, and Eleanor and I walked over to Kenna.

  “Why aren’t you in the water?” I asked.

  “I don’t want to go swimming.”

  “That’s hardly a reason, not a good one anyway.”

  “Is the water too cold?” Eleanor asked.

  “I don’t know. I never even dipped my toes in the water.”

  A girl with dark hair from another troop pointed at Kenna and laughed.

  “Now that’s not very nice,” Eleanor said.

  “You’re fat, too!” the same girl added.

  “Is this why you won’t go swimming?” I asked.

  Kenna had her head down, tears dropping to her toes. “Y-Yes,” she stuttered.

  I gritted my teeth. That made me angry. “I understand, but you can’t let what they say get to you. Why don’t you join the other girls from our troop?”

  Yasmine strutted over. “Oh there you are, Kenna.” She helped Kenna up. “Let’s go swimming.”

  “I can’t. Those girls over there will make fun of me.”

  Yasmine doubled up her fist and made a move toward the other girl. Before she was able to take three steps Eleanor blocked her path. “Now that’s no way to handle the situation. See, they’re not laughing anymore.”

  I looked over and sure enough, the other troop stood near the water, slipping on their dry clothes over their swimsuits. Their leader stood close by as she supervised the girls.

  Eleanor kicked off her shoes and with a glint in her eye raced for the water. She jumped in with a belly flop, saturating the scouts and their leader!

  I bit my fist when the leader gasped, her once curly locks now soaked and straight. “What is wrong with you?” she shouted. “Why don’t you watch what you’re doing?”

  Eleanor stood up and shook. Kenna took her towel off and handed it to Eleanor and shouted, “Let’s go swimming, Yasmine!”

  I waited until Yasmine and Kenna were out of hearing range before I said. “You really should teach your troop to not make fun of the other girls.”

  “Yeah,” Eleanor said. “It breaks the Bonfire Girls code of honor.”

  “What code of honor?” the leader asked.

  Eleanor shrugged. “The code of honor that says treat your fellow scouts as you want to be treated.”

  “I’m sure if you read the manual you’d see Eleanor is right,” I added.

  “Eleanor, eh? I’ll be speaking with Mrs. Tuttle about Eleanor’s behavior here today.”

  “All she did was go swimming.”

  “I was hot,” Eleanor explained with a smile. “Why else do you think I did a belly flop in the lake?”

  “To get my scouts wet. It took them nearly an hour to dry off.”

  “That wasn’t completely my fault. Why were they standing so close to the water?”

  She pursed her lips. “I suppose it doesn’t matter since my troop will smoke the competition tomorrow. We’ll win the camp trophy again, as we do every summer.”

  “Come along, Eleanor, and sit in the sun so you can dry off. I’d hate for you to be sick tomorrow when our troop wins the competition tomorrow,” I said.

  Chapter 10

  “Mother,” Martha began. “What did you do?”

  “Me? I didn’t do anything. It was her,” I said, pointing to Eleanor.

  “That has to be the snootiest troop I’ve ever encountered,” Eleanor said. “They were picking on Kenna about her weight.”

  “I’ve heard, but I’d rather not have any problems with the other troops or leaders. I’m barely holding on as it is. You have no idea how much responsibility I have on my shoulders right now.”

  “Oh, but I do. And you’re doing a fabulous job as leader.”

  Martha straightened up. “Who are you and what have you done with my mother?”

  I smiled. “Can’t I say something nice to you?”

  “I suppose, but I usually only hear about what you don’t like about how I live my life.”

  “I know and I’m sorry about that. I’m so proud of how you’re handling the troop, especially in light of what happened to Peggy.”

  “It’s not been easy, I’ll admit. I still can’t believe the girls’ parents didn’t want to come and pick them up.”

  “Well, they don’t know all of the details,” I said.

  “Speaking of details, what have you learned on that front? Did you find out who Peggy was with last night?” Martha asked.

  “No, and Mrs. Tuttle isn’t telling us anything useful. Eleanor and I will be busy tonight, so I hope you can handle the girls by yourself.”

  “It should be fine as long as Leotyne doesn’t show up for more scary stories. I must admit that I was the one who had a nightmare.”

  “I’m sure you can explain to her about what happened and I’m certain she’ll understand. I don’t think she means to scare children half to death.”

  Martha sighed. “I won’t mind, providing you and Eleanor find out who killed Peggy. I can’t help but wonder if it had anything to do with her nearly being run down in Tawas.”

  “That’s my thought, too. I’d like to speak with the man who helped Peggy that day again.”

  “Whatever it takes. Hey, at least you managed to convince Kenna to go swimming.”

  “Actually that was Yasmine’s doing. I’m happy to see her turn around like that.”

  “Yes, I only hope it stays that way. The girls are here to have fun.”

