When she went upstairs, she avoided looking at the two closed bedroom doors, then went inside the Palm Room. She didn’t know what was “wrong” with her recently, but she seemed to be all feeling. It had started when she returned to this place where she and Cal had spent so much time.
What was causing this hypersensitivity? Why were all those memories flooding back into her mind? Was that what caused the dream that was still vivid in her thoughts? The people in it were so clear she could pick them out of a crowd.
She went to the window in the far wall and looked out. No wonder James Lachlan liked this room. She could see both ends of the garden area around the house. The guesthouse and cottage were to her right. To her left was a tropical jungle that needed cutting. It would be a good place to put a swimming pool. The only building out of sight was the garage.Which is probably why Lenny chose it, she thought.
A movement caught her eye and she turned to see the cottage. Gil was on the roof. He was removing a rope that he’d lassoed around the second chimney, the one that hadn’t come down. It wouldn’t surprise her if he’d attached the rope to his truck and tested if he could pull it down.
Had someone really targeted Jack?she thought. Was it to get him off the case? Or was there another reason?
Gil was wrapping the rope over his bent arm in that way men did so easily, when he suddenly halted and stared across the property.
Sara followed his eyes. Almost hidden under the trees were two people. It was Rachel and Reid—and they were kissing.
“Wow!” Sara said under her breath. “She slaps him before breakfast and kisses him afterward.” Great for book heroines, but not so good in real life.
Sara looked back at Gil. He’d seen the two of them. He turned away and began circling the rope around his arm with force, like it was a noose.That poor man, she thought. He’d not had much luck with women in his life.
When the couple moved out of sight, Sara looked at Gil. Even at this distance, his expression was glum, as though he’d expected this.
In the next minute, she saw Barbara walking along the back fence. The way she was turning about, her head high, it looked as though she was searching for someone. Or something.
“Looking for a big fat emerald ring?” Sara murmured.
Barbara went out of sight behind the guesthouse.
The awful sound of a weed whacker made Sara look at the cottage. As he’d promised, Reid was clearing that area.He left Rachel so soon?she wondered. Were they back to slapping? Or still kissing?
Sara was torn between being glad for Reid and sad for Gil.
To her surprise, Rachel came out of the house.Already?
She was carrying an old-fashioned curved basket for gathering flowers. She had on a white dress that looked sweet and prim.
Sara shook her head in disbelief at how two-faced she was.
From the side, Quinn came running and stopped beside her. He was as tall as she was, and Sara had never seen the boy smile so big. She pulled a fat sandwich in plastic wrap from the basket and handed it to him.
She certainly knows the way to a teen boy’s heart, Sara thought.
Still smiling, the boy went back toward the cottage. Rachel looked up at the roof, saw Gil, and raised her hand in a wave. But Gil turned away.
Sara saw the surprised look on Rachel’s face. Actually, she looked hurt—and perplexed.
You were just kissing another man and you can’t figure out what Gil is upset about?Sara rolled her eyes.
When there was a quick knock on the door, she gladly turned away. She was disgusted!
A large white envelope was being slid under the door. She picked it up. It was nice stationery, with a heavy vellum envelope. She withdrew the notecard.William Pendergastwas printed in light blue at the top.
I hope you like the gift I’ve sent you. I knew who bought it, but he hasn’t been able to sell it. Beauty is in the eye, I guess. Anyway, I’m sure Kate will like it—and it might remind her of a few things. Thank you for all you’ve done for me and I wish you the best of luck.
With my eternal gratitude,
Billy
P.S. Sorry, but you paid for this.
Nearly overwhelmed with curiosity, Sara hurried downstairs.
