COZY MYSTERY: Murder At The Festival: A Cozy Mystery in the Mountains (Book 4) by Liz Turner Page B

and I think she’s far too devoted to Jonas for her to even look at another man.”
    Which, Victoria noted, wasn’t quite the same as saying that Calum didn’t like her.
    “I just think men like Jonas are a waste of space,” Calum said. “A black spot on men everywhere. Yet girls can’t seem to resist them, while us nice guys are put in the corner.”
    Eerily similar to Byron’s own opinion of Jay, Victoria thought to herself. “Don’t judge a relationship by its cover, Mayor. He must have some redeeming qualities. An artist like Jonas is probably good at giving her the emotional satisfaction she needs.”
    Calum rolled his eyes as if he personally thought that he’d rather have a BMW than emotions.
    “What about Michelle?” Victoria asked. “What can you tell me about her?”
    “What’s to say? She’s a real woman. A good mother. She’s very broken up about Margie running away. Hasn’t left her house in a few days. Meanwhile, I saw Jonas at the store buying yet another crate of beer. If you are going to talk, I’d suggest you talk to people about him. I told Randolf he should investigate Jonas, but apparently they are buddies, so Randolf won’t.”
    “That’s a very irresponsible way for the mayor to speak to the Mounties.” Victoria said. “I know Corporal Jager. He’s a reliable man who won’t hesitate to do what needs to be done. He had no compunctions investigating his own uncle at one point.”
    “I remember that time,” Calum said. “As I recall, it was you who uncovered the details of that particular crime. Maybe Jager needs more competition.”
    “I...
    As if summoned by magic, the door creaked open, and Randolf stood there. His face was blank and smooth so that Victoria couldn’t tell how much he’d actually heard. In one hand, he had a small bunch of flowers. He sauntered in and handed these to Victoria.
    “Ah, Mayor Larch,” Randolf smiled at Calum. “How nice to see you here. We seem to be bumping into each other everywhere today.”
     
    “Randolf.” The Mayor nodded. “I was just here to convince Victoria that she needs to ask around town about Margie a little more.”
    “Oh?” Randolf raised an eyebrow. “Not satisfied with my work, I take it?”
    “I thought I made that clear to you earlier,” Calum said.
    “You did,” Randolf said. “In any case, I’m sure Victoria gave you a polite refusal. Though I have my doubts on the polite part.”
    “Actually, you should have your doubts about the refusal part,” Calum said. “Victoria’s agreed to talk to people.”
    Randolf’s mouth pressed together in a thin line. “Ah,” he said. “I see.” The look he gave Victoria made her want to squirm.
    “Well,” Randolf said. “You’ll be glad to know that I’ve got reports back from the state police about the bulletin I sent them. There’s been no sighting of Margie at any of the borders. The police in Calgary and Edmonton have shown her photo around at bus stops and train stations, but no one’s seen her. I even got my friend in Calgary to do a review of traffic cameras, and there’s no match.” Randolf said.
    “That’s horrible!” Victoria said.
    Calum and Randolf looked at her.
    “I mean… if she’s missing, but she hasn’t run away to any of the cities, that must mean…”
    “That she’s backpacking for a week in Banff?” Randolf asked. “I’ve asked the rangers there to keep a lookout too, but there’s no sign of her so far.”
    “Randolf. You must be thinking what I’m thinking.” Victoria said.
    “I’m afraid not,” Randolf replied. “I think that she hitchhiked. She got into an unknown car and got dropped off at a city farther away. It’s a risky thing for a young girl to do, but there’s only so many resources we can spare to look for her.”
    “Randolf. Come on.” Victoria said. “You have to at least entertain the possibility that she’s dead.”
    “I’ve had sniffer dogs look for her,” Randolf said. “The Rangers