Читать книгу One Smooth Stone - Marcia Lee Laycock - Страница 9

Chapter Five

Ruby stood with her hands on her huge hips. Her face, like an overblown candy-pink balloon, slowly descended to his. The boy tried to back away, but took only one step before he felt the cold chrome of the kitchen table behind him. She arched her painted eyebrows and pulled her red lips over yellow teeth in a sneer.

“You’ve been rooting in the trash again, haven’t you?”

The stench of her breath made him want to gag. Shaking his head slowly he tried to pull his eyes away from hers. He barely saw the flash of her hand as it smashed across his face.

“I know what was in there, you little pig. I know what you took. Maybe you’d like some more, huh? Maybe we should see what else is in there that you can stuff down your ungrateful throat!”

He cried out as she grabbed him and flipped the lid of the garbage can open. The stench rose into his nostrils. He saw something move—a slithering motion. Two small red eyes swirled in the blackness. His stomach erupted as she forced his head into the can. He was afraid to scream, afraid to open his mouth for fear the creature would leap at him, but he couldn’t stop the spew that came out. Ruby held him there until he was dry heaving, then pulled him up, whacked him again, and pushed him toward the stairs to the cellar.

“Get down there. Out of my sight!” she screamed. “Bill will deal with you later.”

Then a strange noise intruded. A sound he didn’t remember from the other times, a shrieking sound.

Alex woke with a jerk, sending the screaming phone flying from the bedside table. He threw the covers back and scrambled for it, but only a dial tone buzzed in his ear. He replaced it and strode to the window, pulling the drapes back with a jerk. He winced and turned his head away as the morning light flooded the room.

The phone rang again. And rang and rang. Alex stared at it for a full two minutes before answering. Kenni’s voice sounded hesitant.

“I hope I didn’t…um…sorry to wake you.”

“I’m up,” he said, trying to slow his breathing.

“Well, I…I mean we….” Alex frowned as she stuttered. Then her next sentence came out in a rush.

“I thought you’d be pretty bored sitting in that hotel room so uh…would you like to get out for a bit?”

“Sure.” He heard the word come out of his mouth, but wondered why he’d said it. She told him George would pick him up. When he hung up he stared at the receiver for a few minutes. Then he went into the bathroom and splashed his face with cold water.

* * *

Kenni stared at her cell phone and groaned. Kendra Adams, what are you doing? She didn’t try to answer herself as she dialed George’s cell. When she asked him to pick Alex up his reaction was about what she’d expected.

“A little unprofessional, isn’t it?”

“I know but.…”

“Let me guess. You feel sorry for him.”

“Well, how would you feel, being in a strange city under these circumstances?”

George sighed. She waited for another lecture about always picking up strays, but all he said was “Alright. I’ll pick him up.”

* * *

Alex’s heart was still racing when the phone rang again.

“Hi.” George’s voice sounded far away. “Kenni tells me you’re joining us.”

“I guess. Time for some Seattle hospitality.”

“Don’t expect it to be the kind you’re used to.” Before Alex had time to comment George asked, “Had breakfast yet?”

“No.”

“Well, get yourself something fast. I’ll be there in forty-five minutes.”

“Where we going?”

“You’ll see. Be ready in forty-five. Oh, and bring what you need for overnight.”

Alex hesitated. “Maybe I don’t want to go.”

George sighed. “Nobody’s holding a gun to your head.” Alex tensed in the silence. George’s voice seemed more contrite when he broke it. “It’ll beat hanging out in the hotel.”

“I’ll meet you out front,” Alex said.

“Forty-five minutes.”

Alex wasn’t surprised to see the lawyer pull up in a shiny black convertible. He slid into the leather seat and looked around him.

“Nice. This yours?”

“Yup. One of my concessions to decadence. I love this car.”

