Sorry about this, he apologized in a low, grave voice.
Lane gazed at him, not certain what he was referring to.
Out there, he said, nodding at the glass behind her.
She realized then that he was talking about the wind that was still blasting fearfully around the corners of the lodge. Youre apologizing for the weather?
He smiled gently. In a way I do blame myself. You see, he explained, Allison made me responsible for checking out the forecast for this weekend. You know, making sure we werent going to get snowbound here.
But there isnt any blizzard.
No, but these winds... The thing is, I let someone else do the checking for me. His gaze traveled in the direction of the group at the other end of the lounge. And they promised... Oh, well, Im being foolish. The forecast was probably off. And, anyway, you dont think about freak winds stranding you if its precipitation youre worried about.
Lane had no opportunity to hear a further explanation. A storm of another kind had surfaced across the room.
Here we go, Dan muttered. Ronnie is being Ronnie again.
He left Lane to rejoin the group as Ronnie, in a loud voice, raised another storm of objection and demand.
I dont care how safe you all keep insisting we are! Its only a theory the murderer left the island, not a guarantee! This is a big house, and that lunatic could be hiding anywhere inside! I think the least the men could do is offer to check the lodge from top to bottom before we all go to our rooms for the night. Ill never sleep a wink otherwise!
Veronica Bauer was clearly no advocate of equal rights for women, Lane thought wryly. Not in this situation, anyway.
Jack, leaving the others to placate the tiresome, difficult woman, crossed to Lane at the window. What was that all about just now? he asked her in a low voice.
She knew he was referring to her hushed exchange with Dan Whitney. Jack was far too observant. And his virile nearness was still much too disturbing. She shared with him the judges brief conversation.
Jack frowned. What was he suggesting? That someone here deliberately withheld the truth about the weather conditions for the weekend?
Lane shook her head. Im not sure. I dont think its anything to worry about.
At the other end of the lounge Ronnie seemed to realize Jack had left the circle that was supposed to be
paying attention to her. There was displeasure in her expression when she looked around and discovered him with Lane at the window.
Jack, she coaxed from across the room, youll be my supporter, wont you? Tell them that the men should spread out and search the house before we lock ourselves in for the night.
Lane could see that her handsome ex-husband was very close to telling Ronnie Bauer exactly what he thought of her pretentious state of nerves. Please, Lane urged him in a hurried undertone, just humor her. Anything to get this situation over with.
She suddenly found the whole emotional scene excessive and exhausting. All she wanted was to go to her room and crawl into bed, even if sleep itself wasnt possible. She was all for Ronnies plan, no matter who the search included or excluded, if only it achieved for them a blessed state of release.
Jack eyed her. She could see that he, too, had no desire to prolong the strained gathering. All right, he agreed dryly, well look under the beds.
The men, Stuart with them, filed out of the lounge in the direction of the staircase. Allison followed them as far as the foyer, offering instructions for access to the attics.
Lane found herself alone with Ronnie. The older woman spared her no word or glance. She was interested only in her brandy glass, which she had long ago emptied. Getting to her feet, she drifted off to the library to help herself to a refill.
Lane was grateful for the solitude. And then, with a rush of guilt, she remembered Allison. She had failed to offer her friend a single word of comfort regarding her spoiled wedding. Allison must be sick about the disastrous result of what was meant to be a memorable holiday weekend.
Intending to comfort her, Lane headed for the foyer. Tense voices stopped her just short of the doorway. Before she could retreat, she realized she was overhearing for the second time today a conversation that was meant to be private. This time it was Allison and her cousin engaged in a low, hurried dialogue from a corner just around the archway.
Sweetheart, Dan pleaded kindly, I know you dont want to think about it, but its bound to come up in the investigation. Right or wrong, Chris and his brother have gotten reputations for themselves since that Dream Dance, and when questions are asked
I wont listen to this! Allison fiercely cut him off. Being militant about something doesnt mean youd resort towell, I wont even name it. Its unthinkable!
I know. Im just saying you have to be prepared.
Youre like all the others. You think Im being defensive and unreasonable. Well, I wont stand by and see him crucified.
Youre right. Allison, Im sorry I ever brought it up. Just forget that I...