The Haps

“That’s not good.”

The thin layer of ice crunched under the snowshoe's weight as Harvey peered his body around to examine the damage more closely. The large tree, its branches still laden with snow, had fallen during the night, slicing the Gilroys' screened-in porch in half. The scent of pine filled the air, mingling with the crisp winter cold. Shaking his head, Harvey couldn't help but feel a pang of nostalgia and loss. He had played on the same tree as a child; now, it was gone. He knew change was inevitable but had found it happening too fast in his life lately. Now, one of the forts from his Robin Hood days would only exist as a memory.

With a grimace, Harvey completed his inspection of the rest of his neighbor's cabin, mentally preparing how to break the news to the Gilroys about their destroyed porch. He knew they cherished the centerpiece of their vacation home and would be devastated. With one cabin left to check, Harvey trudged up the driveway to the road, his steps slow and deliberate on the ice.

He abandoned his initial plan to ski on the ice to check on several of his neighbors' cabins when he further examined the Diamonds' driveway. Recognizing how futile it would be to use long skis with twigs, branches, and potentially whole trees in the road, Harvey kept the ski poles but switched to snowshoes.

Deciding to check only the half of the northshore closest to him for safety's sake, Harvey skipped the gated Zurbrugg estate and started backtracking west from it. Although the Vandermeer’s glass lakehouse provided plenty of damage fodder from falling branches, Harvey had an inkling that the Talbot and Chelton kids might still be around, and he didn’t want to risk them recognizing one-half of their voyeurs from the other night. Besides, those kids were now young adults and could check the northshore cabins east of the Zurbruggs, starting with Giles’ glass monstrosity.

The Prichard cabin directly west of the Zurbruggs appeared nearly spotless, giving Harvey early hope that the damage had been mostly around the road. Next door, Harvey was pleasantly surprised to find Old Man Horvath and his wife staying at their cabin. Although known for being a curmudgeon and boogeyman to the vacationing lake families' children, Harvey didn’t dislike the old man. Although they disagreed on plenty, Harvey’s grandfather and Old Man Horvath had been civil lake compatriots for decades.

If anyone was surprised, it was the Horvaths. They didn’t expect little Harvey to be staying at his cabin on New Year’s Eve, of all nights. Although their power was out, the pair of eightysomethings seemed to be enjoying living the old days when power outrages had been common around Wasp Lake. Mrs. Horvath seemed particularly pleased to remind her husband in front of Harvey that he’d wanted to throw this and that emergency item out in the past when they still clearly needed them. Her husband replied by pointing out that all they needed was the lit fireplace to survive. Everything else was frivolous nonsense.

Chuckling while he left, Harvey couldn’t believe that the mean old man from his youth had actually thanked him for checking on the neighboring cabins. Old Man Horvath wanted to do so himself, but his wife insisted he wait until the ice melted. She pointed out that he didn’t need to break his other hip at his age.

With only one cabin left on his list, Harvey turned down the Jinkersons' driveway. Minus the obvious feud with the Wynwicks and that later trouble with the Oleskys, the Jinkersons often turned out to be the most common source of issues for the Diamonds around Wasp Lake. Sharing a property line usually brought disagreements, but Hannibal Wynwick and Junior Jinkerson had taken the usual arguments to another level.

Already assuming he’d inherit the cabin when his mother died, Harvey’s father planned to sell the property, but not before issuing a lot of pain for his only next-door neighbor. And Junior, a rival from his youth, met the challenge. So, while Hannibal used his wealth, the elder Jinkerson matched it with his legal skills. The lawsuits and court cases piled up, triggered by both sides, until the day Harvey’s beloved grandmother died. It meant the world to Harvey that she skipped her son to leave her husband’s prized property to the one relative who cherished the cabin enough to never sell.

“At least Judson and his family are out of town. Still, checking their place would be a nice thing to do, even if he’ll never appreciate it,” Harvey said to himself.

