“Oh my, I think we did!” Samantha’s mouth dropped open for a second. “Remember? Last night at dinner?”

  “Oh, that’s right, it looked like two of the actors were having a heated discussion, maybe even an argument. That could have been Howard. I didn’t really pay attention,” Jo said.

  “Yes, it could have been. We should talk with the wait staff of the dining hall as well. They may have seen or heard more than we did.” Samantha glanced between them. “I think it’s going to be best if we split this up. I’ll research Jeremiah, and see if I can find a connection with Howard.” Samantha pulled out her phone to make a few more notes.

  “I’ll talk to Ben since we already know each other fairly well,” Eddy said. “Jo, do you think you could find out from Bart the names of everyone on the wait staff?”

  “I doubt it, but I can try. Plus, anyone that was working last night, has to still be here. I can try to find out exactly where they’re staying and talk to whoever is available.”

  “Good. Walt, maybe you could use what you know about Jennifer and Howard’s divorce to get some more information from her.”

  “Sure, I’ll give it a try.”

  “Let’s not forget about the loan shark and casino angle. Jo, can you find out from Bart if any high profile criminal types are staying here? He should have been aware of that if they are.”

  “Sure, if he’ll talk to me.”

  “I’m sure he will. Didn’t you see the way he was looking at you?”

  “Whatever, Eddy, I could be his mother.”

  “Hardly.” Samantha clucked her tongue. “He’s at least in his forties.”

  “And?” Jo laughed. “All right, I’ll do my best.”

  “Let’s meet back in the dining hall for lunch. Remember, everyone be careful. Howard’s murderer is not exactly going to like people asking questions about him.” Eddy looked between each of them. “Don’t take this lightly. We’re going to solve this, but there are a lot of dangerous people under this roof.”

  As Eddy, Samantha, and Jo headed out to their assignments, Walt tried to ignore his racing heartbeat. Could he really handle talking to Jennifer? What if he slipped up and revealed too much? After a few deep breaths he did his best to focus on the task. Then he checked his reflection in the mirror. He made sure that every hair was in place, his glasses were straight, and that his collar was smooth. Once he was satisfied with the way he looked, he stepped out of his room and walked down the hallway. When he reached room 217 he paused outside and listened. If anyone was inside, they weren’t making any noise. After a swift but heavy knock he waited for Jennifer to answer. After he wiped off his knuckles, he took a breath, and counted down from thirty. When Jennifer didn’t come to the door, he knocked again, this time a little harder. The door swung open before he had a chance to wipe his knuckles again.

  “What is it?” Jennifer stared into his eyes. He recognized her from the photographs he’d found online of her. She was a pretty woman with strong features and shoulder-length blonde hair. Walt could tell from the color tint that it was dyed, but the shade suited her.

  “My name is Walt, I was wondering if I could ask you a few questions.”

  “About what?” She narrowed her eyes. “Is this some kind of religious thing? Does that even happen at places like this?”

  “No, not religious. I am here about your ex-husband, Howard.”

  “Oh? Do you know where he is?”

  “That’s something I’m trying to find out. I thought you might be able to help me with that.”

  “You’re one of a long list of people that are trying to find Howard. I know he’s here somewhere in this resort, but I haven’t been able to pin him down. He’s slippery.”

  “Why are you looking for him?”

  “Because he owes me money from our divorce settlement, money that wasn’t even his to begin with. I’m sure he doesn’t have it, with all of his gambling, but I need him to sign a piece of paper attesting to that so that I can initiate a lawsuit. One of these days that buffoon is going to hit it rich in Hollywood and I want my money back when he does.”

  “I can understand that. A man owes what he owes. Perhaps though, he didn’t want to sign that paper.”

  “I wouldn’t know if he wanted to sign it or not, because I haven’t found him. Apparently he’s missing. But I suppose you already know that, or you wouldn’t be here talking to me. Did you talk to Carlisle yet? Or Tad?”

  “Uh, no I haven’t. You’re the first person I’ve spoken to. Are the others looking for him as well?”

  “Sure, and Howard better hope I find him first, because if Carlisle finds him he’s dead, and if Tad finds him he’s just going to disappear off the face of the earth.”

  “They sound like dangerous men. How do you know them?”

  “How do I know them?” She rolled her eyes. “By making the worst mistake of my life and marrying Howard. I used to be a normal person, with a future, and a good savings account. But I fell for Howard and I believed his lies. As a result, I got introduced to some of the seediest characters out there. I didn’t ask for these people to be in my life, but in the pursuit of Howard they have destroyed my property, my sanity and any chance I had at a good credit rating. So, if you want to find Howard you’re going to have to wait your turn.”

  “I’m not here to compete, I’m here to offer my help. I have some very good research skills and with a little information from you I might just be able to figure out where he took off to.”

  “I don’t need your help. I hired my own help. I have a private detective on the case, and he has assured me that he will find Howard first so that I can get my paper signed before he has the chance to disappear again, or be disappeared by someone else.”

  “Your private detective, are you sure that he didn’t find Howard already? When was the last time he checked in?”