The vehicle lunged forward as George told him to buckle up. Alex pulled the seatbelt across his chest and tried to relax. The haze of the day before had cleared and the morning was bright, the air smelling more and more of the sea as they sped toward the harbor.

“Ever been sailing?” George asked.

Alex shook his head. “Never.” For some reason he didn’t like the way George grinned.

The convertible glided through a gate and stopped near a large sign—Shilshole Bay Marina, The Premier Sailing Center of the Northwest. George parked and locked the car. As they made their way Alex scanned the boats. They were lined up at ninety degrees to the docks, sailboats of all sizes, pleasure yachts and even a few houseboats. They’d be easy pickings for someone who knew what was worth taking. Someone like me. All of them gleamed in the sun as seagulls wheeled above, their raucous cries punctuating their frenzied search for food.

He followed George onto the dock. As the ramp bobbed in the water two people at the far end turned and waved. Alex’s heart rate quickened as Kenni stepped forward to greet them.

“Ready for a day on the sound?” she asked.

“I am,” George replied, “but Alex here has never been out.” He turned to him with a grin. “We’ll have to take it easy on him.”

Alex wondered how George would look dripping with the oil-slicked water that lapped below them. He shoved his hands into his pockets.

Kenni smiled. “It’s fairly calm today. I’m sure you’ll love it, Alex.”

He scanned the sleek sailboat bobbing gently at the dock, noticing “The Angel” written in large flowing letters on its side. “Whose boat?”

“Mine.” The gray-haired man standing behind her took a step forward. He was dressed in navy and white, looking like he’d just stepped out of a sailing magazine. Alex was once again conscious of his T-shirt, jeans and shaggy hair.

“Alex, this is Drew Adams, my father.” She slipped under the man’s arm. “This is Alex Donnelly, Dad.”

The man’s handshake was firm, his blue eyes more startling than his daughter’s. “Good to meet you, Alex. Kenni has told me a lot about you.”

“Oh?”

Drew winked at Kenni and squeezed her shoulder. “She’s the best researcher we’ve got.” He dropped his arm. “But let’s stop jawing on the wharf. The day’s a-wasting.” They moved to board as Drew turned toward the bow. “Cast off for us, will you, George?”

George bent to untie the ropes securing the boat to the dock, then leaped onto the deck as it began to drift away. Drew turned the key and the engine rumbled instantly. He maneuvered the craft out of the harbor, and before Alex realized it they were out in the open, the bow cutting cleanly through the water.

“Alex, over here.” Kenni waved him toward her. He moved slowly, joining her just as she took a step down into the hold. She smiled up at him. “Come on in.”

Alex peered down the short staircase. He couldn’t see anything beyond her, just a dim space. He felt the color drain from his face as he took a step back and shook his head, his fingers massaging the raised white line on his neck.

“I’ll stay up here,” he said.

Kenni frowned slightly. “Okay. Sure. I’ll be right up.”

She returned a few minutes later carrying four life jackets and a windbreaker, which she held out to him. “You might find it cool.” Alex pulled it on and buckled the life jacket over it, pulling the straps tight. When he was done she smiled at him as she slipped into her own life jacket. “Good. Now if you fall in, we won’t lose you.”

“I can swim,” he countered, wishing he hadn’t sounded so defensive.

“Great. But the water’s a little cool for swimming, out this far.”

She must think I’m a dolt. He watched her move easily along the deck, helping George unwrap and hoist the rigging.

Drew cut the motor and tacked into the wind. “Here we go!” he yelled as the sails filled. “Watch your head, Alex.”

The boom swung toward him as the sail billowed out. The boat tilted and Alex grabbed for something to hang onto. Kenni was suddenly by his side again.

“Do you want to sit up front or back here?” She waved at a low bench in the stern.

He chose the stern. Once seated he tried to relax by watching the sails billow and snap. The boat cut the water smoothly, a fine salt spray reaching them now and then. After a while he stopped watching the sails and watched Kenni instead.