The amateur property inspector examined the driveway with a keen eye as he slowly shuffled his feet on the ice. The Jinkersons' driveway and the front of the cabin didn't look bad at all. About a decade ago, Judson had multiple trees removed, and he usually hired a company to keep branches pared down. Harvey didn't particularly care for how the property now looked, but he also couldn't argue with results on a morning like this. Only a small scattering of twigs lay on the asphalt.

Yet, Harvey knew that Judson valued his privacy enough that he kept several of the older, larger trees that lined the sides and back of the cabin. Those would be the likely culprits of any damage. With that in mind, he slowly made his up the sidewalk toward the front door of the well-maintained cabin. With nothing amiss in the front, Harvey left the walkway to continue around the east side of the cabin. His blue eyes constantly surveyed the cabin and the surrounding area with each slow but steady step.

Harvey's careful examination might be the only reason he noticed the slight shiny glimmer on the ground as he turned around the back of the cabin. Stopping abruptly, Harvey considered the possibility of broken glass with his initial thoughts. However, a swift survey of the nearest windows showed no breakage. So, with that idea likely ruled out, he stepped forward to get a better look.

Immediately, Harvey peered down, surprised at the object half-buried in the frozen snow. Reaching down, it took some effort to dislodge the gold object from its icy covering. It was a whistle—a gold whistle nearly a century old if Harvey recalled correctly.

Turning it over with his gloved hand, Harvey spotted the dent he expected to find on the left side. Suddenly, Harvey’s survey shifted from last night’s damage to any from several nights ago. The nearest trees didn’t appear to have lost any branches. If anything, they looked fully intact. The roof sloped downward further ahead, which dismissed the notion of falling snow or ice.

This led to Harvey's biggest question: How exactly did Ranger Roger's whistle end up on the Jinkersons' property?

Oh, there wasn't any doubt at all that he'd found the injured ranger's prized whistle. Roger Kaswakoski loved to show it off to visiting schoolchildren with a fascinating tale of its history. He'd also told a young Harvey the same history several dozen times while he followed his favorite ranger around as a kid.

Stopping again in his tracks, Harvey stared at the sky as his mind rewound back to what Chief Colburn had said about Ranger Roger’s injury. Clearly, Harvey’s attention had been preoccupied with Whitney’s health, and Sean’s too, so maybe he missed the chief mentioning that Roger had been injured at the cabin next door.

No, Colburn never said the Jinkersons' cabin. No matter what I was worried about, I wouldn't have missed that. Come to think of it, Zeb had been vague and dodgy about how Roger was injured. Why?

Suddenly, Harvey’s mind threw aside any weather-related injuries and shifted into detective-tracker mode. Scanning the light layer of ice-covered snow on the ground, Harvey began to piece together a theory based on some of the tracking skills that Roger taught him as a kid.

Last night's frozen rain complicated everything as it washed away many of the finer details. However, Harvey could still make out a spot in the snow where a person had landed. The significant disturbance in the snow lay about eight feet from where the whistle landed. With a startle, Harvey realized Roger's whistle had likely been knocked out of his hand while he fell.

With each foot of examined snow, Harvey’s ears perked up, his eye grew wary, and the hair on the back of his next rose as the snow-covered ground revealed bits of Roger’s misadventure.

---

BRRRING-BRRRING

Harvey heard the phone ring as he entered the foyer. It started to ring again before it cut off halfway through. Bridget’s laugh revealed the reason why the phone stopped ringing. The titter in her voice sounded lovely to the worried man.

I better tell her what I found, but only while the kids aren’t around. Whitney doesn’t need any more excitement. Still, how the hell do I pass on the signs without sounding paranoid?

Although the finer details had been washed away from the freezing rain, Harvey could tell the difference between footprints and something else in the snow. Two sets of footprints also told a startling tale. The narrow ones belonged to Roger. Harvey had no doubt about that, even if they had mostly been washed away. Part of Roger’s tracking training had focused on Harvey following the ranger’s path.

The more ominous question came from the broader set of footprints. Not only had he found them at the Jinkerson, but also outside of his own cabin. Several footprints lay clearly along the east side of the cabin in the snow piled up against the side of the cabin. Since they closely resembled the set found next door, Harvey felt safe in ruling out any of his guests. Which, of course, led to the question of who and why someone had stood in the cold outside the den and master bedroom's windows.