  “Last night. He hadn’t found him yet. But he said that there are some rumors going around that he might have forced his way outside into the snow.”

  “Do you think he would do something like that?”

  “Honestly, no. Howard hated to be cold. He would always bundle up when he had to go out in the snow and complain the entire time. I don’t think, even drunk, that he would have gone outside knowing that he might not be able to get back in.”

  “Did you know that he’d been trying to stop drinking?”

  “Sure. I knew. He sent me a long text, telling me he had changed, that he was sorry for everything that happened in our marriage, and he hoped I could forgive him.” She frowned. “But obviously, he didn’t stick to it.”

  “Did he text you often to apologize?”

  “No, just that once. I almost believed him. I thought maybe when I found him, we would be able to hash some things out. But clearly, it was just another lie.”

  “Why do you say that?”

  “I spoke to Ben, the bartender. He said that the last time he saw Howard he looked drunk. I’m guessing a bartender would know. Don’t you think?”

  “Yes, I suppose you’re right about that.”

  “Anyway, if you’re hoping to get any money out of him, good luck. As far as I know he’s still broke. Do me a favor, if you find him first, let him know that I’m here and I’m looking for him.”

  “Sure, I will.” Walt nodded to her, then turned and headed down the hall. Now that he’d spoken with Jennifer he doubted that she had the cruelty in her to kill Howard, but that didn’t mean that she couldn’t hire someone to do it. Maybe her private detective was more of a private assassin.

  13

  Jo walked towards the security office. It was nestled in the corner of the ground floor on the opposite side of the lobby. She’d noticed it the moment she entered the resort. It was well disguised with a few plants and a plain door, but she recognized its strategic position. When she opened the door she found a bank of screens and a security guard positioned in front of them.

  “Excuse me, you can’t be here.” He stood up from his chair.

  “I know, I’m sorry. I don’t mean to interrupt, but I was wondering if Bart might be in?”

  “He’s in his office.” He pointed to a door in the back of the room.

  “Thanks.” Jo knocked on the door then pushed it open. Bart sat behind his desk with his eyes on his computer.

  “Bart, do you have a minute?”

  He looked over at her with surprise, then glanced at his watch, then back at her. “Just.”

  “Great, that’s all I need.”

  “Come on in.” He stood up from his desk as she stepped into the office.

  “Thanks for your time.” She closed the door behind her. “As you know, my friends and I are very concerned about Howard.”

  “Yes, I understand that. However, I still think that Eddy was mistaken.”

  “Maybe so, but Howard is still missing, isn’t he?”

  “Yes, he is.” He frowned.

  “I’ve been told that Howard had an argument at dinner last night, with one of the other actors, Jeremiah. Do you know anything about that?”

  “Any altercation is reported to security if it’s witnessed by staff. So yes, I do know about the verbal argument that took place at dinner last night.”

  “Do you know what it was about?”

  “Honestly, I haven’t looked into it just yet. I have been focused on trying to assure everyone stirred up by last night’s mistake, that no murder has taken place.”

  “Okay, forget about the murder theory. No matter what, Howard is missing. Don’t you think that he would have turned up by now?”

  He pursed his lips for a moment, then sat back down behind his desk. “Can you keep what I say between us?”

  “Sure.” Jo sat down across from him and met his eyes.

  “We have reason to believe that Howard might have stumbled out into the snow. If he was drunk enough, he might have passed out. The truth is, we may not find Howard until after the snow begins to melt. It’s a horrific thing to think, I know. I apologize if it upsets you, but it’s the reality of living in a blizzard prone region. Sometimes missing people aren’t found until the first thaw.”

  “But the snowstorm was pretty bad by the time Howard went missing.”

  “Yes, but as you said, he’d had an argument, maybe he was trying to get away.”

  “Did anyone on the wait staff hear what the argument was about?”

  “I haven’t talked to them, yet.”

  Jo shifted forward in her chair and rested her hands on Bart’s desk. “Are you aware that there are some dangerous men in this resort?”

  “What do you mean?”

  “I mean, I overheard a conversation that involved threats of death, and criminal intent. Do you have a record of everyone who comes in and out of here?”

  “Only if they reserve a room, or if the camera catches them.”

  “Did you review the camera feed?” Jo asked.

  “I did. I don’t see Howard leaving anywhere on camera. But there are some places, such as the dining hall, that do not have cameras. The resort is quite expansive and not every exit can be covered.”

  “Do you run a check on everyone who works here?”

  “Yes, I do.” He studied her for a moment. “And some guests as well.”

  Jo’s heart skipped a beat. With her criminal history she couldn’t help but wonder if he was referring to her.

  “Why would you run a check on a guest?”

  “I like to know who is staying here.” He shrugged.

  “Anything interesting?”

  “You could say that.” He cleared his throat then glanced away from her. “Look, I don’t usually share information about guests, but since you four are insisting on asking questions about this, you should know that the owner of a casino is staying here. He’s quite a colorful character.”

  “Yes, the owner of Sheron’s.” She nodded. “We know about him already. Howard owed him some money?”

  “Owes. He still owes him some money. Which is another reason why he might have dug his way out into the snow.”