  I smiled at Martha as she retreated to the lake to watch over her troop. I didn’t know what it was, but my heart swelled for her. There’s more to Martha than I thought and it’s long overdue that I back off and allow her to live her life the way she sees fit.

  Eleanor and I stood on the dock, staring across the lake at the glow of campfires.

  “Where is Martha?” Eleanor asked.

  “You mean Moraine?”

  “Whatever. It’s kinda cold out here tonight.”

  “I know, but I told you to bring a sweater, remember?”

  “I know, but I packed in a rush.”

  “I think I see a light over there,” I pointed as the roar of a boat motor approached. The boat whipped next to the dock and Moraine laughed. “I hope I didn’t scare you.”

  “Irritated is more the word,” I said as Moraine helped first me and then Eleanor into the boat.


  “Do you have lifejackets?” I asked.

  “No, but I assure you that you won’t land in the lake, Agnes.”

  “I hope not; she can’t swim,” Eleanor told her.

  “I won’t drive fast. I’d rather not alert the men at camp. I only hope we can find Stuart easily.”

  “How hard can it be,” I said.

  I grabbed the sides of the boat as it skimmed across the lake. Eleanor was breathing over my shoulder when I said, “Do you mind, Eleanor?”

  “I told you I’m cold. I-It’s even colder here on the lake.”

  “Hold on, only five more minutes,” Moraine promised.

  We managed to hold on until Moraine had us at the dock and helped us out of the boat. I teetered on the dock with unsteady legs. I can’t say that boating is my preferred mode of transportation.

  We passed under a light and were chased by mosquitos onto dry land. We managed to sneak past two campers who were racing to the lake with fishing poles in hand. A familiar man following the boys called out, “Agnes, what are you doing here?”

  I froze. Andrew was the last person I wanted to bump into. “Shhh, I don’t want anyone to know we’re here.”

  “I won’t be able to meet you in my tent until later, Agnes.” Andrew laughed at his joke. “Seriously, they frown on women being on this side of the lake.”

  “I know that,” I huffed. “But I really need to speak to my son.”

  “Good luck. Stuart has taken a group of boys on a survival trip.”

  “No wonder he has his phone off,” Moraine said.

  “We’re not allowed to use electronics here,” Andrew said in mock outrage. “You ladies must be living it up on your side of the lake.”

  “Hardly. Remember the troop leader Peggy?”

  “I thought Martha was the acting leader?”

  “She is, but Peggy came along too.”

  “But wasn’t she just in the hospital in Tawas?”

  “Yes and she wore an arm sling.”

  “Of course she’s not at camp any longer,” Eleanor began.

  “Eleanor,” I interjected. “I don’t think Andrew cares to hear that Peggy died in an ATV accident.”

  “Accident?” Andrew asked. “How awful! Please tell me that’s all it was.”

  “I really don’t know for sure, but the sheriff believes it was an accident.”

  “I better go check on the boys. I feel bad for Peggy. She seemed like a nice woman.”

  “She was well-loved by her scouts, but Martha has really stepped up.”

  “The parents didn’t want the girls to come home,” Eleanor informed him. “So far the girls seem to be handling it okay.”

  “I hope the sheriff is right. I don’t want to think that a murderer is among us,” I said. “Did you come to dinner last night on our side? Mrs. Tuttle told us the leaders from the boys’ side were invited for the first night.”

  “No, I stayed here to watch over the scouts.”

  “What about Stuart?”

  “I’ve had a hard time keeping up with him. I think he’s having the time of his life with the scouts.”

  “Did you hear that, Moraine? I believe Stuart might want to be a father soon.”

  “I’m certain that’s not the case. We haven’t even decided to have children.”

  “You don’t want children?” Eleanor asked. “I’ll have you know it’s not very nice growing old with no children or grandchildren to visit you in your old age.” She sniveled. “Although, my son never visits me. I’d do anything to have him back in my life.”

  “I’m sorry, Eleanor,” Moraine said. “I didn’t want to hurt your feelings, but Stuart and I lead dangerous lives. I’d hate to have someone come after our family.”

  “I wouldn’t worry. Nobody has ever come after me,” I said.

  “Which is the way I’d like to keep it,” Andrew said. “Be careful ladies.”

  We continued up the path without running into anyone else, but there was quite the commotion near a huge bonfire. The scouts wore only pants. They had wrapped leather bands around their heads and danced to the beating of a drum around the fire.

  “What are they doing?” Eleanor asked.

  “Having a powwow,” Moraine said. “Nothing to see here. Let’s move along.”

  We walked further up the trail and found Oliver talking on a cell phone. I motioned for Moraine and Eleanor to be quiet as I crept closer, hoping to hear the conversation.

  “Our little problem is gone.” He laughed. “The boys are having a great time with the powwow. I still can’t believe I forgot the feathers and the headbands. You really saved me, Duchess.”

  I sighed too noisily, clapping a hand over my mouth, but it was too late.

