Page 97 of The Trip

If Russell still holds us all responsible for his sister’s death, despite my confession, he could’ve killed Beth while Emma and I slept. Which would also mean he’s planning to kill us next.

“You’re lying,” Emma tells Russell.

“I’m not.”

He’s either a very good liar or telling the truth.

“I believe Palmer’s account last night of leaving Courtney with the cougar,” Russell adds. “She’s the killer on this boat, not me. Even Beth thought so, which is why Palmer must’ve killed her.”

“I didn’t kill Beth!” I’m surprised by the ferocity in my voice as Emma’s gaze skirts to mine.

“You killed Courtney.” Russell narrows his eyes at me. “Maybe not directly, but you’re still responsible for her death.”

I lower my head. That I can’t argue with.

“I didn’t come to kill any of you. I only want justice for my sister, and I’m going to make sure you’re held accountable for that when we get back.”

I don’t have to look at him to know he’s only talking to me.

“And for killing the others on this boat.”

Before I can refute his second allegation, a loud flapping sound erupts from the deck, causing me to look up.

“The sails are luffing,” Emma says, moving toward the deck. “The wind must’ve changed direction.” She calls down to Russell after stepping into the cockpit. “We need to tack.”

I warily regard Russell, feeling suddenly vulnerable without Emma nearby. My shoulders tense. If what he told us is true, Beth had the most motive to kill Courtney. Or, at least it would appear that way from Russell’s perspective.

“Beth couldn’t have killed Courtney,” I tell him. “When I found Beth after running away from the cougar, she was in the river. She almost drowned.”

“I need some help up here,” Emma calls over the flapping sails.

“Maybe Beth was faking it.” Russell makes for the steps.

“She wasn’t faking it. Trust me. You weren’t there.”

He turns, looking unconvinced.

My eyes narrow as I try to imagine Beth’s final moments on this boat. My gaze runs up and down Russell’s khaki shorts. If he’s carryinghis pistol, I can’t tell. If he is, he could shoot me point blank for accusing him. What’s to stop him at this point?

“Emma’s right. You did kill Beth,” I say as he ascends the steps. “Didn’t you?”

“I haven’t killed anyone on this boat.” Russell glances at Gigi’s closed stateroom door.

“Prepare to tack,” Emma shouts. “I need someone at the helm.”

“I’m coming,” Russell steps into the cockpit.

I stare at Gigi’s door as Russell yells “Helm’s a lee” from the wheel.

The boat starts to turn. A moment later the flapping stops. I take a last look at my empty stateroom before going on deck.

Both sails are pushed out in the opposite direction from the last time I was on deck, slightly curved and pulled taut by the wind.

Emma turns to Russell at the helm after wrapping a line around one of the winches at the back of the cockpit. “So, you killed Beth because you think she murdered Courtney?”

Russell looks put out at being asked this another time. “No. I didn’t kill Beth. Or Nojan. Or Gigi.”

Emma’s lips are set in a hard line as she puts her hands on her hips. “Where’s your gun?”