  “What about a man named Carlisle? Do you know anything about him?”

  “Carlisle.” Bart’s cheeks flushed. “Why do you ask?”

  “Why don’t you answer?” Jo looked into his eyes.

  “Carlisle is a very dangerous man. I’ve dealt with him before because of Howard. As far as I know he is not in the resort.”

  “Well, you’d better start looking harder, because I know for a fact that he is.”

  “How?” Bart returned her gaze.

  “I heard him threatening two men who are posing as resort employees. They were delivering room service.”

  “Are you certain about this?”

  “Yes, and there was a third. I think he had a broken nose.”

  “How do you know so much about all of this? Do they know that you saw them?”

  “No. They didn’t see me. I was hiding.”

  “It sounds like a very odd story, but I will look into it.”

  “Please do. This Carlisle doesn’t seem to be the type that pulls any punches. I think if Howard had a problem with him, then that might be why Howard’s missing.”

  “I think that’s a big assumption. I’ve yet to speak to anyone, besides the four of you, who doesn’t think Howard just wandered off.”

  “So if he wandered off, he’s dead under the snow, and if he didn’t, he’s dead inside this building. Either way you have a problem on your hands, Bart, and I think you’re going to need to do something about it, don’t you?”

  “Yes, of course. Unfortunately, if you and your friends spread the details of this situation I think it may create panic, and as you’re aware there’s no way to leave the resort at this time. Are you interested in having mass panic while snowed in?”

  “No, I’m not.” Jo frowned.

  “Neither am I. So forgive me if I am not ready to jump to the very big conclusion that Howard was actually killed rather than the unfortunate victim of a drunken mistake. Perhaps with your lifestyle you are more accustomed to intrigue and drama, but knowing Howard the way I do, I’m more inclined to assume he did make that drunken mistake.”

  “I’m not sure what you think you know about my lifestyle, but I can tell you that my friends and I are only here to offer you help, not to hinder. However, I do think that you should consider how it’s going to look when the police begin a murder investigation and find out that you ignored the possibility that Howard was murdered, despite having an eye witness.”

  “All right. Enough.” Bart stood up from his desk and walked over to the door. “When you come to me with more evidence of a crime, I will decide whether to treat this investigation as a missing person or a murder. If you want to play detective, then be a real detective, and gather some actual evidence.”

  “I thought that was your job?” She paused between Bart and the door as she looked him straight in the eye.

  “My job is to maintain a peaceful and safe environment for the guests and staff of this resort. I believe I am doing that just fine.”

  “I see.” Jo started to step through the door, but he leaned forward just enough to block her.

  “I’m serious. If you do come across something, I’d like to be informed.”

  She turned her head to meet his eyes and found there wasn’t much distance between them. She thought about asking him about the staff who worked last night, but didn’t think she would get any information out of him, and if he knew that she wanted to talk to the staff he might try to stop her. Walt had mentioned that there were staff rooms on the ground floor. After Bart’s cold reaction she decided that she would try and talk to the staff first before asking Bart more about them.

  “We’ll keep you up to date.” She ducked past him and out into the hallway. She didn’t turn back until she heard the click of the door behind her. Then she paused and stared for a moment. Bart was a strange man. She couldn’t help but wonder if he might have actually moved the body himself to protect the resort. He seemed to be very dedicated to his job, but even more dedicated to the owners than to the guests. Maybe he wanted to be informed, just so he could do damage control if they found anything. Jo shook her head as she walked down the hallway. She couldn’t be distracted. There was too much at stake. She walked towards the staff rooms hoping that she might be able to find some staff who worked last night.

  14

  Eddy made his way to the bar. It was too early for it to be open, but the door was unlocked. When he stepped inside he noticed Ben behind the bar.

  “Hey Ben, I need your help again, buddy.”

  “Oh?” He wiped a tall glass with a cloth and offered Eddy a sidelong look. “With what? The bar is not open yet.”

  “I was hoping you might be able to tell me a little bit about the other guests that are staying here.”

  “Shouldn’t you know them better than me? They’re your friends and neighbors right?”

  “Not those guests. The other guests staying here.”

  “Hmm, okay.” He set the glass down on the shelf behind the bar and turned to face him fully. “Why don’t you just ask me directly whatever it is that you’re getting at?”

  “My friend almost had a run-in with some unsavory characters. She mentioned one went by the name of Carlisle.”

  “Carlisle?” He narrowed his eyes. “I didn’t realize he was here. Where did she see him?”

  “Near the bar.”

  “Huh.” He picked up another glass and began to wipe it clean. “It’s strange to me that he would be here, right when Howard goes missing.”

  “So, you know him?”

  “Not personally, no. But I do know of him. He’s a bit of a monster, to be honest.”

  “And now he’s snowed in with all of us?”

  “Well, the one good thing is that Carlisle keeps a low profile. Unless you’ve done something to upset him, he usually doesn’t cause you any trouble.”

  “Do you think Howard had done anything to annoy him?”

  “Sure. Carlisle is a loan shark, and Howard has a tendency to deal with those types. He is probably mixed up with Carlisle. I’d say that’s very likely.”