  Oliver jammed the phone in his cutoff jeans and called out, “Who’s there? I’m not up for anymore pranks, boys.”

  Oh what the hay, I might as well step into the clearing. “It’s just us,” I said.

  “Us?”

  I turned to see that neither Moraine nor Eleanor were with me.

  “I did have someone with me.”

  “What are you doing here?” Oliver asked with furrowed brow. “Women aren’t allowed on this side of the lake.”

  “And I thought electronics weren’t allowed.”

  “I wanted to thank my grandmother for bringing the supplies I needed.”

  “And you call your grandmother Duchess?”

  “She’s a big fan of the “Young and the Restless” soap opera. She fancies herself a Mrs. Chancellor.”

  “I didn’t come here to discuss your phone use or your grandmother.”

  “Yeah,” Eleanor said. “We’re here to find out if —”

  “Please, Eleanor, allow me to ask the questions since you were reluctant to join me until now.”

  Eleanor crossed her arms over her chest, but kept silent.

  “As I was about to ask, were you at the main cabin on the girls’ side last night?”

  “We aren’t allowed over there.”

  “Oh? Mrs. Tuttle told us that all the leaders were attending a dinner in the main cabin the first day.”

  “That might be true, but I stayed here. We have a rowdy bunch of scouts this year.”

  “Surely some of the leaders went.”

  “What is this about exactly?”

  “The death of Peggy Hughes.”

  “Whoa, what?” he asked as he stumbled back. “That can’t be. She was in the hospital only for minor injuries.”

  “She died in an ATV accident.”

  “Why would she be on an ATV with her arm in a sling?”

  “That’s what I’m wondering, although the sling and her bandage were missing at the scene.”

  “Very odd, indeed,” Eleanor added.

  “I can’t believe it. Peggy dying in an accident like that. I don’t understand what this has to do with my whereabouts last night, though.”

  “A man wearing a leather jacket picked Peggy up last night. I wanted to know if it was you.” I said.

  “Of course not! I’ve never even driven an ATV.”

  “And you weren’t on our side of the lake last night, you say. Is there anyone who can vouch for you?”

  “I was with your son. We had a huge bonfire last night. I was helping him paint camouflage on the scouts.”

  “What kind of camp are you running? Are you training them for the military?” Eleanor asked.

  “That sounds just like Stuart,” Moraine said as she stepped into the clearing.

  “Teaching the scouts survival skills is important,” Oliver said.

  “Yes, for if they get lost in the woods,” Eleanor said, “or living off the land.”

  “By going to the first grocery store they can find and buying food.” I laughed.

  “Don’t let Stuart hear you say that,” Moraine said. “We’ve been in some remote places.”

  “I can agree it’s good to have survival skills if Oliver will tell us which of the leaders went across the lake las
t night,” I said.

  “Joe was the only leader that went over there to my knowledge.”

  “Not Joe Smith?” I asked.

  “Yes, do you know him?”

  “No, but I’d like to meet him.”

  Oliver scratched his head. “I don’t understand why you’re asking all these questions. From what you said, Peggy died in an ATV accident. It’s hardly murder.”

  It was Eleanor’s turn to cock an eyebrow. “Oh, and who said Peggy was murdered?”

  “Isn’t it obvious? Here you are grilling me and now you want to speak to Joe. I don’t believe for a minute that any of us is responsible for Peggy’s death. I’m certain it wasn’t any of you either.”

  “Us?” I asked. “I told you a man picked up Peggy.”

  “What does the sheriff have to say about it?”

  I swallowed a lump in my throat. “She believes it’s an accident, but I have a feeling there’s more to it than that. Where can we find Joe?”

  “He’s at the powwow, but I hardly think you ladies want to be in the company of bare-chested boys.”

  “We’ve seen that. I must say that it seems a little unconventional to me.”

  “We have the full support of the parents. We even have a few who have volunteered to come along on our camping trip.”

  “Can you bring Joe to us? I’d hate to interrupt the boys and ruin their powwow.”

  “Certainly. I’ll be right back.”

  I paced the camping site, walking around its lone tent.

  “Should we take a look-see in the tent,” Eleanor asked.

  “Of course,” Moraine said with a wicked grin.

  Moraine led the way into the tent, which was lit with an LED light. “The LED lights have taken the place of many oil lamps,” Eleanor pointed out.

  “I must admit they’re safer,” I added.

  Moraine rummaged through a duffle bag, pulling out girlie magazines. “Apparently Oliver packed some light reading.”

  “If this is his tent. I’d think that he’d have a tent closer to his troop,” I said. “Perhaps we should get out of the tent before Oliver comes back.”

  We crawled out of the tent to face a man in his eighties staring down at us. “Can I help you ladies with something or do you plan on rummaging through my tent more.”

  I was shocked. “Are you Joe Smith?”