She was obviously enjoying herself, a slight smile playing on her lips. She’d pulled her long honey-colored hair into a ponytail, making her look a lot younger than she did at the office. He noticed she had a kind of turned-up nose lightly sprinkled with freckles. Her eyebrows had a reddish tinge, but her eyelashes were long and swept up with a flutter as she lifted her eyes to the sky. He’d watched her for quite a while before she seemed to notice. When she did, the smile spread.

“How do you like it so far?”

Alex shrugged. “Are we going somewhere, or just around in circles?”

“Didn’t George tell you? We’re heading for my parents’ beach house. Only a few miles up the sound, but we probably won’t get there ’til late this afternoon if this wind keeps up. Dad likes to take advantage of a day like this.”

“So you’re the boss’ daughter.”

“Well, he’s one of the bosses, yes.”

“And you’re following in his footsteps?”

She shook her head. “No. I have no ambition to be a lawyer. I like doing the research though, digging out the details and finding out about the people behind the cases.”

“Cases like mine?”

“Yes, but...actually I got roped into your case.”

“Oh? How so?”

“George. He hates doing that kind of research. I owed him one.” She sat straight. “But...well...I didn’t mean that your case wasn’t interesting. In fact, I was hooked from the first time I opened the file.”

“Why?”

She turned to face him more directly. “Because I could relate. In-between all the facts and figures, the names and addresses, the dates—I could read between the lines. Before long I’d put together the whole picture. And I knew what to expect.”

“Really. And am I what you expected?”

She tilted her head slightly, then nodded. “Pretty much.”

“And that is….”

“A hard nut with a soft streak. Someone who’s been hurt a lot by a lot of people, but still wants to be a decent person, only—maybe he doesn’t exactly know how so he hides.”

“Got me all figured out, hey?” Alex felt a biting pain as he clenched his jaw.

Kenni’s reply was soft, but firm. “Yes. I think I do. You’re also claustrophobic. I can guess where that comes from.”

Alex snorted. “And how did a girl from the Ivy League get to be so savvy?”

“Because I....” she hesitated. “I’ve learned to read people and the details of their lives. It’s surprising what you can learn from just a bunch of facts and figures.”

“Right.” Alex’s sneer was mocking. “Well, maybe you’d better try reading between the lines some more. I think you lost the thread along the way.”

He pushed himself off the bench and strode away. Thinking his stomach might need to flush out the bile he headed for the rail. He was glad for the spray that cooled his face as he took a few gulps of air. Wish I could get away, off this boat, away from these people. I should never have come to Seattle, never started this. I should’ve known what it would do to me. He was staring at the deep green surf below them when he felt a hand on his shoulder and turned to see George grinning at him.

“Feeling a little queasy?”

Alex glanced back at Kenni and caught her watching them. She turned away quickly.

“I’m fine.”

“It might help to go below for a bit.”

“I said I’m fine.” The loud pitch of Alex’s voice made Drew turn toward them.

“Okay.” George held up his hands, palms out. “Just offering friendly advice. I know what it’s like to be seasick.” He leaned on the railing. “We’ll be heading in closer to shore soon. The chop won’t be so bad then.”

Alex patted his pockets and muttered a curse. “Don’t suppose you’d have a smoke?”

George’s eyebrows hunched together. “No, I don’t.”

Alex gripped the thin railing. They both turned at the sound of Alex’s name to see Drew beckoning to him. Alex wanted to ignore him, but knew he had no excuse for being that rude. He left George at the rail and moved toward the older man.

“Would you like to take a turn at the helm?”

“What?”

“Take the wheel.” He stepped back, motioning for Alex to take his place. Alex hesitated for another moment, then reached for it. He felt the pull on the rudder instantly and grabbed on with his other hand.

“Just keep her tacked into the wind and hold her steady. She’ll do the rest.”

