Teddy smiles in amusement as he pulls into the street and starts our three hour journey. “Ah, alright then,justAmelia. Although I’m sure there is no shortage of young men in the city that would love to be in your company.”
I look at him through the rearview mirror and raise an eyebrow playfully.
“Oh no, not me Amelia, although I’m flattered you would even assume an old guy like me.” He laughs. “But if you are interested in some respectful gentlemen to take you out, I do have five nephews!” He chuckles.
I laugh at his earnestness. “Thanks Teddy, I appreciate it. If I ever decide to give the male species another shot, you’re my first call.”
“Oh I’m sorry, I shouldn’t have assumed—”
“Oh, no no! I’m straight. Unfortunately. Just going through your typicalhate all menphase. I’m sure at some point I’ll find a decent guy. Like in a decade or so.” I shrug.
“Ah. I see. Let me guess. Someone broke your heart recently?”
“We only have a three hour drive Teddy, there just isn’t enough time to cover it all. But I could have my therapist send over her extensive notes about our sessions if that helps.” I tease.
“My apologies, I live in a house full of chatty women and I find myself more often than not being a bit nosey. Would you like me to play any music during the ride? Podcasts? Or would you like to use headphones, I have some up here. Also feel free to dig into the snack basket next to you. There are sodas and water in the cooler as well.”
“Wow. Fancy shmancy. Evan’s just living the life with you isn’t he now? I’m probably just going to listen to a true crime podcast, so I’ll use my headphones. That way you don’t get creeped out.”
“Would it happen to be the Crime Junkie’s podcast by any chance? I saw that they dropped a couple of new episodes and I’m behind.”
“You listen to Crime Junkies?!” I shout. “Oh man, I think you just restored my faith in the whole male species … by like one percent, but at least it’s in the right direction." I laugh.
“Sync your phone to the vehicle’s Bluetooth. This is going to be a fun drive, Amelia.”
* * *
Three episodes later, and I think Teddy is my new best friend.
We made a pit stop an hour into the trip because I have a tiny bladder and drank too much water in the car. When I returned to the vehicle, I opted to sit in the front seat next to him.
This turned out to be a great idea, because we get to discuss our suspect theories. But before we find out who the killer is, he lets me know that we’re about five minutes away from the cabin. I was so enraptured by our conversation about serial killers, I didn’t even realize we were no longer on the highway.
We’re now on a dirt road that is canopied by large willowing trees. The ground is coated by a soft layer of snow, no more than an inch high.
It feels like I’ve stepped into a snow globe with all the faint snowflakes dancing in the sky, as if they’re in no rush to make their descent onto the ground. I’m fixated on each one that lands on the windshield, and before I can fully take in the winter wonderland we have just driven into, Teddy brings my attention to the front of the vehicle by letting me know we’ve arrived at our destination. But this can’t be right.
“Um, Teddy. Are you sure you got the right address?” I ask.
“Of course, Amelia. Welcome to your humble abode for the weekend.” He laughs as he exits the vehicle and makes his way to the trunk of the SUV to retrieve my luggage. I slowly open my vehicle door and hang off the side of it as I stare at what I can only describe as a wooden mansion. The only way anyone could even fathom to pass this house off as a cabin, is because it is made out of log. Hell, this house alone might be responsible for cutting down a whole forest.
How expensive was this damn Airbnb?? Did Evan foot the bill? I wouldn’t be surprised if he did, but even this seems a little ostentatious. Calling this a cabin is an absolute joke. This seems more like a compound. From the driveway I can already see that this two story monstrosity has floor to ceiling windows that look to be at least fifty feet high, maybe more? The stone detailing around the front door is breathtaking, and I can only imagine what the inside looks like.
“This way Amelia,” Teddy calls after me, and I quickly follow after him, careful to not slip on the fresh snow.
“Ok, so double checking that this kajillion dollar home is the place where I’m spending Thanksgiving with my family? There’s no shame in double checking the address on the GPS, no judgment, we all make mistakes!” I stammer.
Teddy smiles and shakes his head as he drops the luggage at the front door.
He looks up at a very fancy state of the art security camera and waves. The front door clicks open and Teddy nods at me to enter. “Positive this is the right place Amelia. Besides, I’ve been here before.” He drops my luggage off in the foyer of the cabin and begins to say his goodbyes.
“Wait, hold up a second. You can’t just leave me here alone. We just listened to three hours of a true crime podcast! We all know what happens to city girls in secluded cabins in the woods!” I shriek. “Besides, where is the owner or property manager? Don’t I have to check in for everyone since I’m a day early? And why are you laughing at me Teddy, I thought we were friends now!” I yell.
“I’m sorry, I really don’t mean to laugh, but your fears are completely unfounded dear. Besides, the owner of the property is already here.” He gives me a confused look. “Although I’m sure you won’t have to ‘check-in’ if that’s what you’re concerned about.”
Huh.
“Ok, I might sound frantic right now, probably because I’ve never been in a mega mansion before, or maybe because I don’t want to be murdered in my sleep, but do you think you could meet the owner with me before you leav—”