Was this connected to the man Austin spotted watching the Vandermeers' lakehouse? Was it the man in the blue and green plaid button-up shirt? Or was it something entirely else?

“Even my parents?!” Bridget questioned, glancing up from her surprise to wave at Harvey as he entered the kitchen.

Risking a soft kiss on her cheek, Harvey raised his eyebrows as if asking who she was on the phone with.

“Brandy ordered them? I bet Bev loved that!”

Harvey watched the beautiful blonde laugh at whatever her kid sister did. He noticed the way her eyes widened as she leaned forward slightly at whatever surprised her on the other end of the line.

“Brandy AND Peyton ordered them?! Geez, I bet Bev was really put out. What? Oh, I didn’t tell you? I guess I skipped a few things about Christmas. Bev snapped at my mom over our coming up to Harvey’s cabin. Brandy heard it and accused Bev of elder ****. Bev flipped put. I don’t know if her face turning bright red was the funniest part or my dad slipping out of the room while trying not to laugh at Brandy’s accusation.”

Flashing her winning smile over at Harvey, Bridget covered the receiver for a second. She mouthed Rachel’s name.

“Hold on. Harv just came back inside from checking the area,” Bridget told Rachel before talking to the cabin owner. “The ice got so bad in town last night that Dalton ordered people to be safe and stay at the hotel. They used the conference rooms as makeshift bunkrooms and every available cot. My parents and Tinny’s ended up using the rooms I reserved. I guess people are just finally starting to leave. Rachel wants to know if they can come back today.”

"Tell her no. From what I saw on our road, they won't be able to. The rangers will have their work cut out for them today."

“Sorry, Rach. Harv says you better wait until tomorrow. Yeah, I know it sucks. We should be fine here with the generator. Huh? Hey, Gabs!” Bridget greeted as Gabby entered the Strattons’ suite.

Harvey didn't dispute Bridget's suggestion about tomorrow but had doubts. Perhaps I should call around and see who’s young enough up here to help move some branches. Shit, I could probably risk the Talbot and Chelton kids recognizing me. I just need to wear a different coat and hat.

While Harvey puttered around in the kitchen, lost in his thoughts, Bridget inquired about the success of the Cassandra Story Society’s big night.

“Peyton took over? Why? Where were you two? Did something—What?!” Bridget’s shriek caused Harvey to spin around. “Why did…ohmigawd! Are they okay? The hospital?! You had to go to the ER? How did you even get there? Clive let Lacey drive? Well, you can’t really blame her, can you? I mean, it was icy out. Hold on.”

Bridget covered the receiver again to pass on the news to Harvey.

“Clive punched Fred last night. Something over Finn. They both ended up at the hospital. Fred broke his nose while Clive broke a couple of bones in his hand.”

“What?! Goddammit!” Harvey exclaimed, slamming his hand down on the kitchen island. “Fred’s out of control. He needs help…wait, is Larry still there?”

“I’ll ask.” Bridget nodded as Rachel replied. “It sounds like they just returned to the hotel. Larry is planning to take Fred home.”

“Tell Larry not to leave Fred alone. Hell, take him to my house if he needs to distract Fred. Frida can feed him or something. Shit! Have someone tell Larry to stay in town until we can get back or to bring Fred out here tomorrow,” Harvey suggested, his mind racing over what they should do with his co-best friend.

“Okay, okay, thanks,” Bridget replied to Rachel’s response. “Please tell me that everything else went off without a hitch.”

“Well, a few other things happened, but you can hear about them tomorrow. It’s probably for the best,” Rachel revealed, her tone sounding hesitant.

“That bad?”

“Let’s just say that Cassie would’ve understood this sort of drama. You and Tinsley brought it enough times,” Rachel hinted.

“Okay, now you got me worried. Maybe you should just tell—”

“Is that Bridget?!” an echoed scream sounded.

“Get back in that bathroom. Your father might be back any minute, and he doesn’t need to see you naked. Go!” Rachel ordered.

“Tell Bridget that her devil spawn is going to pay!”