Alex planted his feet more firmly. He liked the feel of it, liked the power he felt as the boat surged under him. He suddenly realized he was in control. A wrong move and he could spill them all into the sea. He grinned to himself. What would Miss Kendra Adams think of me then? Maybe it would be something she’d expect me to do. After all, she’d read between the lines. He was wondering how much it would take to make this thing flip over when he felt a hand on his shoulder.

“Feels good, doesn’t it?” Drew Adams was smiling, but Alex had the feeling he’d read his mind.

Drew looked up at the billowing sails. “Feels like you’re in control, like it’s all up to you.” He dropped his eyes back to Alex’s. “But it’s all an illusion. Believing we’re in control is always an illusion.” He turned away, his eyes roaming the sound. “But it’s a temptation on a day like this.”

Alex kept the boat tacked into the wind, the sails full.

It was hard to avoid Kenni for the rest of the trip, especially when she passed out sandwiches and sodas for lunch. Alex managed not to make eye contact. He wasn’t into making idle conversation with George either so he stayed with Drew at the helm, learning how to maneuver the boat until they moored it late in the day below a large boathouse.

The Adams’ “beach house” was a sprawling cedar home, its front mostly high windows extending to a steep roof. Alex felt like he was walking onto a movie set. And he was the only prop that didn’t fit. As they left the dock he noticed a woman waving from the deck. She came to meet them as they walked through the front door, giving Drew a peck on the cheek and Kenni a hug. She reached out and squeezed George’s hand. Kenni didn’t make any attempt to introduce him, and Alex noticed Drew waited for her to do so until it was obvious he would have to.

“Alex, this is my wife, Marie.”

“So you’re the famous Alex Donnelly.” Alex thought he heard Kenni groan. Her mother extended her hand and Alex was struck by how different the two women were. In contrast to Kenni’s slim figure, Marie was short and well into the stage of middle-aged spread. Her hair was blond, though Alex suspected it wasn’t natural. But he was drawn into her warm smile.

“Or maybe infamous,” he said in a flat tone.

Marie chuckled. “Well, if we were truthful, we’d all have to admit to a bit of infamy, wouldn’t we?”

Alex didn’t smile, but met her steady gaze as she chattered on.

“I hope you’re hungry. I’ve been cooking all afternoon. Do you like seafood, Alex? I’ve made Drew’s favorite, Dungeness crab. With a chocolate mousse for dessert. It’s fairly light and quite fun to make. And we have some wonderful coffee some friends just brought us from Brazil. Do you drink coffee? I hope so. It’d be a shame not to taste it.”

Without waiting for him to answer her questions she turned to her husband. “You don’t need to change, do you, dear? It’s almost ready. You don’t mind an early supper, do you?”

She turned to Alex again. “We don’t dress for dinner here, Alex. When we’re at the beach we keep things informal. I like it better that way, don’t you?” Alex opened his mouth to reply, but she’d already turned to George.

“So how was the day, George? Did Drew let you take the helm?”

“Alex was our pilot for most of the day,” George managed to squeeze in. He flashed a look at Alex that made him frown.

Marie’s eyebrows shot up. “Ah, you’re privileged indeed, Alex. Drew doesn’t let just anyone handle the Angel.”

“He did a fine job,” Drew said.

“Well, you all must be starving. I always get so hungry when I’ve been out on the water, don’t you? Kenni, why don’t you show Alex where he can wash up? I’ve got to get back to the kitchen.”

Kenni pointed toward the back of the house without looking at him. “Down that hallway, to your right.”

Alex followed the directions without comment.

George was waiting for him when he came out and he wasted no time coming to the point.

“What did you say to Kenni?”

“What?”

“She’s in the worst mood I’ve seen her in for months. What’d you say to her?”

Alex scowled. “Maybe you should ask her what she said to me.”

“Kenni’s the most considerate, compassionate person I’ve ever known. So don’t—”

Alex snorted. “I thought you said you had no attachment.”

