“It’s great for the book.”
That was true.Whether it was great for her peace of mind was something else.
“Hillary?”
She continued walking.
“Talk to me, Hillary.”
“About what?”
“About whether you’re getting cold feet.You’re not having second thoughts, are you?”
“No.”But she knew she sounded hesitant.She also knew that if she didn’t offer an explanation, he’d hound her forever.“I just didn’t expect to start unearthing surprises.Like this business about the beating.”
“And the will.Don’t forget the bequest that was never bequeathed.”
She couldn’t.It ate at her.
“Pretty eye-opening,” Arlan remarked, chewing on his straw.“The guy really is a bastard.”
“He has his strong points.”
“But they aren’t what will make your story.”
“I know,” she said softly.
Arlan stepped directly in front of her, forcing her to a stop.“The contract is in the works, Hillie.We’ve agreed on the terms.You’re on the schedule for next July.Don’t fink out on me now.”
“I won’t.I’m writing the story.”
“Including the good parts?”
“Of course.”
“Even though you love the guy?”
“I don’t love him,” she muttered and looked away.“He’s getting married next month.”
Arlan leaned close.“But he doesn’t love her.”
Her eyes flew to his.“Does it matter?Since when do people marry for love?Since when is love enough to sustain a relationship?Things don’t work that way, Arlan.Love is a frivolous concept.It’s something we entertain when we’re too young to know better.It doesn’t have much of a role in the real-life scheme of things.”
“Would Cutter agree with that?”
“Probably.”
“Has he stopped loving Pam?”
“No, but she’s married to someone else, and he’s alone.”
“Has he given up on her?She was the other half ofwhat he swore he’d get when he left Timiny Cove.Seventeen years have gone by since then.Has he conceded defeat?”
Of course not,Hillary thought, but she didn’t say it.She couldn’t believe that Cutter had conceded defeat where Pam was concerned—any more than she could believe that he was done with John.Maybe she didn’t want to believe it.Maybe it was the old-fashioned part of her that wanted love to win out and justice to prevail.
And yet, Cutter had seemed satisfied.But was he so content because he anticipated greater satisfaction?
Cutter had had the look of a man expecting vindication.