“No, she’s not. Gabby, go help Kiki. Drag her back into that damn shower if you need to,” Rachel directed.

“Um, was that Lana?” Bridget inquired, almost afraid to ask what had happened between her daughter and her BFF.

Bridget’s scream rocked Harvey out of his thoughts.

“Petyon did that?! Oh. My. Gawd. Where is she now?”

Harvey motioned for information, which eventually caused Bridget to take another break to pass it along.

“Peyton dumped a whole container of maple syrup over Lana’s head this morning at breakfast.”

“Why would she do that?” Harvey questioned. He could maybe understand if it had been the other way around.

“Some drama with Finn and a girl last night. Sounds like a lot of drama went down after we left. Rachel told me I need to wait until tomorrow to hear about it. That worries me,” Bridget said before pausing. “So, Kiki’s in the shower helping Lana get it out of her hair. She’s got experience from her part-time job. Rachel also just sent Gabby to help, which makes sense as Gabby had something similar happen to her back in the day.”

“Huh, maybe we weren’t the craziest people last night,” Harvey remarked. Bridget paused in bringing the phone back up to her ear. She gave a blatant “Really?” expression. “Yeah, okay, we did the craziest stuff last night.”

Yeah, yeah, having sex with your kid is probably the craziest thing that happened last night, Harvey admitted to himself

"Is my mom still there? Okay, I'll try to find her. Um, call us back later when things calm down, okay? Bye, Rach. Love ya," Bridget told her longtime friend before hanging up.

“What’s up?” Harvey asked, watching as Bridget dialed a new phone number.

“I need to get a hold of my mom. She intervened after Peyton exploded. I guess it caused quite the commotion in the dining room. Dalton had to come down–Oh, no! I forgot about Dalton. Now, I feel terrible,” Bridget admitted. She paused before hitting the last number, feeling guilty over her daughter causing issues for Dalton after learning about his dire health diagnosis.

"Don't worry. The distraction probably did him some good. Hey, I'd rather deal with a couple of coeds getting into a catfight any day than deal with some tourist complaining about his room charges," Harvey chuckled.

“You'd rather do a couple of coeds than anything else, I bet,” Bridget replied knowingly.

“Oh, I think I found something this morning that I’d rather have,” Harvey responded, sliding a hand down to cup the blonde’s ass.

“Behave,” Bridget ordered, wagging a finger. “My mom used to have a sixth sense when it came to who I was screwing. And I doubt she’s gone rusty with Brandy still running around. Now, get over by the sink and stay there.”

Throwing his hands up, Harvey backed his way to the sink while Bridget finished dialing the number. It only took three rings before Pepper answered.

“Hi, Mom. Happy New Year!” Bridget greeted in a very chipper voice.

“So you heard,” Pepper replied, sighing at Bridget’s I’m-not-in-trouble-am-I? voice.

“Yeah, I just talked to Rachel. Uh, is Pey still there?”

“She’s in the shower. Some syrup got on her while Lana attempted to strangle her.”

“Oh, gawd,” Bridget groaned, her eyes flickering toward Harvey in horror. “Uh, I’m really sorry that you had to get involved. I’ll, uh, I’ll deal with it as soon as I can, Mom. I promise. You don’t need to worry about it.”

“I’m not worried,” Pepper replied dismissively. “This is nothing like what you and Tinny used to do each other during your fights. And Brandy’s were usually worse, as hers involved Fawn and Wrenn. Cassandra never joined in often for you girls.”

“Cass usually just scolded us,” Bridget recalled, chuckling.

"Yes, I trusted her to keep you two out of trouble. Brandy always did a much better job of conning her friends into going along than you two could do to Cassie," Pepper recalled. "This blowup with Peyton and Lana will wash over within a few days. I guess having a boy as your third friend adds extra complications."

Bridget couldn’t help but grin at how her mom still called Finn a boy.

“So I hear Brandy and Pey **** you to say at the hotel. Are you softening in your old age, Mom?” Bridget teased, causing Harvey’s eyes to widen at her calling Pepper old.