George’s frown deepened and he lowered his voice a notch as he leaned forward. “We’re friends, Alex. Maybe that’s a word you don’t understand, but I’m warning you.…”

Alex’s hands clenched into fists. He felt the familiar rage building. Part of him wanted to let go and slam his fist into George’s face. Part of him tried to hold back. He forced his fingers to straighten as Marie’s voice floated out to them from the other end of the house.

“Dinner, everyone. Come to the table please. Kenni? Find those boys and get them in here. I don’t want this to get cold.”

They heard Kenni’s footsteps approaching.

George stepped around the corner to meet her. “Alex is coming,” he told her. Their footsteps faded away.

Alex slumped against the wall, reached for a cigarette, and cursed under his breath when he remembered he didn’t have any. He lingered in the hallway until he heard Drew call his name. He pushed himself away from the wall and joined them.

At the table, set with linen and gleaming silverware, Alex again found himself feeling like a cracked mug in a cabinet full of expensive china. The feeling intensified when Drew asked George to say the grace just as Alex picked up his knife and fork. He laid them down, the soft thud clanging in his ears.

George immediately bowed his head. Alex watched as Drew reached for his wife’s hand. Then he watched George’s face as he prayed.

“Father, we thank you for this day, for safety on the water and for good weather. We thank you for friends and the fellowship we can have together.” George was quiet for a moment and Alex thought he was finished until he started up again.

“And, uh, we ask your forgiveness, Father, for…for doing and saying things we know we shouldn’t. We thank you most of all for who you are and what you’ve done for us. Help us to be mindful of you and act according to your will in all things. We ask that you bless this food now, to your use in our bodies. Amen.”

George opened his eyes and Alex quickly averted his, but in that second he thought he saw a flash of regret mixed with something else. He wondered what George was thinking. The others echoed the Amen and began passing bowls.

Alex watched them as he ate, his heart rate slowly returning to normal. They laughed and chatted, eating slowly and commenting often on how good it was. Are these people for real?

He remembered the table where he ate as a kid. It was cold gray metal and never covered. The plates were mismatched, some of them cracked. It was a table where Wild Bill took huge bites of steak, stuffing his mouth with more before swallowing what was already in it. Alex and the other kids ate freezer-burned hotdogs and over-cooked macaroni. They always knew what food they were not allowed to touch, and God help them if they dared to take what was not designated “foster food.”

Alex blocked the memories by listening to the conversation and managed to enjoy the meal—so much so that he couldn’t help complimenting Marie on her cooking.

“That’s one of the best meals I’ve ever had, Mrs. Adams.”

She beamed. “Thank you, Alex. It’s always nice to receive a compliment.”

Drew pushed his chair back. “So I suppose it’s up to us to clean up your kitchen now?” He winked at Alex. “Marie is the best cook on the West Coast, but she makes the worst mess while she does it.”

“Well, since we have a guest I could let you off the hook tonight.” Marie smiled at her husband.

Kenni stood and reached for her father’s plate. Alex saw her eyes flick toward him, then dart away again. He watched the soft curves of her body sway as she walked away. George picked up his plate and followed her, blocking his view.

“How are you with a tea towel, Alex?” Drew was already heading toward the kitchen.

Alex stood up. “Uh, okay I guess.” He hoped he didn’t drop anything as he joined the line at the sink. When they were almost done Drew invited him into the living room. Kenni was still putting leftovers away. He noticed George stayed behind.

Drew took a large recliner and waved Alex on to the long sofa. Alex sat on the edge for a moment, then tried to relax and pushed his body back into the soft cushions. He buried his hands in his armpits. They felt too thick, too rough and stiff to be exposed. He stretched out his legs, then pulled them in again. His feet seemed too big, his shoes too scarred and faded. He let his shoulders hunch forward and tried not to make contact with Drew’s piercing blue eyes.

“So what are your plans, Alex, if you don’t mind my asking?”

