Struggling for self-control as the interminable meal progressed, Lane focused on the conversation.
The taxes and upkeep have become horrendous, Allison was telling them. Properties like this one are just no longer practical. And that, dear hearts, is exactly
why I insisted on this weekend. My wedding here will be the last Whitney house party on the island. A week from Monday I sign the papers that transfer Thunder Island over to the new owners.
There were exclamations of surprise around the table, Ronnies the most vocal. Youre actually selling the place?
With regret but, yes, I am. It was the state of Wisconsin that made the right offer. Theyll preserve the island as a wilderness park. Im glad about that and pleased that Dan, who already knows, will receive all the proceeds of the sale. The island would have eventually gone back to his side of the family anyway, according to Dads instructions and my will, so why should he have to wait for the results?
Dan saluted her approvingly with his water glass. Bless you for your generous foresight, because, while Im as sentimental as the next man, I would never have survived the expenses of the place.
Oh, but the surprises dont stop there, Allison informed them mysteriously. The state has several solid reasons for wanting the island, but one of them is positively extraordinary. An exciting discovery that was made just last fall when I was having repairs done to get the property ready for sale. And if youre all good little girls and boys and clean your plates, Auntie Allison will show you before coffee and dessert.
Dan leaned toward her. Allison, do you think you should? The state did caution against any disturbance until they can bring in their team of experts.
The state doesnt own the place yet. Anyway, were only going to look, not touch.
But theres Chris and Dorothy, he reminded her softly. You know how they feel about
I dont see why they should be offended, she interrupted him, her voice brittle. After all, the thing will go public after the sale.
Lane could see that Allison, after her earlier frustrations, was in one of her contrary moods. Dan, too, recognized her defiance, perhaps even realized that Chris Beaver was responsible for it. In any case, he surrendered the argument.
Well, I dont know about the rest of you, Ronnie declared, but I cant stand the suspense.
Lets do it, then, Allison said, throwing down her napkin and coming decisively to her feet.
Lane, as perplexed as the others, followed Allison, who led the group through the swing door and into the roomy kitchen. Chris and the Askers, drinking coffee at the table and not expecting an invasion, stared at them in surprise.
Sorry for the intrusion, Allison apologized with a single-minded liveliness. We just need to help ourselves to a few of the oil lamps from the shelves here. Here, everyone, help me to light these.
Lane noticed that Chris, who must have understood her intention, had a mutinous expression in his dark eyes. He and his sister exchanged a rapid dialogue in Menominee. He started to get to his feet then, but Nils laid a restraining hand on his arm and shook his head. Dorothy, too, looked as if she wanted to object, but she lapsed into a stolid silence.
Jack, close beside Lane, shared her puzzlement when he muttered, Just what are we getting into?
This way, children, Allison instructed them blithely, opening a door in the corner of the room. And watch your heads. Theres a low beam at the bottom.
Ronnie peered suspiciously through the opening at a stairway that angled steeply to a cellar beneath the service portion of the house. Lovely, she complained. Spiders and cobwebs. This had better be good.
Its worth it, Allison promised. Jack, you will positively drool when you see.
Must be a chained brontosaurus, then, Stuart said gleefully.
Allison led the way. They filed after her down into the shadowy cavity of the cellar that had been hewn out of the solid rock of the bluff. Lane was immediately aware of a mustiness in the air. Her eyes, adjusting to the dimness, made out the shape of the furnace crouching under the rafters like a squat beast. From somewhere overhead came the soft ping of a heating duct emitting air.
Jack, still provocatively at her side, murmured an intimate aside. Reminds me of those nights when wed rent a fright movie and snuggle. Remember?
She didnt answer him. It was too risky.
Over here, Allison called, gathering them at one end of the cellar where a temporary plywood barrier had been erected against the rock wall.
The stones were crumbling here, she explained, and when the masons started to dig away all the rubble to set up a new, deeper wall, they found...well, youll see.
Lane could now recognize a door in the plywood barrier. It had been fitted with a hasp and a padlock. Allison produced a key and started to free
the padlock. Then she stopped, her face wearing a frown of annoyance.
Its already unlocked, she said. Not supposed to be. I wonder who forgot
Allison, Hale urged, lets get on with it.