“Your sister and daughter made some valid points, along with a few of those young cheerleaders. However, I am a little concerned about Peyton. I don’t know if she’s stressed out over school, if it’s a delayed reaction to the divorce, or a combination, but she appears high-strung.”

“Lana does bring it out of her, Mom.”

“I know that, but I’m talking about her temper last night and this morning. Now, Beverly likely deserved your daughter telling her off. However—”

“Peyton told Bev off?!” Bridget exclaimed, causing Harvey to flinch at her scream and anyone telling his ex-girlfriend off.

"Yes, apparently, Bev was making rather harsh accusations at Nathan after finding him dancing with Brynn. I kept most of what she said from Ginny. She seemed pleased that Peyton defending Nate still showed hope of them becoming a couple. Although, Nate as your sister's son-in-law, would be interesting."

“Mother!” Bridget squealed before descending into a giggle fit. “I am not making that suggestion to Tinny.”

“Someone needs to look out for my granddaughters, and it sounds as if Brandy has made Peyton her priority. She had some whole plan last night that worked out rather entertainingly,’ Pepper said, hinting at the dance-off.

"Brandy can't even handle her own love life!" the middle Fallon sister pointed out. "Look, once we get back home, I'll sit down with Peyton and Sean. The divorce is going to cause changes and issues; I get that. I will make it my priority that they don't get dragged into anything and the divorce goes as smoothly as possible for them."

"I know you will. Now, how's my grandson doing? The same with Harvey's little girl. Are they all right without any power? No setbacks from the ball? I know they both had some excitement," Pepper asked.

“We have power, Mom. Harvey didn’t spare any expense with his generator. As for the kids, they’re doing fine. I just checked in on them in the master bedroom. Both are sound asleep,” Bridget relayed.

“Together?” Pepper questioned with a knowing tone while displaying that damn sixth sense of hers.

“Uh, well, Whitney feels safer around Sean. You know that whole hero thing,” Bridget responded, hoping to distract her mother from the truth for now.

“Hmmm.”

That sound was all Pepper made, but to Bridget, she knew it contained loads of unsaid comments that would come later.

“Well, I should probably make the kids some lunch,” Bridget said, hoping to get off the line without further prying. “It sounds like the rest won’t be able to come back until tomorrow. I’m sure that Rachel can handle Peyton and Lana until then. Or Finn can do it.”

"Well, Peyton is always welcome to stay the night with us if she doesn't want to go home alone. I assume that Watson is next door as Leo can't be trusted to care for him." Pepper nodded at Bridget's response. "Very well. Take care, dear, and please hand the phone over to Harvey."

Bridget threw her head back slightly as she rolled her eyes. Of course, her mom just knew somehow that Harvey was in the same room as her. Handing the phone over, she waited as Harvey greeted her mother warmly.

“Don’t worry, ma’am. I’ll make sure that Sean and Bridget are safe. You and Seamus can count on me. Love you too,” Harvey said, ending the call. “That went well.”

"She's going to figure it out eventually. Hopefully, her silent delight at Sean and Whitney sleeping in the same bed distracts her for a while," Bridget fretted.

"Don't be paranoid. It sounds like your mom has her hands full back at the hotel. Speaking of the hotel, I better call Graham and Dalton. Were you done with calls?"

“Well, I need to call Tinny, but it’s still pretty early there. Oh, is that okay? It is a long-distance call. I also don’t think I have any cash on me,” Bridget added at the end with a pout.

“Don’t worry. I’m sure I can cover…” Harvey trailed off after catching onto Bridget’s comment. “No cash, huh? I don’t know then. I do have a daughter to put through college starting in the fall. I can’t waste money frivolously, you know.”

“Would you accept payment other than cash? Pretty please, sir?” Bridget begged, running a hand down the front of her blouse.

Harvey marveled at how she managed to unbutton two buttons just by gliding her hand past them. He struggled to hold back a grin as he played along.

“I don’t know, Miss Fallon. What sort of payment did you have in mind rather than cash?”

“Hmmm, it is a phone call, Mr Diamond. Would a payment of the oral variety suffice?” Bridget inquired, speaking in a girlish voice while dropping to her knees.