He shrugged. “I don’t really have any yet.”

“In a few days you’ll have some huge decisions to make.”

“Maybe.”

“You still think this is all a mistake?”

Alex looked up. “I find it more than a little hard to believe, yes.”

“I suppose I can understand that.”

“Can you?”

Drew lifted his chin. “I wasn’t always a wealthy man.”

Find that hard to believe too.

“Mind if I offer a little advice?”

Alex shrugged again. “Sure.”

“Get yourself a good financial advisor. I can recommend a couple. You’ll want to start thinking about investments or charitable donations. I can recommend a few good organizations that use their money wisely and well.”

Alex sighed and slumped back. “Maybe I’ll just give it all away and be done with it.”

Drew chuckled. “Well, that would make your life a lot simpler, I suppose, but wealth can be a great advantage. You could do a lot of good, bless a lot of people.”

When Alex didn’t respond Drew leaned forward. “Can I pray for you, Alex?”

The question so startled him that Alex just stared.

Drew smiled. “It’s been my experience that prayer helps a lot when it comes to making decisions, whether they’re about money or careers or just life in general. Praying about it can make all the difference.”

“You sort of have to believe in a god first, don’t you?”

The older man chuckled again. “That does help.”

“I only believe in what I can see.”

“Oh? But you believed in something unseen today.”

“What do you mean?”

“The wind. We couldn’t see it, but we believed it was there.”

Alex smirked. He’d heard this line before—from Pastor T. “Because of the evidence. The sails were full.”

“Exactly. There’s all kinds of evidence that God is here.”

“Maybe for you. I haven’t seen any.”

“Maybe you just aren’t looking at things the right way.”

Alex felt a pain knotting between his shoulder blades, but decided to play along. “For instance?”

Drew waved his hand toward the windows. “What do you see?”

Puget Sound lay calm and gleaming in the late day sun. Small waves rippled up onto the shore below them. Alex could hear their sighing between the cries of high-wheeling gulls.

“Water and birds,” he answered.

The chuckle came again and Alex turned back with a glare, thinking the man was mocking him. But Drew was smiling in a way that made Alex’s anger seep away.

“It’s an ocean teaming with life, Alex. Fish of all kinds and colors, fish that aren’t fish at all, but mammals—mammals that communicate and live communally. Organisms so small and so complex scientists are still puzzled by them after years of study. And plant life just as diverse. Do you think it all just happened?”

Alex shrugged. “I never really thought about it.”

“And take your coming here to Seattle. I believe He led you to us and us to you.”

“I thought that was Kenni’s good research.”

“Kenni lost your trail at one point. Completely. When you went to the Yukon you almost disappeared off the map. You don’t use a credit card much, do you?”

Alex shook his head. “I prefer cash.”

“Why did you suddenly use one two months ago?”

“Two months ago? I didn’t—” Alex stopped. “Oh, yeah. Dog food.”

“Dog food?”

“My supplier said he’d give me a real good deal if I bought a huge order. I figured I could sell some at a profit back in Dawson so I went for it. I had to use the card. What’s that got to do with it?”

“Do you realize that’s the first credit card purchase you made since moving to the Yukon?”

“So?”

“Interesting that you did it just when Kenni had lost your trail. That purchase led her right to you.”

“Coincidence,” he said, but cursed himself for using the plastic. He should never even have gotten one. He swallowed to try and settle the churning in his gut. He needed a smoke.

Drew shook his head. “I don’t think so. And I don’t think it’s a coincidence that it was Kenni who was assigned to track you down.”

“What do you mean?”

Before he could answer, George walked into the room and the conversation was diverted. Within minutes they were discussing a case George had just been assigned, and became so engrossed in it that Alex slipped away and walked out onto the deck. He stared out at the sound again, the huge expanse of water turning gold under the setting sun.

