Page 34 of It's a Wonderful Knife

“There’s just this worrisome undercurrent the last few days.” Royce rubbed his eyes. “I’m trying so hard not to think like a cop, but I’m struggling.”

“It’s in your blood.”

“I suppose so.”

I laughed gruffly. “It’s a scary turn of events when Hermina seems like one of the most down-to-earth people on the trip. Not counting you.”

Royce grinned. “Or Girdy and Todd.”

“True. They’re definitely down-to-earth.”

“Yeah,” he said softly. “They make a cute couple.”

I nodded and admitted, “They really do.”

As I finished speaking, I heard the distinct sound of a woman moaning nearby. “Did you hear that?”

He wrinkled his brow. “Yeah.”

Worried someone might be injured or ill, I strained to hear over the birds singing in the trees. When I heard it again, followed closely by the sounds of a man groaning, I widened my eyes. “Oh, wait…”

“Yikes.” Royce gritted his teeth. “Is that what I think it is?”

“It can’t be, can it?”

“Sure sounds like it.” He grimaced.

“Sounds like it’s coming from that grove of trees over there.” I gave an embarrassed laugh as the sounds got louder.

“Yup… it’s definitely coming from over there.”

“Why wouldn’t they just… do that in their cabin?”

“That’s a really good way to get ticks where you don’t want ’em.” Royce sighed. “To each their own, I guess.”

I frowned. “Do you suppose it’s Amelia and Santiago making up?”

“That’s one possibility.”

“Please, God, tell me it isn’t Penelope and Gerald.”

“Oh, hell’s bells. Don’t putthatimage in my head.” Royce winced.

“Maybe we should go inside so we don’t have to hear this. I feel like I’m intruding, even though it’s really them who’s intruding.”

He squinted. “I think it’s stopped.”

“Do you?” I listened intently but didn’t hear any more moaning. “I think you’re right. I hope you’re right. That was… awkward.”

As I finished speaking, I saw someone come out of the trees, scurrying along the edge of the grove. It was a woman, and she had long curly red hair.Gianna. She tugged at her skirt and straightened her blouse as she hurried down the hill toward the main house. A few seconds later, Santiago came skulking out of the trees, and he too was straightening his clothes. He glanced around, thankfully not in our direction, and he trotted the opposite way that Gianna had gone.

“Mystery solved,” I said in a hushed voice.

“Lord help Santiago if Amelia catches them.” There was uneasiness in Royce’s voice. “This kind of situation can be very volatile.”

“I can’t believe Santiago would be that brazen.”

“Gianna was going after him pretty hard.”