His gaze drifted in the direction of the kitchen. You tell me. Or better still his look shifted toward the judge let Dan here tell us. You understand the Menominee lingo, Dan. Ive heard you say so. So what were Chris Beaver and his sister telling each other out there in the kitchen when we started down to the caves?
Nothing important, the judge demurred.
Come on, you can do better than that. They were outraged, werent they, because they thought we were about to desecrate the sacred burial grounds of their ancestors?
Dan, uncomfortable and reluctant, resisted Hales accusation. Thats an exaggeration. They simply minded our...well, casual attitudes about the visit. Im sure thats all it was. You have to remember that the Menominee have resided in Wisconsin for more than five thousand years. Some say as long as ten thousand years. And, naturally, their descendants are going to have some feelings about
Uh-huh, Hale interrupted dryly, the violation of ancient graves. Wonder if thats how Teddy Brewster ended up down there? Wonder if he just wanted to have a look at those graves and somebody minded?
Allison rounded on him indignantly. Are you suggesting what I think youre suggesting? Because if you are
Ill tell you what hes suggesting, interrupted a coldly angry voice from the shadows of the dining room. That I had something to do with the florists death.
The startled members of the group around the fireplace looked up to find Chris Beaver standing in the doorway. There was a dangerous expression in his dark eyes as he moved rigidly into the lounge.
Thats right, isnt it, McGuire? he challenged Hale.
Shaking off Allisons restraining hand, Hale rose to his feet and confronted the other man. Maybe its more than just a suggestion, he said recklessly. Maybe its an accusation.
An outraged Chris charged before anyone could stop him. His fist slammed into Hales face. Ronnie screamed as the others came to their feet. But it was Jack who sprang between the two men, separating them before the incident resulted in a full-scale brawl.
You all right, McGuire? he demanded.
The lawyer, pressing a handkerchief to his bleeding nose, nodded and glared at his attacker. Youve got a bad temper, Beaver. Some people might say its a murderous one.
Chris would have gone for him again, but Jack held him off. Thats enough, he ordered. From both of you. No more senseless accusations and no more wild punches. Weve got enough to handle without you two losing your heads.
Chris, looking grim, pulled away from Jack. Without a word he turned and headed toward the kitchen. Allison started to go after him.
Chris, wait!
The proud, retreating figure never paused. He brushed silently past his bewildered brother-in-law, who had just arrived in the lounge doorway, and disappeared
into the darkened dining room.
A sickened Lane, suddenly needing to put distance between herself and the nasty scene shed just witnessed, left the fireplace and drifted across the room to one of the French doors overlooking the bay. From this position she sympathetically watched Allison realize that it was her fiancé she was supposed to comfort, not Chris Beaver. Allison tried to put a concerned hand on Hales arm, but he shook it off.
With Hale in this kind of nasty mood, Lane wondered how she would ever find the courage to approach him on the subject of her sensitive mission. Or whether now there would even be the opportunity. But shed promised, so eventually she must find a way.
An uncertain, puzzled Nils Asker went on hovering in the doorway until Jack pressed him for the news they were all waiting to hear.
How soon can we expect the sheriff?
The lanky Nils shook his head, reporting gloomily, We cant. Not for now, anyway. I kept trying, but the phone is useless. Its that devil of a wind out there. Communication tower on the mainland must be down. It can happen along the peninsula with these cellular phones, the power getting interrupted when the weathers nasty like this.
Dear God! Ronnie cried. You mean were cut off out here with a dead body on our hands?
Until the phones on again, Nils admitted. Should be back in service by morning. That is, if this wind ever quits long enough.
And what if it doesnt? Jack asked. What then?
Nils took a slow, deep breath before answering. Then I cross over in my truck as soon as theres enough light.
And I, for one, am going to be riding with you, Ronnie insisted. I have no intention of staying trapped out here.
Nils shook his head stubbornly. If I end up going, I go alone. I know the ice, and I can make it. But if theres whiteout conditions still, its gonna be real tricky. And I wont risk a passenger with me.
Hes right, Dan agreed. Were much safer waiting here. Besides, the sheriff will expect us to remain on the scene. Involved or not, well all of us have to answer a slew of questions.
His affirmation brought on a fresh burst of objections and speculations. Dan quietly slipped away from the commotion at the other end of the room and joined Lane where she remained at the window.