There was something good in the way Drew talked about it. Something...what was it? Respect. Awe. Passion. Alex sighed. He’d never felt that way about anything. He’d never allowed himself to. He was trying not to analyze why when he heard a sound behind him. He turned to find Kenni standing in the doorway. He dropped his eyes briefly, then leveled them to meet hers.

Her words tumbled out as though afraid that if she hesitated, she wouldn’t say them. “Alex, I want to apologize. I’ve felt rotten all day.” She took a few steps toward him. “I had no right to say I had you all figured out. It was arrogant. I barely know you. It’s just that—”

“You were right,” Alex interrupted her.

She looked up at him. “Pardon?”

“You nailed me to the wall. Guess that’s what made me so mad.” Alex dropped his eyes. “Or you could chalk it up to lack of nicotine.”

Kenni’s eyes smiled. “Well, maybe if I’d had a bit more tact….”

Alex shrugged. “You might’ve noticed tact isn’t exactly my strong suit either.”

The smile moved from her eyes to her lips and she put out her hand. “Friends?”

Alex shook her hand briefly, then frowned and looked away. “George just accused me of not knowing what that word means.”

Kenni frowned. “George is a little…um…overprotective.”

“Maybe he’s right.”

“Don’t be so hard on yourself.”

When he glanced sideways at her he was surprised to see tears brimming at the corners of her eyes. He wondered what she’d do if he kissed her, and maybe he would’ve found out if George hadn’t walked out onto the deck right then. The man sure has great timing. He took a step away from Kenni. George’s eyes flashed from one to the other, then focused on Kenni.

“You okay?”

Kenni nodded as she blinked the tears out of her eyes.

George peered into her face. “You sure?”

“Yes. Yes, I’m fine. I was just apologizing to Alex for something I said earlier.”

“Oh.”

Alex couldn’t help looking smug. George ignored him.

“Your mom wants us all to come in for coffee.”

Kenni chuckled. “Ah, yes, the special Brazilian roast.”Alex tried to focus on the coffee and dessert as his hosts chatted and laughed, but his eyes kept wandering back to Kenni. They were fixed on her when George asked about going to church. Alex almost dropped his fork.

“The service is at 10:00,” Marie said, “so we can all go for lunch afterward before you young people head back to the city.”

“Why don’t you stay for a bit, Kenni?” Drew suggested. “George can take your car in and you can ride back with me. You’ve been working a lot of overtime. I think you deserve a break.”

Kenni grinned at her father. “You don’t have to tell me twice.”

“Wonderful, dear,” Marie said.

“You’re welcome to stay too Alex, if you like.” Drew drained his coffee cup. “I don’t know if it’s more comfortable than the hotel, but,” he winked at his wife, “I’m sure the food is better.”

“Uh...well I.…” Alex was flustered. He hadn’t expected this.

Marie jumped in. “Oh yes, stay, Alex. We’d like the company. Wouldn’t we, dear?”

Drew nodded. “Wouldn’t mind another man around. We can take the Angel out again or maybe do some fishing. You like to fish?”

He nodded. “Yes, but—”

Marie burst in again. “Oh good. I hate it. Hate to see the poor things pulled from the water. That will get me off the hook.” She chuckled. “No pun intended. Then I can stay home and be ready to cook when you get back.”

“I can guarantee a good catch, Alex,” Drew added.

Alex saw George flash a look at Kenni, then at Drew. “Maybe Alex would rather see more of the city,” he said.

Alex shook his head. “I’ve had enough of the city.”

Drew stood up. “Good. Then it’s settled. We’ll drive back on Tuesday.”

Alex couldn’t help but gloat when George refused Marie’s invitation for him to stay.

“I have a new case to get going on,” he said in a chagrined voice. “Thanks for the invitation, but I should head back tomorrow afternoon.”

“Well, you know you’re always welcome, George,” Marie effused. “Anytime at all.”

George said, “Thanks,” and gave Alex a look that made his fists clench.